By Eoin O'Carroll
    The Christian Science Monitor

 But problems arise when it comes time to pin down those responsible for climate change.

    The growing scientific consensus on global warming may prompt more than high-level policy decisions. It could also trigger more lawsuits.

    Earlier this month, the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded it is "very likely," that is, at least 90 percent probable, that human activity causes global warming. This percent is higher than the panel's previous report, released in 2001, which had set it at 66 percent. The increased confidence gives accused greenhouse polluters less wiggle room, legal experts say.

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By Stephen Ohlemacher
    The Associated Press

Many Americans are falling deeper into depths of poverty.

    Washington - The welfare state is bigger than ever despite a decade of policies designed to wean poor people from public aid.

    The number of families receiving cash benefits from welfare has plummeted since the government imposed time limits on the payments a decade ago. But other programs for the poor, including Medicaid, food stamps and disability benefits, are bursting with new enrollees.

    The result, according to an Associated Press analysis: Nearly one in six people rely on some form of public assistance, a larger share than at any time since the government started measuring two decades ago.

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