Archive
Washington Governor Drops Out of 2020 Presidential Race
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee dropped his 2020 bid for the White House on Wednesday after his climate-focused campaign failed to gain traction in a crowded field of Democratic candidates, marking the third major departure in recent weeks.
August 22, 2019
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New California Law Limits Police Use-of-Force to When 'Necessary'
Drawing applause from civil liberties organizations and activists, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation Monday that raises the standard for when police can use deadly force.
August 20, 2019
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After Teacher 'Sick Outs,' Kentucky Says They Violated Labor Laws
Labor Cabinet Secretary David Dickerson said the investigation was necessary to ensure that public schools remain open during the upcoming school year and that "similar work stoppages do not occur in the future."
August 20, 2019
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Hate Crimes Are on the Rise in South Carolina. But There's No State Law Against Them.
From 2013 to 2017, hate crimes reported in South Carolina increased by 70 percent, according to data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
August 20, 2019
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Judge Allows Some States to Block Migrants From Seeking Asylum
As a result, border officials in California and Arizona will not be allowed to apply the new rule against asylum-seekers, but agents in Texas and New Mexico may, unless a court elsewhere intervenes.
August 19, 2019
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Judge Puts Hold on Aid in Dying Law in New Jersey
The judge's order came after North Jersey doctor Yosef Glassman filed a lawsuit seeking to block the law on grounds it violates constitutional rights as well as common law barring suicide.
August 19, 2019
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Judge: Georgia Must Scrap 'Unreliable' Electronic Voting Machines After 2019
Starting with next year's presidential primary election, paper ballots will be required, according to the ruling by U.S. District Judge Amy Totenberg.
August 16, 2019
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After 9th Officer Commits Suicide, NYPD Evaluates Mental Health Programs
The 22-question survey was sent out Thursday -- one day after the ninth NYPD officer committed suicide this year. The survey was also circulated a week ago, police sources said.
August 16, 2019
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Amid Severe Lung Disease Cases, Minnesota Issues Warning About Vaping
Four cases of severe lung disease in the Twin Cities are being linked to vaping and e-cigarette use.
August 16, 2019
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Stacey Abrams Rules Out 2020 Presidential Bid to Fight Against Voter Suppression
Stacey Abrams told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Tuesday she will not run for president in 2020 and will instead focus on a national expansion of her voting rights group.
August 15, 2019
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Former Colorado Governor Will End Struggling Presidential Campaign
Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper will end a presidential campaign that never got off the ground Thursday morning and announce that he is seriously considering a run against Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, according to two people familiar with his plans.
August 15, 2019
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After Pennsylvania Police Officers Shot, Governor Announces Executive Order on Gun Violence
Gov. Tom Wolf on Wednesday said he would sign an executive order intended to increase state government's focus on curbing gun violence.
August 15, 2019
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New York State Gets New Workplace Harassment Protections
Individuals and companies that violate the sexual harassment law can face lawsuits by employees and can be fined by the state.
August 14, 2019
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To Strengthen Background Checks for Gun Buyers, North Carolina Governor Issues Directive
Gov. Cooper said he signed the directive to his Cabinet agencies to "build on the work we are already doing" around gun violence and safety.
August 14, 2019
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School Board Votes to Conceal, But Not Destroy, Controversial Murals in San Francisco
The decision, in a 4-3 vote, means the mural depicting George Washington's life would survive, but be obscured, at least semi-permanently, from public view.
August 14, 2019
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Responding to Gun Violence, California Mayor Wants Gun Owners to Have Liability Insurance
The insurance, required of all gun owners except law enforcement officers, would cover the costs of harm caused by accidental gunshots, or by intentional shootings by nonowners who borrow or steal the gun.
August 13, 2019
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Lead Crisis in New Jersey: Frustrated Residents Line Up for Bottled Water
The wide-scale water distribution of 247 pallets of water is the first time the city has taken such drastic action since the lead crisis began in 2017.
August 13, 2019
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'In a Panic': Elimination of Senior Benefits Leaves Alaska Residents in a Tough Spot
Supporters of the senior benefits program say the governor has suddenly ripped away monthly income that some of the state's oldest residents have long depended on.
August 12, 2019
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Bipartisan Bill to Create Redistricting Panel Vetoed by New Hampshire Governor
Gov. Chris Sununu vetoed a bipartisan bill Friday to create an independent commission proposed to come up with the best way to redraw legislative, congressional and Executive Council districts after the 2020 elections.
August 12, 2019
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Governor Directs Georgia Agencies to Develop Plans to Cut Budgets
Georgia's economy is still growing, but state agencies will have to look for ways to cut their budgets under a directive the Kemp administration sent out Tuesday.
Archive
Amid White Supremacy Threats, Maryland Governor Meets With State Police and FBI
Hogan said the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center is "actively monitoring" social media and other online activity for "potential threats."
Archive
'Frustrating' Delay Stalls Georgia Medical Marijuana Expansion
One potential cause for the lag time is that the commission is essentially a startup, unlike other boards and agencies with built-in procedures and existing members.
Archive
Absentee Ballot Application Now Requires Photo ID in Alabama
The bill also added to the list of situations for which absentee voting is allowed -- if a voter is a caregiver for a family member and if a voter is incarcerated but not convicted of a felony that disqualifies them from voting.
Archive
Seeking to Overturn California Tax-Return Law, Trump Files Lawsuit
There are now five lawsuits seeking to strike down SB27, which was signed last week by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Archive
Facing Public Pressure, Ohio Governor Unveils Proposals to Tackle Gun Violence
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's introduction Tuesday of a package of legislative priorities to help curb gun violence drew mixed reviews from Ohioans.
Archive
Can Illinois Safeguard the 2020 Election? Officials Are Spending Millions to Try
Three years after Illinois' voter registration database was infiltrated by Russian hackers, Illinois and local officials are spending millions to upgrade the cyber defenses protecting voters and their ballots leading up to the 2020 election.
Archive
Medicaid Fraud in Kansas? Inspector General Reveals Dozens of Misconduct Emails Were Ignored
More than 200 emails sent to an unstaffed office at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment were ignored.
Archive
Jeffrey Epstein Sex Trafficking: Florida Governor Investigates Handling of Case
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has ordered a state criminal probe into the actions of the Palm Beach sheriff and the former Palm Beach state attorney for their handling of the Jeffrey Epstein underage sex trafficking case.
Archive
Louisiana Suspends Automatic Ending of Medicaid Coverage
The new eligibility system installed last year was set to drop 75,000 people from the Medicaid rolls because of the automatic closure feature for people who needed to renew their coverage annually.
Archive
To Enhance School Security, Florida Launches Controversial Student Database
The Department of Education said it won’t be used to “label students as potential threats."
Archive
After Turbulent Tenure, Tennessee House Speaker Officially Steps Down
In addition to the text message controversy, legislative critics charged Casada of using harsh tactics, threats, "spies" and fear to hold GOP and Democratic lawmakers in check.
Archive
Indicating Larger Crisis, Bacteria Invade New Jersey's Largest Lake
Lake Hopatcong, a popular summer attraction, is filled with cyanobacteria in quantities never before recorded.
Archive
2 Mass Shootings in 13 Hours Leave the Country Grieving
President Trump, upon ordering flags to half staff at federal buildings around the country, denounced what he called "unspeakable" acts of "evil."
Archive
Colorado's Anti-Electoral College Law Attracts Record High Opposition
The law's opponents submitted more than 227,000 signatures on a referendum petition to the Secretary of State's Office on Thursday, far more than the 124,632 needed to get the question on the ballot.
Archive
Taxpayer Money for Gay Conversion Therapy? Not in North Carolina.
Roy Cooper, a Democrat, signed the order to target the now-discredited misconception that someone's sexuality can be changed by psychological, medical or spiritual interventions.
Archive
Embezzling From a Union? Illinois State Senator Indicted
Illinois state Sen. Thomas E. Cullerton has been indicted by federal authorities on embezzlement charges alleging he pocketed almost $275,000 in salary and benefits from the Teamsters union despite doing little or no work.
Archive
NYPD Suspends Officer Who Killed Eric Garner After Judge Says He Should Be Fired
NYPD Officer Daniel Pantaleo was quickly suspended Friday after a departmental judge recommended the veteran cop's firing for the Staten Island chokehold death of Eric Garner five years ago.
Public Safety & Justice
3 Years After Alton Sterling's Shooting Death, Louisiana Police Chief Apologizes
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul apologized to the city and the victim's family on Thursday for hiring Blane Salamoni, the officer who gunned down Alton Sterling in 2016.
Archive
'Not Here': New York Bars Schools From Arming Teachers
New York has shot down President Trump's plan to arm teachers.
Archive
Unable to Obtain Lethal Injection Drugs, Ohio Governor Delays Execution
Gov. Mike DeWine says Ohio may need to stop executing people by injection because state officials have been unable to obtain the necessary drugs, according to a DeWine spokesman.
Archive
500,000 Kids Could Lose Free School Meals Under Trump Food Stamp Proposal
Proposed adjustments to the federal food stamp program could mean thousands of needy children will no longer receive free breakfast and lunch at school.
Archive
Trump Tax Returns Battle: California Law Now Requires Disclosure for Presidential Candidates
The law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on his final day to take action and passed on a strict party- line vote in the Legislature, requires all presidential candidates to submit five years of income tax filings.
Archive
New York Tightens Gun Restrictions
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill Tuesday that makes it illegal to make, sell, transport or possess 3D-printed guns in the state, or any other firearms that won't set off a metal detector.
Archive
Possible Fentanyl Exposure Hospitalizes 6 Connecticut Prison Staffers
The cause of the illnesses was not immediately determined, and is part of the ongoing investigation into the matter by the Department of Correction and Connecticut State Police, he said.
Archive
Few Rules and Little Transparency Guide Kansas' Corporate Tax Giveaways
When a Kansas agency used a jobs fund to give a rural school district $90,000 to start a Future Farmers of America chapter and agricultural education program, officials called it a "unique economic development" opportunity.
Archive
New York Further Decriminalizes Marijuana
The legislation will treat possession of less than one ounce as a violation subject to a $50 fine and possession of between one to two ounces, currently a misdemeanor, will become a violation punishable by up to a $200 fine.
Archive
A Data Breach in Los Angeles Exposes Police's Personal Information
Los Angeles city computers were breached last week in a data theft potentially involving the personal information of about 20,000 applicants to the police department, including hundreds who are now sworn officers.
Archive
Cyberattack Hits Georgia Department of Public Safety
DPS spokeswoman Stephanie Stallings confirmed Saturday that officials are investigating a ransomware attack discovered Friday morning within the agency's computer system.
Archive
In Protest of Trump, Black Virginia Lawmakers Boycott Jamestown Commemoration
The caucus said in a press release Monday that President Donald Trump's attendance is "antithetical to the principles for which the caucus stands and the democracy that many counterintuitively are clinging to as an excuse to attend this week."
Archive
Illinois the Latest to Eliminate Statute of Limitations for Sex Crimes
The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, removes the statute of limitations on criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.
Archive
Bypassing Trump, California Reaches Fuel-Efficiency Deal With Automakers
Gov. Gavin Newsom said raising fuel efficiency for vehicles, which are the single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, is the most important step California can take to reach its ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Archive
After Lunch Money Threats, Pennsylvania School District Reverses Course
A Pennsylvania school district that threatened parents who owed money for their kids' lunch has reversed course and is now accepting a generous donation to cover the debt.
Archive
Trump Sues New York to Shield His State Tax Returns
Trump is the only president in modern memory to refuse to release his tax returns for public scrutiny upon taking office, prompting widespread speculation about what he may be hiding.
Archive
To Bring Clean Water to Poor Communities, California Governor Signs $1 Billion Package
Statewide, 326 water agencies serving nearly 1 million of California's almost 40 million residents are out of compliance with state standards on contamination levels or treatment techniques.
Archive
Under Fire for Weeks, Puerto Rico Governor Agrees to Resign
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rosselló announced late Wednesday evening that he is resigning from office effective Aug. 2.
Archive
After Years-Long Transgender Bathroom Battle, Settlement Overturns Part of North Carolina Law
The settlement says state agencies and universities can't ban transgender people from using the bathroom of the gender with which they identify. It applies only to public restrooms and similar facilities in state government buildings.
Archive
City of Charlotte, 2020 RNC Host, Considers Condemning Trump's 'Send Her Back' Comments
City Council members in Charlotte on Monday night will consider a resolution to "strongly condemn," among other things, President Donald Trump's recent call for four congresswomen to leave the United States.
Archive
Just 6 Months After Appointment, New Mexico Education Secretary Fired
The first-term Democratic governor did not give details, but a Lujan Grisham spokesman cited communication and leadership issues and said education initiatives were not being implemented as quickly and thoroughly as the governor wanted.
Archive
Cats Can Keep Their Claws in New York With First-in-the-Nation Law
The measure, which passed in June in both houses at the State Capitol, was signed into law Monday by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. Its provisions took effect immediately on Monday.
Archive
A Costly Data Breach: Equifax to Pay Nearly $700M in Hacking Settlement
The proposed settlement, announced Monday, would be the largest ever paid by a company over a data breach.
Archive
Construction on Sacred Land?: Thousands Protest Hawaii Telescope Project
Close to 2,000 demonstrators have gathered near an access road in Hawaii to protest the construction of a telescope on sacred ground.
Archive
After 2nd Year of Reforms, Louisiana Sees Further Drop in Prison Population
The savings from lower incarceration costs will allow the state to further invest in initiatives aimed at keeping people from returning, or going, to prison, and supporting crime victims, officials said.
Archive
Following Protests, Puerto Rico Governor Announces He Won't Seek Reelection
Gov. Rossello has faced fierce criticism after messages between him and several of his top aides leaked, in which the men used homophobic and sexist language and joked about victims of Hurricane Maria, which devastated the island in September 2017.
Archive
A Way to Help PTSD: Minnesota's Medical Weed Program Reduces Symptoms
About three-quarters of survey respondents said medical cannabis has helped them cope with their PTSD, a report released Thursday by the Minnesota Department of Health shows.
Archive
Illinois GOP's 'Jihad Squad' Facebook Post Targets Democratic Congresswomen
Top leaders of the Illinois Republican Party launched an effort at damage control Sunday after a social media post echoed President Donald Trump's criticism of four Democratic congresswoman.
Archive
Owe Lunch Money? Pennsylvania School District Threatens Foster Care
Schools officials said the district has already collected more than $500 of the money owed after the letter went out.
Archive
Accused of Covering Up Fatal Laquan McDonald Shooting, 4 Chicago Police Are Fired
The nine-member board found that the officers exaggerated the threat posed by the 17-year-old McDonald in order to justify the actions of Officer Jason Van Dyke in shooting the teen 16 times.
Archive
After Racist Social Media Posts, Philadelphia Fires 13 Police Officers
Richard Ross, the city's police commissioner, said in a news conference Thursday that another four officers would receive 30-day suspensions before returning to service, and a range of less harsh punishments would be dished to other officers.
Archive
As Heat Wave Hits, Some Kansas Roads Are Buckling
Law enforcement and transportation officials in Kansas had already reported heat buckles on roads before a National Weather Service excessive heat warning took effect on Wednesday.
Archive
Ohio Raises Smoking Age to 21
The higher age takes effect immediately -- Gov. Mike DeWine on Thursday vetoed a provision that would have phased it in for anyone who turns 18 years old before Oct. 1.
Archive
Students Will Now Take Mental Health Classes in Florida Schools
The new requirement will require students to take courses aimed at helping them to identify the signs and symptoms of mental illness.
Archive
A City Without Water: Fort Lauderdale Declares Emergency After Main Break
It was a day that tested the patience and endurance of a hurricane-savvy community accustomed to much worse than a broken water pipe.
Archive
From 'Manholes' to 'Maintenance Holes': Berkeley Adds Gender Neutral Language to City Code
The Berkeley city council voted on Tuesday night to update it's municipal code with gender-neutral language
Archive
California Is Short on Doctors. The State Will Pay Off Medical School Debt to Recruit Them.
California will spend $340 million paying off doctors' debts using Proposition 56 tobacco tax revenue.
Archive
Amid Corruption Scandal, Thousands Demand Resignation of Puerto Rican Governor
In what appears to be the largest protest in this U.S. territory in recent memory, protesters convened by Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny and other well-known artists began gathering en masse under a scorching sun late in the afternoon.
Archive
After Several Court Losses, Trump Administration Wins a Case Over 'Sanctuary City' Funding
When Los Angeles police officials requested $3.125 million in federal funds in 2017 to hire 25 officers, they said their focus would be on "building trust and respect" through community policing.
Archive
New Wage Theft Law in Minnesota Hailed as Nation's Strongest
Minnesota lawmakers and top government officials took a rare bipartisan victory lap Monday to usher in what they called the nation's strongest set of protections against wage theft, which has become a multimillion dollar problem around the state.
Archive
After DOJ Refuses Charges, Activists Look to NYPD for Justice for Eric Garner
The decision to not file civil rights charges against Police Officer Daniel Pantaleo in connection with Eric Garner's death on July 17, 2014 has elected officials and organizations criticizing the Department of Justice's ability to do its job and bring justice.
Archive
The Bureau of Land Management Headquarters Is Moving West
Eighty-five federal jobs will move to Colorado as part of a Bureau of Land Management headquarters relocation, the agency told lawmakers Tuesday.
Archive
Kentucky Could Be the Next State to Ban 'Sanctuary Cities'
Gov. Matt Bevin said Thursday he supports proposed legislation that would prohibit the creation of "sanctuary cities" and limit local governments' authority to enact policies prohibiting local police from cooperating with immigration officials or asking people about their immigration status.
Archive
After Fatal Shooting, South Bend Police Officer Resigns
Ryan O'Neill, the officer who fatally shot Eric Logan last month, has resigned from the Police Department.
Archive
Anti-'Sanctuary City' Movement Suffers a Partial Setback in Texas
The state of Texas alleges that San Antonio had a general policy against complying with federal authorities on immigration laws, a claim the city denies.
Archive
New York City Blackout: Power Restored But Questions Remain
With power restored in the heart of Manhattan after Saturday's blackout cut electricity to nearly a quarter-million people, attention Sunday turned to why it happened and what can be done to prevent another outage.
Archive
How Harassment and Trump Factored Into Pennsylvania GOP's Leadership Flip
Call it good news and bad news for President Donald Trump's reelection campaign when it comes to leadership of the Republican Party in Pennsylvania.
Archive
In Win for Public Campaign Financing, State Supreme Court Upholds Seattle's Unique 'Democracy Vouchers'
The Washington State Supreme Court has upheld Seattle's pioneering "democracy vouchers" program, which allows residents to contribute taxpayer money to qualifying political candidates.
Archive
Under GOP Pressure, Kansas Democratic Governor Drops Welfare Plan
When Gov. Laura Kelly's administration said in June it planned to allow thousands of Kansans to remain on welfare without meeting work requirements, Republicans relentlessly attacked the policy.
Archive
Trump Will Not Issue Executive Order for Census Citizenship Question
President Trump backed down Thursday from his fight to add a question about citizenship to the 2020 census, denouncing Democrats and "extremely unfriendly" courts while essentially conceding defeat on a priority issue for his administration and reelection campaign.
Archive
FCC Blocks Part of San Francisco's First-in-Nation Broadband Law
The Federal Communications Commission voted to preempt part of a San Francisco city law that prevents property owners from denying internet service providers access to existing wiring within multiunit buildings.
Archive
Critics Warn of Recession After Alaska Legislature Fails to Override Governor's Budget Vetoes
With 22 Republicans absent from the state Capitol, the Alaska Legislature on Wednesday failed to garner 45 votes to override Gov. Mike Dunleavy's decision to veto $444 million from the state operating budget.
Archive
Election Battle Over Discarded Absentee Ballots Ends With New Georgia Law
The battle over thousands of rejected absentee ballots appears to have come to an end.
Archive
The Longest Driverless Test-Track Opens in Ohio
A new state-funded facility for testing driverless cars and other “smart” vehicles has opened in the latest expansion of Ohio’s Transportation Research Center.
Archive
Hawaii Governor Vetoes Airbnb Tax Bill
Gov. David Ige on Tuesday vetoed bills that would have imposed the state's corporate income tax on real estate investment trusts and required vacation rental platforms such as Airbnb and Expedia to collect taxes from operators of vacation rentals. Lawmakers estimated that those measures could have eventually brought in an extra $55 million annually in state revenue.
Archive
The Criminal Justice Reforms Coming to Missouri
After being a leader in prison population, Missouri is moving away from locking up non-violent offenders to serve long sentences.
Archive
In Bankrupt Puerto Rico, Ex-Officials Arrested for Corruption
Two former Puerto Rico officials, along with the head of an accounting firm and three others, were indicted over allegations of theft, money laundering and wire fraud, escalating federal investigations that have been swirling around the bankrupt U.S. territory.
Archive
Considered a Threat to Others, Oregon Senator Must Give 12 Hours' Notice Before Going to Capitol
Oregon Sen. Brian Boquist can only report to the Capitol if he provides 12 hours' notice, so that officials can arrange for additional state troopers to ensure the safety of employees and the public.
Archive
'Out of Respect of My Wife,' Candidate for Mississippi Governor Denies Female Reporter Access to Campaign
A Mississippi state representative and Republican candidate for governor wouldn't let a female reporter accompany him on a trip unless she brought a man along, and he's blaming his wife.
Archive
Trump's July Fourth Celebration Depleted D.C.'s Emergency Fund While the Mayor's Still Waiting to Be Reimbursed for His Inauguration
President Donald Trump's Fourth of July celebration has contributed to the depletion of Washington, D.C.'s fund that covers the impact of the federal government's presence on the District's public safety needs, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser.
Archive
Census Judge Denies Trump's Request for New Legal Team in Citizenship Case
A federal judge rejected a request by the Trump administration to assign a new legal team to a lawsuit that blocked the U.S. from adding a citizenship question to the 2020 census.
Archive
At Obamacare Hearing, Federal Appeals Court Appears Skeptical of Law
A panel of federal judges in New Orleans sharply questioned attorneys defending the Affordable Care Act on Tuesday, increasing the chances that the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals may throw out at least part of the 2010 law, often called Obamacare.
Archive
23 Governors Join California's Fight Against Trump Administration's Rollback of Fuel Efficiency Rules
The governors of 23 U.S. states are pressuring the Trump administration to back down in a fight with California over gas mileage that has left automakers in a lurch about the fuel economy they will have to comply with going forward.
Archive
After Mass Shooting, Virginia's Governor Called a Special Session on Guns. It Abruptly Ended Without Debate.
Less than two hours after beginning a special session ordered by the Democratic governor to consider new gun laws, Republican lawmakers voted Tuesday to adjourn until November without debating any legislation.
Archive
In 2020, Democrats Can Vote by Phone in Nevada
In a bid to increase voter accessibility in its first-in-the-West caucuses, the Nevada Democratic Party has unveiled its virtual caucus plan for 2020.
Archive
Recall Risk: Colorado Governor's Critics Start Collecting Signatures
A group that wants to recall Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has been given the green light to start circulating petitions to get a special election on the ballot this fall.
Archive
New York Gives Congress Access to Trump's Tax Returns
Congressional investigators will now have access to President Trump's New York State income tax returns, under a new law that took effect Monday.
Archive
CBO Releases Minimum Wage Study as Congress Considers $15
The Congressional Budget Office said in a report released Monday that nearly doubling the federal minimum wage to $15 per hour could cost 1.3 million jobs when fully implemented by 2025, though millions would see higher wages and the number of Americans living in poverty would decrease.
Archive
Florida Principal Reassigned After Refusing to Call Holocaust 'Factual'
A South Florida principal who refused to say the Holocaust was a "factual, historical event" will be reassigned to a district position immediately, the Palm Beach County School District confirmed Monday.
Archive
Census Citizenship Question: As Trump Mulls Executive Order, DOJ Changes Legal Team
Despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling against having a citizenship question on the 2020 Census, Acting U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Ken Cuccinelli said he thinks the Trump administration will find a way to include it.
