Democrats ditch historic U.S. Senate rule blamed for gridlock
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Democratic-controlled U.S. Senate, in a historic and bitterly fought rule change, stripped Republicans on Thursday of their ability to block President Barack Obama’s judicial and executive branch nominees.
U.S. signals North Korea can improve ties by freeing Americans
(Reuters) – The United States on Thursday signaled North Korea could improve its strained ties with Washington by releasing U.S. citizens, as former New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson became involved in the case of an 85-year-old American held by Pyon…
U.S. regulators to consider in-flight calls, text messaging
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Federal Communications Commission on Thursday set plans to expand the use of cell phones aboard airplanes, considering the possibility of allowing in-flight calls and text messaging.
‘Possible active shooter’ on a North Carolina campus
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (Reuters) – North Carolina Central University was locked down on Thursday due to a “possible active shooter” on campus, according to the school’s official Twitter account.
Five children pulled from Minnesota pond after car crash
MINNEAPOLIS (Reuters) – Five young children were pulled from a near-freezing pond in the Minneapolis area on Thursday, about a half hour after the car they were aboard had plunged in, officials said.
Evangelist Billy Graham released from hospital after tests
WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina (Reuters) – U.S. evangelist Billy Graham was released from a North Carolina hospital on Thursday after undergoing tests and observation for respiratory congestion, hospital officials said.
Nearly 80,000 Californians sign up for Obamacare plans
(Reuters) – Nearly 80,000 Californians have enrolled in private health insurance plans through the state’s exchange marketplace created under President Barack Obama’s healthcare law, the Covered California exchange said on Thursday.
Alabama rail track sound before oil train crash: Genesee & Wyoming
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Genesee & Wyoming, the owner of a train carrying oil that derailed in western Alabama earlier this month, said on Thursday that there had been no concern about the state of the tracks bought from another company this year.
Dallas transcends its image to host thousands and honor JFK legacy
DALLAS (Reuters) – For 50 years, visitors from around the world have wandered across the grassy areas of Dealey Plaza, snapping photos and pointing up at the sixth-floor window of the building where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed Preside…
Court upholds New York City tax on hotel-booking companies
ALBANY, New York (Reuters) – A New York City occupancy tax on hotel-booking companies, such as Expedia Inc, was ruled constitutional by New York state’s highest court on Thursday, the latest development in a legal battle playing out nationwide.
