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…
Mickelson a distraction in insider trading case: gambler’s lawyer
(Reuters) – An attorney defending Las Vegas sports gambler William “Billy” Walters against insider trading charges told jurors on Thursday that prosecutors introduced testimony about star golfer Phil Mickelson to cover up the weakness of their case.
U.S. land agency website drops hiking photo to give coal top billing
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. government’s public lands website has revealed a new face, a wall of coal, as the Trump administration underscores its promotion of an industry that has seen its hardest times since the Bee Gees topped music charts.
Twitter refuses U.S. order to reveal user behind anti-Trump account
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Twitter Inc on Thursday filed a federal lawsuit to block an order by the U.S. government demanding that it reveal who is behind an account opposed to President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies.
U.S. judge to name former FBI director to oversee Takata restitution funds
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A federal judge in Detroit said on Thursday he plans to name former FBI director Robert Mueller to oversee nearly $1 billion in Takata Corp restitution funds as part of a U.S. Justice Department settlement.