Archive
New Jersey Governor Creates New Office to Help Immigrants and Takes Back Control of Refugee Resettlement
Gov. Phil Murphy marked the Fourth of July holiday by announcing two new initiatives to assist immigrants settling in New Jersey.
Archive
The 7 States That Started the New Fiscal Year Without a Final Budget
Gov. Gina Raimondo's unwillingness so far to sign to sign the proposed new $9.9-billion budget for the year that began on July 1 has landed Rhode Island on Moody's list of states with "weak governance."
Archive
After Earthquakes, California Governor Seeks Federal Aid
Gov. Gavin Newsom is seeking the Trump administration's help in responding to the the 7.1 earthquake in Southern California that on Friday damaged roads, sparked fires and caused numerous injuries.
Archive
Why Walmart Will Stop Selling Guns in New Mexico
A small sign taped to a gun case at big-box retailer Walmart in central Santa Fe says the store -- and all Walmarts across New Mexico -- will stop selling firearms later this month after a new state law took effect requiring background checks on sales of nearly all firearms.
Archive
State Lawmakers Unhappy About Their Pay Win Legal Battle in Illinois
A Cook County judge ruled this week that Illinois lawmakers violated the state constitution when they voted to freeze their pay every year from 2009 through 2016.
Archive
Amid Battle Over Census Citizenship Question, Trump Administration Backs Down
The move to print the census without the question came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that the Commerce Department had failed to justify its proposal.
Archive
After Mass Shooting, Virginia Beach Council Approves Independent Probe
The investigation will focus on creating a timeline of the tragedy, reviewing the gunman's employment history and analyzing how to prevent workplace violence in the future.
Archive
More Ransomware Attacks: Georgia Court Computers Hacked
Hackers have infected computers at a Georgia courts agency, demanding a ransom payment and causing officials to shut down court websites.
Archive
Kansas Changes the Penalty for Drivers Who Refuse a Sobriety Test
Under a new state law, police can't ticket motorists suspected of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol for refusing an officer's request to take a field sobriety test.
Archive
Florida Limits Felons' Voting Rights Given to Them by Historic Ballot Measure
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law Friday evening a controversial bill limiting how many felons will be able to vote, undercutting much of the promise of last year’s historic Amendment 4.
Archive
To Boost Affordable Housing, Oregon Lawmakers End Single-Family Zoning
It will allow duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and "cottage clusters" on land previously reserved for single family houses in cities with more than 25,000 residents, as well as smaller cities in the Portland metro area
Archive
Amid Huge State Budget Cuts, University of Alaska Will Furlough 2,500 Employees
Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Friday erased $130 million in state support for the public university system on top of a $5 million cut approved by the Legislature for the fiscal year that started Monday.
Archive
Pennsylvania Begins Unprecedented Sealing of Millions of Criminal Records
One study, conducted at the University of Michigan Law School, found people who received expungements saw their wages increase by an average of 25 percent within two years.
Archive
'Red Flag' Gun Law Signed by Hawaii Governor
Gov. David Ige has approved a new law that enables family members, co-workers or police to obtain court orders blocking access to firearms for people who show signs they could pose a danger to themselves or others.
Archive
Federal Government Demands Part of Oklahoma's $270M Opioid Settlement
The settlement stipulates $200 million, or the bulk of the settlement, must go toward establishing a national center for addiction treatment at the Oklahoma State University Center for Wellness and Recovery in Tulsa.
Archive
After Death of Football Player, University of Maryland Risks Losing Accreditation
A loss of accreditation would prevent university students from receiving federal financial aid, as well as affect processes for transfer students.
Archive
Another Florida City Hacked: This Time for $490,000 Ransom
The attack hit the city on June 10 after being targeted with malware attack known as "Triple Threat." The ransom request came days later.
Archive
Parkland Shooting Fallout: 2 More Deputies Accused of Neglect and Fired
This brings the total number of BSO first responders fired in the aftermath of the worst high school shooting in Florida history to four.
Archive
Program to Track State Workplace Harassment a Year Behind Schedule in California
Former Gov. Jerry Brown proposed the project as a first step to start addressing allegations of gender-based harassment in state government that were coming out amid the #MeToo movement.
Archive
Connecticut Governor Signs Sweeping Family and Medical Leave Bill
Under the law, Connecticut workers at firms of one or more employee will be eligible for paid time off to care for a newborn, a newly adopted or foster child, a seriously ill relative by blood or marriage or a close associate who is the equivalent of a family member.
Archive
NYPD Received 2,495 Reports of Police Bias. None Were Deemed Valid.
The study from the department's inspector general first looked at 888 of the 2,495 bias-related complaints filed against NYPD officers between when the department began tracking such complaints in 2014 and the end of 2018.
Archive
No More E-Cigarette Sales: San Francisco First Major U.S. City to Ban Them
Under the ordinance, "no person shall sell or distribute an electronic cigarette to a person in San Francisco" without first passing a Food and Drug Administration review, which no e-cigarette brand has done.
Archive
Historic Marijuana Bill Signed in Illinois
The law provides for selected businesses to be licensed to grow, process, transport and sell the drug. The bill also provides for expungement -- the nullification of lower-level cannabis possession convictions -- and funding for minority neighborhoods hit hardest by prosecution of marijuana possession.
Archive
Amid Scandal Over Sexual Texts, Pennsylvania GOP Chairman Resigns
Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman Val DiGiorgio resigned Tuesday after The Inquirer reported that he had traded sexually explicit messages with a onetime GOP candidate for Philadelphia City Council.
Archive
Nurse Who Exposed Hospital Problems Will Be New Jersey's Next Top Health Official
Judith Persichilli would be the first nurse to hold the job that includes licensing and inspecting hospitals and nursing homes, responding to public health emergencies and running the medicinal marijuana program.
Archive
After Criticizing It, Louisiana Governor Signs Bill to Protect Obamacare Patients
After calling the bill a "fig leaf" aimed at saving Louisiana's attorney general from embarrassment, Gov. John Bel Edwards quietly signed into a law a measure pushed by one of his political rivals that aims to eventually offer some protections to patients if the Affordable Care Act is overturned.
Archive
Missouri's Only Abortion Clinic Awaits Court Decision After State Denies License
Planned Parenthood will continue providing abortions at least until a St. Louis judge issues a ruling in the clinic's legal battle with the state Department of Health and Senior Services, which on Friday declined to renew the facility's license.
Archive
Recreational Marijuana Rules Approved by Maine Legislature
Among other things, the amended rules ease the requirements on certain foods containing marijuana and on state residency requirements for operating a recreational marijuana businesses.
Archive
Climate Controversy: Militia Threats Shut Down Oregon Statehouse
Threats against the state lawmakers and government officials come amid a clash between Democrats and Republicans, specifically over a sweeping greenhouse gas emissions cap-trade-bill.
Archive
As EPA Finalizes New Carbon Emissions Rule, Blue States Gear Up for Legal Battle
The EPA's Affordable Clean Energy rule rescinds the Obama administration's ambitious Clean Power Plan and replaces it with less stringent guidelines for states and coal-fired power plants to reduce their emissions.
Archive
Oregon Republicans Leave the State to Avoid Climate Vote, and Governor Sends Police After Them
All 11 Republican senators are in hiding, at least some of them out of state, in order to prevent the Senate from having the quorum it needs to operate.
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This Church Can Hire Its Own Police Force Under New Alabama Law
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has signed legislation clearing the way for Briarwood Presbyterian Church and its affiliated school, as well as a private academy in Madison County, to establish their own police forces.
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$1 Billion PG&E Settlement: Company Will Pay Local Governments for Wildfire Damage
More than half of the $1 billion is earmarked for the town of Paradise and Butte County, which sustained catastrophic loss of life and property damage after the Camp fire in November 2018. At least 85 people died.
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As Bay Area Housing Crisis Worsens, Big Companies Offer Money to Help
Google's announcement Tuesday that it would put $1 billion toward housing -- including affordable units for the community and housing for its employees -- came weeks after Wells Fargo pledged the same round number -- $1 billion -- toward housing affordability over the next six years.
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At Governor's Request, Iowa Human Services Director Resigns
Gerd W. Clabaugh, director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, will serve as the interim director of Human Services, according to a statement from the Governor's Office.
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A School District's Attempt to End Vaping: Random Nicotine Tests for Students
Fairbury Junior-Senior High School has had students participate in random drug-testing system for two years where students and their parents are required to sign a consent form agreeing to urinalysis, reported the Journal Star.
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From Poverty to the Mayor's Office: The 34-Year-Old Who Won Kansas City's Race
Quinton Lucas, who rose from poverty and homelessness on Kansas City's East Side to become an Ivy League-educated lawyer and City Council member, won a decisive victory in the mayor's race Tuesday night, becoming the youngest person to win the office in more than a century.
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After Major Changes to California Vaccine Bill, Skeptical Governor Supports It
The legislation sharpened its focus on unscrupulous doctors while easing the list of medical conditions that physicians could cite in allowing schoolchildren to skip required immunizations.
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How New York's Climate Plan Could Be the Most Ambitious Yet
Gov. Cuomo and state lawmakers reached a deal Tuesday and planned to vote on a sweeping piece of climate legislation that would promote green jobs, end the state's reliance on fossil fuels and eliminate nearly all man-made pollution by 2050.
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In Sexual Harassment Case, 4 Women Sue Indiana AG and the State
Hoosier taxpayers could be forced to pay the price for alleged sexual misconduct by Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr.
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To Combat Election Hacking, Florida Will Use Additional $2 Million
Some $2.3 million in unused funds from a $19.1 million federal grant for election cybersecurity for the 2018 election cycle is being rerouted back to counties that failed to spend the money ahead of that election.
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'An Absolute Mess': Kansas Prison Conditions Will Cost Millions to Fix
Kansas prisons are in crisis after decisions by state leaders have left them overcrowded and suffering from dangerous staff shortages.
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Suspect Arrested for Murder of Former Arkansas State Senator
State Police and Randolph County Sheriff's deputies on Friday announced they detained 48-year-old Rebecca Lynn O'Donnell in the ex-lawmaker's death.
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Dropping Lt. Governor Bid, North Carolina Democrat Launches U.S. Senate Run
So far, Cal Cunningham becomes the highest-profile Democrat to enter the Senate race.
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Supreme Court Vacates Lower Ruling Against Bakery in Same-Sex Wedding Case
Cake makers Melissa and Aaron Klein told lesbian couple Laurel and Rachel Bowman-Cryer in January 2013 that they didn't do same-sex wedding cakes.
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Driver's Licenses for Undocumented Immigrants: New York Governor Signs Controversial Measure
Cuomo has repeatedly expressed support for the bill -- but raised last-minute concerns Monday about whether the information about undocumented immigrants gathered by the state DMV could be obtained by federal officials and used for immigration enforcement.
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Florida Bans 'Sanctuary Cities,' But There Aren't Any in the State
The bill, SB 168, requires local and state law enforcement officials and entities to honor federal "immigration detainer" requests, which ask a law enforcement agency to detain someone on probable cause that they are "removable" under federal immigration laws.
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Citing Vague Ballot Wording, Kentucky Supreme Court Strikes Crime Victims Amendment
The high court unanimously ruled that the actual language of the 556-word amendment -- although dense and complex -- should have been presented to voters on the statewide ballot last November.
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After Video Shows Police Pointing Gun at Mother With Children, Phoenix Mayor Apologizes
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said she was "sick" over a video showing a police officer pointing his gun at a mother and her two children, while another cop slammed a father against a car and kicked him because of shoplifting allegations.
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Flint Charges Dropped: Michigan Dismisses Criminal Cases But Will Continue Probe
Eight remaining Flint water prosecutions have been dismissed by the Department of Attorney General, officials said Thursday, June 13.
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Most GOP Lame-Duck Laws Reinstated by Wisconsin Supreme Court
The order, in a second major case challenging the laws that passed after a Democrat was elected governor but before he took office, reinstates a law that reduced the power of Democratic Attorney General Josh Kaul to drop out of or settle cases.
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Amid Measles Outbreak, New York Ends Religious Exemptions for Vaccines
Both the Democrat-led Assembly and Senate spent the previous hours wrangling over whether or not to repeal the exemption, which allows parents not immunize their children because of their religious beliefs.
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'Sanctuary City for the Unborn': All-Male City Council Bans Abortion in Texas Town
The town, which, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, has fewer than 2,300 residents, is located right next to the Texas-Louisiana border (roughly 28 miles west of Shreveport).
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Sarah Sanders for Governor? Trump Hopes Press Secretary Runs in Arkansas
Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the hyper-loyal mouthpiece for President Trump and his scandal-scarred administration, said Thursday she's leaving the White House at the end of this month -- and her soon-to-be ex-boss sent her off with a plea to run for governor of Arkansas.
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As 'Heartbeat' Bills Pass in Other States, Illinois Governor Signs Abortion Rights Into Law
Surrounded by dozens of lawmakers and abortion rights advocates, Pritzker signed the controversial legislation that he said will ensure that Illinois is "going to be there for women if they have to be refugees from other states."
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Joining 7 States, Maine Legalizes Medically Assisted Suicide
Gov. Janet Mills signed legislation Wednesday that would allow terminally ill patients to obtain prescriptions for lethal doses of drugs, making Maine the latest state to legalize medication-assisted suicide.
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Marijuana Tax Revenue Surpasses $1 Billion in Colorado
Marijuana tax, license and fee revenue has reached $1.02 billion, and marijuana sales over $6.5 billion, the Colorado Department of Revenue announced in a news release.
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Failed a Weed Test? In One State, Job Applicants Now Have Protections.
Starting in 2020, it will be illegal for employers in Nevada to refuse to hire applicants based on positive results for pot in pre-employment drug testing, thanks to a new law signed by Gov. Steve Sisolak, a Democrat.
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Prisoners With Pot: California Inmates Can Possess the Drug But Not Consume It
The 3rd District Court of Appeal overturned criminal convictions for five Sacramento defendants who had been caught with marijuana in their prison cells.
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In Effort to Stop Quick-Release Asylum Policy, New Mexico Sues Feds
A record number of asylum seekers are crossing the border into the United States, and the U.S. Border Patrol does not have enough holding cell space for families.
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T-Mobile and Sprint Merger Faces Legal Challenge by 9 State AGs
The lawsuit argues that the merger would create a company that become the largest wireless company in the U.S., with the effect of "diminished competition, higher prices, and reduced quality and innovation."
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Landmark Deal Provides New Rent Protections for New York Tenants
Democrats, in control of both the Senate and Assembly for the first time in nearly a decade, have spent weeks mulling over a nine-bill package that would radically reform regulations in favor of renters.
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New Jersey the First to Require Panic Buttons for Hotel Cleaners
In September, major hotel brands -- including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt -- agreed to provide the buttons to their employees after hotel workers with the union Unite Here held protests across the country calling for panic buttons and other safety measures.
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'Save Chick-fil-A' Bill Signed by Texas Governor
Supporters of the bill said the measure is necessary to protect religious freedom.
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Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners Can Now Perform Abortions in Maine
A staunch defender of abortion rights and Maine's first female governor, Janet Mills introduced the bill this year and supported a similar measure last legislative session when she was serving as attorney general.
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Chemical Castration for Some Sex Offenders Becomes Law in Alabama
The treatment consists of taking a medication to suppress or block the production of testosterone.
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Judge: Missouri Must Determine Fate of Only Abortion Clinic's License by June 21
A St. Louis judge has ordered that Missouri's sole outpatient abortion provider -- the Planned Parenthood clinic in St. Louis -- be allowed to keep its doors open for now.
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New Mexico Governor Condemns DOE Plan for Nuclear Waste Storage Site
The governor's opposition does not kill the project but it does set up political hurdles that figure to be formidable.
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From Rapper to City Council Member? 'Scarface' Announces Run for Houston Seat
The seat is currently held by Councilman Dwight Boykins, who recently filed paperwork indicating he will run for mayor, according to earlier reports in the Houston Chronicle.
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17,000 Medicaid Patients Are Losing Their Health Care in Georgia
The state Department of Community Health said the 17,000 had simply not responded to renewal notices informing them how to continue their coverage.
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Will Maine's New Strict Internet Privacy Law Conflict With the FCC?
The new law, which goes into effect on July 1, 2020, would require providers to ask for permission before they sell or share any of their customers' data to a third party.
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Feds Want to Speed Cleanup of Nuclear Waste in South Carolina. Critics See Danger.
The move could cut costs and mark a broader change that influences nuclear sites across the country. But some nuclear watchers have warned it could also make Americans less safe.
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Should Louisiana Restrict Abortion in Its Constitution? Voters Get to Decide.
Lawmakers gave final passage Tuesday to the measure aimed at defending abortion bans in the future, part of a wave of abortion bills being passed in Louisiana and across the country this year.
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Florist Who Refused Service to Same-Sex Wedding Loses Washington Supreme Court Case
The state Supreme Court reaffirmed a ruling it made in 2017, after the U.S. Supreme Court sent the case back to Washington to determine whether it had been handled with "religious neutrality," as guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution.
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Former Arkansas State Lawmaker Found Dead in Home From Gunshot Wound
Prior to her time in the Senate, Linda Collins-Smith served one term in the state House of Representatives from 2011 to 2013. While she was elected as a Democrat, she swapped parties just months after taking office.
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50 Years Later, NYPD Apologizes for Raid on Stonewall Inn
Commissioner James O'Neill began his briefing on the security measures for this year's Pride Month events, which include the June 30 Pride March, by addressing the NYPD's actions at the Greenwich Village bar in 1969.
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After Governor Vetoes Anti-Abortion Bill, North Carolina Lawmakers Fail to Override
The North Carolina House on Wednesday failed to block Cooper's veto of Senate Bill 359, which would bring new penalties for medical professionals who allow abortion survivors to die.
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Oregon Could Be 15th State to Join Anti-Electoral College Effort
Oregon's seven Electoral College votes could one day be awarded to a candidate who did not win the most votes in Oregon.
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Sex Offenders May Undergo 'Chemical Castration' If Alabama Bill Becomes Law
The Alabama Department of Public Health would administer the treatment. The offender would pay for the treatment unless a court determined the offender was indigent.
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Understaffed Nursing Homes Face Big Fines in Illinois
The legislation mandates fines for nursing homes that don't meet minimum staffing requirements already set out in Illinois law.
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Despite Possible Pay Raises, Nevada County Teachers Will Strike
The union's executive director, John Vellardita, said the Legislature failed to allocate sufficient funds to the Clark County School District that could cover promised teacher raises without cutting resources in the classroom.
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Big Marijuana Firms Skirt Pennsylvania Laws to Outpace Local Dispensaries
Companies like Harvest Health & Recreation are using loopholes in the state's law to snap up cannabis properties. Harvest alone has a war chest of $500 million set aside for acquiring smaller cannabis companies.
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Following Virginia Beach Shooting, Governor Orders Special Session on Gun Control
Democrats in Virginia -- nearly 20 of whom joined Northam Tuesday -- have tried unsuccessfully for years to pass tighter gun laws. All 140 lawmakers face a challenge in this November's elections.
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New Emails Suggest Texas Governor Pushed to Remove Voters
The legal efforts began after former interim Secretary of State David Whitley issued an advisory on Jan. 25 that said DPS had identified nearly 100,000 on the state's voter rolls who had applied for a driver's license as noncitizens.
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Despite More Funding, Homelessness Increases in Los Angeles
In a hard reality check for Los Angeles County's multibillion-dollar hope of ending homelessness, officials reported Tuesday that the number of people living on the streets, in vehicles and in shelters increased by about 12% over last year.
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In Nation First, Declawing Cats Could Be Outlawed in New York
Cat declawing involves surgically removing the tendons, nerves and bones at the tip of a tabby's toes.
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In Trump Trade War With China, Food Banks Score a Victory
The shelves at your local food bank are likely stocked. Give credit to President Donald Trump’s trade war with China.
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Despite Effort to Block, Facebook Must Proceed With D.C. Privacy Lawsuit
Facebook had argued the court should stay the matter because of other cases, but it now needs to produce documents for the D.C. judge.
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In Flint Water Probe, Phone of Ex-Governor and Dozens of Officials Seized
In addition the warrant obtained by the Associated Press rounds up information from 22 state Health and Human Services employees, 11 Department of Environmental Quality employees and at least 33 employees in the governor's office, CNN reported.
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Missouri's Only Abortion Clinic Will Remain Open -- for Now
St. Louis Circuit Judge Michael Stelzer granted a request from Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region for a temporary restraining order that stopped the clinic's license from expiring at midnight on Friday.
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Should the State Get the Final Say on Vaccine Exemptions? California's Governor Has Doubts.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said Saturday he's concerned about having government officials sign off on vaccine exemptions, arguing those decisions should be made between patients and doctors without government involvement.
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LGBT Conversion Therapy for Minors Banned in Colorado
Those who objected to the conversion therapy bill said they worried it would infringe on the ability of pastors and others to talk about their personal religious beliefs on homosexuality.
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After Years-Long Debate, Texas Bans Red-Light Cameras
Critics have long said the cameras violate the U.S. Constitution and lead to rear-end accidents. Supporters maintain that they make the streets safer and generate needed money for cities and the state.
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Louisiana's Democratic Governor Signs 'Heartbeat' Abortion Ban
John Bel Edwards, who ran on a "pro-life" platform in 2015, is the only incumbent Democratic governor in the Deep South, and is running for re-election this year.
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'Social Workers of Last Resort': Police Adopt New Training Techniques
Some police are now required to undergo de-escalation and mental health training, administer first aid to people after using deadly force, and undergo an independent investigation into their use of deadly force.
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To Prevent Wildfires, California Mandates Power Shutoffs
The California Public Utilities Commission voted unanimously in favor of the utility's plan and statewide guidelines for power shutoffs despite concerns from disabled people.
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Overriding Governor's Veto, New Hampshire Lawmakers Abolish Death Penalty
The state hasn't carried out an execution in eight decades, but the repeal bill carries symbolic weight for activists.
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Georgia's Plan to Bring Internet Service to Rural Areas
A newly released Georgia broadband plan outlines a path for rural areas to get online, a key step toward building internet lines to some of the roughly 1.6 million residents who lack fast connections.
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Kamala Harris' Voting Rights-Inspired Plan to Prevent State Abortion Bans
Her proposal would give the Department of Justice final say over abortion laws passed by states or localities that have enacted unconstitutional abortion restrictions in the past 25 years.
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Another Heartbeat Bill: Louisiana Abortion Ban Heads to Governor's Desk
The legislation, a so-called "heartbeat" ban, resembles other bills passed this year in deep red states that could outlaw abortions after an ultrasound is able to detect the electric pulsing of what will become a fetus's heart.
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As Measles Spreads to Maine, Governor Ends Non-Medical Vaccine Exemptions
Democratic Maine governor Janet Mills signed a bill into law Friday that made Maine the fourth state to bar residents from claiming religious or philosophical reasons to opt-out of vaccines and immunizations.
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After Years of Restrictions, Colorado Cities Can Raise Minimum Wages Beginning in 2020
State law blocked local governments from enacting their own minimum-wage laws for decades, but that changed Tuesday when Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1210.
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'I Know This Job': Andrew Cuomo Will Run for 4th Term as New York Governor
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo says he's planning to run for a fourth term in 2022, which could make him among the longest-tenured chief executives in New York history, eclipsing his father, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo.
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Connecticut Will Raise Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour
The first increase will be to $11 in October, up from the current minimum of $10.10 an hour, and the minimum wage will eventually reach $15 an hour in 2023.
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Is Roe v. Wade Really at Risk? Indiana Abortion Ruling Shows Supreme Court Reluctance to Weigh In
The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld part of an unusual Indiana abortion law that requires clinics to bury or cremate the remains of a fetus. The justices in a short opinion said the law did not violate a woman's right to choose abortion.
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Supreme Court Pauses Partisan Gerrymandering Cases in Michigan and Ohio
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to put on hold partisan gerrymandering cases from Ohio and Michigan, temporarily sparing Republican lawmakers in those states of the need to redraw congressional districts by the summer.
