U.S. defense chief announces reforms aimed at strengthening military
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced reforms to the Defense Department’s personnel policies on Wednesday aimed at attracting tech talent and improving the recruitment and retention of troops and civilians.
U.S. Republicans defy Obama on Syrian refugees after Paris attacks
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Republican lawmakers defied President Barack Obama on Wednesday and set out plans to tighten screening of Syrian refugees following last week’s Paris attacks, in a political fight that challenges America’s view of itself as a ref…
Massachusetts teen accused of murder agrees to return to courtroom
SALEM, Mass. (Reuters) – The trial of a Massachusetts teenager accused of murdering his teacher resumed on Wednesday with the teen flanked by extra security a day after he halted the proceedings by refusing to enter the courtroom, claiming he was about…
No ‘religious test’ in House bill pausing Syrian refugees: Ryan
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan called on Congress on Wednesday to promptly pass legislation tightening controls on Syrians seeking asylum in the United States, but stressed that such a bill will not discriminate …
Three killed, 250,000 customers without power after Washington state storms
SEATTLE (Reuters) – At least three people were killed and about 250,000 homes and businesses were without power in Washington state on Wednesday after a storm blew down trees and triggered mudslides, authorities said.
No alcohol allowed for death row inmate in Georgia
ATLANTA (Reuters) – An inmate facing execution in Georgia will not be allowed to have a six-pack of beer for his final meal, state prison officials said on Wednesday.
New Jersey university probes threats against African-Americans
(Reuters) – New Jersey’s Kean University is investigating threats of violence against African-Americans on its campus that appeared on social media while students were staging protests over racial inequality, the school said on Wednesday.
Florida citrus executives, company CEO killed in Nicaragua crash
MIAMI (Reuters) – Two Florida citrus industry executives were killed in a helicopter crash in Nicaragua along with the CEO of Costa Rican citrus company TicoFrut, who was the son-in-law of a former Nicaraguan president, company officials said on Wednes…
Holiday delays likely at U.S. airports as security tightens: analysts
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Millions of Americans traveling next week for the Thanksgiving holiday likely should expect airport delays from tighter security prompted by extremist attacks in Paris, analysts said on Wednesday.
Florida city to divert highway water runoff to neighborhood lawns
ORLANDO, Fla. (Reuters) – Enough dirty storm water runs off a two-mile stretch of Interstate 4 in Central Florida to fill seven Olympic swimming pools a day, so officials devised an innovative scheme to siphon it into the local water treatment system, …
