North Carolina lawmakers order coal ash pond cleanup after Duke spill
RALEIGH N.C. (Reuters) – North Carolina’s state Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill calling for the closure of Duke Energy’s 33 coal ash ponds in the state within 15 years, legislation spurred by a massive spill at a retired power plant ear…
IRS agents head to Macau as U.S. steps up scrutiny of casinos
ST. LOUIS (Reuters) – U.S. authorities are ramping up their investigation into money flows from gambling hotspot Macau to ensure that U.S. casinos with operations there are not used as conduits to funnel crime proceeds from Asia and elsewhere into the …
Grand jury accuses Florida agency of undercounting child deaths
MIAMI (Reuters) – A Miami grand jury has released a damning 30-page report criticizing the state’s embattled child welfare agency for hiding the number of children who died following apparent accidents in homes where overloaded case workers knew of exi…
Puerto Rico governor offers debt restructuring for public corporations
SAN JUAN (Reuters) – Puerto Rico Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla unveiled a bankruptcy-like process for some public corporations to restructure their debts on Wednesday, in a fresh bid to shore up the U.S. territory’s deteriorating finances.
Massachusetts high court says accused criminal must decrypt computers for police
BOSTON (Reuters) – Police can order an accused criminal to decrypt his computer without violating his constitutional right against self-incrimination, Massachusetts’ top court said on Wednesday.
White House: no change to U.S. ban on crude oil exports
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The White House said on Wednesday there had been no change to the U.S. ban on exports of crude oil, clarifying reports about a decision by the Commerce Department on exports of a type of ultra-light oil that roiled oil markets.
White House weakened draft of FDA’s proposed tobacco regulations
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – White House changes to proposed rules for tobacco products significantly weakened language detailing health risks from cigars and deleted restrictions that might have prevented online sales of e-cigarettes, published documents sh…
Key lawmakers throw support behind Obama nominee for Treasury post
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Two powerful U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday said they supported the Obama administration’s nominee for the Treasury’s top post for international affairs, suggesting an easy road to confirmation.
New York congressman Rangel claims victory as challenger urges patience
NEW YORK (Reuters) – U.S. Representative Charles Rangel of New York has claimed victory in his Democratic primary as he seeks a 23rd term, but votes were still being counted on Wednesday as his main challenger refused to concede defeat until every vote…
U.S. Senate panel backs Julian Castro for housing secretary
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. Senate panel on Wednesday approved San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro to lead the Department of Housing and Urban Development, clearing the way for a final vote in the full Senate.