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Following Botched Voter Purge Attempt, Texas Secretary of State Resigns
Embattled Secretary of State David Whitley -- whose office wrongly challenged the citizenship of thousands of Texas voters -- resigned Monday.
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First Major Opioid Trial Begins In Oklahoma
Oklahoma initially sued three large opioid manufacturers and their affiliated companies, but two of the groups have entered into settlement agreements and been dropped from the lawsuit.
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Texas Passes Bill to Let People Openly Carry Guns After a Natural Disaster
House Bill 1177 passed by a vote of 16-15 and now heads to Gov. Greg Abbott for his signature or veto.
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With New Measles Case, Half of U.S. States Now Affected
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported the state's first measles case in two years on Tuesday, adding Maine to the growing list of states affected by one the nation's most severe measles outbreak in decades.
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Amid Election Security Concerns, Florida Governor Orders Statewide Review
The Mueller report indicated the FBI believed Russian hackers sent more than 120 "spearphishing" emails to elections officials throughout the state in 2016.
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Maryland's Renewable Energy Target: 50% by 2030
The legislation brings Maryland to the forefront of states using energy policy to promote investment in green technology.
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'We Are Fighting for Women': Equal Pay Becomes Law in Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis signed equal pay legislation into law Wednesday, but it won't take effect for another 19 months, leaving Colorado employers with time to limit their legal liability before 2021.
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To Pay for Opioid Crisis, Minnesota Raises Fees on Drug Companies
The legislation, which passed both chambers with bipartisan support, is expected to raise more than $20 million a year for addiction prevention and treatment to stem the opioid crisis.
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'The Worst Minutes of Our Lives': Tornadoes Rip Through Missouri
"It's happening again," one man tweeted Wednesday before the sky turned violent. "Just like eight years ago. ..."
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Amid Influx of Asylum-Seekers, New Mexico Seeks Federal Reimbursement
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham is headed to Washington, D.C., this week to push the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for better communication and federal reimbursement as New Mexico handles an influx of asylum-seeking families
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Was Virginia's Governor in That Racist Yearbook Photo? School Probe Inconclusive
After a months-long investigation, Eastern Virginia Medical School says it can't "conclusively determine" whether or not Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was one of the two men -- one wearing blackface and the other wearing a KKK robe -- who appeared in a racist yearbook photo.
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Chicago's New Mayor Will Replace Entire School Board
The announcement came less than an hour after Board President Frank Clark told fellow board members at their regular monthly meeting that he is stepping down.
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Banned: Book About Policing's Impact on Black Men Not Allowed in Arizona Prisons
"Chokehold: Policing Black Men," written by former federal prosecutor Paul Butler, takes a close look at mass incarceration with a focus on African American men.
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New York Lawmakers Pass Bill to Release Trump's State Tax Returns to Congress
Trump lives in New York, which also is home to his businesses. Analysts and lawmakers have said his state tax returns would contain much of the same information as his federal returns.
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Among State Workers, Opioid Prescriptions Decline Sharply
One major factor is that many health insurers have imposed limits on prescriptions, as recommended by the CDC in 2016.
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To Sniff Out Pot With Dogs, Police Need Probable Cause First in Colorado
In a 4-3 ruling, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that, under the state constitution, a dog trained to alert to marijuana cannot be used before an officer establishes probable cause that a crime had been committed.
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Washington Becomes First State to Legalize Human Composting
The law, which takes effect May 1, 2020, recognizes "natural organic reduction" and alkaline hydrolysis (sometimes called "liquid cremation") as acceptable means of disposition for human bodies. Until now, Washington code had permitted only burial and cremation.
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California High-Speed Rail Agency Sues Trump Administration
California's high-speed rail agency announced Tuesday it is suing the federal government over the Trump administration's decision to terminate a $929 million grant for the state's beleaguered bullet train.
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Tennessee House Speaker Announces His Resignation
Tennessee Republican House Speaker Glen Casada today announced he will resign the post following a no-confidence resolution passed Monday by fellow House Republicans and calls from Republican Gov. Bill Lee for him to step down.
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To Slash Prices, Colorado Moves to Import Canada's Prescription Drugs
The law, signed Thursday, tasks the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing with creating a plan for safely importing Canadian drugs and presenting a proposal to U.S. Health and Human Services by September 2020.
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After Ohio State Sex Abuse Report, Governor Calls for End to Statute of Limitations
In the wake of revelations that ex-Ohio State University athletic doctor Richard Strauss sexually abused at least 177 male students between 1979 and 1998, Gov. Mike DeWine on Monday called on Ohio lawmakers to abolish the state's statute of limitations for sexual assault.
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Border Patrol Begins Sending Migrants to San Diego
As a start, Border Patrol plans to send three flights per week of 120 to 135 people each to San Diego
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'It Was a Hectic Scene': Brawl Erupts at Conference for Local Government Officials
A spokesman with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department confirmed that a brawl at the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa had been reported to police around 12:30 a.m. Saturday.
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Kansas Governor Cancels No-Bid Technology Contracts Worth $110M
Gov. Laura Kelly finalized the decision Thursday to terminate a pair of 10-year contracts with CGI Technologies valued at $111 million that were negotiated by now-departed officials at the Kansas Department of Revenue who engaged in a secretive bidding process.
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GOP Governor Pushes Back on Trump Administration's Plan to Send Migrants to Florida
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said Friday the state isn't prepared to handle vague Trump administration plans to send some 1,000 undocumented immigrants a month from the southern border to South Florida.
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Abortion Backlash: 2 States Threaten to Boycott Alabama
The backlash against Alabama over its passage of the country's most restrictive abortion law has begun with threats by Democratic officials in other states calling for boycotts and divesting from the Yellowhammer State.
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5 More States Sue OxyContin Maker Purdue Pharma
The attorneys general of Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, West Virginia and Wisconsin are separately filing their complaints, which accuse the company of deliberately misrepresenting the risks and benefits of OxyContin, its top seller.
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No More High-Speed Rail? Trump Cancels Nearly $1 Billion in California's Funding
While loss of the money poses a potentially devastating hit to the project, state officials said, no immediate construction changes are planned because the federal government's action could be reversed in future legal action.
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Trump Pardons Former GOP Lawmaker Who Served Time After FBI Sting
President Trump on Wednesday pardoned former GOP Assemblyman Pat Nolan, who spent more than two years in federal prison after pleading guilty in 1994 in an FBI sting operation looking into corruption in the Legislature.
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Nevada Governor Signs Patient Protections for Preexisting Conditions and Surprise Billing
Sisolak said that more than 1 million Nevadans live with pre-existing conditions and could face increased health care costs if the ACA were repealed.
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'This Is Not Over': Bill to Add Housing to Single-Family Neighborhoods Blocked in California
Disputes over SB 50 revealed deep divisions among Democrats who dominate the Legislature over solutions to California's longstanding housing affordability problems.
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Larry Hogan Lets School Funding Bill Become Law Without His Signature
The bill, dubbed the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future," will direct $850 million in extra state spending to public schools over the next two years. The money will start flowing to the schools in July 2020.
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Illinois Governor Vows to Overhaul State's Troubled Child Welfare Agency
A report identified 41 child deaths due to neglect or abuse that were investigated by the agency's inspector general between 2014 and 2018.
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Michigan Republican Lawmaker Accused of Trying to Sell His Vote
Rep. Larry Inman, R-Traverse City, was indicted Tuesday by a federal grand jury in Grand Rapids, court records show.
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He's Running: Mayor Bill de Blasio Announces 2020 Presidential Bid
De Blasio has been flirting with a White House bid for half a year, laying the groundwork for a 2020 campaign over the last few months.
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To Control Forest Fires, Western States Light More of Their Own
Experts who study public lands say low-intensity, controlled fires are a crucial tool for reducing wildfire risk — particularly as more people move to forested areas and climate change fuels hotter, drier summers.
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'Let's Not Do It Again': Probe Concludes PG&E Power Lines Caused California's Deadliest Fire
The conclusion of the Cal Fire probe marks a milestone in the recovery from the worst wildfire in modern California history.
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With Shelters at Capacity, New Mexico Governor Pays to Bus Migrants to Colorado
The shelters in Las Cruces, N.M., have been inundated with migrants and asylum seekers since April 12, New Mexico governor's spokeswoman Claudia Tristán said.
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In Sex Abuse Investigation, Police Raid Catholic Diocese of Dallas
The Catholic Diocese of Dallas has not been forthcoming in sharing information about priests accused of sexually abusing children, police said Wednesday.
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Georgia Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Recess in Elementary Schools
Kemp, in his veto statement, said he supports expanded recess for students but that he is a "firm believer in local control, especially in education."
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Chicago Alderman Arrested for Potentially Filing a False Police Report
Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno was taken into Chicago police custody Tuesday night on an arrest warrant, police confirmed.
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Opioid Lawsuit 'Oversimplifies the Problem,' Rules North Dakota Judge
A lawsuit filed on behalf of North Dakota that aimed to hold big pharma accountable for the impact of the opioid epidemic has been dismissed by a Burleigh County District Court Judge.
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Near-Total Abortion Ban Sent to Alabama Governor
The vote sends it to Republican Gov. Kay Ivey, who could sign it into law.
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After Mueller Report, Florida Governor Says 2 Counties Were Hacked in 2016 Election
The recent report into Russian election meddling released by special counsel Robert Mueller indicated that federal authorities suspected one county had been hacked.
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San Francisco the First U.S. City to Ban Facial Recognition Technology
The legislation also will force city departments to disclose what surveillance technology they currently use -- and seek approval from the Board of Supervisors on any new technology that either collects or stores someone's data.
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With Unanimous Approval, Georgia Shuts Down Immigration 'Kangaroo Court'
So unpopular was the program that Georgia lawmakers unanimously voted on a measure earlier this year to dissolve it and Gov. Brian Kemp, who campaigned on a promise to round up illegal immigrants in his pickup truck, signed it into law without a public statement.
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Georgia Insurance Commissioner Indicted in Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme
Georgia Insurance Commissioner Jim Beck was accused Tuesday by a federal grand jury of stealing more than $2 million from his former employer.
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A College Fund for Newborns: Colorado Will Invest $100 in Each
Gov. Jared Polis on Monday signed House Bill 1280, setting aside $100 for all Colorado kids born or adopted between 2020 and 2040.
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New Hampshire Governor Will Run for Reelection Instead of U.S. Senate
Sununu, a 44-year-old Newfields Republican, made the announcement Tuesday night on social media after he and his wife had discussed his future.
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Supreme Court: One State Can't Be Sued in Another State's Court
The 5-4 ruling is both a win for the California Franchise Tax Board and a victory for the conservative principle of state "sovereign immunity."
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In Rebuke to Trump, California Governor Pardons Refugees Facing Deportation
Newsom adopted a policy of his predecessor, former Gov. Jerry Brown, to use his state constitutional authority to issue pardons to shield immigrants targeted by federal immigration officials.
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In First Veto, Florida Governor Allows Local Governments to Ban Plastic Straws
In his veto letter to Secretary of State Laurel Lee, he said municipalities that prohibit plastic straws have not "frustrated any state policy" or "harmed the state's interest."
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As the Opioid Crisis Peaks, Meth and Cocaine Deaths Explode
It turns out that the same lethal drug that has been driving the nation’s spiraling opioid epidemic is also causing an historic surge in overdose deaths among cocaine users.
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School Choice Expands in Florida With 5th Voucher Program
The law faces an almost certain court challenge, likely backed by the state's largest teachers union, the Florida Education Association.
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5 Years After Eric Garner's Chokehold Death, NYPD Cop Goes on Trial
Garner was killed July 17, 2014, as police in Staten Island tried to arrest him for selling loose cigarettes.
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Vote on Abortion Ban Delayed in Alabama Senate
The Senate abruptly removed a rape and incest exception from the bill without allowing a roll call vote on that decision.
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To Address Homelessness, California Governor Wants to Double Spending to $1 Billion
"This homeless issue is, rightfully, top of mind for people all across the state that are outraged by it," Newsom told reporters during a news conference at the state Capitol.
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If Sick Leave Runs Out, California Teachers Must Pay for Substitutes Themselves
The policy, added to the code in 1976, was recently scrutinized when a teacher at a San Francisco school had to cover the fees for the person subbing for her while she undergoes breast cancer treatment.
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Where the Next Big Measles Outbreak Could Happen
Rounding out the top 10 counties identified in the study as most at-risk for a measles outbreak are: Los Angeles; Miami-Dade; Queens, N.Y.; King, Wash.; Maricopa, Ariz.; Broward, Fla.; Clark, Nev.; Harris, Texas; and Honolulu.
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Zero-Carbon Electricity by 2045: Washington Governor Signs Clean Power Bill
Even with these bills' passage, Washington still is projected to fall short of the emission targets set by state law.
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33 State AGs Ask Congress for Marijuana Banking Reform
Most Americans live in states where marijuana is legally available in some form. But most banks don't want anything to do with money from the cannabis industry for fear it could expose them to legal trouble from the federal government, which still considers marijuana illegal.
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In Trump vs. California, the State Is Winning Nearly All Its Environmental Cases
More than two years into the Trump presidency, California has embraced its role as chief antagonist -- already suing the administration more times than Texas took President Obama to court during eight years in office.
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To Help Congress Get Trump's Tax Returns, New York Senate Approves Bill
The Democratic-led Senate approved the bill, 39-22, largely along party lines. It now goes to the overwhelmingly Democratic state Assembly, which plans to discuss the measure on Monday.
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Free Tuition for Low-Income Students May Soon Be a Reality in Washington State
About 110,000 low-to median-income students will qualify for help each year, including adults who never got a degree and want to go to school. There will be no more financial-aid wait lists.
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Denver First in U.S. to Decriminalize Psychedelic Mushrooms
After closing an early vote deficit Tuesday night and early Wednesday, final unofficial results posted late in the afternoon showed a reversal of fortune -- with Initiative 301 set to pass narrowly with 50.6 percent of the vote.
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Porn or Vital Life Lessons? California Approves Controversial Sex Ed Guidelines
Schools are not required to implement the framework; they are merely recommendations for teachers and administrators. Students can opt-out from lessons about sexual health.
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A School District's Response to Students Owing Lunch Money: Give Them Cold Sandwiches
Critics say the move will serve only to embarrass children whose parents struggle to afford school meals.
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After Sexually Explicit Texts, Tennessee House Speaker and Chief of Staff in Hot Water
Tennessee House Democrats have also demanded the resignation or removal of Republican House Speaker Glen Casada.
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'I'll Light You Up': Newly Released Sandra Bland Video Spurs Calls to Reopen Case
Nearly four years after Sandra Bland was found dead in a Texas jail cell, a newly uncovered cellphone video offers a new perspective into the controversial arrest and has led her family to call for a new investigation.
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Just Miles Away From Columbine, Another School Shooting in Colorado
Douglas County Sheriff Tony Spurlock confirmed late Tuesday that eight students had been shot during the bloody attack and one of them had died.
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Georgia Governor Signs 'Heartbeat' Abortion Ban to Challenge Roe v. Wade
Gov. Brian Kemp signed one of the strictest abortion laws in the country Tuesday, setting Georgia up for what is likely to be a lengthy _ and costly _ court battle.
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New York AG Sues Trump Administration and IRS
The Trump administration is refusing to release records behind a policy change that hides the donors to nonprofits, New York Attorney General Letitia James charged Monday in a federal lawsuit.
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California AG Launches Sex Abuse Audit of Catholic Dioceses
Attorney General Xavier Becerra sent a letter to all 12 dioceses on Thursday requesting that church officials retain documents relevant to allegations of clergy sex abuse and mandatory reporting.
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A New Tax for School Safety Aims to Protect Students in Montana
Gov. Steve Bullock signed a school safety bill Thursday that would let schools offer a new tax specifically for school safety costs, and to use existing funding streams for safety upgrades.
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Alabama Prisons Fail to Adequately Prevent Suicides, Judge Rules
Judge Myron Thompson's 210-page opinion summarizes the circumstances of 15 men who took their own lives in ADOC prisons over 15 months from late 2017 to this year.
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After Treatment of Black Job Candidate, Georgia Mayor Asked to Resign
An Atlanta Journal-Constitution investigation, published Monday, found that Hoschton Mayor Theresa Kenerly withheld the job candidate from consideration for city administrator because he was black.
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Florida Legislature Approves Bill to Create Hurdles for Voting Felons
The bill now heads to the desk of Gov. Ron DeSantis, and Democratic lawmakers begged him Friday to veto the bill.
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Death Penalty Abolition Vetoed by New Hampshire GOP Governor
After the veto signing, Sununu said he believes in the death penalty as a matter of sound public policy and that he would have vetoed a repeal whether or not the state had an inmate on death row.
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Minnesota Erases Its Marital Rape Exemption
Minnesota has long allowed people who rape their partner to escape penalties if they meet certain conditions, a law Gov. Tim Walz called "antiquated and shameful" before repealing it Thursday.
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Partisan Gerrymandering Ruling Boosts Democrats' 2020 Hopes for Ohio
A federal three-judge panel has struck down Ohio's congressional district map as a partisan gerrymander, giving Democrats hope of making inroads in a state where they failed to pick off any seats last fall.
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Inmates Will Get Free Phone Calls From Jail in New York City
The city and a private contractor, Securus Technologies, had charged inmates 50 cents to make a call, plus 5 cents for each minute on the phone, amounting to $8 million a year -- $5 million of which went to the city.
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Opioid Lawsuit Settled Between West Virginia and Drug Distributor for $37M
The lawsuit against McKesson alleged that the company failed to appropriately monitor the distribution of painkillers to pharmacies around the state, exacerbating the drug epidemic in some of West Virginia's most vulnerable regions.
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'Sanctuary City' Ban Passes Florida Legislature
The bill is believed to be the first time in recent decades that Florida has adopted legislation cracking down on illegal immigrants.
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Costs for California's High-Speed Rail Project May Rise by $1.8 Billion
The $1.8-billion cost increase covers bridges, viaducts, trenches and roadbed from Madera to Wasco, a distance of 119 miles.
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Las Vegas Approves Social Weed Lounges. Will They Conflict With State Regulation?
Gov. Sisolak's cannabis advisory panel is in the process of determining rules to regulate the new industry, including the formation of a Cannabis Control Board.
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First African American and Woman to Serve as Maryland House Speaker
Baltimore County's Del. Adrienne A. Jones was unanimously elected the next speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates on Wednesday, making history as the first woman and African American to hold the position.
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Maine Becomes First State to Ban Styrofoam
It takes effect on Jan. 1, 2020, and will ban businesses including convenience stores, restaurants and grocery stores from selling or distributing Styrofoam products.
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Teachers in This California City Announce Their 2nd Strike of the Year
The Sacramento City Teachers Association, embroiled in a labor dispute with the Sacramento City Unified School District, announced Tuesday that it will hold its second strike on May 22.
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With Eye on Supreme Court, Alabama House Passes Abortion Ban
A bill making it a crime for a doctor to perform an abortion passed in the Alabama House of Representatives Tuesday 74 to 3.
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A First in Minnesota: Police Officer Convicted for On-Duty Shooting
The morning after Mohamed Noor became Minnesota's first law enforcement officer to be convicted of murder while on duty, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey acknowledged that trust in his police force needs to be shored up.
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No More Alcohol Ads: NYC Mayor Issues Ban for City Property
De Blasio announced the executive order, which includes all future advertising contracts or contract renewals, citing a study that exposure to alcohol advertisements can increase the likelihood of alcohol consumption.
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2 Dead and 4 Injured in Shooting on UNC Campus
UNCC Police Chief Jeff Baker confirmed that a suspect, who had been armed with a pistol, was taken into custody, but would not identify the alleged shooter
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No. 1 in Foreclosures, New Jersey Passes Sweeping Changes
Gov. Phil Murphy took aim at New Jersey's dubious distinction as first in the nation in foreclosures Monday when he signed into law a package of bills intended to help remove the state from the crisis' grip.
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That Makes 23 States: Pennsylvania Joins U.S. Climate Alliance
Pennsylvania is now the 23rd state to sign on with the U.S. Climate Alliance, as Gov. Tom Wolf on Monday announced the release of the new Pennsylvania Climate Action Plan.
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After 20-Year Ban, Affirmative Action May Return to Washington State
I-1000 repeals Initiative 200, a measure approved by Washington voters 20 years ago. I-200 blocked the government from giving preferential treatment to, or discriminating against, people and groups on the basis of sex, ethnicity, color, race or national origin.
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St. Louis County Executive Indicted in Federal Pay-for-Play Sting
Steve Stenger lied in public statements and took other actions to cover up the crimes, prosecutors said.
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From Hero to Pariah, Flint Water Expert Fights for His Reputation
Marc Edwards is fighting with Flint activists and Michigan scientists. He said they're exaggerating the danger of city water, which has met federal standards for two years. They said he's unwilling to entertain new research.
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After Synagogue Shooting, California Governor Supports More Funding to Secure Religious Facilities
Newsom announced his support after the 14-member California Legislative Jewish Caucus made an urgent request for $15 million to be budgeted this year for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which only provided $500,000 last year.
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‘We Backed Off a Little Bit’: Medicaid Work Requirements Hit Roadblocks
Legislation on Medicaid work requirements died in West Virginia and Wyoming in February and in Iowa in March at virtually the same time a U.S. district judge in Washington, D.C., ruled that work requirements in Medicaid in Kentucky and Arkansas were illegal.
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Texas Agrees to End Flawed Investigation of Voters' Citizenship
Texas Secretary of State David Whitley has agreed to halt an investigation into the citizenship status of registered voters in a settlement agreement that will end three lawsuits filed by civil rights groups and naturalized citizens.
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How Politicians 'Distracted' Firefighters During L.A. County's Most Destructive Wildfire
Los Angeles Fire Department officials said their response to the massive Woolsey fire was complicated by requests from local politicians, according to a document reviewed by The Times.
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After Judge's Arrest, Massachusetts Prosecutors Sue to Stop Courthouse Arrests of Immigrants
Days after a judge and court officer were arrested on charges they helped a man evade immigration authorities, advocates are filing a lawsuit against Immigration and Customs Enforcement's practice of arresting people at local courthouses.
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After New York Launches NRA Investigation, Trump Targets His Home State
President Donald Trump is targeting his home state on Twitter, encouraging the National Rifle Association to leave New York over "oppression of sorts."
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'6th Time Was the Charm': Welfare Family Cap Lifted in Massachusetts
After many votes and multiple vetoes, Massachusetts lawmakers have finally lifted the "cap on kids," which denies additional welfare benefits for children born while a family is already receiving welfare.
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Right to Abortion Protected by State Constitution, Kansas Supreme Court Rules
Kansas' long, bitter fight over abortion entered an intense new phase Friday after the state Supreme Court ruled that women have the right to end a pregnancy.
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Oklahoma Preemptively Blocks Local Plastic Bag Regulations
With the stroke of a pen, Gov. Kevin Stitt has ensured that cities and counties in Oklahoma will not be allowed to regulate plastic bags and auxiliary containers.
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5 Years Into Flint Water Crisis and It's Still Not Over
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, an East Lansing Democrat who took office in January, has not proposed resuming state funding for bottled water amid ongoing donations from Nestle.
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Texas Border Mayor Charged With Trying to Rig His Own Election
Edinburg Mayor Richard Molina and his wife, Dalia, were arrested Thursday by the Election Fraud Unit of the Texas attorney general's office and accused of running a vote-harvesting scheme.
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Amid Measles Fears, More Than 200 People at L.A. Universities Quarantined
Trying to stop a measles outbreak from spreading, health officials announced Thursday that more than 200 students and staff members at UCLA and Cal State L.A. who have been exposed to measles are being asked to stay home.
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Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Title X Abortion Rules
A federal judge in Yakima on Thursday blocked new Trump administration rules that could cut off federal funding for health-care providers who refer patients for an abortion.
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After FBI Raid, Maryland Governor Urges Baltimore Mayor to Resign
Gov. Larry Hogan is calling on Baltimore's embattled Mayor Catherine Pugh to resign Thursday, a few hours after federal investigators raided her home and other locations including City Hall.
