Life-without-parole option for Texas capital cases

AUSTIN, Texas -- Gov. Rick Perry signed into law Friday a new life-without-parole sentencing option for Texas juries in capital murder cases. Texas juries have been able to sentence capital murder convicts to either death or life in prison with the possibility of parole after 40 years. The new law will take away the option of parole. The Legislature approved the change in the session that ended May 30. The law takes effect Sept. 1.

Nancy Reagan may prod senators on stem cell bill

WASHINGTON -- Nancy Reagan is poised for a quiet entrance into the Senate's embryonic stem cell debate in much the same role she played during the fierce fight in the House, calling up wavering lawmakers to help win passage of legislation in the shadow of President Bush's veto threat. Central to Mrs. Reagan's message is the notion that supporting the bill is consistent with anti-abortion policy, say those who have spoken with her.

Recreation fees to end at some picnic areas, trails

WASHINGTON -- Outdoor enthusiasts who object to paying $5 or $10 to use some national forest sites will appreciate news that the Forest Service is eliminating recreation fees at about 500 picnic areas and trailheads. The fees generate about $170 million a year for the Forest Service and three Interior Department agencies: the National Park Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Officials use the money to maintain restrooms, collect trash and provide other amenities.

New Guantanamo Bay prison to be built

WASHINGTON -- A subsidiary of Houston-based Halliburton has been awarded $30 million to build an improved 220-bed prison for terrorism suspects at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, the Pentagon announced.

Kellogg Brown and Root Services Inc. of Arlington, Va., is to build a two-story prison that includes day rooms, exercise areas, medical bays, air conditioning and a security control room, according to the Pentagon. It is to be completed by July 2006.

Congress previously approved the funding for the construction job. The new prison building, called Detention Camp 6, will replace some of the older facilities at the Navy base, which officials say are not adequate for holding prisoners for the long term.

--From wire reports