As always, this most American of holidays will be marked by parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues across the country. Chances are good that the beef hot dogs, steaks and burgers on your backyard grill came from the Lone Star State, which accounted for about one-sixth of the nation's total production. The ketchup on your hamburger or hot dog probably came from California, which accounted for 95 percent of processed tomato production in 2006. gov/Press-...

As a precautionary measure, the NRD board of director several years ago passed a moratorium on new drilling of groundwater wells or expanding irrigated acres unless there's a corresponding offset. While rain has been plentiful this year, drought and low rainfall amounts throughout the Central Platte NRD has lowered groundwater levels. The first of its kind in Nebraska, Bishop said landowners will play a major role in making the water bank a success. Landowners play major role in water...

We do indeed need an appropriate, predictable and consistent price on emissions of greenhouse gases, which would tip the balance away from oil and other carbon-intensive energy sources toward cleaner fuels. Farm lobbies can now cloak their arguments for maintaining subsidies and import tariffs in the language of environmental concerns and of national security. Moreover, the global nature of oil markets makes weaning ourselves off particular suppliers pointless. It would be desirable to...

Would it be possible to view JPG images of the pumpkins described by Pia Hanson's piece this morning? Did anyone take pictures of the prize winning pumpkins? I am lame at ideas when it comes to the esoteric art of pumpkin carving, so I need all the help I can get. Would it be possible to view JPG images of the pumpkins described by Pia Hanson's piece this morning? Did anyone take pictures of the prize winning pumpkins? I am lame at ideas when it comes to the esoteric art of pumpkin...

Obama finds himself caught between his advocacy of huge federal subsidies for liquefied coal for transportation fuel, a technology that the Illinois coal industry views as a salvation, and environmental groups that reject it as a boondoggle that would set back efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the fight against global warming. Obama finds himself caught between his advocacy of huge federal subsidies for liquefied coal for transportation fuel, a technology that the Illinois coal...

He made a daring move to grab the top spot as soon as he saw an opening, then kept it by using his head. Bourdais, a two-time Cleveland winner, was knocked out in a first-lap crash. PRESS BOX Franchitti widens IRL lead Tribune news services June 25, 2007 Dario Franchitti hung around the lead as car after car ran into trouble Sunday on the Iowa Speedway's new short oval. Carpenter's car spun around completely, but he continued. Franchitti, the IndyCar Series points leader, survived a...