Topic: Texas

Despite uproar, Obama holds firm on NASA space exploration plans

Lawmakers and former astronauts have lambasted President Obama for scrapping a moon mission. Thursday, Obama will defend his vision for NASA space exploration through human spaceflight.

Former astronauts pan Obama's proposal for NASA space program

In an open letter, 21 former astronauts and six others say Obama is ‘throwing away’ America’s dominance in human spaceflight. The president has outlined major changes to the NASA space program.

T-39N trainer jet crash: one-quarter of Navy T-39Ns have now crashed

The crash Monday of a T-39N trainer jet in Georgia is the second Navy training accident in the region in four years and the fourth in a decade. Witnesses saw the jet flying low before the crash.

Democrats: We have a chance in California, Texas governors' races

The head of the Democratic Governors Association refuses to predict how many statehouses the party will win in 2010. But he says there are opportunities for Democrats.

Yemen balks at possible US strike on cleric Anwar al-Awlaki

Yemen said this weekend it is not hunting Anwar al-Awlaki, the US-born cleric who has been linked to the Fort Hood shooter and Christmas Day underwear bomber. Awlaki was recently added to the CIA's hit list.

Big screen battle: Hollywood vs. box office speculators

The film industry is fighting proposals to create a 'futures exchange' for investors speculating on Hollywood box office profits and losses. No word yet on who has the screen rights.

Meg Whitman fuels big-spending California governor's race

Meg Whitman has announced she's contributing another $20 million to her gubernatorial campaign. The California governor's race could become the priciest gubernatorial election in US history.

Michelle Obama and the Americanization of the Britain general election

Prime Minister Gordon Brown dissolved parliament today and set the country on course for a raucous and unusual campaign ahead of the Britain general election on May 6. As candidates jockey, signs of political Americanization abound.

Shareholder groups seek to limit corporate contributions

Shareholder groups aim to keep a lid on companies’ political spending in the wake of Citizens United v. the Federal Election Commission, a case in which the Supreme Court eased restrictions on corporate campaign spending.

Market rules: New oil to natural gas ratio

Why San Francisco’s police chief is apologizing to Muslims

San Francisco Police Chief George Gascón has been meeting with Muslim leaders and groups, apologizing for remarks he made about preparing for terrorist attacks.

Guardians of the free Republics tied to Texas radio station

The FBI interviewed radio host Sam Kennedy on Friday. Mr. Kennedy is 'up to his eyeballs' in the Guardians of the free Republics, says the owner of a Texas radio station, and is behind letters sent to all 50 governors. The letters prompted an FBI investigation.

Guardians of the free Republics: Could threats spark violence?

More than 30 US governors have received subtly threatening letters from a group called Guardians of the free Republics. Investigators fear the broad call for removing top state officials could inspire others to act out violently.

Britain names Chagos Islands world's largest marine preserve

The government of Britain named the Chagos Islands – home to the military base of Diego Garcia and some of the Indian Ocean's healthiest coral reefs – the world's largest marine preserve.

April Fools' jokes for 2010 Census form: What is your race? Vulcan.

In a trend worthy of April Fools' jokes, Americans are challenging Question 9 of the 2010 Census form: What is your race? Some are self-defining themselves as 'American' or 'NASCAR.'

2010 census form: What if you don't mail it back?

Thursday is Census Day – the bureau's 'target date' for Americans to mail back their 2010 census form. But census takers won't start rounding up noncompliers for another month.

Could the Hutaree militia have spawned a Timothy McVeigh?

One of the prosecutors who helped convict Timothy McVeigh, the Oklahoma City bomber, says militias like the Hutaree are most dangerous when they create lone wolf terrorists.

Healthcare reform: America, the violent? How the political parties are complicit.

Throughout US history, major change has begotten radical rhetoric from both political parties. Healthcare reform is no different – and heated words can sometimes spark violence.

Hutaree: Why is the Midwest a hotbed of militia activity?

Michigan is second only to Texas in the number of 'patriot' groups, including militias like the Hutaree. It has a long tradition of spawning antigovernment groups.

Nissan's all-electric Leaf challenges GM Volt and Toyota Prius

With a federal tax credit and state rebates, the price for Nissan's zero-emission, all-electric Leaf could be just above $20,000. Fully charged, it'll go 100 miles.

Race to the Top: Do California, Florida have a chance?

The Education Department has released the scores and reviewer comments from Round 1 of the Race to the Top competition. One aim is to help states improve their applications in the next round.

At the Mexico border, a harder line on illegal immigrants

Risk of US prosecution, rather than a trip home for illegal immigrants, is rising as a deterrent to crossing the Mexico border. But the success of the zero-tolerance Operation Streamline is hard to gauge.

Opinion: Hey, Texas, don't mess with textbooks: Public schools are no place for partisan agendas

Texas conservatives want to cut Thomas Jefferson, César Chávez, Edward Kennedy, and other 'liberals' from textbooks.

Is an athletics director worth $85,000 a week? Kansas Jayhawks think so.

Usually it's the coaches who attract the big money. But the Kansas Jayhawks spent $4.4 million on athletic director Lew Perkins last year.