Topic: Florida

19-foot python killed in Florida

19-foot python killed: The huge 19-foot Burmese python is the biggest ever captured in Florida. The giant python wrapped itself around a man's leg before he killed it with a knife.

Progress Watch Latinos head to college at a record rate, now on par with white students

The push to keep Latino students on track for college seems to be paying off. The college enrollment rate for Hispanics is up 20 percent since 2000, narrowing the 'education gap.'

The South welcomes 'crazy ants.' Hail the latest invader

'Crazy ants' from South America are hitching rides across the South, setting up massive colonies, and relieving other occupying ant armies, including fire ants, of their duties.

In Gear Florida shortens yellow lights, traffic tickets soar

Florida recently shortened the legal length for yellow lights, and red-light cameras generated $100 million for the state last year. But shorter yellow lights could pose a safety threat. 

Crazy ants vs. Fire ants: Who's winning? (+video)

Crazy ants are taking over areas once occupied by fire ants in the South. The sting of Crazy ants isn't as painful and migrate slowly. But Crazy ants multiply faster.

Playing the IRS card: Six presidents who used the IRS to bash political foes

Since the advent of the federal income tax about a century ago, several presidents – or their zealous underlings – have directed the IRS to use its formidable police powers to harass or punish enemies, political rivals, and administration critics. Here are six infamous episodes.

Culture Cafe 'The Office' series finale: Was it a satisfying send-off?

'The Office' ended its series run with a guest return by Steve Carell and a wedding for Dwight and Angela. 'The Office' aired its series finale May 16.

Latin America Monitor What does genocide conviction of Ríos Montt mean to Guatemalans abroad?

Many in the Guatemalan diaspora celebrated the historic conviction of ex-dictator Ríos Montt. But some say one conviction alone can't resolve the aftermath of the 36-year-long bloody conflict.

Trayvon Martin: Shouts for help on 911 call, are they his? (+video)

Trayvon Martin: Shouts for help heard on a 911 recording may be Trayvon Martin's or may be George Zimmerman's. Audio experts disagree on the source of the shouts.

IRS tea party scandal is 'un-American' and a 'travesty,' lawmakers fume

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are vowing to hold people accountable and explore legislative changes to ensure the IRS mends its ways after singling out tea party and other conservative groups.

Cleveland kidnapping mystery: Where is Michelle Knight?

Michelle Knight, one of the three Cleveland kidnapping victims, was released from the hospital Friday, but not even her mother knows where she is. Her story offers hints as to why she might need more time and space to recover.

Calif. homes sinking in mysterious 'slow motion disaster'

Calif. homes sinking: Eight Calif. homes are now abandoned and 10 more are sinking and under notice of imminent evacuation. The postman has been told to stop mail delivery: It's too dangerous.

Saving Money It's family vacation time. Best deals to Florida, California, and more.

Latin America Monitor Move over Beyoncé: Another American explores Cuba, 'people to people'

Like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, the Monitor's Linda Feldmann travels Cuba on a 'people to people' tour. Since 2011, such trips have had the sanction of the Treasury Department – a legal way for Americans to see the long-forbidden island.

The Monitor's View: In Boston and Cleveland tragedies, a case for more neighborliness

The twin tragedies of the Boston bombings and Cleveland kidnappings reveal a need for those close to would-be perpetrators to both care more and be more alert. Balancing the two isn't always easy.

Energy Voices Natural gas glut crimps nuclear power

Natural gas has already been blamed for shuttering of coal plants and slowing wind and solar financing. Evidence suggests nuclear is also falling victim to the glut of cheap natural gas. The closure of a nuclear plant in Wisconsin Tuesday is exhibit A.

Soccer shocker: Sir Alex Ferguson steps down as manager of Manchester United (+video)

Sir Alex Ferguson managed the Manchester United soccer club for 26 years but sent shock waves through the soccer world today when he announced he'll step down after two more matches.

Immigration reform promises border security. Prove it, Republicans say. (+video)

The Senate immigration reform bill aims to apprehend 90 percent of potential border-crossers in high-risk areas within five years after passage, but Republicans question the plan.

Cover Story Telecommuting: Steady growth in work-at-home culture, Yahoo or not

Telecommuting is a rapidly growing work-life style. Yahoo's recent ban of remote work sent a wave of concern through white-collar legions who consider themselves fortunate – and more productive – working in pajamas at home or holed up in a Starbucks cafe. 

Stir It Up! Easy as, well, mango banana bread

Mangoes, in season April through June, are at their peak right now. Ripe mango and bananas, chopped walnuts, and vanilla create a flavorful, not-too-sweet dessert (or breakfast) bread. Substituting canola oil for butter lightens it up.

Decoder Wire Immigration reform: 3 reasons it's got its best chance yet

Immigration reform has been snarled in partisan gridlock for years. But after losing 7 in 10 Hispanic votes in 2012, not all Republicans – in Congress and on talk radio – are mounting an all-out war on reform legislation.

Immigration reform: When is family reunification also 'chain migration'?

Immigration reform legislation promises expedited reunification for millions of families awaiting visas, but critics caution that the overhaul could also produce uncontrolled 'chain migration.'

Dolphins may cancel stadium renovations after Fla. refuses funding

Dolphins football team may cancel stadium renovations after the Florida legislature ended its session without passing any funding plan that would give tax aid to the Dolphins and other Florida sports teams. The Dolphins wanted state and local taxes to help pay for $400 million worth of renovations to Sun Life Stadium.

Cover Story Dow at 15,000: What the stock market is telling us

As Wall Street posts a new record, experts decode its message about the state of the economy – and whether it's too late to invest.

Marco Rubio, immigration reform, and 2016: the big risk

Sen. Marco Rubio, a likely GOP contender for president in 2016, risks alienating conservatives by taking a lead role in pushing for comprehensive immigration reform. But he probably didn't have a choice.