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National

Mine Safety In America

Massey, Federal Officials Investigated In Mine Blast

The FBI is investigating the circumstances surrounding the coal mine blast in West Virginia that killed 29 miners. Sources say the FBI is looking into potential criminal negligence on the part of Massey Energy, the owner of the Upper Big Branch coal mine. Sources also say the probe involves allegations of bribery involving the federal Mine Safety and Health Administration. A Department of Justice spokeswoman denies the mine safety agency is part of the investigation, however.

Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

Oil Spill Complicates Energy Bill

The prospects for an energy bill didn't look good at the beginning of the week when Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham pulled out of a tripartisan energy and climate change proposal he had worked on for months. And as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico creeps toward the shore, plans to expand offshore oil drilling — to attract industry support and bring along some Republicans — are increasingly uncertain.

Environment

Volunteers Get Ready To Yank Garlic Mustard Weeds

Around the country, it's the time of the year when people get together to pull garlic mustard from the ground. It's an invasive plant that spreads quickly and threatens native ecosystems. Jason Frenzel, an outreach coordinator for the Natural Area Preservation Unit in Ann Arbor, Mich., is leading a group of volunteers to yank the weeds from parks and woods on Saturday. He talks with Melissa Block about "Weed-Out Day."

Choppy Seas Hinder Effort To Contain Oil Spill

This satellite image taken Thursday shows the oil slick in the Gulf of Mexico as it nears the shoreline, threatening wildlife along Louisiana's fragile islands and barrier marshes. NASA/AP hide caption

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NASA/AP

Gulf Oil Spill: Containment And Clean Up

Choppy Seas Hinder Effort To Contain Oil Spill

Sheen from the slick was beginning to penetrate Louisiana's wetlands as the state tried to divert thousands of gallons of fresh water from the Mississippi River to flush out the area. The White House put a hold on new offshore drilling until officials determine what triggered the Gulf of Mexico spill.