Florida governor takes prosecutor off murder cases for death penalty stance
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Reuters) – Florida Governor Rick Scott on Monday removed a prosecutor from 21 murder cases in the Orlando area because she has said she would not seek the death penalty during her tenure.
Homeland Security announces steps against H1B visa fraud
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced steps on Monday to prevent the fraudulent use of H1B visas, used by employers to bring in specialized foreign workers temporarily, which appeared to fall short of President Donal…
Federal judge blocks Indiana abortion ultrasound measure
(Reuters) – A U.S. federal judge blocked an Indiana measure requiring women to have an ultrasound at least 18 hours before undergoing an abortion, saying that the mandate was unnecessary and a burden to low-income women.
Kansas House fails in attempt to override Medicaid veto
(Reuters) – Lawmakers in Kansas on Monday failed to override Republican Governor Sam Brownback’s veto of a bill expanding eligibility for Medicaid for the poor under the federal Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Illinois budget feud deals ‘unconscionable’ blow to police, fire widows
CHICAGO (Reuters) – Illinois owes a group of women whose police officer and firefighter husbands died in the line of duty more than $351,000 apiece for their losses, but the state’s chronic inability to pass a budget has left all of them unpaid like thousands of state vendors.
Fox News, Ailes face another sexual harassment lawsuit
(Reuters) – A Democratic political consultant and Fox News contributor on Monday sued the network and its former chairman, Roger Ailes, accusing them of denying her a permanent hosting job after she rebuffed Ailes’ sexual advances.
Houston-area police deputy fatally shot, suspect at large
AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – A Houston-area deputy with 30 years of experience in law enforcement was fatally shot behind a city courthouse on Monday, and police were searching for the suspect, authorities said.
Michigan faces long-term fiscal pressure from Flint crisis: S&P
(Reuters) – Michigan’s finances could be pressured from additional costs related to the years-long lead-tainted water crisis in Flint even after a recent court-approved settlement, S&P Global Ratings said on Monday.
New York, other states take on Trump over energy efficiency
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A coalition of U.S. states has mounted a broad legal challenge against what it called the Trump administration’s illegal suspension of rules to improve the energy efficiency of ceiling fans, portable air conditioners and other prod…
Three killed, four hurt, in explosion at St. Louis box factory
(Reuters) – A boiler explosion at a cardboard box plant in St. Louis on Monday killed three people and injured four more, fire officials said.
