Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $344 million for next week
(Reuters) – The Mega Millions jackpot rose to an estimated $344 million for next week’s drawing after no one won the top prize of $297 million on Friday evening, lottery organizers said.
Colorado baker discriminated by denying gay couple wedding cake: judge
DENVER (Reuters) – A Colorado bakery owner illegally discriminated against a gay couple when he refused to bake a wedding cake for the pair last year because of his Christian religious beliefs, a judge ruled on Friday.
Amish girl in Ohio will not be forced to resume chemo for cancer
CLEVELAND (Reuters) – A court-appointed guardian will stop trying to force an Amish girl with leukemia to resume chemotherapy against her Ohio parents’ wishes, according to a court filing on Friday.
In rainy Washington, Obama lights national Christmas tree
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Braving rain and cold, President Barack Obama and his family ventured across the street from the White House on Friday to preside over the lighting of the U.S. national Christmas tree.
Federal judge criticized by Supreme Court Justice fires back
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A federal judge this week defended his custom of urging lead law firms in class actions to staff the lawsuits with women and minority lawyers, two weeks after U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito took the unusual step of critici…
Feds issue urgent safety order to Metro-North after rail crash
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Federal regulators issued an emergency order on Friday requiring the company that operates the New York commuter train involved in the deadly crash last Sunday to implement urgent temporary safety measures.
Judge approves plan to fix Detroit street lights
DETROIT (Reuters) – The U.S. judge managing Detroit’s bankruptcy on Friday gave the city the go-ahead to move forward with a financing plan to mend broken street lights.
Deadly ice storm in U.S. knocks out power, halts flights
AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – A deadly winter storm some forecasters say is the worst to hit the United States in years slammed the nation’s midsection Friday, snarling travel and knocking out power for hundreds of thousands of customers.
Mega Millions jackpot swells to $297 million
(Reuters) – After two straight weeks with no winner, the Mega Millions Friday night jackpot topped expectations and jumped to $297 million, with a cash option of $158 million.
Hagel reassures Gulf allies U.S. committed to regional security
MANAMA (Reuters) – Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel toured a U.S. warship in the Gulf on Friday and declared Washington’s commitment to Middle East security, despite policy differences over Iran and Syria that have angered Gulf allies.




