Barge accidents shut parts of Mississippi, Ohio rivers
(Reuters) – Two separate barge accidents halted navigation on the flood-swollen Mississippi and lower Ohio rivers on Friday, severing the flow of grain from the upper Midwest to export terminals along the Gulf Coast, government officials said.
Texas expands Zika recommendations ahead of 2017 mosquito season
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Texas health officials are expanding testing recommendations for pregnant women in South Texas as the advent of warm weather increases the risk for local transmission of the mosquito-borne virus that has been shown to cause severe b…
Baltimore police decree wins court approval over Sessions concerns
(Reuters) – A U.S. judge on Friday approved an agreement to overhaul Baltimore’s beleaguered police department, including changes in training and the use of force after officers were found to have routinely harassed minorities.
U.S. lawmakers ask for disclosure of number of Americans under surveillance
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. congressional committee on Friday asked the Trump administration to disclose an estimate of the number of Americans whose digital communications are incidentally collected under foreign surveillance programs, according to …
California lawmakers approve fuel tax hike for $52 billion road plan
(Reuters) – California lawmakers on Thursday approved legislation to increase gasoline taxes and other transportation-related fees for the first time in decades, to fund an ambitious $52 billion plan to repair the state’s sagging infrastructure.
U.S. South, not just Mexico, stands in way of Rust Belt jobs revival
MOBILE, Ala. (Reuters) – In the years since the 2008 financial crisis, this southern U.S. port city has attracted a new Airbus factory, seen its steel industry retool, and gained thousands of jobs building the Navy’s new combat vessel.
West Virginia lawmakers send medical marijuana bill to governor
(Reuters) – Lawmakers in West Virginia on Thursday passed a bill that would allow patients to use some forms of cannabis for medical needs, state records show.
Man sues Seattle mayor, claiming sexual abuse as a teen
SEATTLE (Reuters) – A 46-year-old man sued Seattle Mayor Ed Murray for sexual abuse and child prostitution on Thursday, claiming that Murray paid him for sex when he was a homeless, drug-addicted teenager in the 1980s.
Iowa poised for major overhaul to gun regulations
(Reuters) – Iowa lawmakers approved on Thursday amended legislation that would enact sweeping changes to the state’s gun regulations, including a “stand your ground” provision, and sent it to the governor for final approval.
Baltimore residents call on judge to approve police reforms decree
BALTIMORE (Reuters) – Dozens of Baltimore residents said on Thursday the city’s police department needs the reforms negotiated under a proposed consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice because they fear more incidents like the 2015 death of a…
