U.S. should drop charges against USS Cole bombing suspect, defense says
FORT MEADE Md. (Reuters) – The United States should drop charges against a Guantanamo Bay prisoner accused of masterminding the 2000 bombing of a U.S. warship off Yemen because the U.S. military planned similar attacks during World War Two, defense law…
Range Resources faces fine over Pennsylvania fracking wastewater leak
HARRISBURG Pa. (Reuters) – Oil and gas producer Range Resources did not properly monitor leaks from a wastewater containment pond in Pennsylvania and the state has begun enforcement action that could lead to a fine, state officials said on Wednesday.
Massachusetts governor signs measure expanding drug treatment
BOSTON (Reuters) – Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill into law on Wednesday requiring health insurers to cover up to two weeks of inpatient treatment for people battling drug addiction, the state’s latest move to take on soaring rates o…
Florida man charged with animal torture in slaughterhouse sting
(Reuters) – A Florida man was arrested and charged with 30 counts of animal cruelty at a Miami-area slaughterhouse where pigs were shot, stabbed and boiled alive, officials said on Wednesday.
Maine mom sentenced to six months for driving 123 mph with kids in car
BOWDOINHAM Maine (Reuters) – A 26-year-old Maine mother has been sentenced to six months in prison for driving 123 miles per hour (198 kph) with her two children in the car, weeks after being arrested a second time and charged with drunken driving with…
Hawaii braces for Hurricane Iselle, with Julio right behind
HONOLULU (Reuters) – Hurricane Iselle barreled west across the Pacific Ocean toward the Hawaiian Islands on Wednesday, where officials warned residents and tourists of possible flooding and mudslides and ordered schools closed.
Fifty stranded passengers rescued after Dallas zoo ride stalls
DALLAS (Reuters) – A passenger monorail at the Dallas Zoo stalled on Wednesday after an electrical power surge, stranding about 50 passengers who had to get off the train using ladders, officials said. No injuries were reported.
Brush fire spurs evacuations as warnings issued in Pacific Northwest
PORTLAND Ore. (Reuters) – A growing Oregon brush fire that ballooned to 200 acres on Wednesday triggered the evacuation of seven rural homes, as blazes elsewhere in the state forced ranchers to relocate cattle and threatened to drive more people from t…
Murder or mistake? Michigan porch shooting trial goes to jury
DETROIT (Reuters) – A Detroit jury on Wednesday began deliberations to decide whether the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white suburban homeowner was murder or a fear-driven mistake.
Geese stuck in drought-depleted California pond are rescued
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – A group of about 50 flightless geese stranded at a California pond became easy prey for foxes and coyotes when drought conditions dried their watery home, but they have been rescued and sent to new homes, organizers of the effor…