Topic: Texas

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Spurs and Thunder star in NBA’s Western Conference Finals: 10 extra dimensions

The clash of the Spurs and Thunder in the NBA’s Western Conference finals may fly a bit under the national radar when it opens Sunday. Here are 10 factors that make this showdown intriguing.
Briefing
Five things Ron Paul wants from the Republican National Convention

It looks as if Ron Paul is going to be an active participant in the Republican National Convention in Tampa this August. Here’s our take on the five things Paul hopes to gain from staying within his party’s tent in 2012.
Gay rights in America: How states stand on 7 hot-button issues

The tapestry of federal and state laws surrounding gay rights is enormously complex. Here is a look at each state's laws regarding issues ranging from gay marriage to hate crimes to hospital visitation.
10 best books of May, according to Amazon

Amazon's editors picked these 10 books as the best for the month.
NBA playoffs 2012: Postseason news and notes

The National Basketball Association season that almost never was is about to head into the home stretch, i.e. the playoffs. Here are some postseason facts and figures.

All Content

Why is the US considering F-16 sales to Taiwan?

Political shifts in China, Taiwan, and the US have revived the prospect of a US F-16 deal with Taiwan.
Blind Chinese activist makes dramatic escape from house arrest

Chen Guangcheng is now sheltering in the US embassy.
EPA official resigns over 'crucify' flap

Al Amerdariz, the top EPA official for Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, has drawn fire for referring to Roman crucifixions in saying he'd make examples of environmental offenders.
Edwards trial: Aide's wife breaks down on stand

Cheri Young began to cry when asked why she went along with the cover-up of Edwards' affair.
Don't believe the headlines. Wind farms do not cause 'global' warming.

A recent study published in Nature Climate Change suggests that large wind farms could be pulling down hot air at night, raising the average temperature of the local region. The results of the study, however, have been widely misconstrued in the news media.
Why Texas judge lifted ban on state funds for Planned Parenthood

US District Judge Lee Yeakel ruled Monday that a law banning Planned Parenthood from getting state health funds may be unconstitutional. The judge's injunction is temporary.
How wind farms could cause local (but not global) warming

The atmospheric turbulence caused by large wind farms could cause local temperature increases, a new study indicates.
Jimmy Kimmel cracks wise at Washington’s ‘Nerd Prom’ (+video)

President Obama was pretty funny at the White House Correspondents' Dinner Saturday night. But late-night comedian Jimmy Kimmel was the real funny man, targeting just about every class of Washington celebrity.
Mad cow: Latest episode raises questions about cattle feed

The riskiest parts of rendered cows aren’t supposed to be fed back to other cows. But they are fed to chickens, whose waste can be fed back to cattle in what one critic calls ‘cow cannibalism.’
The Simple Dollar
401(k) plans: A way to save for house down payment?

401(k) plans sometimes allow you to borrow from them. So are 401(k) plans a good way to save for buying a home? Question No. 6 in this reader mailbag.
NBA playoffs 2012: Postseason news and notes

The National Basketball Association season that almost never was is about to head into the home stretch, i.e. the playoffs. Here are some postseason facts and figures.
'Bernie' starring Jack Black: movie review (+trailer)

Jack Black brings his comic timing and hidden talent to the lead role of 'Bernie,' a dark comedy based on a true life story.
GDP report puts Obama in economic 'gray zone.' Will Republicans profit?

GDP increased at a 2.2 percent annual rate in the first quarter, Commerce Department said Friday. That's below economists' expectations. The news gives Republicans ammunition against Obama.
Edwards trial: aide spent hush money on himself

Andrew Young admitted under cross-examination that he spent much of the million dollars in campaign funds diverted to John Edwards' mistress to build himself a new house.
Humongous Asian shrimp invading US waters, say scientists

Giant tiger shrimp may spell trouble for native shrimp species, scientists worry.
Arizona immigration: Justices seem open to law

Today's questioning before the Supreme Court suggested the controversial Arizona law may be upheld.
Mad cow: US 'confident' beef is safe, food-safety experts aren't sure

This week's incident of 'mad cow' disease presents no threat to human health, USDA officials say. But it does put a spotlight on beef safety practices, including how many cattle are inspected.
The Race for What's Left

It's not just oil and gas, warns Michael T. Klare in this first-rate wake-up call. Planet Earth is now in danger of running out of just about everything.
With no time to lose, Mitt Romney and RNC join forces

Even after Tuesday's five primary victories, Mitt Romney has not technically clinched the GOP presidential nomination. But he will soon, and with Obama already well-organized, Romney's campaign is now openly synchronized with the Republican National Committee.
Mad cow disease: Big deal abroad. US? Not so much. (+video)

Mad cow disease has hit the US only four times since regulators took steps to control it 15 years ago. Although the latest announcement of mad cow disease may alarm American consumers, the biggest reaction may come from nations that decide to ban US beef.
BP engineer arrested in Gulf oil spill

Former BP engineer Kurt Mix is accused of deleting text messages that revealed the true scope of the disaster.
Aide: Edwards doubted he was father of mistress's child

Andrew Young testified that former Senator John Edwards initially disbelieved he was the father of his mistress' child.
Author of Arizona immigration law defends it in Senate hearing

In a hearing Tuesday, Sen. Charles Schumer (D) challenged Russell Pearce, champion of a controversial Arizona immigration law, to explain how racial profiling could be avoided under the statute. The US Supreme Court takes up Arizona's law on Wednesday.
First BP oil spill arrest: Why put the squeeze on a mid-level engineer?

The first criminal charges brought in the 2010 BP oil spill – against Kurt Mix, a former BP engineer – show that the government still seeks the answer to an essential question in the spill’s aftermath: Did BP tell the truth about what it knew about the size of the spill? At stake are billions in fines.
Hunger Games and Olympics spawn new generation of archery fans

The Hunger Games heroine, Katniss – and the coming Olympics – have created a boom in the archery business, as all across the country a new generation of young archery enthusiasts polish their prowess with the bow and arrow.