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Feds Indict Judge on Obstruction for Helping Immigrant Escape ICE
A Massachusetts judge and court officer were indicted for helping an undocumented immigrant escape a courthouse via a back exit to avoid being arrested by immigration authorities.
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Bill Requiring Felons to Pay Fines Before Voting Passes Florida House
The 71-45 vote sets up a potential dispute with the state Senate over whether court fines, fees and restitution should be required before felons can vote.
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'You Are a Bully': Former Christie Aide Lashes Out After 'Bridgegate' Prison Sentence
That Bridget Anne Kelly was sentenced to prison came as little surprise -- she'd already been sentenced once, but an appeals court ruling necessitated a new hearing.
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Alabama Deputy Sheriff Suspended for Homophobic Facebook Post About LGBT Teen's Suicide
An Alabama sheriff's deputy is on leave after making anti-LGBTQ comments on a Facebook post about a 15-year-old who died by suicide.
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Billionaire Governor of Illinois Reportedly Under Federal Tax Investigation
Gov. J.B. Pritzker, his wife M.K., and his brother-in-law are under federal investigation for a property tax break that netted the billionaire governor $331,000 in tax relief, Chicago Public Radio station WBEZ reported Wednesday.
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Oklahoma Supreme Court: State Can't Limit Lawsuit Payouts for Pain or Suffering
The cap on some monetary awards given to injured people is unconstitutional, Oklahoma's high court ruled Tuesday.
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Florida Senate Approves Bill to Let Teachers Carry Guns
The bill also would create a standardized "threat assessment" tool for schools to keep records of students they feel may pose a "behavioral threat" to themselves or others.
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Abortion Bill Requiring Notice That Pill Can Be Reversed Vetoed in Kansas
Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed Monday scientifically challenged legislation that would require doctors to tell women taking an abortion pill that the medication's effects can be reversed.
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Oregon Judge Will Block Trump's Title X Abortion Restrictions
Oregon is one of 20 states and the District of Columbia that challenged the Trump administration's changes to the Title X family planning program in U.S. District Court in Oregon, along with Planned Parenthood affiliates and the American Medical Association.
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Citing Trump, Iowa's Longest-Serving GOP Lawmaker Leaves Party
McKean who was elected to the Iowa House in 1978, said there was no single issue that precipitated his move, but cited the election of President Donald Trump in 2016 and a Republican Party he found "very changed."
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Maryland GOP Governor Gives 'Serious Thought' to Trump 2020 Challenge
"People have asked me to give this some serious thought, and I think I owe it to them to give it serious consideration," Gov. Larry Hogan said of challenging Trump.
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SCOTUS Appears Ready to Allow Citizenship Question on Census
It is a politically charged dispute over how to conduct the once-a-decade count of the U.S. population, and the justices sounded sharply split along familiar ideological lines.
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After Teen's Violent Arrest in Florida, Criminal Investigation and Public Outcry Follow
The footage, widely shared through social media, has drawn a public outcry. It shows two deputies take a boy down, bang his forehead into the pavement and repeatedly punch him in the head.
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Under New Clean Energy Standards, Nevada Will Require 50% by 2030
Renewable energy was a centerpiece of Sisolak's 2018 campaign for governor in which he touted solar projects undertaken during his tenure as chairman of the Clark County Commission.
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Liquid Cremation? Washington State Could Be First to Legalize Human Composting
Washington is just a governor's signature away from becoming the first state in the U.S. to legalize the "natural organic reduction" of human remains, colloquially known as "composting."
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'I'll Keep You Safe': Teachers' Anxiety Over School Shootings Persists Post-Columbine
Teachers are already stressed. But along with testing standards, parent relationships and growing class sizes, teachers and school staff in the post-Columbine era increasingly worry about keeping their students -- and themselves -- safe from shootings and other violence.
Archive
In Federal Opioid Sting, Nearly 60 Doctors and Medical Workers Charged
The charges stem from more than 350,000 illegal prescriptions written by 60 medical professionals -- 31 doctors, seven pharmacists eight nurse practitioners and seven other licensed professionals -- across Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Alabama and West Virginia.
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Kamala Harris Championed a Truancy Law as California AG. Now She Regrets It.
Kamala Harris, who has made her prosecutorial record a centerpiece of her presidential bid, said she now has misgivings about a California law she championed that punished parents of habitually truant schoolchildren.
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'Born Alive' Abortion Bill Vetoed by North Carolina Governor
The bill would create new criminal and civil penalties for infanticide, specifically for situations in which a baby survives an abortion procedure.
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Most of California Sanctuary Law Upheld by Federal Court
The three-judge panel refused to block the centerpiece of the sanctuary package -- a law that prohibits police and sheriff's officials from notifying federal immigration authorities of the release dates of immigrant inmates.
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Amid Measles Outbreak, Washington State Poised to End Some Vaccine Exemptions
Spurred by a measles outbreak that has sickened 74 kids in Washington this year and the biggest national resurgence of the disease in at least five years, the Washington state Senate late Wednesday voted to remove parents' ability to exempt their children from a vaccination for personal or philosophical reasons. But the stricter rules would apply only to one vaccine -- the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccination.
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Trump's Offshore Drilling Plan Runs Into Bipartisan Resistance in South Carolina
The S.C. Senate took a major step Wednesday in the fight against oil drilling along the S.C. coast, agreeing overwhelmingly to block the petroleum industry from establishing refineries, pipes and other infrastructure needed to support drilling.
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'Sanctuary Cities' Ban Advances in Florida
Though it faced a near death in the Senate Rules Committee, a contentious bill aimed at banning so-called "sanctuary cities" is headed to the Senate floor.
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Wisconsin Governor Rethinks State's $3 Billion Foxconn Contract
Gov. Tony Evers said Wednesday that electronics maker Foxconn Technology Group is unlikely to employ 13,000 workers in Wisconsin as it has said it could and that the state's deal with the company may need to be "downsized" as a result.
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Former Virginia Governor Will Not Join 2020 Presidential Race
Former Virginia governor Terry McAuliffe announced Wednesday night that he's not running for president and is instead focusing on making sure Virginia Democrats win the House and the Senate.
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Why DAs Are Fighting a Louisiana Bill to Stop Jailing Rape and Domestic Violence Victims
Louisiana district attorneys oppose a bill that would prohibit prosecutors from putting sexual assault and domestic violence victims in jail in order to compel them to testify in criminal cases against their perpetrators.
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New Colorado Law Gives Local Governments More Control Over Drilling
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed a sweeping oil and gas bill on Tuesday as Boulder County officials and lawmakers celebrated a bill that will give local governments more control over drilling and mandate state regulators emphasize public safety
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In Rebuke to GOP Predecessor, Illinois Governor Bans Local 'Right-to-Work' Zones
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Friday signed into law a bill that bars local governments from establishing so-called right-to-work zones, another rebuke to his Republican predecessor, who blocked similar legislation as he battled with Democratic lawmakers over his pro-business, union-weakening agenda.
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Challenging Trump: Former Massachusetts Governor Announces 2020 Bid
Trump allies scoffed at Bill Weld's announcement and claimed he has no real shot.
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A Year After South Carolina's Deadly Prison Riot, the State Investigation Concludes
Investigators at the S.C. Department of Corrections will send their findings to the state Attorney General's Office and the local solicitor in the next week, prisons Director Bryan Stirling said in an interview with The State Wednesday.
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It's Official: Mayor Pete Buttigieg Running for President in 2020
If he emerges from the increasingly crowded field of Democratic candidates, the former Rhodes scholar and veteran of the war in Afghanistan would become the first openly gay nominee from a major party.
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New Gun Law: Judges Can Also Remove Firearms From High-Risk People in Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis signed House Bill 1177 on Friday at the state Capitol, after nearly two months of contentious legislative hearings marked by a familiar partisan divide over the issue of gun control.
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'Aid-in-Dying' Bill Becomes Law in New Jersey
Gov. Phil Murphy signed the Medical Aid in Dying bill Friday, making New Jersey the eighth state to allow terminally ill patients to request prescriptions from their doctors for medication to end their lives.
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Trump's Failed Plan to Release Detained Immigrants in 'Sanctuary Cities'
In an attempt to retaliate against Democrats, President Trump and White House officials reportedly plotted to release detained immigrants into sanctuary cities.
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Heartbeat Abortion Bill Becomes Law in Ohio After Judges Strike Down Other States'
Gov. Mike DeWine signed the "Heartbeat Bill" on Thursday, after eight years of the controversial measure falling short of becoming law. The action was met with applause and shouts of "thank you, governor!" by the crowd of about 30 proponents invited inside the governor's ceremonial Statehouse office.
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After Inmate Book Ban, Critics Question Contraband Claims in Washington State Prisons
Last week, corrections officials faced a backlash after banning nonprofit groups from mailing used books to prisoners. This week, their math is raising eyebrows.
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Chicago Sues Actor Jussie Smollett Over Costs of Attack Investigation
The city's law department filed a civil complaint on Thursday in the Circuit Court of Cook County "that pursues the full measure of damages allowed under the false statements ordinance," a spokesman said in a statement to The Times.
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Georgia Ethics Chief Will Subpoena Stacey Abrams' Campaign Records
Former Douglas County prosecutor David Emadi, who started his new job Monday, also said his office will soon decide whether to prosecute the campaigns of Atlanta mayoral candidates.
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In Groundbreaking Measure, NYC to Ban Marijuana Testing of Job Applicants
The bill, introduced by Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, however, would exempt safety, sensitive security jobs and those tied to a federal or state contract or grant from the policy.
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Families of Parkland Victims File 20 Lawsuits Alleging Negligence
Parents of students killed and injured in the 2018 mass murder at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School have filed more than 20 lawsuits, alleging negligence by the Broward Sheriff's Office, the Broward County School Board and Henderson Behavorial Health and "willful and wanton negligence" against former BSO school resource officer Scot Peterson and campus monitor Andrew Medina.
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Idaho Adds Work Requirements to Voter-Approved Medicaid Expansion
Idaho Gov. Brad Little approved legislation Tuesday adding work restrictions and other conditions to the voter-approved Medicaid expansion initiative.
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With Other Heartbeat Abortion Laws on Hold, Ohio Poised to Pass One
Despite scores of protesters both outside and inside the legislative chambers Wednesday, Ohio lawmakers approved what both sides are labeling the strictest abortion law in the nation.
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After Pittsburgh Passes Gun Legislation, NRA Files Lawsuit
The National Rifle Association and its supporters wasted no time Tuesday suing Pittsburgh, the City Council and Mayor Bill Peduto following the mayor's signing of three bills restricting the use of military style weapons from within city limits.
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Women Could Get Death Penalty for Having an Abortion If Texas Bill Passes
The bill, which was considered in public hearing Tuesday and left pending in the committee, was created to protect "the right of an unborn child."
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After Damning Report, Alabama House Approves $40M Prison Budget Increase
Gov. Kay Ivey had requested the increase before last week's Department of Justice report alleging unconstitutional conditions in men's prisons in Alabama. But the money will be applied to one of the key causes cited by the DOJ.
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Massachusetts Becomes 16th State to Ban LGBT Conversion Therapy
Conversion therapy tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity. It can be done through talk or through a practice where a therapist causes pain when someone has a sexual reaction to someone of the same sex.
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Measles Continue to Spread: Health Emergency Declared for Parts of NYC
Mayor Bill de Blasio declared a public health emergency for parts of New York City on Tuesday in the midst of an expanding measles outbreak.
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Under Pressure, Texas Tech Medical School Ends Racial Considerations in Admissions
The agreement, first reported by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, marks the first time the Trump administration has asked a school to dial back its use of affirmative action and could presage more such efforts.
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To Help Get Trump's Tax Returns, New York Lawmakers Introduce Bill
A bill authorizing the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to share tax return information with Congressional committees was introduced Monday by state Sen. Brad Hoylman (D-Manhattan).
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Maryland's Longest-Serving House Speaker Dies at 72
Michael E. Busch, the longest-serving House of Delegates speaker in Maryland history and a champion of the state's schools and the Chesapeake Bay, died Sunday.
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On El Salvador Trip, California Governor Seeks to Counter Trump's Immigration Narrative
The governor chose the smallest country in Central America as the backdrop for his debut on the world's stage to observe its socio-economic conditions, which send tens of thousands of Salvadorans fleeing for the U.S. each year.
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Illinois Joins 7 Other States to Raise Smoking Age to 21
Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed a bill Sunday that will raise the legal age for purchasing cigarettes, e-cigarettes and other tobacco products from 18 to 21 statewide.
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New Mexico Is the Latest State to Join Anti-Electoral College Agreement
House Bill 55 allows New Mexico to join a compact of states that would allocate their electors in a presidential campaign to the candidate who wins the most votes nationally.
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Amid Election Integrity Criticism, Georgia Governor Signs Bill to Replace Voting Machines
Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation to replace Georgia's electronic voting machines with a touchscreen-and-paper ballot election system, after a polarizing debate over how to balance the integrity of the vote with ensuring accurate election results.
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High-Stakes Wisconsin Supreme Court Race Could Still See a Recount
The results show the conservative-backed Appeals Court Judge Brian Hagedorn with a lead of 50.24 percent to 49.76 percent over the liberal-backed Wisconsin Chief Appeals Court Judge Lisa Neubauer, with 99 percent of precincts reporting.
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Medical Marijuana Sales Approved in Georgia -- But Big Hurdles Remain
The General Assembly approved a unique distribution system that could force patients to wait months or years before they're legally able to obtain medical marijuana oil here.
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Rape and Murder in Alabama Prisons: U.S. Justice Department Exposes Gruesome Conditions
The U.S. Justice Department said Wednesday the state's "dangerous and unsanitary" prison conditions are so common and widespread that they violate the Constitution.
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A First for Florida: GOP Governor Appoints Chief Science Officer
Thomas Frazer, director of the University of Florida's School of Natural Resources and Environment and former acting director of the UF Water Institute, will take the job in the state Department of Environmental Protection.
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Changes to School Lunch Standards Drive States to Sue Trump Administration
Six states and the District of Columbia charge President Trump's Department of Agriculture weakened nutritional standards in school breakfasts and lunches when it relaxed the requirements limiting salt and refined grains in 2018.
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California County Sues Trump Administration Over Asylum Policy Change
The Trump administration abruptly ended "safe release" in late October, leaving thousands of migrants all but stranded in San Diego County.
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Young Offenders With Lengthy Sentences Will Be Eligible for Parole Review in Illinois
Young adults sentenced to lengthy prison terms for most crimes will be eligible for a parole review after serving 10 years, under a measure Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law Monday.
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To Reduce Wildfire Risk, Judge Imposes New Probation Terms on PG&E
U.S. District Judge William Alsup decided at a hearing in San Francisco to impose his latest proposal on the utility, which includes making compliance with vegetation management rules a new probation term, among other measures.
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Chair of North Carolina GOP Charged in Bribery and Corruption Scheme
Robert Hayes, a former five-term congressman, is accused of trying to bribe the state's insurance commissioner in exchange for regulatory help for a multinational investment company owned by a major Republican donor.
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'Happy to Take a Stand': Pittsburgh City Council Approves Gun Ban After Synagogue Shooting
Opponents said the legislation violates a state law prohibiting municipalities from regulating firearms and have threatened to sue the city and file private criminal complaints against council members and the mayor.
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Prosecutors Move to Clear 54,000 Marijuana Convictions in California
It's unclear how far back those convictions go, but many involve possessing a small amount of marijuana and could date back decades.
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With Little Water Storage During Flooding, Corps of Engineers Takes Rare Steps
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will increase water releases from Gavins Point Dam this week to clear room for runoff from melting snow in the Dakotas.
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Georgia Passed a 'Heartbeat' Abortion Bill. Now Hollywood's Elite Threatens to Boycott.
Responding to the bill, actress Alyssa Milano started a petition to urge Kemp to veto the bill otherwise she, and others, would not be able to work in Georgia "in good conscience."
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Amid Book Deal Controversy, Baltimore Mayor Takes Leave of Absence
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh is facing a call by Gov. Larry Hogan for a criminal investigation into the book deal that paid her hundreds of thousands of dollars.
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Judge Blocks High-Capacity Gun Ammunition Ban in California
In a forcefully worded ruling, a federal judge in San Diego on Friday struck down a state law banning gun magazines that hold more than 10 bullets, handing gun rights advocates a sweeping victory.
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Supreme Court: Constitution Doesn't Ensure a 'Painless' Execution
The Supreme Court ruled Monday that the Constitution does not guarantee a "painless death" for condemned murderers, deciding that a Missouri inmate may be executed by a lethal injection despite a rare condition that could cause him to suffocate.
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Baltimore Mayor Says $500K Deal for Self-Published Children's Books Was a Mistake
The mayor said the "Healthy Holly" books and apparel were part of an initiative aimed at encouraging children to exercise more.
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Colorado Sheriff Would Rather Go to Jail Than Enforce Proposed Gun Law
The bill would allow a family member, roommate or law enforcement officer to petition a judge to take someone's firearms if they're determined to be a threat to themselves or others.
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Virginia Lt. Governor Accused of Sexual Assault Takes Polygraph Tests
Justin Fairfax said in a statement that he was administered two separate polygraph tests -- one for each accuser -- by former FBI polygraph expert Jeremiah Hanafin, who also performed tests for Christine Blasey Ford during her sexual assault allegation against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.
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Trump's Offshore Drilling Plan Blocked by Judge
A federal judge on Friday rejected President Donald Trump's attempt to overturn a decision by his predecessor and open large tracts of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans to oil leasing.
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After City Bans Airport Chick-fil-A, Texas AG Plans to Investigate
Council members last week voted to exclude the restaurant from its list of vendors at San Antonio International Airport, after some said they couldn't support the company because of its anti-LGBT reputation.
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Responding to College Admissions Scandal, California Lawmakers Propose Sweeping Reforms
The six measures would bar special admissions without approval of three college administrators, regulate private admission consultants, audit the University of California admissions process, and deny state tax write-offs for donations made by parents as part of the cheating scheme.
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Legislator Accused of Sexual Misconduct Resigns as Education Subcommittee Chairman
A Tennessee lawmaker accused by former students of sexual misconduct has stepped down as chairman of a House education subcommittee after being asked to by House Speaker Glen Casada.
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In New York, $25,000 Can Get You a Secret Dinner With the Governor
Three of the rising stars in the State Legislature and the Democratic progressive movement called Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo hypocritical on Wednesday for holding a $25,000-a-plate fundraiser while saying he is fighting for campaign finance reform.
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Georgia Governor Signs Medicaid Waiver Bill
Kemp signed legislation Wednesday that allows his administration to pursue two separate waivers with the federal government that could ease health care access for poor and middle-class Georgians.
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With Veto Override, Maryland Becomes 6th State to Enact $15 Minimum Wage
Under the minimum wage legislation, businesses with 15 or more employees will follow a schedule that reaches $15 in 2025, while smaller companies will have to pay $15 starting in 2026.
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McDonald's Will End Fight Against Federal, State and Local Minimum-Wage Increases
McDonald's said it will no longer fight proposals to raise the minimum wage, a reversal for the fast food giant after years in the crosshairs of the Fight for $15 movement.
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1,500 Stores in 8 States: Walgreens Will Soon Sell CBD Products
CBD is a common component found in marijuana, along with THC. Different from THC, which gives users a feeling of being "high," CBD has been commonly known for its calming effects.
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Loans for Federal Workers: New Maryland Law Will Help During Government Shutdowns
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan signed a bill into law on Tuesday that creates a fund to give loans to federal employees who are forced to work without pay during government shutdowns.
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Court: Parents Can't Sue San Francisco Over Immigrant Who Killed Daughter
The suit, brought by Steinle's parents, alleged that San Francisco was negligent for failing to comply with a 2015 request by Immigration and Customs Enforcement representatives to hold the jailed immigrant until federal authorities could take custody.
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With New Tax Cut, Kentucky Revenue Will Reduce by $106 Million a Year
House Bill 354 contains changes to parts of the tax code that will mean less revenue for the state in coming years in exchange for tax cuts for banks, among others.
Archive
Cracking Down on Deadly Force: How 3 California Police Departments Overhauled Their Policies
In Los Angeles, police can't always shoot at moving vehicles. San Francisco banned choke holds. Stockton officers are required to intervene if their colleagues use excessive force.
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A 2nd Judge Blocks Parts of Wisconsin GOP's Lame-Duck Power Grab
It compounds the legal woes for Republican lawmakers who, along with former Gov. Scott Walker, enacted the laws just before Evers and Kaul took office.
Archive
Bump Stocks Are Now Illegal. Washington State Buy-Back Events Collected 1,000 of Them.
Since March 17, WSP collected 1,000 bump stocks in exchange for money vouchers. In Vancouver, 96 bump stocks were exchanged while 26 were turned in with no voucher, WSP Trooper Will Finn said.
Archive
One County's Response to Measles Outbreak: Ban Unvaccinated Kids From Public
The county, located outside New York City, is battling the state's worst measles outbreak in decades, according to The New York Times. The state of emergency takes effect at midnight and expires in 30 days.
Archive
In Latest Abortion Fight, Judge Declares North Carolina 20-Week Ban Unconstitutional
The ruling won't go into effect immediately. The judge gave state lawmakers 60 days to either write a new abortion law or appeal his ruling.
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After Abuse Reports, Pennsylvania Orders Emergency Removal of Boys From Reform School
The Inquirer reported in February that serious violence was both an everyday occurrence and an open secret at the Glen Mills Schools, which draws students from across the country.
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Ohio Will Cut Planned Parenthood Funds by April 20
The state of Ohio plans to cut off Planned Parenthood from block grants and other state and federal funds, under a recently upheld state law that prevents public money from organizations that perform elective abortions.
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Amid Strikes, Kamala Harris Calls for Federal Investment to Raise Teachers' Salaries
Harris will commit to "closing the teacher pay gap within her first term as president," the campaign aide said.
Archive
Michigan to Stop Funding Foster Agencies That Don't Let LGBT People Adopt
Michigan will no longer financially support adoption and foster care agencies that refuse to work with same-sex couples and LGBTQ individuals because of religious beliefs under the terms of a settlement of a lawsuit negotiated by Attorney General Dana Nessel.
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Family Matters: Connecticut Governor Requests Ethics Opinion on His Wife
Gov. Ned Lamont has asked state ethics officials for an official opinion on potential conflicts of interest for his wife, a highly successful venture capitalist.
Archive
Opioid Lawsuits Intensify as Hundreds of Cities and Counties Sue Sackler Family
The owners of Purdue Pharma were sued in joint litigation this week by more than 500 cities and counties, from about two dozen states, for allegedly fueling the opioid crisis with deceptive marketing, adding to the massive legal pressure against the group that controls the Stamford-based company.
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New Jersey Will Switch to State-Based Health-Care Exchange
The Democratic governor said the move to a state exchange would make health care in the state more "accessible, accountable and more responsive to consumers."
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Amid Wildfire Risk, California Governor Declares State of Emergency
California's efforts to prevent another year of catastrophic wildfire took a step forward Friday when Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a rare statewide emergency, clearing the path for dozens of forest-thinning projects aimed at reducing fire danger.
Archive
Restoration of Voting Rights Could Cost Florida Felons
Republicans and Democrats -- and even judges and court clerks -- can't agree on what it means to complete someone's sentence. And court fees, which can total more than $1,000, are at the heart of the debate.
Archive
Missing Absentee Ballots Prompt New Investigation From Georgia Secretary of State
Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is opening a new investigation into allegations that 4,700 absentee ballot requests went missing before November's election.
Archive
Pence Blasts Atlanta Mayor for Refusing to Lock Up ICE Detainees
Vice President Mike Pence on Thursday blasted Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms over her decision last year to bar the city jail from holding federal immigration detainees.
Archive
Why Does Dunkin' Donuts Help Run This Transit Station?
Doh! Turns out there's a hole in NJ Transit's operation of a train station near Trenton.
