Topic: Kansas

Scott Roeder convicted of murder in abortion doctor’s killing

Scott Roeder argued that killing Dr. George Tiller was necessary to prevent future abortions. A manslaughter verdict would have brought a much lesser sentence, but the jury quickly convicted him of murder – which brings a life sentence.

Abortion in spotlight with Roe v. Wade anniversary, Kansas trial

The trial of a man charged with killing an abortion doctor in Kansas opened Friday on the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling on abortion rights. A precedent could be set if the defendant is allowed to argue he believed deadly force was needed to save the lives of unborn children.

California mountain range missing several (million) candles on its birthday cake

Scientists discover that the Sierra Nevada mountains in California reached their current height 50 million years ago, 30 million years earlier than previously thought.

Financial products that aid the poor and beat the market

Investors find a more profitable place to stash cash than banks. Bonus: It's also socially responsible.

'Necessity' defense: Did abortion doctor need to die?

Scott Roeder insists he was justified in killing an abortion doctor because it prevented more abortions. His lawyers argue they should be allowed to use the so-called necessity defense. Jury selection is expected to take place this week.

The Monitor's View: Switching off the death penalty

This month, Kansas considers dropping the death penalty. It should join the national trend and abandon capital punishment.

Midwest's winter storm packs a wallop, vexing holiday travelers

Big winter storm galloping across the US has been blamed in three road deaths. Conditions are grounding flights in Minneapolis, other cities.

Opinion: Schwarzenegger: Beyond Copenhagen, global warming requires grassroots action

A major international agreement at Copenhagen would be great. But much of the progress against climate change must take place at a local level.

Will House-passed financial reform bill leave big risks?

The financial reform bill passed Friday in the House spans many markets and regulatory activities. But some experts warn that the economy could remain exposed to bubbles, busts, and firms "too big to fail."

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Echoes of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ mix with classic Chinese folk tales in this layered narrative.

Airline safety: The next generation of smart planes

New ways of handling air traffic, including 3-D infrared upfront, may cut delays and improve airline safety.

Five cities that will rise in the New Economy

From Seattle to Huntsville, Ala., five cities are poised to prosper in the New Economy because of exports, innovation, clean technology, and healthcare.

Afghanistan war decision: how Robert Gates thinks

Pentagon chief Robert Gates is the swing vote in Obama's decision on the Afghanistan war.

Review: 'Amelia'

Biopic of Earhart's rise to fame is such a smooth ride the film lacks spark and edge.

Michigan town's resolve to take Guantánamo detainees wavers

Standish, Mich., is dependent on its prison, which is about to close. It says it still wants the Guantánamo detainees to fill the void, but opponents are pushing to recall members of city council.

Top five athletes on Capitol Hill

Curt Schilling isn't the first professional athlete to consider a bid for public office. There's more crossover between sports and politics than you might think.

Balloon boy story may be a lot of hot air

Richard Heene wanted his own reality TV show, and the balloon boy story seems to have given it to him. Now, we're all actors in this pathetic drama.

Is US strategy in Afghanistan working?

The debate over sending more US troops frames a larger clash over counterinsurgency strategy as the new template for war.

Forget Germany. We’re off to see Oztoberfest in Kansas

Wamego, Kan., celebrates its fifth annual 'Oztoberfest' this weekend. But you can find its tributes to 'The Wizard of Oz' around town all year long.

Nancy Garrido: participant or victim in Jaycee Dugard case?

Husband Phillip Garrido was ordered held on $30 million bail Monday. Nancy's lawyer may suggest she was a battered woman.

Taking Guantánamo detainees could help hard-hit Michigan town

If guarding the controversial prisoners keeps a Standish, Mich., prison open, many locals are for it.

Killing of anti-abortion protester has both sides questioning violence

Already, there are small signs that common ground is being found regarding the use of violence, no matter where it’s directed.

Opinion: Closing Guantanamo will be a mistake

Much of the public perception of the detention camps is wrong.

Job hunting? This week's most intriguing offers.