Montana panel looks at sanctioning judge for 30-day rape sentence
(Reuters) – A Montana panel that oversees jurists is seeking to discipline a judge for sentencing an ex-teacher who raped a 14-year-old girl who later killed herself to just 30 days in prison and for declaring the girl partly to blame in her own rape, …
Florida state crime lab chemist charged with evidence tampering
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Reuters) – A former state crime laboratory chemist who handled thousands of cases across Florida over almost a decade was arrested on charges of tampering with evidence and drug trafficking, officials announced late Tuesday.
Obama to bring French president to Jefferson’s Monticello home
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – President Barack Obama will kick off the state visit of French President Francois Hollande next week with a visit to Monticello, the Virginia home of Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president and a one-time envoy to France.
Utah state attorneys argue children at risk from gay marriage
SALT LAKE CITY (Reuters) – Utah attorneys seeking to overturn a federal court decision that struck down a state ban on gay marriage have argued in appeals papers that prohibiting same-sex unions is crucial to safeguarding the best interests of children…
U.S. Navy investigating sailors over nuclear exam cheating
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Navy has suspended about 30 instructors from duties at a nuclear propulsion school over alleged exam cheating, officials said on Tuesday, adding to concern over honesty in U.S. ranks after a similar scandal involving nuclear …
Alaska measure to legalize pot qualifies for August vote
(Reuters) – A measure that could make Alaska the third U.S. state to legalize recreational marijuana use after Colorado and Washington has enough valid signatures to be put before voters in August, state officials said on Tuesday.
Kansas cattle company owner, family die in Nashville plane crash
NASHVILLE, Tennessee (Reuters) – The owner of a Kansas cattle company and three members of his family died when the plane he was piloting slammed into the yard of a crowded community center in suburban Nashville, Tennessee, relatives said on Tuesday.
Senate showdown vote set to extend unemployment benefits
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senate Democrats on Tuesday set up a showdown vote with Republicans on a new bill to extend long-term unemployment benefits for 1.7 million Americans while making millionaires ineligible for such relief.
District of Columbia city council votes to decriminalize pot
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The District of Columbia’s city council voted on Tuesday to make smoking marijuana in the U.S. capital a violation comparable to a parking ticket.
Lawmakers warn ‘clock is ticking’ on surveillance reforms
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. lawmakers warned on Tuesday that time is running out to make specific reforms to the National Security Agency’s telephone surveillance program and promised Congress would act if the Obama administration does not.