Archive
In Year of 'Unprecedented' Anti-Abortion Legislation, Another Heartbeat Bill Becomes Law
Mississippi on Thursday became the latest state to sign into law a ban on most abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, usually about six weeks into pregnancy, despite criticism from opponents who called the move cruel.
Archive
New Law Aims to Help Native Americans Overcome Voting Barriers in Washington State
The passed amendment requires that a tribe's ballot box must be accessible to the county auditor via a public road.
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Teachers Shot 'Execution Style' With Fake Bullets for Active Shooter Drill in Indiana
The Indiana State Teachers Association has called for additional consideration regarding educator and student safety amid active shooter drills following the January training session, highlighted in testimony before state lawmakers this week, that rattled school staff.
Archive
Striking Down GOP Power Grab, Judge Restores Wisconsin Governor's Powers
In a rebuke to Republican legislators, a Dane County judge on Thursday blocked enforcement of laws enacted in December that curtailed the powers of the incoming Democratic governor and attorney general.
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Ban Sex Offenders From the Subway? New York Governor and Police Show Support
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and NYPD officials said on Tuesday they support banning repeat sexual offenders from the subway system.
Archive
Catholic Sex Abuse Scandal Worsens: List Names Nearly 400 Accused in Illinois
Attorneys who represent victims of sexual abuse by priests have released what they say is the most comprehensive list yet of Catholic clergy with ties to Illinois who have been accused of misconduct against children.
Archive
Andrew Gillum’s Plan to Stop Trump: Register 1M Florida Voters
Andrew Gillum, the Democrat who narrowly lost his bid for Florida governor last year, said Wednesday he's getting back in the political arena for 2020.
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Framed for Murder: $10M Awarded to San Francisco Man Who Spent 6 Years in Prison
Jamal Trulove accused four San Francisco police officers of framing him for a 2007 killing at the city's Sunnydale public housing complex.
Archive
Facing Rape Allegation, Pennsylvania GOP Lawmaker Resigns
Rep. Brian Ellis resigned effective immediately just days after a woman filed an official complaint with the state's Republican caucus, accusing him of sexually assaulting her in 2015 while she was incapacitated.
Archive
Alleging Child Abusers Were Knowingly Hired, West Virginia AG Sues Catholic Diocese
The lawsuit alleges that the diocese knowingly employed admitted sexual abusers, hired priests without performing adequate background checks, hired priests credibly accused of sexually abusing children and hired lay employees without performing adequate background checks.
Archive
Hepatitis C Settlement Guarantees 'Cure to All Prisoners' in Minnesota
Minnesota prisoners with chronic hepatitis C infections must be provided with highly effective but costly antiviral drugs following a class-action lawsuit settlement.
Archive
In Laquan McDonald Case, Illinois Supreme Court Lets Ex-Cop's Sentence Stand
The Illinois Supreme Court decided Tuesday in a 4-to-2 vote that it will not order a new sentencing for Jason Van Dyke, rejecting an unusual bid from prosecutors that could have meant a much harsher prison term for the former Chicago police officer.
Archive
Scott Walker's New Gig: Urging States to Call a Constitutional Convention
A national group says its campaign to convene an unprecedented U.S. constitutional convention to balance the federal budget has a new leader: former Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
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To Help Children of Inmates, Pennsylvania Prisons Will Provide Arts and Crafts
Under the new policy, each prison is coming up with a plan to provide crafts that could include origami, making bookmarks and other art projects.
Archive
Should School Police Be Armed? Baltimore Delegates Say No.
Under current law, the city's roughly 100 school police officers are allowed to carry their guns while patrolling outside schools before and after class hours. But they are required to store their weapons in a secure location during the school day.
Archive
Smokable Medical Marijuana Legalized in Florida
DeSantis insisted that lawmakers repeal the state's ban on smokable medical marijuana by last Friday, or he would drop the state's appeal of an ongoing lawsuit over the ban.
Archive
As Historic Flooding Plagues Midwest, States Brace for More Water
The latest forecast indicates “significant” flooding will likely occur in coming weeks along the Red River, which borders northwestern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota and flows north into Canada.
Archive
Work Requirements Will Be Enforced for Medicaid Recipients in Ohio
Ohioans who are covered by the expansion of Medicaid will soon have to get a job, go to school or get an exemption.
Archive
Sandy Hook Families Can Sue Gun Manufacturer, Rules Connecticut Supreme Court
The ruling paves the way for the families to subpoena internal documents on how the gun companies have marketed the AR-15.
Archive
'Delusional Communist': Kansas Transportation Department Criticizes Trump on Twitter
The message prompted swift rebuke from the Kansas Republican Party, which directed criticism at Gov. Laura Kelly, a Democrat who has struggled to find compromise with GOP leaders in the Legislature since taking office in January.
Archive
Colorado Joins 11 States and D.C. in Anti-Electoral College Agreement
The National Popular Vote Act makes Colorado part of a multi-state compact -- but it only takes effect if and when enough states join to control 270 electoral votes.
Archive
Maryland on Track to Add Gender 'X' to Driver's Licenses
When asked the governor's position on the bill, spokeswoman Amelia Chasse said the governor "will consider any legislation that reaches his desk."
Archive
How ICE Is Using 'Sanctuary Cities' to Track Immigrants in California
The collection of more than 1,000 pages of contracts, emails, manuals and other materials shows some California law enforcement departments have granted ICE unfettered access to the personal data of drivers and that federal officials are using it to track and locate immigrants.
Archive
It's Official: For the First Time in Nearly a Decade, California Is Drought-Free
Former Gov. Jerry Brown issued an executive order in 2017 that lifted the drought emergency in most of the state, leaving some breathing a sigh of relief. But he cautioned Californians to keep saving water as some parts of the state were still suffering from extreme drought.
Archive
Stacey Abrams and Joe Biden Meet to Discuss 2020 Options
The meeting brought together two candidates representing sharply contrasting approaches and ideologies.
Archive
Oakland Councilwoman's Son, a USC Student and Gun Control Advocate, Is Fatally Shot
In a statement Sunday night, Councilwoman McElhaney said her son's death represents the "beginning of a new chapter in this reoccurring circle of violence."
Archive
Former Maryland Gov. Harry Hughes, a Champion of Honest Government, Dies at 92
Mr. Hughes, a reserved Eastern Shore native whose 1978 Democratic primary victory was one of the great upsets in Maryland political history, led an administration that was widely credited with restoring integrity to state government after an era of rampant political corruption.
Archive
Nevada Becomes 22nd State in Alliance to Combat Climate Change
Nevada will join the U.S. Climate Alliance, a group of states and territories committed to the goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement to combat climate change, Gov. Steve Sisolak announced.
Archive
'Testicular Bill of Rights': A Female Lawmaker's Counter to 'Heartbeat' Abortion Bills
Georgia state Rep. Dar'shun Kendrick is floating the idea that if men can legislate women's reproductive rights, women should have a vote on what men do with their bodies.
Archive
California Governor Will Suspend Death Penalty With Executive Order
"I do not believe that a civilized society can claim to be a leader in the world as long as its government continues to sanction the premeditated and discriminatory execution of its people," Newsom said in a statement accompanying an executive order.
Archive
College Cheating Scandal Ensnares Public and Private Universities
The scheme, which began in 2011, centered around the owner of a for-profit Newport Beach college admissions company that wealthy parents paid to help their children cheat on college entrance exams and to falsify athletic records of students to enable them to secure admission to elite schools.
Archive
New York Lawmakers Propose Giving Teens Right to Vaccinate Without Parental Consent
New York lawmakers are planning to introduce a bill that would allow children as young as 14 to get vaccinated without their parents' consent.
Archive
The Democratic National Convention Heads to Wisconsin in 2020
Milwaukee will host the Democratic National Convention in 2020, bringing a trove of tourism dollars to Wisconsin while showcasing one of the swing states likely to decide the presidency.
Archive
Almost All Gun Sales Will Now Require Background Checks in New Mexico
The bill has been a priority for gun control advocates, who argue the measure merely closes a loophole in state law and will help keep weapons out of the hands of people barred from owning firearms.
Archive
After Sexual Harassment Scandal, Oregon Legislature Reaches $1.3M Settlement
As part of the deal, the women agreed not to pursue legal action against the Legislature and other named defendants. The labor agency also agreed not to pursue its case against the Legislature.
Archive
After His Racist Texts Go Public, Maine Mayor Blames the Media for His Resignation
Embattled Lewiston Mayor Shane Bouchard resigned on Friday but not before blaming the media for his troubles.
Archive
Illinois Governor Wants a Graduated Income Tax. Can He Sell the Idea to Voters?
Less than two months after taking office, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker embarked on a new and potentially bruising political campaign Thursday by seeking to win public approval of a graduated-rate income tax that he contended would raise $3.4 billion.
Archive
Suspended After Parkland Shooting, Former Florida County Sheriff Sues Governor to Get Job Back
Former Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel is challenging his suspension in a petition filed Thursday in Broward County Circuit Court, alleging that Gov. Ron DeSantis exceeded his legal authority when he ousted him from office.
Archive
As Need Grows, States Try to Entice New Foster Parents
In Washington state, child welfare workers are shifting to a digital approach. Beginning in April, people who’ve browsed websites on foster care will see recurring online ads espousing the joys of foster parenting — haunting the prospective parent from site to site like a new car or pair of boots.
Archive
Second Judge Blocks Citizenship Question From 2020 Census
In a ruling released Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg said that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross had failed to justify his decision to include a citizenship question in the upcoming census.
Archive
Would a 'Millionaire’s Tax' Help New Jersey? The Governor Thinks It Will.
Murphy, a Democrat elected in 2017 to succeed Republican Chris Christie, has argued that a so-called “millionaire’s tax” would help lift the middle class by providing funding for priorities like education.
Archive
Accused of Misusing Campaign Funds, Nevada Senate Majority Leader Resigns
"In this most difficult of circumstances, I have been treated respectfully by the prosecutors and investigators," he said. "And I have no one to blame for this but myself in this situation."
Archive
Colorado and Baker From LGBTQ Cake Dispute Agree to Drop Lawsuits
More than six years of legal battles between Lakewood's Masterpiece Cakeshop and the state will end after baker Jack Phillips agreed to drop his lawsuit alleging the Colorado Civil Rights Commission was harassing him for refusing to make LGBTQ-themed cakes.
Archive
Michael Bloomberg Will Not Run for President in 2020
Michael Bloomberg is confident he'd beat President Trump in 2020 -- but he's not going to try.
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Report: Toxic Coal Ash Contaminating Groundwater in 39 States
An extensive analysis of monitoring data found unsafe levels of toxic pollutants were present in groundwater at 91 percent of the nation's 242 coal-fired power plants that filed reports.
Archive
Minnesota's Energy Goal: 100% Clean by 2050
Minnesota's electricity providers would have to generate all their energy from clean sources, like solar and wind, by 2050 or sooner, under a proposal Gov. Tim Walz unveiled Monday.
Archive
After Calling Pregnant Women a 'Host Body,' Florida House Speaker Apologizes
Jose Oliva, a Republican politician from Miami Lakes, trotted out the phrase five times during an interview late last week while discussing abortion law.
Archive
In Stephon Clark Case, Sacramento Police Will Not Be Charged for Fatal Shooting
Sacramento County District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert said at a news conference Saturday that Sacramento police Officers Terrence Mercadal and Jared Robinet reasonably believed Clark was armed with a firearm and that they were in imminent danger.
Archive
Armed Teachers Not Required to Receive Police Gun Training in Ohio County
At issue is the number of hours the armed teachers and staffers would have to train, the 27 in the district's policy or the more than 728 required of peace officers.
Archive
'White People Will Not Have Anything to Say': Ex-Maine Governor Defends Electoral College
Maine's former governor -- who left office last month -- argued the Electoral College is necessary to keep white people in power.
Archive
Long-Stalled Revenge Porn Bill Passes New York Legislature
The new legislation, which passed unanimously in the Senate 60-0 and 104-0 in the Assembly, also allows victims to pursue a civil case against the person spreading private photos online.
Archive
After Censure for Using Racial Slur, Maryland Delegate Refuses to Resign
The House of Delegates publicly censured Harford County Delegate Mary Ann Lisanti on Thursday night for her use of a racial slur, which members said "brought dishonor to the entire General Assembly of Maryland."
Archive
Can New York City Win Back Amazon? Officials Are Making a Pitch.
Dozens of New York political, union and business leaders are trying to get Amazon to reconsider its decision to abandon its plans for a major campus in Queens.
Archive
Once Homeless, Doctor Will Now Lead Ohio Health Department
Dr. Amy Acton, 53, who for seven years was an assistant professor in Ohio State University's College of Public Health, will be the director of the 1,100-employee agency, DeWine said.
February 28, 2019
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Judge: Michigan Prisons Are Violating Americans With Disabilities Act
The lawsuit, brought by Michigan Protection & Advocacy Service, heard evidence that hearing-impaired prisoners had no effective way of talking with their loved ones by phone and couldn't be sure they'd be notified of a prison emergency such as a fire.
February 28, 2019
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PG&E Woes Continue: Report Says Company Delayed Safety Upgrades in California
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. pushed back Wednesday on a new report alleging the company repeatedly delayed planned safety upgrades to a transmission line in the area where California's deadliest and most destructive wildfire started last year.
February 28, 2019
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Cory Booker Is First 2020 Hopeful Endorsed by an Iowa State Lawmaker
Rep. Amy Nielsen, D-North Liberty, has thrown her support behind U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, who formally announced his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination Feb. 1.
February 28, 2019
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Amid Blackface Scandal, Virginia Governor's Wife Reportedly Gave Cotton to Black Students
Virginia First Lady Pam Northam, who told her husband not to moonwalk during a press conference about wearing blackface, reportedly handed out cotton to black students on a tour of the governor's mansion.
February 28, 2019
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Oregon Secretary of State Dies of Brain Cancer
Dennis Richardson, the Oregon secretary of state and first Republican elected to the position in three decades, died of brain cancer Tuesday night at age 69.
February 27, 2019
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After Racial Slur, Democratic Maryland Delegate Loses Leadership Post
Mary Ann Lisanti, a Democrat in her second term from Havre de Grace, apologized Tuesday morning to the House Democratic Caucus for using the slur and released a statement asking for forgiveness.
February 27, 2019
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Oregon Passes Country's First Statewide Rent Control Policy
After the 35-25 vote, Senate Bill 608 now heads to a supportive Gov. Kate Brown after speeding through the Legislature with the backing of Democratic leaders in both houses. It will take effect as soon as she signs the bill.
February 27, 2019
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In Historic Race, Chicago Poised to Elect First African-American Woman as Mayor
By late Tuesday night, Lightfoot and Preckwinkle declared they had made the runoff while Daley conceded defeat.
February 27, 2019
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New York Mayor and Governor Unveil 10-Point Plan to Fix City's Subways
In a rare joint effort, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio on Tuesday announced a 10-point plan to reorganize and fund the struggling Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
February 26, 2019
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In Role as New Michigan AG, Dana Nessel Reversing 16 Years of GOP Ideology
Nessel, a Plymouth Democrat, has withdrawn the state from 23 controversial cases that former Attorney General Bill Schuette joined during his eight years in office.
February 26, 2019
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More Than 9,300 Marijuana-Related Convictions Will Be Expunged in San Francisco
The announcement culminated a year-long review of marijuana convictions in San Francisco, which critics say disproportionately punished minority communities and made it more difficult for those with criminal records to get jobs and other essentials.
February 26, 2019
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Planned Parenthood Clinic Banned From Resuming Abortions in Missouri
A federal judge on Friday refused to issue a preliminary injunction that would have allowed Planned Parenthood to resume offering abortions in Columbia.
February 26, 2019
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Virginia Lt. Governor Compares Sexual Assault Claims to Racial Lynchings
Fairfax made his claim as the State senate closed their 2019 legislative session in Richmond, according to the Associated Press.
February 26, 2019
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Following Other States, Wisconsin Governor Orders Troop Withdrawal From Border
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers on Monday ordered Wisconsin National Guard troops assisting with security at the southwest border to return home, an executive order immediately drawing criticism from Republicans.
February 26, 2019
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To Lower Drug Prices, Florida Governor Wants Access to Canadian Medications
Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Wednesday that he wants to give patients access to cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, making Florida the latest state to try to import medications to reduce rising health care costs.
February 25, 2019
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Why Trump Might Not Appear on Some States' 2020 Ballots
Garden State voters may not be able to cast ballots for President Trump in 2020 unless he's prepared to show where he gets his green.
February 22, 2019
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The Equal Rights Amendment Needs to Be Ratified by 1 More State. It Won't Be Virginia.
In a last-ditch effort to force a vote on the Equal Rights Amendment during the final week of session, Democratic delegates -- encouraged by advocates -- attempted to finagle a rule change Thursday that goes against a longstanding tradition in the General Assembly.
February 22, 2019
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Florida Mayor Arrested After Shots Fired During Raid on His Home
Following a four-month investigation, agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Dale Glen Massad, 68.
February 22, 2019
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In First Major Legislative Act, Wisconsin Governor Vetoes GOP Tax Cut Bill
Republican lawmakers, in turn, called Evers divisive for insisting on something to which they say they'll never agree: capping a state tax credit for large manufacturers.
February 22, 2019
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Tennessee Governor Wore Confederate Army Uniform in College Yearbook
The governor of Tennessee has apologized for participating in "Old South" parties while he was in a fraternity at Auburn University, reports say.
February 22, 2019
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'I'm Seeing It Through to the End': Oakland Teachers Strike
Oakland school teachers, nurses, counselors and their supporters rose early Thursday to protest in the first day of a strike for higher pay, smaller class sizes and more support for students.
February 22, 2019
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2-Day Teachers' Strike in West Virginia Ends
West Virginia's students will be returning to school today after a two-day statewide teachers strike ended when the West Virginia House decided not to reconsider the state Senate's omnibus education bill.
February 22, 2019
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North Carolina Board Votes for New Election in Unresolved Congressional Race
The state elections board's vote came after four days of testimony about what the board's staff called "a coordinated, unlawful, and substantially resourced absentee ballot scheme" in Bladen and Robeson counties.
February 22, 2019
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Auto Emission Talks Between White House and California Break Down
Already-faltering negotiations between the Trump administration and California aimed at resolving a dispute over fuel-economy standards have broken down completely, according to a top Democratic lawmaker.
February 21, 2019
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New Jersey Governor Signs Bill Expanding Paid Family Leave
Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation expanding the program into law Tuesday, saying the changes to the decade-old program will allow it to help more workers and strengthen the state's overall economy.
February 21, 2019
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NYC Admits Defrauding FEMA Out of Millions After Superstorm Sandy
A hurricane of lies about city-owned Department of Transportation vehicles supposedly damaged by Superstorm Sandy has resulted in a $5.3 million settlement with the feds.
February 21, 2019
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Supreme Court: Constitutional Ban on 'Excessive Fines' Applies to State and Local Governments
In a unanimous ruling, the Supreme Court said Wednesday that the 8th Amendment's ban on "excessive fines" applies to states and local agencies, not just the federal government.
February 20, 2019
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6th-Grade Student Arrested After Dispute Over Refusal to Say Pledge of Allegiance
Spokesmen for the Lakeland Police Department and Polk County Public Schools stressed that the student at the magnet school for gifted students was not arrested for refusing to participate in the pledge.
February 20, 2019
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GOP Ohio Governor Halts All Executions While New Method Developed
DeWine, a Republican, ordered a review of Ohio's death penalty protocols last month after a federal magistrate judge wrote that Ohio's method of carrying out executions would subject a condemned Ohio prisoner to "severe pain and needless suffering."
February 20, 2019
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'No-Knock' Drug Raids Have Become Deadly. Now, Houston Police Will End Them.
Relatives of several people killed in no-knock raids said they believe more investigation was needed before using the raid.
February 20, 2019
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With Minimum Wage Hike Plans, Illinois Joins the $15-an-Hour Club
Illinois last increased its minimum wage, to $8.25 per hour, in 2010.
February 20, 2019
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After Teachers Strike, West Virginia Lawmakers Postpone Education Bill
Cheers exploded from the gallery, which was packed by teachers from throughout the state who went on strike Tuesday in opposition of the bill.
February 20, 2019
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Trump Cancels High-Speed Rail Funding for California and Demands Back Billions
The Trump administration said Tuesday that it's canceling $929 million of federal funding for California's high-speed rail project and demanding the return of $2.6 billion that's already been spent.
February 20, 2019
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After Warehouse Shooting, Illinois State Police Says It Wrongly Issued Gun License
The screening process failed to detect a mid-1990s felony conviction for aggravated assault in Mississippi for which he served five years in prison and was released in 1997.
February 19, 2019
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Election Officials Find 'Unlawful' Ballot Scheme in North Carolina Congressional Race
Monday marked the first time that state officials revealed the findings of their nearly three-month investigation into voting irregularities.
February 19, 2019
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West Virginia Strikes Again: Teachers Walk Out Over State Education Bill
All but one of West Virginia's 54 countywide public school systems canceled school Tuesday.
February 19, 2019
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16 States Sue Trump After National Emergency Declared for Border Wall Funding
The 16 states, led by California, where the complaint was filed, wrote in the suit that they have filed the complaint in light of "President Donald J. Trump's flagrant disregard of fundamental separation of powers principles engrained in the United States Constitution."
February 19, 2019
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After 3-Day Strike, Denver Teachers Secure Tentative Deal for Better Pay
Denver's schools began returning to normalcy Thursday morning in the wake of a marathon all-night bargaining session that brought an end to the city's first teachers strike in 25 years.
February 15, 2019
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A Year After Parkland, Florida Governor Asks Grand Jury to Investigate School Failures
If the Florida Supreme Court accepts the petition by DeSantis, this would be the fourth time a grand jury has investigated the school district.
February 15, 2019
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NYPD Officers Fired 42 Rounds in 11 Seconds, Killing 1 of Their Own
Seven NYPD officers fired a total of 42 rounds during a chaotic scene outside a Queens cellphone store as they responded to an attempted robbery that left a detective dead from friendly fire.
February 14, 2019
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A First in North Carolina: Black Woman Named Chief Justice of State Supreme Court
Cheri Beasley has been a judge for the last 20 years and has been on the Supreme Court since 2012. She was a public defender in Fayetteville before becoming a judge.
February 14, 2019
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Wisconsin Governor Joins Climate Alliance Committed to Cutting Greenhouse Gases
The U.S. Climate Alliance, which aims to implement elements of the international Paris Agreement on climate change, includes governors from 20 states including Wisconsin, as well as Puerto Rico.
February 14, 2019
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‘Lock Your Doors, Load Your Guns’: Kentucky Sheriff Suspends Law Enforcement Services
The issues plaguing the Martin County Sheriff's Office and the county's fiscal court are similarly felt by local governments throughout Eastern Kentucky, where sharp declines in coal severance taxes have forced county governments to make spending cuts and layoff workers.
February 13, 2019
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Amid Criticism, Negotiations Take a Hit for New Redskins Football Stadium in Maryland
In December, Hogan touted the potential of the park site for the football team, but in January he said he didn't much care whether the team ultimately relocates there.
February 13, 2019
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Mississippi Sues Federal Government Over River Flooding
The state contends that's a violation of the U.S. Constitution's 5th Amendment requirement that the federal government compensate landowners when "taking" a portion or all of the value of their property.
February 13, 2019
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To Do Business With L.A., City Contractors Must Now Disclose Any NRA Ties
Prospective contractors now must disclose under affidavit any contracts or sponsorships they or their subsidiaries have with the NRA.
February 13, 2019
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Breaking From Predecessor, California Governor to Scale Back High-Speed Rail Project
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in his first State of the State speech that he intends to scale back California's $77-billion bullet train project, saying that while the state has the capacity to complete the first leg in the Central Valley, extending the rail line to Southern California and the Bay Area would "cost too much and take too long."
February 13, 2019
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After Sheriffs Cut Ties With ICE in North Carolina, Feds Arrest Hundreds of Immigrants
According to The (Raleigh) News & Observer, more than 200 people were detained by ICE last week in North Carolina. Siembra NC claims eight people were detained Feb. 6 in Alamance County.
