Topic: Golden (Colorado)

George Zimmerman charged in Trayvon Martin case: Why now, and what next?

George Zimmerman has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Trayvon Martin. Florida’s Stand Your Ground law could loom large moving forward. 

Indonesia earthquake: Why no tsunami this time?

Wednesday's Indonesia earthquake was similar in magnitude to the devastating 2004 quake, but there was no tsunami. The difference? Location. 

Wisconsin sonic booms: Is a 1.5-magnitude jiggle the whole story?

The US Geological Survey suggests a small quake under Clintonville, Wis., and associated micro-tremors, could be the source of the mysterious sonic booms. Not everyone buys that.

Mexico earthquake: How quake-prone is the region?

Mexico earthquake history shows that the same faults that caused Tuesday's Mexico earthquake can produce even bigger events, like one that struck in 1985.

China subsidized solar panels, US finds. Are tariffs the right response?

A Commerce Department investigation found that Chinese government-subsidized solar panels were dumped in the US market, harming US manufacturers. 

Readers Write: Gingrich isn't the only indecent politician

Letters to the Editor for the weekly issue of January 23, 2011: GOP voters aren't the only 'hypocrites' out there – endorsing Newt Gingrich (with a history of moral failings) over squeaky clean Mitt Romney, while hating family man Obama. Remember Democrats' love of Bill Clinton?

Congressman raises stakes in 'Fast and Furious' probe, targeting Eric Holder

Rep. Lamar Smith (R) of Texas wants a special counsel to investigate whether Attorney General Eric Holder told Congress the truth about Operation Fast and Furious, a now-discredited gun-tracking program aimed at Mexico's drug lords.

Colorado earthquake is largest in four decades

Colorado earthquake: A magnitude 5.3 earthquake shook the state late Monday, with an epicenter about 180 miles south of Denver, Colorado.

US gun-tracing program in Mexican drug war comes under congressional fire

Allegations that the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives allowed US arms to flow to Mexican cartels are now facing congressional scrutiny, including questions about whether that may have contributed to the deaths of a US law enforcement officer and numerous Mexicans.

Spain earthquake: 2 temblors kill 10, injure dozens Wednesday

Spain earthquake: a pair of deadly temblors hit southeast Spain on Wednesday. The initial Spain earthquake and subsequent temblor caused major damage in the town of Lorca.

Are we entering an age of major earthquakes?

A study of more than a century of global seismic records has prompted some scientists to say that major earthquakes have tended to occur in clusters. Others disagree.

8.9 earthquake: The science behind Japan's quake

8.9 earthquake: A series of large foreshocks preceded Japan's earthquake, the fifth largest ever recorded.

Why Tuesday's New Zealand earthquake was deadlier than previous one

A magnitude 6.3 New Zealand earthquake destroyed local landmarks and killed 65, according to local reports. A nearby magnitude 7.0 earthquake in September 2010 killed none.

Risk of fresh Haiti earthquake could be greater than previously thought

Scientists had thought the Haiti earthquake a year ago released stress on a well-known fault. It didn't. Instead, it revealed faults that scientists didn't know existed.

Green energy first: New York firm seeks tidal power plant in East River

Verdant Power seeks license to build a plant with 30 underwater turbines in New York's East River. It would be the first of its kind in the US, expanding the nation's green energy resources.

Andrew Traver: Is Obama's choice for ATF chief an 'antigun zealot'?

Obama's nomination of Andrew Traver to head the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reignites concern that the White House wants to whittle away at gun rights. The last time that happened, Americans armed up.

Hacker's extradition for cyber heist: sign US is gaining in cyber crime fight

US investigators may be gaining ground in the fight against international cyber crime. Recent extradition of an alleged hacker from Estonia is latest victory in prosecuting such cases.

Earthquake alerts: shake, rattle, and Twitter

USGS scientists want to monitor recent earthquake info through Twitter.

Chile earthquake aftershock hits as new president takes over

The term of newly inaugurated Sebastian Pinera literally began with a jolt, as a Chile earthquake aftershock shook his swearing-in and the Navy issued a tsunami alert.

Obama orders cut in federal government's greenhouse-gas emissions

President Obama Friday told federal agencies to cut energy use to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 28 percent by 2010. Agencies are taking measures ranging from using more solar energy to switching from gasoline vehicles to hybrid vehicles.

Did rifle-toting Obama protester help or hurt gun rights?

New laws are allowing more Americans to carry guns in public. But are gun-carrying protesters going too far?

Sunrise for solar heat power

Four technologies aim to use heat from the sun to make electricity. But which one has the edge?

Parents pare school shopping. How to tell the kids?

US guns in Mexico: Will new data help change law?

Democrats are largely avoiding the gun issue, but some hope a new Government Accountability Office report will help tighten rules for gun shows.