1. EPA:
Embattled appointee resigns over 'crucify' comment
The Obama administration official under fire from congressional Republicans for using the word "crucify" in describing his enforcement strategy with oil and gas companies has resigned from U.S. EPA. Al Armendariz, the agency's regional administrator for Texas, Oklahoma and four neighboring states, resigned in a letter yesterday to Administrator Lisa Jackson, according to Jackson's email statement to Region 6 staff. She also said she intends to travel to Dallas "in the coming days" to show her support for them.