February 12, 2019
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Illinois AG Petitions for Resentencing of Former Chicago Cop Convicted in Shooting
Jason Van Dyke's attorneys said the prosecutors' motivations were plainly political.
February 12, 2019
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For First Time in 25 Years, Thousands of Denver Teachers Strike
DPS Superintendent Susana Cordova announced at a late-morning news conference that the district and union will resume bargaining at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
February 12, 2019
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Staffers Resign Following Second Allegation Against Virginia Lt. Governor
A number of staffers working for embattled Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax have stepped down days after a second woman accused him of sexual assault, a spokeswoman for his office confirmed.
February 12, 2019
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Local Lawmaker Says New York City Government Is Controlled by 'Homosexual Community'
City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, who is gay, and others have called on Diaz to apologize after the conservative, cowboy hat-wearing councilman told a Spanish-language radio program the city government is "controlled by the homosexual community."
February 11, 2019
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1 Year After Parkland Shooting, New County Sheriff Determined to Restore Faith
It is an enormous job that many in the colorful and scandalous history of the Broward Sheriff's Office have struggled to do well, a job that no one could have predicted for Tony at this juncture in his life -- a 40-year-old former cop who held the rank of sergeant in a suburban department for three years.
February 11, 2019
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California Governor to Pull National Guard Members From Mexico Border
The announcement comes just one day before the governor delivers his first State of the State address Tuesday, setting the stage for Newsom to counter Trump's State of the Union address from last week.
February 11, 2019
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After Second Assault Accusation, Resignation Calls Intensify for Virginia Lt. Governor
The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, which initially stood by the Fairfax following the first accusation, said it would be "best for Lt. Governor Fairfax to step down from his position."
February 11, 2019
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SCOTUS Blocks Louisiana Abortion Law That Threatened to Shutter Clinics
The emergency stay was issued on a 5-4 vote, with Chief Justice John Roberts voting with the more liberal wing of the court -- Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan.
February 8, 2019
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New Law Named After Parkland Student Requires Silent Alarms in New Jersey Schools
"Alyssa's Law" requires public schools in New Jersey to install panic buttons in every building to silently alert law enforcement to emergencies or life-threatening situations on campus.
February 8, 2019
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Are Denver Teachers Next? Strike Set to Begin Next Week
Though the Denver Classroom Teachers Association has agreed to resume talks, it's also moving forward with its strike plans.
February 8, 2019
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Face-Licking Allegations Force Florida City Commissioner to Resign
Nancy Oakley, a Madeira Beach City Commissioner, handed in her notice Tuesday, a week after the state ethics panel voted unanimously to to find her guilty of sexual harassment.
February 8, 2019
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Virginia Police Sergeant Suspended Over Alleged White Nationalist Ties
Sgt. Robert A. Stamm, 36, has been suspended pending an investigation into a possible violation of division policy, police said.
February 8, 2019
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NYPD to Waze: Stop Helping Drunk Drivers
The NYPD has a message for Google: Stop helping drunks drive with impunity.
February 7, 2019
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Virginia Scandals Deepen: A GOP Leader Was Editor of Yearbook With Racist Photos and Slurs
A Virginia Military Institute yearbook overseen by future state Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment in 1968 features a host of racist photos and slurs, including blackface.
February 7, 2019
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Inside Bill Daley's Insurance Exam Scandal: Chicago Mayor Candidate Faces Questions
Bill Daley has passed the bar to practice law and cleared security checks to work in the White House. But when he tried to pass the state exam to sell insurance in Illinois as a young man, he faced failure, scandal and embarrassment.
February 7, 2019
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As Governor Orders Environmental Action, Michigan's GOP House Expresses Disapproval
Lawmakers voted 58-51 along partisan lines on a concurrent resolution to overturn Executive Order 2019-2, which would rebrand the Department of Environmental Quality as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
February 7, 2019
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After Cop Cleared in Black Man's Shooting Death, Protests Head to Alabama AG's Office
Protesters and the family of Emantic "EJ" Bradford Jr., demonstrated today outside Attorney General Steve Marshall's office to denounce Marshall's decision to clear the Hoover police officer who fatally shot Bradford at the Riverchase Galleria on Thanksgiving night.
February 7, 2019
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U.S. Attorney Sues to Block Supervised Injection Site Proposed in Philadelphia
The suit, filed by U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain late Tuesday and made public Wednesday, asks a judge to declare such a facility illegal under federal law.
February 7, 2019
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Sunny Key West Bans Sunscreens That Damage Coral Reefs
One of the world's sunniest spots just took a stand on two sunscreen chemicals that scientists have said are hurting the coral reef ecosystem in the Florida Keys.
February 6, 2019
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In Spanish-Language Rebuttal to SOTU, California AG Vows Legal Action If Trump Declares Emergency to Fund Border Wall
California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra warned in a national televised address Tuesday that he is prepared to take President Trump to court if he declares a national emergency to fund a wall at the U.S.-Mexico border while cutting federal funds to fire-damaged communities in this state.
February 6, 2019
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Virginia AG, Third in Line for Governor, Admits Wearing Blackface in 1980
Virginia's Attorney General, Mark Herring, admitted that he dressed in blackface in 1980 during college, he said Wednesday.
February 6, 2019
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In Government Shake-Up, Safe Drinking Water a High Priority for Michigan Governor
Gov. Whitmer announced the restructuring of the Department of Environmental Quality as the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.
February 6, 2019
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New Mexico Governor Withdraws Most National Guard Troops From Border
A spokeswoman for the governor said 118 Guard troops are currently deployed to the border, including 25 from out of state.
February 6, 2019
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In Child Sex-Abuse Case, Kansas Judge Calls Teen Girls the 'Aggressor'
Two girls aged 13 and 14 were recently labeled "aggressors" by a Kansas judge who gave a 67-year-old man a reduced sentence for a sexual encounter with the minors.
February 5, 2019
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Gerrymandering Case Heads to Trial After Court Rejects Michigan Secretary of State's Settlement
A federal three-judge panel on Friday rejected Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's proposed consent decree to end a gerrymandering lawsuit brought by the Michigan League of Women Voters.
February 4, 2019
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Breaking From State House, Massachusetts Senate Bans Employee Nondisclosures
Nondisclosure agreements are generally signed as part of a settlement or severance package to ban the participants involved in an incident from talking about it publicly.
February 4, 2019
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Joining 6 States, Arizona Agrees to Use Less Water From Colorado River
"Everyone will feel pain" was the mantra emanating from supporters of Arizona's drought plan for the Colorado River as it wound through the Legislature.
February 4, 2019
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U.S. Supreme Court Temporarily Blocks Louisiana Abortion Law
Justice Samuel Alito issued a one-page order late Friday noting that "the justices need time to review" court filings before deciding whether to grant a petition to block the law from taking effect while it continues to be challenged in court.
February 4, 2019
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After Same-Sex Marriage Battle, Kentucky Governor Says Kim Davis Must Pay Legal Fees
Although Bevin, a Republican, publicly has praised Davis as "an inspiration ... to the children of America," his attorneys are taking a more critical tone in court briefs, blaming the ex-clerk for failing to do her job following the U.S. Supreme Court's June 2015 decision legalizing gay marriage.
February 1, 2019
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Common Core Eliminated From Florida Schools by New Governor
Educators in the room applauded, although Gov. Ron DeSantis does not have a replacement plan, yet.
February 1, 2019
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NYC Public Housing Settlement Will Give HUD More Oversight
The New York City Housing Authority's top boss will be replaced as part of a tentative HUD settlement, and a federal monitor will be installed to oversee the nation's largest public housing system, officials said Thursday.
February 1, 2019
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Feds Secretly Shipped Plutonium to Nevada. The Governor Is Not Happy.
The Department of Energy has shipped approximately 1/2 metric ton of weapons-grade plutonium from Savannah River Site to Nevada, a court filing states.
February 1, 2019
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San Francisco's Warning Labels on Sugary Drinks Blocked by Court
A groundbreaking San Francisco ordinance meant to curb soda consumption by slapping health warnings on sugary-beverage advertisements suffered a setback Thursday, as a federal appeals court ruled 11-0 to block the law from taking effect.
February 1, 2019
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16 States Form Coalition Calling for New EPA Asbestos Rules
The coalition believes that without adequate reporting and tracking systems in place, the EPA will be unable to comply with its mandate to prevent risks to the health and environment posed by widespread use of asbestos, Frey said in a new release.
February 1, 2019
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'We're Getting Soft': Kentucky Governor Criticizes School Cancellations for Polar Vortex
Gov. Matt Bevin followed up the comment by saying that "it's better to err on the side of being safe, and I'm being only slightly facetious."
January 31, 2019
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New York Passes First Major Gun Control Package Since Sandy Hook Shooting
Once again running ahead of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the New York State Senate and Assembly passed a new package of six gun control bills on Tuesday, ranging from tweaks to current laws to the controversial Red Flag law.
January 31, 2019
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'PG&E Has Done It Again': Judge Slams Company's Wildfire Safety Standards
A federal judge cast doubt Wednesday on whether Pacific Gas and Electric Co. is upholding its duty to prevent its power lines from causing catastrophic wildfires and questioned whether the state is properly regulating the beleaguered and bankrupt utility.
January 31, 2019
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Due to Flawed Data, Texas Officials Step Back From Allegations of Noncitizen Voters
At least 20,000 people whom state officials put on a list of potential non-citizen voters have now been removed from those lists after the state told counties that data it provided were flawed, local officials said on Wednesday.
January 31, 2019
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'Toxic Stigma': Elite LAPD Unit Disproportionately Stops Black Drivers
Since Metro doubled in size as part of an effort to combat rising crime, nearly half the drivers stopped by its officers have been black, in a city that is 9% black.
January 30, 2019
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Baltimore Will Stop Prosecuting Marijuana Possession Cases
Baltimore State's Attorney Marilyn Mosby announced Tuesday her office would cease prosecuting people for possessing marijuana regardless of the quantity or the person's criminal history.
January 30, 2019
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Under Pressure After California Wildfires, PG&E Files for Bankruptcy
Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and its parent company followed through early Tuesday on their plans to seek bankruptcy protection because of the mounting toll they face from the past two seasons of devastating Northern California wildfires.
January 30, 2019
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Stacey Abrams Will Give Democratic Response to Trump's State of the Union
Stacey Abrams has been seen as a rising star in the party since serving as the Democratic leader of the Georgia state General Assembly.
January 30, 2019
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L.A. Mayor Skips 2020 Presidential Race to 'Finish the Job' at Home
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced Tuesday that he will not run for president, declining to take a long-shot gamble that Democrats would pick a little-known local official to challenge President Trump.
January 30, 2019
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Ohio Supreme Court Creates Bail Reform Task Force
The task force will review Ohio law and "make recommendations that will ensure public safety and the accused's appearance at future court hearings, while protecting the presumption of innocence," according to the task force guidelines.
January 29, 2019
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Child Sex Abuse Survivors Will Get More Time to Sue Abusers in New York
After more than a decade of trying, New York legislators on Monday finally passed the Child Victims Act to bolster protections for child sex abuse survivors.
January 29, 2019
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More Than 2,000 Fires Sparked by California Utility Equipment in 3 Years
How the state regulates utilities is under growing scrutiny following unprecedented wildfires suspected to have been caused by power line issues, blazes that have destroyed thousands of homes and killed dozens of people.
January 29, 2019
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While Allegedly Playing Deadly Game, Police Officer Fatally Shoots Another Officer
A police officer who shot and killed another officer early Thursday was charged Friday with involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action, both felonies.
January 28, 2019
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Amid Measles Outbreak, Washington Governor Declares State of Emergency
Gov. Jay Inslee issued the proclamation Friday, deeming the outbreak of the highly contagious viral infection a "public disaster" affecting the life, health, property and public peace of his state's residents.
January 28, 2019
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Texas Moves to Purge 95,000 Voters Suspected of Not Being U.S. Citizens
Texas Secretary of State David Whitley said working with the Department of Public Safety, his office has been able to identify the potential non-citizens among those registered to vote, including 58,000 who have cast ballots before in Texas elections.
January 28, 2019
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New York City Reaches $3.3M Settlement With Family of Kalief Browder
The city will pay $3.3. million to the family of a man who killed himself after spending three years -- much of it in solitary confinement -- on Rikers Island, the Daily News has learned.
January 25, 2019
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On Promise to Withdraw From Obamacare Lawsuit, Wisconsin Governor Pivots Again
In another change of course, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers Thursday sought to withdraw Wisconsin from a multi-state lawsuit seeking to invalidate the Affordable Care Act -- this time by seeking legislative approval.
January 25, 2019
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In Deadly Tubbs Fire Investigation, California Officials Clear PG&E
Fifteen and a half months after one of the most destructive wildfires California has ever seen wreaked historic havoc on Wine Country, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. no longer has to wonder whether the state will blame it for the blaze.
January 25, 2019
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Republican Party Shrinks in California as Lawmaker Switches
San Diego Assemblyman Brian Maienschein, who has served in the Legislature for six years, announced Thursday that he has left the California Republican Party and re-registered as a Democrat in a move that further shrinks GOP influence in Sacramento.
January 24, 2019
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After Blackface Photos Surface, Florida Secretary of State Resigns
Former Seminole County elections chief Michael Ertel resigned as Florida secretary of state Thursday after photos emerged of him wearing blackface as a Hurricane "Katrina victim" at a Halloween party in 2005.
January 24, 2019
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To Help Distressed Rural Areas, Tennessee Governor Issues First Executive Order
The executive order represents the first action by Lee, who campaigned for governor last year pledging to step up state efforts to focus on the state's 15 economically distressed rural counties, a list that includes Grundy, Van Buren and Bledsoe counties.
January 24, 2019
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Committing to Climate Change Fight, Illinois Governor Orders Carbon Emissions Reduction
By joining the coalition, Pritzker has pledged Illinois will reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28 percent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels.
January 24, 2019
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State Version of the 'DREAM Act' Passes New York Legislature
After years of seeing efforts to create a state Dream Act blocked by Republicans who controlled the Senate until January, the new Democrat-controlled chamber passed the legislation on Wednesday.
January 24, 2019
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Can This Indiana Mayor Win the 2020 Presidential Election?
Pete Buttigieg announced the launch of his exploratory committee in a video message to supporters, pledging a "fresh start" for America.
January 24, 2019
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Iowa 'Fetal Heartbeat' Abortion Law Blocked by Judge
The law that would ban abortions once a heartbeat is detected in the fetus was ruled as "violative of both the due process and equal protection provisions of the Iowa Constitution," according to the court's filings.
January 23, 2019
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New York Codifies Roe v. Wade and Expands Reproductive Health Rights
The anticipated passage generated passionate debate in the halls of the Capitol Tuesday, where protesters and supporters armed with signs crowded hallways and fired off competing chants and songs.
January 23, 2019
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L.A. Teachers' Strike Ends, Teachers Return to Classrooms
The Los Angeles teachers union ended its strike Tuesday night, based on overwhelming support for a contract agreement with the school district, union leaders said.
January 23, 2019
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Supreme Court Agrees to Hear First Gun Case in Nearly a Decade
The justices said they would hear the case, New York State Rifle and Pistol Assn. vs. New York, but it will probably be considered in the fall. If so, the court will not issue a decision until early in 2020.
January 23, 2019
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Citing Missed Deadlines, Florida GOP Governor Replaces Democratic Elections Supervisor
Susan Bucher is the second elections official to lose her job over the November 2018 recounts. Former Broward elections chief Brenda Snipes announced she was resigning only to be suspended by former Gov. Rick Scott in late November.
January 22, 2019
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New Gun Control Law Requires State Licensing for Illinois Firearms Dealers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday signed legislation to give the state more oversight over Illinois firearms dealers, appearing with anti-violence advocates at a West Side elementary school and saying he'll push for further gun control measures.
January 22, 2019
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For Fatal Shooting of Laquan McDonald, Chicago Cop Sentenced to Nearly 7 Years
In October, Jason Van Dyke became the first Chicago police officer in a half-century to be convicted of murder in an on-duty shooting.
January 22, 2019
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Questions on Salary History Are Now Off-Limits for Illinois State Agencies
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed an executive order forbidding state agencies from asking job applicants how much money they earned in previous jobs, a rule that will likely be extended to all employers in the state by year's end.
January 18, 2019
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Early-Voting Restrictions Passed in Wisconsin Lame-Duck Session Blocked by Judge
Newly created restrictions on early voting and other election-related measures that were part of lame-duck legislation signed in December by outgoing Republican Gov. Scott Walker violate a federal court order issued in 2016 that voided similar restrictions, a federal judge ruled Thursday.
January 18, 2019
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Defying Trump Administration, California Governor Offers Help to Unpaid TSA Workers
The latest dust-up between California and the Trump administration happened after the Department of Labor sent an email this week warning the state that federal employees who continue to work during the government shutdown cannot apply for benefits, according to the governor's office.
January 18, 2019
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In Laquan McDonald Shooting Case, Judge Acquits 3 Chicago Cops of Cover-Up
At every point in her hourlong ruling, Associate Judge Domenica Stephenson endorsed the actions of the police on the night McDonald was shot by Officer Jason Van Dyke, calling the 17-year-old an erratic, armed assailant who ignored commands to drop a small knife.
January 18, 2019
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Florida Governor Warns Airbnb to Reverse West Bank Policy or Face State Sanctions
In announcing in November that it would not list roughly 200 homes in Israeli settlements, the popular home-sharing platform explained that it was uncomfortable doing business in an occupied territory subject to a historical dispute between Palestinians and Israelis.
January 17, 2019
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After Comments on Sex Abuse Victims, Michigan State Interim President Resigns
In his 11-page resignation letter, John Engler says he will step down effective Wednesday, Jan. 23.
January 17, 2019
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Conversion Therapy Ban: NY Legislature Passes LGBTQ Protection Bills
After a more than 15-year long fight, transgender New Yorkers will soon be covered by the state's anti-discrimination laws.
January 17, 2019
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Microsoft Pledges $500M to Tackle Housing Crisis in Seattle
Most of the money will be aimed at increasing housing options for low- and middle-income workers -- workers who "teach our kids in schools, and put out the fires in our houses and keep us alive in the hospital," said Microsoft President Brad Smith.
January 17, 2019
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Alleging Muslim Congresswoman Might 'Blow Up' Capitol Hill, Florida Commissioner Faces Backlash
Three Hallandale Beach commissioners blasted their colleague for her lack of discretion -- but stopped short of saying they would demand an apology.
January 16, 2019
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After Removing Confederate Statue Remains, UNC Chancellor Steps Down Early
UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Carol Folt will leave her post in two weeks -- months earlier than the timeline she suggested when she announced her resignation Monday.
January 16, 2019
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Judge: In Covering Confederate Monument, Birmingham Did Not Violate Alabama Law
A judge has ruled the Alabama Memorial Preservation Act doesn't have any legal authority and the city of Birmingham doesn't have to take down its wooden screen placed around a Confederate monument in Linn Park.
January 16, 2019
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Kasich Moves to TV: Former Ohio Governor Signs CNN Deal
Kasich had said he was likely to land a TV deal after leaving office. He now will appear regularly on shows featuring CNN hosts Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon and Chris Cuomo.
January 16, 2019
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Georgia Senate Limits Window for Sexual Harassment Claims
On his first day leading the Georgia Senate, new Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said he was not aware the chamber was going to make changes limiting the amount of time an alleged victim can report claims of sexual harassment involving a senator or staffer.
January 16, 2019
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College Students Affected by Shutdown May Receive Financial Relief in Nevada
The shutdown has affected about 3,000 Nevadans. Without the deferral, students at UNR face a Jan. 19 deadline to pay fees and tuition. Payments are due at other NSHE institutions soon after.
January 16, 2019
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As Shutdown Continues, Denver Offers $5K Mortgage Help
The city of Denver will cut checks to ease the pain of the federal government's partial shutdown.
January 16, 2019
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Census Citizenship Question Blocked by Judge
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration's plan to put a question about citizenship on the 2020 census, which will help determine U.S. elections, congressional seats and federal funding decisions for a decade.
January 15, 2019
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After Cleaning Bathrooms in National Park, Husband of Oregon Governor Sends Trump a Bill
"This is just one of the many reasons I love my husband, Dan," Gov. Kate Brown wrote.
January 15, 2019
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'Goat Fund Me' Campaign Aims to Use Farm Animals to Fight Wildfires
Vice Mayor Reinette Senum has launched a crowdsourcing campaign called "Goat Fund Me," hoping the online fundraising efforts will garner $30,000 to work with local ranchers on a prescriptive grazing project on city-owned land, including 450 acres of greenbelt.
January 15, 2019
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Second Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Birth Control Rules Nationwide
In a 65-page opinion issued the same day the rules took effect, the judge issued a temporary injunction requested by attorneys general in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
January 15, 2019
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To Address Toxic Algae, Florida Governor Announces Sweeping Environmental Plan
Two days after he took office, Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled sweeping measures to clean up Florida's troubled waters Thursday, including spending $2.5 billion and launching more aggressive policies to address algae choking Lake Okeechobee and polluting the state's coasts.
January 14, 2019
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Houston Airport Closes TSA Security Checkpoint Amid Federal Shutdown
Houston Airport System spokesman Bill Begley blamed "staffing issues" for the decision Transportation Security Administration made at 3:30 p.m. to close the checkpoint through Monday morning, at the earliest.
January 14, 2019
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Accused of Posting Sexual Photos, Former Illinois State Lawmaker Indicted
Former state Rep. Nick Sauer has been charged with 12 felonies for allegedly posting private sexual photos of two people online without their permission, according to the Lake County State's Attorney's Office.
January 11, 2019
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California Housing Crisis: Governor May Punish Cities That Block Homebuilding
Gov. Gavin Newsom unveiled his proposal Thursday at his state budget presentation, which also included more than $2 billion in new funding for housing and homelessness initiatives.
January 11, 2019
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As Shutdown Keeps TSA Screeners Home, Miami Airport Closes a Terminal
Miami International Airport plans to cut off access to one of its terminals over the weekend in order to send TSA workers to busier checkpoints, a spokesman said Thursday night.
January 11, 2019
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Following Parkland Shooting Criticism, Florida Governor to Suspend County Sheriff
Gov. Ron DeSantis is expected on Friday to suspend Broward Sheriff Scott Israel and replace him with a former Coral Springs police sergeant with a background in active shooter training.
January 11, 2019
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Accused of Misusing State Computers, Georgia Ethics Chief Is Suspended
Stefan Ritter, who has been the commission's executive director since 2015, called allegations first reported Monday by the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Channel 2 Action News "untrue," adding that he had not seen the complaints against him.
January 10, 2019
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Longtime Maryland State Senate President Being Treated for Prostate Cancer
Mike Miller, 76, is scheduled to discuss his cancer diagnosis with members of the Senate at 10 a.m. Thursday when the chamber next meets.
January 10, 2019
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After Report of Rape, California Pays $350,000 Settlement to Former Senate Staffer
The settlement included $280,000 in lost wages and damages, $50,000 to cover law school debt and $20,000 for medical assistance and career counseling, according to the Times.
January 10, 2019
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1 City's Push to Be First With Paid Vacation for All Private-Sector Workers
Mayor de Blasio said Wednesday that he would back legislation to require private employers in New York City to offer at least two weeks of paid vacation annually to their workers, a law he said would be the first of its kind in the nation.
January 10, 2019
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Trump Threatens to Cut Off Disaster Funding for California Wildfires
Trump's threat alarmed California officeholders. Politicians from both parties criticized the tweet, though Republicans stopped short of condemning the author and expressed sympathy with his complaints about the state's Democratic governance.
January 10, 2019
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Security Funding for Religious and Private Schools Doubled in New Jersey
The legislation, which Gov. Phil Murphy signed Tuesday at a yeshiva in Passaic, adds $11.3 million for security at nonpublic schools 2019-- doubling their level of state security funding from $75 to $150 per student.
