"The Smithsonian Institution said Friday it would adopt tighter procedures to govern conflicts of interest involving its researchers, the latest development in a widening national discussion of scientific integrity."

"When Pope Francis appeared on the balcony of the Apostolic Palace, where he delivers an address each Sunday, he was met by the usual cheers and by an unusual forest of bright green oversized paper leaves."

"A deep rift threatens the future of one of the nation's oldest and most popular conservation laws as it enters its final 100 days of authorization."

"The House passed legislation Wednesday evening allowing states to opt out of the Obama administration's plan to regulate emissions from power plants by a vote of 247-180."

"University of Oklahoma officials were seeking a $25 million donation from billionaire oilman Harold Hamm last year, records show, at a time when scientists at the school were formulating the state's position on oil drilling and earthquakes."

"The American Petroleum Institute is reviving its election advocacy arm in an attempt to convince voters to choose candidates who support the priorities of the oil and natural gas industry in 2016."

"The White House has threatened to veto two GOP measures taking aim at Obama administration climate efforts."

"The network of corporate-funded right wing think tanks in America is massive. The money that flows to these organizations is even more massive than the networks themselves, and it flows in almost total secrecy thanks to Donors Trust and Donors Capital Fund."

"Strife within the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has burst into the open again with one board member seizing control and ordering immediate suspension of the agency’s entire executive staff."

"VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis was about to take a major step backing the science behind ­human-driven global warming, and Philippe de Larminat was determined to change his mind."