Pentagon to move ahead with $3 billion F-35 upgrade program in 2018
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Pentagon expects to award contracts for a $3 billion, six-year effort to upgrade its newest warplane, the Lockheed Martin Corp F-35 fighter jet, by the end of 2018, the Air Force general who runs the $391 billion program said…
Supreme Court faces 4-4 split in Obamacare contraception case
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Supreme Court on Wednesday headed toward a possible 4-4 split over a legal challenge by Christian nonprofit employers who object to providing female workers insurance covering birth control as required by President Barack Oba…
Blizzard closes Denver airport, 1,200 flights canceled
(Reuters) – A blizzard shut down Denver International Airport on Wednesday, canceling 1,200 flights and stranding travelers after the storm briefly knocked out power and made takeoffs and landings unsafe, airport officials said.
Chinese national pleads guilty in U.S. to computer hacking conspiracy
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – A businessman from China pleaded guilty on Wednesday to conspiring to hack into the computer networks of major U.S. defense contractors including Boeing Co , the U.S. Department of Justice said in a statement.
Ohio school security guard arrested after making bomb threats
(Reuters) – A security guard at an Ohio school district was arrested on Wednesday after school and police officials said he threatened to blow up school buildings twice this week.
FBI seeks help nabbing bank robber known as ‘Count Down Bandit’
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Authorities were hunting on Wednesday for a well-dressed man suspected of robbing at least seven New Jersey banks and dubbed the “Count Down Bandit” for his habit of counting down during the thefts.
Honduras arrests U.S. woman for alleged leadership role in gang
TEGUCIGALPA (Reuters) – A 21-year-old American woman was detained in Honduras, authorities said on Wednesday, for allegedly heading a faction of the Mara Barrio 18, one of the gangs responsible for a crime wave in the Central American nation that has s…
Pennsylvania budget to go into effect, ending long stalemate
(Reuters) – Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, a Democrat, said on Wednesday he would allow a Republican budget bill for fiscal 2016 to become law without his signature, ending nine months of stalemate that starved schools and social service agencies of f…
Michigan state officials accountable in Flint water crisis: inquiry
DETROIT (Reuters) – A task force appointed by Michigan’s governor said on Wednesday state officials showed stubbornness, lack of preparation, delay and inaction in failing to prevent a health crisis in the city of Flint caused by lead contamination in the drinking water.
U.S. bill targets babies born dependent on opioids
WASHINGTON/NEW YORK (Reuters) – A bill that aims to protect babies born to mothers who used heroin or other opioids during pregnancy was introduced on Wednesday in the House as part of the government’s response to a Reuters investigation.