January 9, 2019
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With Earthquake Sensors Set to Be Removed, Alaska Officials Fight to Keep Them
The National Science Foundation next year plans to remove more than 150 seismic sensors it installed in Alaska in recent years, closing out a $50 million project that vastly improved the state's limited seismic network, said Mike West, state seismologist.
January 9, 2019
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Denver City Council Votes to Ban Gay Conversion Therapy on Minors
The ban "will protect LGBTQ+ youth from dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing their sexual orientation or gender identity or expression," a city news release says.
January 9, 2019
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In New Health-Care Plan, NYC Mayor Guarantees Coverage for All Residents
The program, dubbed NYC Care, is aimed at providing either insurance or health services to the 600,000 New Yorkers who are uninsured, 300,000 of whom are undocumented immigrants who cannot be insured.
January 9, 2019
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Dead Body Found in Home of Major Democratic Donor -- Again
It was the second time a man was found dead at Ed Buck's apartment. Buck is a longtime political donor, a one-time West Hollywood City Council candidate and a well-known figure in LGBTQ political circles.
January 8, 2019
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As L.A. Teacher Strike Looms, School District and Union Fail to Reach Deal
At issue is whether United Teachers Los Angeles -- in setting the strike for Thursday -- gave the Los Angeles Unified School District a legally required 10-day notice that its members would stop working under the existing contract.
January 8, 2019
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Death-Row Inmate Commits Suicide After Nevada Delays Execution Requests
Scott Dozier, the convicted murderer who had all but begged Nevada authorities to execute him for years, was found dead in his death row cell over the weekend, authorities said.
January 8, 2019
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After California Wildfire, PG&E Stock Tumbles Over Bankruptcy and Liability Concerns
PG&E Corp. stock dived more than 20% Monday morning on reports that the California utility could face at least $30 billion in liability related to fires and has considered filing for bankruptcy protection.
January 8, 2019
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Sex Trafficking Victim Convicted of Murder Granted Clemency by Tennessee Governor
Cyntoia Brown, now 30, will have her life sentence commuted. She will be released to parole supervision on Aug. 7 after serving 15 years in prison.
January 8, 2019
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California Gov.-Elect Takes Office Facing High Expectations and Dangers of Not Meeting Them
Within an hour of being elected California's 40th governor, Gavin Newsom cast the occasion as not just a win, but also a watershed.
January 7, 2019
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Sexual Harassment in the Florida Senate: Aide Agrees to Resign With $900,000 Settlement
The Florida Senate paid $900,000 to settle a complaint filed by a high-ranking staffer who alleged she was retaliated against for accusing a former senator of sexual harassment, according to documents released by the Senate President Thursday. As part of the agreement, the aide, Rachel Perrin Rogers, is resigning.
January 7, 2019
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Mudslide Closes Part of Pacific Coast Highway
A stretch of Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu will remain closed until Monday as crews continue to clean up mud and debris from the highway after a winter storm moved through the area, triggering a mudslide and prompting flash flood warnings overnight in burn areas in Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
January 7, 2019
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'PARCC Isn't Working': Standardized Testing to Be Overhauled in New Mexico
On her third day as governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham announced that New Mexico will drop the oft-maligned PARCC exam after the current school year -- if not sooner.
January 7, 2019
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Pennsylvania Republicans' New 'Oversight Committee' Triggers Legal and Political Questions
Buried within the multitude of volumes that encompass Pennsylvania laws is a 176-year-old statute that is rarely used.
January 7, 2019
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Supreme Court Takes 2 Partisan Gerrymandering Cases
The Supreme Court agreed Friday to review highly partisan election maps drawn by Republicans in North Carolina and Democrats in Maryland, and decide whether such political gerrymandering violates voters' rights to a fair election.
January 7, 2019
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Deputies to Face Charges for Drowning of 2 Patients Transferred During Hurricane
Two South Carolina deputies who drove two women through Hurricane Florence floodwaters on the way to a mental health facility will face charges in their deaths.
January 4, 2019
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Powerful Chicago Democrat Charged in Federal Corruption Case
Longtime Ald. Edward Burke, one of Chicago's most powerful figures and a vestige of the city's old Democratic machine, has often been considered too clever and sophisticated to be caught blatantly using his public office to enrich himself.
January 4, 2019
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Airbnb Notches Legal Victory Against New York City Crackdown
A Manhattan Federal judge ruled Thursday that Airbnb does not have to turn over data on its hosts to New York City authorities.
January 4, 2019
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Ending 2020 Speculation, O'Malley Throws His Support Behind Beto
Former presidential candidate Martin O'Malley said he won't be running for president again in 2020, but he knows who he wants to see at the top of the Democratic ticket: Beto O'Rourke.
January 4, 2019
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17 State AGs Appeal Ruling That Could End Obamacare
Obamacare was struck down by a federal judge in Texas last month, and now a nationwide coalition of attorneys general, including Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, want to appeal that decision.
January 4, 2019
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NYPD Corruption Trial Ends Well for Ex-Police Official But Not Businessman
A Manhattan federal court jury on Wednesday delivered a split verdict in a closely watched NYPD corruption case, acquitting former Deputy Inspector James Grant on bribe-taking charges, but convicting businessman Jeremy Reichberg of two conspiracies and obstruction of justice.
January 3, 2019
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Prosecutor in Michael Brown Case Fired by Newly Elected Leader
On his second day in office, St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell fired the veteran assistant prosecutor Kathi Alizadeh, who was primarily responsible for presenting evidence to the grand jury that declined to indict a Ferguson police officer in the 2014 shooting death of Michael Brown.
January 3, 2019
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In California's Red Counties, Sheriffs Decry Sanctuary Laws After Crime Spree, Cop Killing
Before releasing the name of the suspect in the death of Newman Police Officer Ronil Singh, authorities released his legal status.
January 3, 2019
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Legal Pot Sales Fall Short of Expectations in California
When Californians voted in 2016 to allow the sale of recreational marijuana, advocates of the move envisioned thousands of pot shops and cannabis farms obtaining state licenses, making the drug easily available to all adults within a short drive.
January 3, 2019
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Does Paying People to Move Somewhere Pay Off for States and Localities?
For decades, cities and states have tried to create jobs and boost their economies by luring out-of-state employers. Now some areas are trying to attract workers — one worker at a time.
January 2, 2019
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San Jose Mayor Hospitalized After Bike Accident
San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo was hit by a car on New Year’s Day while riding his bicycle in the city, and he remained in the hospital Tuesday night, according to a statement from his office.
January 2, 2019
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After Grizzly Bears Get Endangered Species Protection, Montana Joins Federal Appeal
Montana will join Wyoming, Idaho and the federal government in appealing a federal court ruling that put the Greater Yellowstone grizzly bear population back on the Endangered Species List.
January 2, 2019
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After Homicide Uptick, Alabama Police Department Blames People Who Have 'Embraced Satan'
A rural Alabama police force believes two gun deaths in its small community are the result of its residents' rejection of God.
December 21, 2018
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Ohio Governor Bans Gender-Identity Discrimination in State Employment
Twenty-five days before leaving office, Gov. John Kasich suddenly barred discrimination in state employment based on gender identity -- a change of heart from when he took office nearly eight years ago.
December 21, 2018
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NYC Mayor Backs Marijuana Legalization and Conviction Expungement
On the eve of the announcement, de Blasio's administration issued a 71-page report by the Mayor's Task Force on Cannabis Legalization, making the case for marijuana legalization and the possibility for home delivery, but calling for smoking pot in public to remain illegal.
December 21, 2018
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Facing Political Ad Violations, Facebook and Google to Pay $450K to Washington State
Tech giants Facebook and Google will pay Washington state more than $450,000 to settle twin lawsuits filed by Attorney General Bob Ferguson accusing the companies of failure to abide by state laws on political advertising transparency.
December 21, 2018
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Archive
Voter ID Law Enacted After North Carolina House Overrides Governor's Veto
North Carolina voters will be asked to show photo identification when they go to the polls next year, barring intervention by a court.
December 21, 2018
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To Protect Trump, South Carolina GOP Could Forgo 2020 Primary
The South Carolina Republican Party could decide next summer to pass on holding the party's 2020 primary election -- a move that is not unprecedented -- to help President Donald Trump's re-election bid.
December 21, 2018
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San Francisco Mayor Defends Asking Governor to Release Imprisoned Brother
In October, London Breed and other family members sent letters to the governor, asking him to consider an early release date for her older brother, Napoleon Brown, who has served nearly two decades of a 44-year prison sentence for involuntary manslaughter and armed robbery.
December 20, 2018
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Amid Drinking Water Crisis, New York Panel Calls for Stricter Limits on Pollutants
A state panel created in response to drinking-water crises in the City of Newburgh and other places in New York has recommended the state set strict contamination limits for three chemicals that include the type that polluted Newburgh's primary water source.
December 20, 2018
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Switching Parties: Kansas Legislators Ditch GOP to Become Democrats
The party switching comes after a nationwide surge of Democratic voters in suburban areas. The surge helped defeat Republican U.S. Rep. Kevin Yoder, and some state lawmakers are now aligning themselves with this new political reality.
December 20, 2018
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D.C. Sues Facebook for Sharing User Data Without Permission
The attorney general for the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit Wednesday against Facebook for allowing Cambridge Analytica, a political consultancy, to gain access to the names, “likes,” and other personal data about tens of millions of the social site’s users without their permission.
December 20, 2018
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Archive
Illinois Sex Abuse Report: Names of 500 Accused Priests Withheld by Catholic Church
A scathing report from Attorney General Lisa Madigan finds the number of Catholic priests accused of sexual abuse against children in Illinois is much higher than previously acknowledged.
December 20, 2018
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After Tweeting 'Kill Yourself' to GOP Staffer, New York State Senator Apologizes
Sen. Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) quickly apologized on Twitter and the exchange with Candice Giove, a spokeswoman for the Senate's Republican conference, was deleted.
December 19, 2018
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Dismissing Parkland Lawsuit, Judge Rules Schools and Cops Had No Duty to Protect Students
U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom dismissed a suit filed by 15 students who claimed they were traumatized by the crisis in February.
December 19, 2018
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Amid Mass Shootings, Betsy DeVos Wants to Rescind Obama School Discipline Guidelines
A federal commission led by Education Secretary Betsy DeVos made the proposal Tuesday along with a recommendation to "seriously consider partnering with local law enforcement in the training and arming of school personnel."
December 19, 2018
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Trump Foundation Will Dissolve Under Court Supervision After New York Lawsuit
The attorney general's office had sued the Trump Foundation, claiming the president and his family had used it as a vehicle for his presidential campaign.
December 19, 2018
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Google to Invest $1 Billion in New York City Campus
The Google expansion will ripple through the Long Island economy, tech and economic development, experts said.
December 18, 2018
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Voter ID Bill Vetoed by North Carolina's Democratic Governor
Voter ID has been a years-long goal for Republicans. A 2013 law that included a photo ID requirement to vote was overturned by federal courts in 2016. The GOP moved to add photo ID to the state constitution this year, and the amendment passed with 55 percent of the vote.
December 18, 2018
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Archive
Felons' Voting Rights Restoration Should Be Delayed, Says Florida Governor-Elect
Ron DeSantis said the amendment, which would restore voting rights for most ex-felons who have served their sentences, should take effect after state lawmakers pass "implementing language" in a bill that is then sent to him for his signature.
December 18, 2018
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In Leftward Shift, New York Governor Calls for Marijuana Legalization
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Monday called for legalizing recreational marijuana as part of a 2019 legislative agenda that reflected a more leftward course now that Democrats control every lever of New York state government.
December 18, 2018
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Archive
'Zero Respect for the Voters': Michigan Governor Signs Bills That Water Down Minimum Wage, Sick Leave Laws
Gov. Rick Snyder signed bills Friday to water down voter-initiated increases to the state minimum wage and employer-paid sick time, pleasing the business community but dashing hopes among many Michiganders that he would veto the lame-duck bills.
December 17, 2018
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Archive
Amid 2020 Speculation, South Bend Mayor Won't Seek Another Term
Pete Buttigieg is ending his tenure as the city's mayor, announcing today that he will not seek a third term in office but not yet revealing his future political plans -- including a possible run for president.
December 17, 2018
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A First, Texas University Trains Every Health Student to Administer Overdose-Reversal Drug
Starting in 2019, Texas A&M University will be the first university in the nation to train all of its health science students to administer the drug naloxone, which reverses the effects of an opioid overdose.
December 17, 2018
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Thousands of L.A. Teachers March as Union Nears First Strike in Nearly 30 Years
The March for Public Education, organized by United Teachers Los Angeles, was meant to be a show of force to Supt. Austin Beutner, who has said Los Angeles Unified School District does not have the funds to meet the union's demands and ensure the district's financial solvency in future years.
December 17, 2018
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Limiting Successor's Powers, Wisconsin Governor Signs GOP Power Grab Bills
Scott Walker, who has faced national scrutiny and calls from Democrats and some Republicans to reject the legislative package entirely, said during the bill signing he was approving the three bills in full, without line-item vetoes.
December 17, 2018
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Archive
Camp Fire Clean-Up Workers Fired After Posting Inappropriate Photos in Wreckage
About four hours after the initial post, the company said they “identified three participants in this abhorrent event and their employment has been terminated.”
December 17, 2018
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Spanking Is 'Normal,' Says California Lawmaker Arrested for Child Cruelty
A California state lawmaker admitted Wednesday that he "spanked [his daughter's] bottom" following his arrest on suspicion of child cruelty.
December 14, 2018
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Kentucky Court Strikes Pension Reform Law That Sparked Teacher Protests
Local school officials say the Kentucky Supreme Court's decision to strike down pension reform legislation may prove anticlimactic since the Republican-controlled General Assembly that passed it earlier this year could do so again once in session early next month.
December 14, 2018
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Apple Announces Expansion in 4 U.S. Cities
Though Austin will land the biggest part of the Silicon Valley giant's expansion, the Cupertino company also announced plans Thursday to open additional offices in Culver City, San Diego and Seattle -- bringing headcounts to 1,000 in each over the next three years.
December 14, 2018
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Archive
Citing Conflicts of Interest, Alabama AG Takes Over Mall Shooting Investigation
The Alabama Attorney General's Office is taking over the case of the Thanksgiving shooting death of Emantic Fitzgerald "EJ" Bradford Jr. and the wounding of two other people inside the Riverchase Galleria .
December 13, 2018
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Archive
In Case That Hurt His Campaign, Gillum Not Mentioned in 44-Charge Indictment of Tallahassee Commissioner
Tallahassee City Commissioner Scott Maddox was indicted Wednesday on 44 charges in an FBI corruption investigation that became a key issue in Democrat Andrew Gillum's campaign for Florida governor.
December 13, 2018
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Archive
In Bid Rigging Case, Former New York State University Official Gets Prison Time
Alain Kaloyeros, the ex-SUNY official who engineered an economic rebirth in Albany, was sentenced to 42 months in prison Tuesday in Manhattan federal court for bid-rigging that awarded nearly $1 billion in economic development funds to two major donors to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo.
December 13, 2018
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Accused of Failing to Disclose Security Breach, Google Sued by Rhode Island
As of Tuesday afternoon, a day after Google announced the number of users whose personal information was exposed, the Rhode Island pension fund owned 37,000 shares in Google, now traded as Alphabet shares, worth about $40 million, said Evan England, a spokesman for Magaziner.
December 13, 2018
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Justice Department Sues Washington State Over Law to Compensate Sick Workers
The U.S. Justice Department sued Washington state Monday alleging that a law approved by the Legislature to make it easier for ill Hanford workers to get compensation discriminates against the federal government and its Energy Department contractors.
December 13, 2018
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Archive
Into the Chaos: Florida Report Details Lapses in Parkland Shooting Response
A Florida state panel reviewing the Parkland shooting unveiled a draft report Wednesday chronicling lapses by Broward County agencies and calling for a statewide overhaul of school security measures.
December 13, 2018
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Archive
After Bribery Conviction, Pennsylvania Democratic Lawmaker Resigns 'Under Protest'
In her resignation letter, the Philadelphia Democrat highlighted the words of the judge who last month sentenced her to 23-months of probation, noting that he had expressed serious concerns about the undercover sting investigation that led to her political downfall.
December 12, 2018
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Archive
California Bail Reform: Chief Justice Says Overhaul Will Happen With or Without New Law
The new law has also come under attack from a coalition of bail industry groups, which see it as an existential threat to their industry and last month submitted more than enough signatures needed for a statewide referendum on the law in 2020.
December 12, 2018
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Outgoing Wisconsin Governor Signals Support for GOP's Lame-Duck Power Grab
Gov. Scott Walker on Tuesday defended several measures included in lame-duck bills Republicans passed last week that would strip the incoming governor and attorney general of some of their powers, while saying he is considering at least one line-item veto.
December 12, 2018
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A 2016 California Law Meant to Prevent Wildfires. Utility Regulators Delayed Enforcing It.
Long before the Camp Fire raced through Northern California, claiming at least 85 lives and all but erasing the Gold Rush town of Paradise, state law required the three big power monopolies to file detailed strategies to prevent wildfires.
December 11, 2018
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In Censorship Settlement, Social Media Critics of Maine Governor Come Out on Top
Good morning from Augusta, where it just got easier to post comments on the governor's Facebook page. The American Civil Liberties Union of Maine has settled its First Amendment lawsuit against Gov. Paul LePage, whom the group said unconstitutionally censored comments on his Facebook page.
December 11, 2018
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Trump Administration Poised to Scale Back Obama-Era Clean Water Protections
The Trump administration is poised to roll back Clean Water Act protections on millions of acres of streams and wetlands, following through on a promise to agriculture interests and real estate developers to rewrite an Obama-era rule limiting pollution.
December 11, 2018
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Planned Parenthood Wins Abortion Case as Divided Supreme Court Refuses Appeal
A divided Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear an abortion-related case from conservative states that sought to defund Planned Parenthood.
December 10, 2018
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Sex Trafficking Victim Convicted of Murder at 16 Must Spend 51 Years in Prison
Despite changes in sex trafficking laws since then, Cyntoia Brown must still stay behind bars for at least 51 years, the Tennessee Supreme Court ruled last week.
December 10, 2018
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Charlottesville Rally: White Nationalist Convicted of Killing Counterprotester Last Year
A white nationalist was found guilty of all counts, including first-degree murder, for killing counterprotester Heather Heyer and injuring dozens of others with his car during the "Unite the Right" rally in Virginia in 2017.
December 10, 2018
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Ending First Charter School Strike in U.S., Teachers Celebrate Tentative Contract Agreement
More than 500 teachers and support staff will return to 15 Acero campuses across the city Monday after walking off the job and missing four days of school last week.
December 10, 2018
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Medicaid Expansion Ruling Means 'End Is in Sight' for Maine's Health-Care Uncertainty
The judge deciding the Medicaid expansion lawsuit has denied a stay request by the outgoing LePage administration, but set a new Feb. 1 deadline to begin enrolling people in the expanded health insurance program.
December 7, 2018
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New York State Lawmakers on Track to Be Highest-Paid in the Country
Even while some suggest its unconstitutional, government reform groups praised a commission's decision to raise state lawmakers salaries for the first time in 20 years while also imposing restrictions on outside income and legislative stipends.
December 7, 2018
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Deadliest Wildfire in California History May Have Been Started by Faulty Utility Hook
For weeks a PG&E transmission tower northeast of Paradise has loomed as a possible culprit in the Camp fire, triggering a slew of lawsuits and official investigations.
December 7, 2018
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After Complaint Against Outgoing AG, Missouri Secretary of State Launches Probe
Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft has launched an investigation into a complaint that Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley used public resources in his successful bid for the U.S. Senate.
December 7, 2018
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Gone Before He Got There: Newly Elected Rhode Island Lawmaker Won't Take Seat After Campaign Cover-Up
A rising young star in Rhode Island Democratic politics came crashing to earth Wednesday as state Representative-elect Laufton Ascencao said he would not take his seat in the General Assembly under mounting pressure from fellow progressives for fabricating a story and documents about his help for local candidates.
December 6, 2018
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The Supreme Court 'Double Jeopardy' Case That Could Impact the Mueller Investigation
The Supreme Court justices sounded unwilling Thursday to overturn a long-standing precedent that allows a state and the federal government to prosecute a person for the same crime _ despite the constitutional ban on "double jeopardy."
December 6, 2018
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Live in a Flood Zone? Louisiana Residents Offered Buyouts for Disaster-Prone Homes
The state program assisting victims of the 2016 floods is offering buyouts to people living in especially hazardous areas.
December 6, 2018
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Amid Denver Push for Supervised Drug Injection Site, Feds Threaten Reprisals
The feds aren't happy with Denver's controversial new plan for drug treatment.
December 6, 2018
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2020 Solar Power: California Officially Codifies Mandate for Homes
To a smattering of applause, the California Building Standards Commission voted unanimously to add energy standards approved last May by another panel to the state building code.
December 6, 2018
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New Hampshire Secretary of State Narrowly Wins Bid to Serve 22nd Term
Bill Gardner, the underdog in this race for the first time in decades, pulled off a remarkable upset, beating Van Ostern on the second ballot of voting by House and Senate members, 209-205.
December 6, 2018
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As Florida Works to Restore Felons' Voting Rights, Confusion Clouds the Process
County elections supervisors from across Florida peppered state elections experts Tuesday during a conference in Sarasota about what steps local offices should be taking to comply with Amendment 4.
December 6, 2018
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The Kids Are Alright: 9-Year-Old Convinces Town to End Ban on Snowball Fights
The forecast for the town of Severance for the first time in decades: Cloudy with a chance of snowballs.
December 5, 2018
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Satanic Display Added to Illinois Statehouse's Holiday Festivities
A display from The Satanic Temple-Chicago has been placed in the Statehouse rotunda, joining the Nativity scene to mark the Christmas season and the Menorah to mark Hanukkah.
December 5, 2018
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2020 Update: Deval Patrick Reportedly Not Running for President
Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick will not run for president in 2020, according to a new report.
December 5, 2018
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Politics & Elections
Staffer Says Her Rape Allegations Against Aide Were Ignored by New Jersey Governor's Office
A staffer for New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy told lawmakers Tuesday that high-ranking members of Murphy's campaign and administration, including the governor himself, failed to act when she tried to alert them about a fellow campaign aide who she says raped her.
December 5, 2018
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Georgia Republican Wins Secretary of State Runoff
As Georgia's next top elections official, Republican Brad Raffensperger promises to defend broad voter-registration cancellations and strict voting requirements that have fueled accusations of widespread disenfranchisement.
December 5, 2018
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Protests Rise Over Changes to Voter-Approved Paid Sick Leave and Minimum Wage Policies in Michigan
Amidst a day of protests by hundreds of people across the Capitol on bills that change voter-approved ballot proposals and expand the authority of the Republican-controlled Legislature, the GOP voted to gut proposals to raise the minimum wage to $12 per hour and require employers to provide sick time for employees.
December 5, 2018
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Medicaid Changes Give Patients Less Time to Apply for Coverage in Florida
Floridians will now have less time to apply for Medicaid coverage if they want healthcare costs retroactively covered, after federal officials approved a state request Friday to shorten how far back the state's program can pick up the bill.
December 5, 2018
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After Senate Victory, Florida Governor Will Remain in Current Role Until Jan. 8
Rick Scott announced Tuesday that he will remain in his current role until governor-elect Ron DeSantis is sworn in. Scott, who has kept his plans secret for weeks, was scheduled to become a U.S. senator five days before his term as governor would end.
December 5, 2018
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Nation's First Charter School Strike Halts Classes for 7,500 Chicago Students
Backed by affiliates at the Chicago Teachers Union, the charter network's teachers said they would not return to work after what they described as a series of fruitless negotiations with management.
December 5, 2018
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Maryland and D.C. Subpoena Trump Businesses for Evidence of Conflicts of Interest
Among those receiving subpoenas were 13 Trump organizations, including The Trump Organization Inc., Trump International Hotels Management LLC, Trump Old Post Office LLC and The Donald J. Trump Revocable Trust.
