Hey buddy, you got $550 million to spare?

A record $550 million bond is up for a vote on May 12. The money would fund street, drainage, parks and community projects. City leaders say the bond won't raise the tax rate, which is counter-intuitive for what is essentially a loan for half a billion dollars. The money would come from projected increases in property values.

The 210 take: The last person who made raising $550 million seem so easy was my Nigerian e-mail pen pal, Mr. Larry Gana. I'm still waiting for that check, Larry!

Supreme Court: It's getting hot in herre

The Supreme Court rebuked the Bush administration for refusing to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, siding with environmentalists in the court's first examination of the phenomenon of global warming. The ruling urges a more aggressive attack by the Environmental Protection Agency on global warming, which could include the first national rules to limit emissions from vehicles.

The 210 take: The court also ruled that the EPA must put the letters “EP” back on all its signage.

Rich kids go after rich widow for riches

The children of King Ranch heir B.K. Johnson are suing his widow, Laura McAllister Johnson, contending she took advantage of a man 20 years her senior to get his $40 million fortune. They say Johnson wasn't in his right mind when he rewrote his will to give half his estate to his wife and the other half to charity, leaving them out.

The 210 take: My family's still battling over who gets grandma's collectible plates from the Franklin Mint.

Prosecutors face new threat: Fake handbags

Federal prosecutors in San Antonio are poised to file a criminal case targeting fake fashion accessories sold at flea markets. The case stems from a two-year investigation and is based on more than 11,000 counterfeit purses, handbags, wallets, sunglasses, apparel, watches and jewelry that agents seized in December 2005.

The 210 take: Here's a hint: The guy selling shrimp and Rolexes from the back of his van may not be on the up-and-up.

Water for tubing really floats my boat

For the first time since 2005, the water level at Canyon Lake has reached 910 feet above sea level, which is good news for tubers. With the lake that high, they'll likely be able to release enough water into the Guadalupe River to ensure a good start to the tubing season this summer.

The 210 take: But having your butt drag against river rocks and wading through ankle-deep water is a Central Texas tubing tradition!

From staff and wire reports