Editorial: Trump names an anti-science blowhard as ‘chief…

President Trump's disdain for science apparently knows no bounds. He has now nominated climate change skeptic Sam Clovis, a talk radio host, to serve as the Department of Agriculture's chief scientist - a slap in the face of the scientific community and a disservice to those responsible for the integrity of the USDA's research.

Opinion: Untold story is rural America keeps rejecting Big Wind

Buena Vista wind farm turbines photographed in the Altamont area of Contra Costa County, Calif., on Friday, May 8, 2015. The question of how many birds are killed on the Altamont Pass by the wind turbines located there has once again reared its ugly head.

Stop playing games with the Iranian nuclear deal

Foreign Minister of Iran Mohammad Javad Zarif speaks to the press in Berlin, Germany on June 27. The Trump administration last week certified that Iran is complying with the international agreement placing limits on its nuclear program - but for a while it looked as if the certification wouldn't happen. Administration officials had distributed ta a a a alking points explaining the decision and scheduled a conference call for reporters.

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Fighting to make sure that the little guy gets crushed

The last thing Republicans on Capitol Hill apparently want the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to do is actually protect financial consumers. That would explain the angry GOP reaction whenever the bureau announces new rules, such as one this week to stop big financial institutions from imposing mandatory arbitration agreements on consumers who have legal grievances.

Is abortion law constitutional?

In 1973, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe V. Wade established three major aspects of abortion procedures: az A state having a compelling interest can intervene if an abortion will adversely affect the "potentiality" of the life of the fetus . Senate Bill 8, which the Texas Legislature passed and was signed into law last month, requires abortion providers to bury or cremate fetal remains following an elective abortion.

Sessions reopens forfeiture spigot

With A promise to use "care and professionalism," Attorney General Jeff Sessions has moved to expand a scandal-plagued program of asset forfeiture that allows law enforcement officials to seize money and goods from individuals suspected of crimes, in many cases without a criminal conviction or even a charge. While it is nice to pledge care and professionalism, aspects of this program have proved rife with abuse, and it must be reformed.

Our View: When all else fails, try bipartisan reforms for Obamacare

MNC109-169-202132- /O.EXT.KARX.FL.W.0042.000000T0000Z-170721T0300Z/ 132 AM CDT Thu Jul 20 2017 The Flood Warning continues for The Middle Fork Whitewater River Near Whitewater Park. * until this evening...Or until the warning is cancelled.

Asset forfeiture rule changes leave problems

In an unfortunate turn, the U.S. Department of Justice has decided to lighten up on rules restricting law enforcement's use of asset forfeiture. Although Attorney General Jeff Sessions will include some helpful modifications to the stricter new policy, the net result is still a setback for Americans - not only the criminals federal prosecutors and cops want to keep off the streets.

Jennifer Rubin, Washington Post: Even insurers are panning Ted Cruz’s multi-plan move

Sen. Ted Cruz, the Texas Republican who lost a hard-fought campaign for president last year, has one fundamental problem: His political ambition far outstrips his likability and political skill. In the 2016 primary, his rudeness to Senate colleagues, glaring opportunism and awkward interpersonal skills - as much as then-candidate Donald Trump - prevented him from capturing the nomination.