Matt Damon's character in the movie Promised Land comes to town to convince a landowner to allow a gas company to drill on his property.
Drilling For Facts Under The 'Promised Land' Fiction
()In the film, opening in theaters across the country Friday, Matt Damon's character pitches natural gas drilling to a rural community. Even with a number of inaccuracies, the film explores real-life issues confronting towns that are promised wealth but have to weigh potential environmental impacts of drilling.
U.S.
Hit-And-Run Deaths Increase, But Culprits Hard To Capture()
January 3, 2013 In Los Angeles, where the car is the major mode of transportation, hit-and-run accidents involving pedestrians occur almost daily. But these crimes can be the most difficult for law enforcement to investigate and solve.
Science
From Canada To Latin America, The Christmas Bird Count Is On()
Since 1900, citizen scientists across the Americas have braved bad weather and lack of sleep to participate in the yearly count — essentially, a bird-watching marathon. In the process, these birds have created the world's longest-running database in ornithology and given scientists a great tool for assessing the health of bird populations.
Europe
Old Greek Blasphemy Laws Stir Up Modern Drama ()
The laws date to the 1850s, but have rarely been invoked. However, two recent cases have put the law in the spotlight, and critics say the measure is being abused.
It's All Politics
Outspoken Alan Grayson Gets Another Chance In Congress()
The Florida Democrat known for his biting comments targeting Republicans was among the House freshmen sworn in this week. He started serving in Congress four years ago but lost a bid for re-election. Now he's back and shows no signs of softening his tone.
The Two-Way
Boehner Re-Elected Speaker Of The House()
January 3, 2013 The Ohio Republican will again hold the top post in the House. He challenged House members Thursday to come to their jobs humbled. "If you have come here to see your name in lights or to pass off political victory as some accomplishment, you have come to the wrong place," Boehner said.
U.S.
The Phantom Tax That Made The Deficit Look Better()
January 3, 2013 Congress finally made a permanent fix to the alternative minimum tax, which threatened to boost the tax bills of millions of Americans each year. But the AMT also created a "useful fiction," as one analyst says, by appearing to shrink future budget deficits.
Energy
Wind Industry Secures Tax Credit, But Damage May Be Done()
January 3, 2013 Uncertainty over the credit had lingered for a while, causing the industry to put off long-term planning. So while the now-approved tax credit revives prospects for an industry facing tens of thousands of layoffs, don't expect to see many new turbines coming up soon.
