Bird flu found on California quail farm; Russia bans import of state’s poultry
(Reuters) – Low-pathogenic avian influenza, a disease known as bird flu, has been detected on a California quail farm earlier this month, and Russia has announced a ban on California poultry imports due to the ailment’s outbreak in the state.
Mississippi sets 20-week limit on abortions
(Reuters) – Mississippi will ban abortions after more than 20 weeks of pregnancy from July, joining other conservative U.S. states that have placed restrictions on the procedure.
U.S. Army opens hearing for soldier accused of murders in Iraq
OLYMPIA, Washington (Reuters) – The U.S. Army convened a pre-trial evidentiary hearing on Wednesday for a soldier accused of shooting dead two deaf, unarmed Iraqi boys in 2007.
Californians overwhelmingly approve new education standards: poll
SACRAMENTO, California (Reuters) – Most Californians support dramatic changes set to take hold in public education, including funneling more money to schools with disadvantaged students and implementing rigorous national standards known as the common c…
U.S. mother, officials settle suit over airport breast milk
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A nursing Southern California mother stopped from taking breast milk through airport security has reached a $75,000 settlement with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, her lawyer said on Wednesday.
Oregon same-sex couples fight gay marriage ban with state on their side
EUGENE, Oregon (Reuters) – Lawyers for four same-sex couples challenging Oregon’s prohibition on gay marriage appeared before a federal judge on Wednesday to argue their case, even as the state declined to defend the ban.
Student leaders propose rewrite of fight song ‘Utah Man’
SALT LAKE CITY (Reuters) – Student leaders at the University of Utah, the flagship public campus in the conservative state, are pressing to change the school’s century-old fight song “Utah Man,” saying it needs to be more inclusive of women and minorit…
Oklahoma high court clears way for two inmates’ executions
OKLAHOMA CITY (Reuters) – The Oklahoma Supreme Court lifted a stay of execution on Wednesday for two murderers, put in place due to concerns over secrecy surrounding lethal injection drugs, clearing the way for them to be put to death next week.
U.S. Army plans to remove about 2,000 officers due to budget cuts
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Reuters) – The U.S. Army is looking to cut about 2,000 positions for captains and majors by the end of the year as part of its overall plans to reduce its active duty numbers due to budget cuts, the Army’s chief of staff said on Wed…
Explosion shuts large natural gas processing plant in Wyoming
(Reuters) – An explosion on Wednesday shut a natural gas-processing plant in Wyoming that can churn out about 2 percent of the daily U.S. gas supply, and a nearby town was evacuated though no injuries were reported.
