Families Battle Feds Over US Border Fence

Dozens dumped to speed building

(NEWSER) - Homeland Security is ditching environmental laws in a push to finish 670 miles of border fence along Mexico by the end of this year, reports the Los Angeles Times. Congress has approved a waiver for more than 30 environmental and cultural laws to accelerate building. Critics say the plans are being pushed through without proper assessment and will endanger wildlife. More»

New immigration laws cited for fewer youngsters

(NEWSER) - Student enrollment is down at schools across Arizona, California and Texas—especially at those with high Hispanic populations. Why? Some cite the sudden dearth of construction jobs as the housing boom has petered out. But anecdotal evidence points to immigration crackdowns, and school districts are feeling the effects: Mesa, AZ, for instance, is looking at $5.6 million less funding this year because of dwindling attendance. More»

State lawmakers launch website to seek donations

(NEWSER) - It's a long way to $50 million, but Arizona lawmakers are happy with the first day's results of their pitch for donations to build a border fence. Their newly launched website got 884 online donations for a total of about $39,000 in its first 17 hours, reports the AP . Republican state Sen. Steve Smith wants to raise at least $50 million to put a secure wall along the Mexican border. Arizona Republic columnist EJ Montini, however, thinks it's a pie-in-the-sky ruse on the part of lawmakers to distract the public from their scandals. More»

(NEWSER) - The Supreme Court has refused to hear a challenge to the completion of the border fence between the US and Mexico, Fox News reports. Environmental groups, an Indian tribe, and the city of El Paso brought the challenge, contending that a fence will cut off access to the Rio Grande for religious, cultural, and municipal purposes. The Obama administration had encouraged the court to reject the case. More»

Forget that city stress—these getaway spas will have you relaxing in no time

(NEWSER) - The nine most delicious getaway spa experiences, from the readers of Condé Nast Traveler.

1. Mayflower Inn & Spa, Washington, Conn.
2. Lake Austin Spa Resort, Austin, Texas
3. Cal-A-Vie: Vista, Calif.