Female N.Y. prison employee pleads not guilty in convict escape
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A woman employee of an upstate New York prison on Friday pleaded not guilty to charges that she helped two inmates stage a daring escape from the maximum security facility.
Virginia officer indicted in killing of black man released on bond
(Reuters) – A Virginia policeman indicted in the killing of a mentally ill black man last summer has been released from jail on his own recognizance pending trial, according to a local media report on Saturday.
Texas governor signs bills expanding carrying of handguns
(Reuters) – Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law on Saturday bills allowing the open carrying of handguns in public and of concealed handguns on state university campuses, his office said.
Louisiana’s budget a long-term solution: Jindal’s office
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Louisiana’s newly approved budget mostly relied on recurring revenues to close a $1.6 billion gap, a spokeswoman for the state’s governor and possible presidential hopeful Bobby Jindal said on Saturday, responding to a credit analy…
Massachusetts’ Kennedy Institute offers window on U.S. Senate
BOSTON (Reuters) – One young senator had to be prodded out of a nap. A Republican congresswoman alleged that Democrats must “enjoy spending money.” There was talk of a filibuster. 
Oregon lawmakers pass paid sick leave bill
PORTLAND (Reuters) – Oregon will become the fourth U.S. state to mandate paid sick leave for nearly all workers, under legislation passed on Friday and widely expected to be signed by Democrat Governor Kate Brown.
Montana floats proposals that could see return of wild bison
(Reuters) – Montana wildlife managers are asking the public to weigh in on a plan that could see the state establish a herd of wild bison that originated at Yellowstone National Park.
One killed in Iowa mall shooting
(Reuters) – One person was killed when a gunman opened fire at an Iowa mall on Friday evening, officials said.
Washington state NAACP chapter leader investigated over racial identity
SEATTLE (Reuters) – A prominent leader of the African-American community in Spokane, Washington, is under investigation for identifying herself as black on a city job application, as a white couple set off a media storm by saying they are her biologica…
Man survives 500 to 1,000 stings by swarming Arizona bees
PHOENIX (Reuters) – A man is lucky to be alive after having been stung between 500 and 1,000 times by tens of thousands of swarming bees near Kingman in northwestern Arizona on Friday, authorities said.