December 5, 2018
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Missouri County Misses Deadline to Pay Shopping Center's Debt
A Dec. 1 payment deadline came and went without anyone volunteering to pay up on a shortfall for debt supporting the Northland's Zona Rosa shopping center, further muddying up its financial picture.
December 4, 2018
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Widespread Water Outage Prompts Boil Advisory in Atlanta
Much of the city of Atlanta and parts of DeKalb County are still under a boil water advisory Tuesday morning after a widespread water outage Monday.
December 4, 2018
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Following November Snowstorm Chaos, NYC Emergency Management Chief Is Fired
A deputy mayor told the head of the city's Office of Emergency Management he was fired on Friday, a source told the News -- but without hearing from Hizzoner about his fate, the commissioner, Joseph Esposito, showed up for work on Monday.
December 4, 2018
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FBI and IRS Raid Home of Atlantic City Mayor
The search comes five days after prosecutors announced that they had decided not to charge Gilliam and Councilman Jeffree Fauntleroy II for their involvement in a Nov. 11 fight outside the Haven nightclub at the Golden Nugget casino.
December 4, 2018
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Sen. John Kennedy Will Not Run for Louisiana Governor, Leaving No Major GOP Contender
With the most prominent potential contender officially out of the race, Louisiana Republicans appear to be left without a well-known figure to challenge Gov. John Bel Edwards less than a year away from Election Day.
December 4, 2018
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Suspected of Helping an Immigrant Escape ICE, Massachusetts Judge Under Investigation
The Boston Globe reports federal prosecutor Andrew Lelling has convened a grand jury to investigate the role District Court Judge Shelley Joseph may have played in helping an undocumented immigrant, Jose Medina-Perez, get away from federal immigration authorities in April.
December 4, 2018
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Florida Elections Supervisor Rescinds Resignation and Vows to Fight Governor's Allegations
A day after Florida's governor suspended Brenda Snipes from her position as Broward County's supervisor of elections, Snipes announced that she would be scrapping any plans to resign in January as she fights back against claims of incompetence and misconduct.
December 4, 2018
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As Abortion Restrictions Spread, 5,500 Women Traveled to Illinois for the Procedure
Last year, 5,528 women traveled to Illinois from other states to terminate pregnancies, almost a thousand more than the 4,543 women who came from out of state in 2016.
December 3, 2018
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After Fatally Shooting Man in His Apartment, Ex-Dallas Cop Indicted for Murder
A former Dallas police officer who walked into an unarmed man's apartment on Sept. 6 and shot him while wearing her police uniform has been indicted on a charge of murder.
December 3, 2018
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Earthquake and Aftershocks Damage Infrastructure Throughout Alaska
A 7.0 earthquake rocked Anchorage and the rest of south-central Alaska Friday morning, cracking and collapsing roads and highways, damaging buildings, knocking out power and sending people scrambling outside and under furniture. It left many homes a mess.
December 3, 2018
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In Immigration Battle, Judge Says Trump Can't Withhold Law Enforcement Funds From Sanctuary States
The Trump administration cannot withhold $29 million in federal money from New York and five other states that do not embrace harsh immigration policies, a judge wrote Friday, ruling that the effort violated the separation of powers.
December 3, 2018
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These Inmates Want Porn in Prison -- and They Are Suing Iowa to Get It
About 58 inmates are attempting to sue the state of Iowa over the recent ban of pornography in prisons, claiming it violates their constitutional rights.
November 30, 2018
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Police Cooperation With ICE Limited by New Jersey AG
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal has issued a sweeping directive to state, county and local law enforcement agencies to limit the type of assistance their officers can offer to federal immigration authorities.
November 30, 2018
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Farm Bill Deal Removes House GOP Work Requirements for Food Stamps
The farm bill will reauthorize the nation's nearly $900 billion in food and agriculture programs for another five years.
November 30, 2018
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Weeks Before Medicaid Expansion Deadline, Maine Governor Files Motion to Delay
Gov. Paul LePage is continuing to fight Medicaid expansion in court, filing another motion to delay the case only five weeks before Gov.-elect Janet Mills will take over, reverse course and implement the expansion.
November 29, 2018
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Ally of Former EPA Head Scott Pruitt Could Become Oklahoma's Top Environmental Official
Kenneth Wagner, a senior official at the Environmental Protection Agency with close ties to former state attorney general Scott Pruitt, is Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt's appointment for secretary of energy and the environment, the governor-elect's transition office announced Wednesday.
November 29, 2018
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Toxic Waste From 22 Coal Plants Threatens Drinking Water for Illinois Communities
The compilation of industry-supplied reports from 24 coal plants highlights how federal and state officials have failed for decades to hold corporations accountable for the millions of tons of ash and other harmful byproducts created by the burning of coal to generate electricity.
November 29, 2018
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Facing Sexual Misconduct Allegations, California Democratic Party Chair Says He Will Seek Treatment
Eric Bauman, the powerful chairman of the California Democratic Party, made crude sexual comments and engaged in unwanted touching or physical intimidation in professional settings, 10 party staff members and political activists said in interviews with The Times.
November 29, 2018
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2 Iranians Indicted for Cyberattacks Targeting U.S. Cities and Public Institutions
The indictment charges Faramarz Shahi Savandi, 34, and Mohammad Mehdi Shah Mansouri, 27, with launching cyberattacks using malware known as SamSam to freeze data on computers. The men then demanded payment in digital currency known as Bitcoin to unlock the data.
November 29, 2018
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Baltimore Sues Trump Administration Over Immigrants' Access to Benefits
The city of Baltimore sued the Trump administration Wednesday over changes the State Department made to the way it weighs the use of government benefits by potential immigrants and their families when deciding to issue visas.
November 29, 2018
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To Protect Against Active Shooters, 1 Michigan School Is Arming Up -- With Hockey Pucks
The idea of using the quirky self-defense tool grew out of a training session Police Chief Mark Gordon led in March for faculty members on what they should do if a gunman enters their classroom.
November 28, 2018
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Right-to-Die Law Upheld by California Appeals Court After Lower Judge Blocked It
The statute, in effect since June 2016, allows a dying adult patient to take lethal drugs that a doctor has prescribed.
November 28, 2018
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For Framing Innocent Black Men, Former Florida Police Chief Gets 3 Years in Prison
Raimundo Atesiano, the former Biscayne Park police chief who directed his officers to frame innocent black men for a series of unsolved burglaries, admitted he wanted to appease community leaders and polish the village's property crimes record.
November 28, 2018
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Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Over Absentee Ballots in Pennsylvania Senate Race
State Rep. Tina Davis filed the lawsuit Nov. 19 after losing the race in the state's Sixth District to incumbent state Sen. Richard "Tommy" Tomlinson by just 74 votes. However, at least 216 absentee ballots went uncounted because they were received after the deadline but before Election Day, according to the filing.
November 28, 2018
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Stacey Abrams-Backed Group Sues to Fix Georgia's 'Mismanaged' Election System
Voting rights activists working with Democrat Stacey Abrams filed a sweeping federal lawsuit Tuesday against Georgia election officials, alleging they "grossly mismanaged" the recent midterm, depriving Georgia citizens -- especially those of color -- of their "fundamental right to vote."
November 28, 2018
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With New York Tunnel Project Stalled, Cuomo Will Meet With Trump
Gov. Cuomo is set to head to Washington on Wednesday to meet with President Trump to again push for a new rail tunnel under the Hudson River.
November 28, 2018
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New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Will Not Run for President in 2020
"I am ruling it out," Cuomo said during an appearance on WNYC's "The Brian Lehrer Show." "I ran for governor (in November). I have a full plate. I have many projects. I'm going to be here doing the job as governor."
November 28, 2018
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Marijuana Legalization Bill Advances in New Jersey
A bill to legalize recreational marijuana was approved by a House-Senate committee in the New Jersey Legislature Monday, a giant step toward making the cannabis plant and its products available in the state.
November 27, 2018
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'Fed Up With Politics as Usual,' Maryland Governor Creates 'Emergency' Redistricting Commission
Gov. Larry Hogan created an "emergency" commission on Monday to redraw the borders of Maryland's 6th Congressional District, moving ahead on a new map despite state Attorney General Brian Frosh's appeal of a federal ruling that ordered the redraft.
November 27, 2018
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Ex-Pennsylvania AG Headed to Jail After Appeal Fails
After the Pennsylvania Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear her appeal, disgraced former Pennsylvania Attorney General Kathleen Kane has exhausted her legal options and must begin serving her jail sentence.
November 27, 2018
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In 'Bridgegate,' Appeals Court Upholds Most Convictions
A three-judge appellate panel in Philadelphia on Tuesday affirmed most of the convictions of two onetime allies of former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie charged in the Bridgegate scandal.
November 27, 2018
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What the First Woman to Lead a New York Legislative Chamber Might Change
Poised to become the state's first female Senate majority leader, state Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins indicated Monday she will continue a tax on the wealthy.
November 27, 2018
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Pay Taxes in Bitcoin? One State Will Let You.
Ohio will become the first state to accept cryptocurrency for tax payments, beginning this week.
November 27, 2018
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Shooting at Municipal Building in Pennsylvania Leaves Public Employee Dead
A Paradise Township employee is dead and a man is in custody after a shooting at the municipal building in north-central Monroe County Tuesday morning.
November 27, 2018
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Former MSU President Arraigned on Charges Tied to Larry Nassar Sex Abuse Scandal
Lou Anna K. Simon -- who resigned as MSU president days after her January courtroom appearance -- was arraigned Monday on charges of lying to police about her knowledge of a 2014 incident involving Nassar's abuse of a patient at the MSU Sports Medicine Clinic.
November 27, 2018
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After Report on Child Deaths, Oregon Lawmakers to Consider Stricter Rules
A key state lawmaker said Monday she will push to strengthen Oregon's child death disclosure laws after reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive exposed delays, omissions and failures by state officials to meet current requirements.
November 27, 2018
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As Protesters Shut Down Highway, Alabama Investigates Police Shooting on Thanksgiving
Protesters are asking for the Hoover Police Department to release video from the police body cameras and mall surveillance cameras for public review.
November 27, 2018
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Amid California's Housing Shortage, Companies Carve Up Apartments to Pack More People and Lower Rent
Some companies are selling dividing walls or curtains to create new bedrooms. Others are filling rooms with bunk beds. And some -- armed with Silicon Valley backing and a brand of "co-living" -- are offering a variety of sleeping situations and services that make it easier to find roommates and then live with them.
November 27, 2018
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Seeking to Block Bail Reform in California, Bond Industry Submits Signatures for 2020 Ballot Vote
A coalition of bail bond industry groups took a major step Tuesday toward blocking California's historic overhaul of the bail system, submitting more than enough signatures required for a statewide referendum on the law in 2020.
November 26, 2018
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Immigrants, Drug Offenders and Former State Lawmaker Pardoned by California Governor
No governor in California history has given more former offenders a chance at redemption through a pardon or commuted sentence than Gov. Jerry Brown.
November 26, 2018
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Ohio County GOP Chairman Deletes Image Calling Wildfires ‘God’s Punishment to Liberal California’
Columbiana County Republican Party Chairman Dave Johnson said in a telephone interview that the post, which he published on Sunday after reading a news article and deleted later that day, reflected his belief that Democrats have mismanaged California.
November 21, 2018
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Amid Criticism for Parkland Shooting Response, Florida County Police Captain Resigns
On Feb. 14, Jan Jordan, the Parkland district commander, initially took charge of the scene after former student Nikolas Cruz attacked Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School with a high-powered rifle. She arrived within seven minutes of Cruz firing his first shots.
November 21, 2018
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Defending HQ2 Deal, New York Governor Claims State and City 'Gave Amazon Nothing'
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is defending the state's tax incentives for an Amazon HQ2 site in Queens after much criticism.
November 21, 2018
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In L.A. Election Fraud Scheme, Homeless Given Cash and Cigarettes to Sign Fake Names
The crude exchange played out hundreds of times on L.A.'s skid row during the 2016 election cycle and again this year, prosecutors said Tuesday as they announced criminal charges against nine people accused in a fraud scheme.
November 21, 2018
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15-Week Abortion Ban Blocked in Mississippi
The Mississippi Gestational Age Act, HB1510, enacted in March, prohibits physicians from performing abortions after 15 weeks in gestation except in a medical emergency or in cases of severe fetal abnormality.
November 21, 2018
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On Abortion and 'Stand Your Ground' Bills, Ohio Governor Threatens Vetoes
The House has passed both items by margins wide enough votes to override a Kasich veto. The Senate has yet to act on either bill, but is expected to soon.
November 20, 2018
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Anti-Vaccination Community Hit With North Carolina's Worst Chickenpox Outbreak in 20 Years
A North Carolina grade school with one of the state's highest anti-vaccination rates has become ground zero for an outbreak of the disease, which causes rashy, itchy skin and leads to death in rare cases.
November 20, 2018
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Former Ohio Judge, Jailed for Beating His Wife in 2014, Arrested for Her Death
Lance Mason was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of his estranged wife, Aisha Fraser Mason, at her home on Chagrin Boulevard near Normandy Road, the sources said.
November 20, 2018
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North Carolina Lawmakers Will Hire Investigators to Probe Governor’s Natural Gas Pipeline Fund
While Gov. Roy Cooper's office dismissed the move as a political stunt, the lawmakers were praised by an environmental activist group that has fought the Atlantic Coast Pipeline and has been frustrated by Cooper's silence.
November 19, 2018
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Nearly 80 Dead and 1,000 Missing in California as Trump Visits to Assess Wildfire Damage
President Trump made a rare visit to smoke-choked California on Saturday, joining Gov. Jerry Brown and Gov.-elect Gavin Newsom to tour what he called the "really, really bad" devastation of the Camp Fire and pledging to help with the still-unfolding disaster.
November 19, 2018
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For the Second Time, Democrat Andrew Gillum Concedes in Florida Governor's Race
Democratic nominee Andrew Gillum, for the second time, conceded the race for Florida governor to Republican Ron DeSantis on Saturday.
November 19, 2018
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Democrat Stacey Abrams Ends Bid for Georgia Governor But 'Will Not Concede'
Stacey Abrams halted her run for Georgia governor Friday, but the Democrat said she would not concede the contest to Republican Brian Kemp and planned to launch a voting rights group to file "major" litigation challenging election policies.
November 19, 2018
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Many Cities Fail to Track Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women
A new report points to a troubling lack of quality data about missing and murdered indigenous women.
November 16, 2018
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Oregon Lawmaker Under Scrutiny for Posting Home Addresses of Ballot Measure Petitioners
Ceasefire Oregon has called on the state House of Representatives to investigate Rep. Bill Post, R-Keizer, for putting online the phone numbers and home addresses of the chief petitioners of a ballot measure to ban assault weapons.
November 15, 2018
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In 'Count Every Vote' Protest, Georgia State Senator Arrested at Capitol With 14 Others
State Sen. Nikema Williams, D-Atlanta, said she was standing with her constituents when officers led her out of the Capitol rotunda and placed plastic restraints on her wrists.
November 15, 2018
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Judge Rejects Overhaul of New York City's Troubled Public Housing
A federal judge on Wednesday rejected the city's agreement to bring in an independent monitor to oversee public housing, saying the deal doesn't have enough teeth to trigger actual reform for NYCHA's long-suffering tenants.
November 15, 2018
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Amid Racism Allegations, Iowa Governor Tells Congressman Steve King to Assess His Values
Her remarks Tuesday came during her first news conference since the Nov. 6 election, when a reporter asked about the thoughts on the increased controversy surrounding King.
November 14, 2018
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Deaths of State Prisoners in New York Could Have Been Prevented With Medical Care
Officials with the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision say that even one such case is unacceptable, but that only around 0.02% of the total prison population of nearly 50,000 are referenced in the reports.
November 14, 2018
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In Legal Challenge, Maryland AG Calls Temporary Replacement for Jeff Sessions 'Unconstitutional'
Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh filed a motion Tuesday in federal court challenging President Donald Trump's appointment of Matthew Whitaker as acting U.S. attorney general after the ouster last week of Jeff Sessions.
November 14, 2018
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Cities and States Offered Amazon Billions to Win HQ2. Did It Matter?
The winning packages, disclosed by Amazon on Tuesday, paled next to Washington state's historic $8.7 billion giveaway to Boeing five years ago.
November 14, 2018
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Georgia Election Officials Ordered to Count Absentee Ballots
Georgia Secretary of State Robyn Crittenden instructed county election officials Monday to count absentee ballots even if they lack a voter's date of birth, as long as the voter's identity can be verified.
November 13, 2018
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Nearly a Week After Election Day, California Democrats Regain Supermajority in Legislature
Democrats claimed victory Monday in two state Senate races, giving them back the two-thirds supermajority they lost in June when Orange County Democrat Josh Newman was recalled after he voted in favor of Gov. Jerry Brown's gas tax increase.
November 13, 2018
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Alleging Fraud Without Evidence, Trump Calls to End Recount in Florida Races
As vote counts in several states increased Democrats' midterm election gains, and further undercut President Donald Trump's claims to victory, the president on Monday led some Republicans in alleging vote fraud, especially in Florida, without evidence.
November 13, 2018
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Florida Counties Race to Recount Several Races by Thursday
Florida counties began the laborious and time-sensitive recount of votes cast last week to resolve the state's three close statewide races.
November 12, 2018
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Gender X Comes to Colorado: Residents Can Choose Non-Binary Option on Driver's Licenses
Under the rule, approved by Department of Revenue Executive Director Michael Hartman, residents will have the choice starting Nov. 30 to use the letter "X" to identify a non-binary gender in favor of "M" for male and "F" for female.
November 12, 2018
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LGBT Protections for State Workers Will Be Restored, Kansas Governor-Elect Vows
The order, first put in place by Democratic Gov. Kathleen Sebelius in 2007, prohibited harassment, firing or discrimination against state workers based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
November 12, 2018
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Florida AG Joins Governor in Urging State Police to Probe Election Results
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi leaned on state police to open an investigation into Gov. Rick Scott's claims of voter fraud in his U.S. Senate race, even though police and elections officials say they have found no evidence of fraud.
November 12, 2018
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After Trump Criticizes Wildfire Management, California Governor-Elect and Firefighters Speak Out
President Donald Trump on Saturday threatened to withhold federal payments to California, saying "There is no reason for these massive, deadly and costly forest fires" and calling its forest management "so poor."
November 12, 2018
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Amid Deadly California 'Camp Fire,' Governor Requests Major Disaster Declaration
As of Sunday morning, the Camp Fire had killed 23 people and burned through roughly 109,000 acres -- about 164 square miles -- in Butte County, according to Cal Fire.
November 12, 2018
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Former New York AG Will Not Face Criminal Charges for Abuse Allegations
Eric Schneiderman, a Democrat, was accused of assaulting four past romantic partners and using his office to threaten or harass the women. Among the allegations was a claim Schneiderman slapped a woman in 2016 at a home in the Hamptons.
November 9, 2018
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After California Mass Shooting, Governor-Elect Says He 'Will Raise the Bar' on Gun Control
One possibility is an expansion of California's gun violence restraining order law, which allows police and family members to seek the temporary removal of firearms from someone they believe is a danger to themselves or others.
November 9, 2018
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In Georgia, Kemp Resigns as Secretary of State While Abrams Hopes for a Runoff
Republican Brian Kemp on Thursday resigned as Georgia's secretary of state, saying he needs to start the work of transitioning to the state's top office after earning a "clear and convincing victory" at the ballot box.
November 8, 2018
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Not Over Yet? Georgia's Brian Kemp Declares Victory But Stacey Abrams Holds Out for Final Count
On Wednesday evening -- with nearly all 3.9 million votes counted and Abrams trailing Kemp by fewer than 63,000 votes -- the Abrams campaign said that it was 25,700 votes shy of triggering a runoff and 23,800 votes from a recount and that she would not concede until it was clear every last vote was tallied.
November 8, 2018
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One Outgoing Governor's Post-Election Plans: Move to Florida for Tax Reasons
Gov. Paul LePage said Monday that he plans to move to Florida for tax reasons and teach at a university there regardless of who Mainers elect to succeed him.
November 6, 2018
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After Citing Fake Endorsement, Democratic Oklahoma State House Candidate Apologizes
The mailer sent to 4,000 voters includes a genuine photo of Gov. Brad Henry and LaVelle Compton together. Next to the photo is a made-up Henry quote describing Compton as "an exceptional young man who will be an asset to our Legislature."
November 6, 2018
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The HQ2 Battle Nears an End: New Amazon Hub Will Split Between 2 Cities
The New York Times and other outlets are reporting that Amazon decided to use the two locations to house 50,000 employees, ending speculation and serenades over the past year by politicians in major cities.
November 6, 2018
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Polls in 35 Counties Will Be Monitored by Justice Department on Election Day
"Voting rights are constitutional rights, and they're part of what it means to be an American," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement.
November 6, 2018
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After Death of Football Player, University of Maryland's Accreditation Under Review
As yet another University System of Maryland leader lost his post Thursday, consequences of the turmoil that followed the death of football player Jordan McNair began to materialize: The flagship institution's main accreditation under scrutiny. Academic officials condemning a breakdown in integrity. A major donor withholding support.
November 5, 2018
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Despite Tests Showing Lead Contamination, Chicago Continued Installing Water Meters in Homes
City testing of Chicago homes with water meters found nearly 1 in 5 sampled had brain-damaging lead in their tap water, but Mayor Rahm Emanuel's water commissioner acknowledged Thursday that the city continued installing new meters after learning about the alarming results in June.
November 5, 2018
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Utah Mayor, a National Guard Member, Killed in Afghanistan in Apparent Insider Attack
The Department of Defense identified the U.S. servicemember killed in Afghanistan in an insider attack Saturday as Maj. Brent Taylor, a member of the Utah National Guard and the mayor of North Ogden, Utah.
November 5, 2018
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Some Missouri Voters Mistakenly Receive Letter Saying They're Ineligible to Vote
The problem was first discovered about Oct. 15, when some voters who received the letter called to say they had received it in error, Democratic Director Eric Fey said Thursday night.
November 5, 2018
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A 'Severe Burden': Georgia Ordered to Lift Voting Restrictions for New U.S. Citizens
A federal judge ordered Georgia election officials to end the "severe burden" facing some new U.S. citizens trying to vote for the first time, deciding Friday that they must be allowed to cast regular ballots if they show proof of citizenship at the polls.
November 5, 2018
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Without Providing Evidence, Georgia's Brian Kemp Announces Probe of State Democrats
The move to publicly disclose the probe appeared to break with tradition in the office, which oversees voting integrity, as it differed from how Kemp's team handled an earlier cyber breach at Kennesaw State University.
November 5, 2018
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'Greyhound Therapy': Nevada Psychiatric Patients Bused to Different States Win Lawsuit
A Las Vegas jury on Thursday unanimously decided in favor of mentally ill people who were cast out of a Nevada psychiatric hospital and bused across the country without proper care or planning.
November 2, 2018
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Native Americans' Last-Ditch Effort Fails to Block North Dakota Voter ID Law
U.S. District Chief Judge Daniel Hovland denied a temporary restraining order filed by the Spirit Lake Sioux and six individuals against Secretary of State Al Jaeger, according to a news release issued Thursday.
November 2, 2018
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Stars Align: Oprah, Will Ferrell, Other Celebrities Campaign in Georgia's Governor Race
The race to be the next governor of Georgia has heated up since the primaries earlier this year, and some of the country's biggest stars made their way down south to campaign.
November 2, 2018
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Work Requirement Approved for Wisconsin Medicaid
President Donald Trump's administration has approved Gov. Scott Walker's controversial plan to require childless adults on Medicaid to work or lose coverage, but the federal government rejected Walker's proposal to require drug screening and testing.
November 2, 2018
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GOP Lieutenant Governor Candidate Says Running Mate Blocked Her From Hawaii Debate
There has been obvious friction between the two GOP candidates, and earlier in the campaign, lieutenant governor candidate Marissa Kerns said publicly that gubernatorial candidate Andria Tupola should apologize for her voting record, which Kerns said is too liberal.
November 1, 2018
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The North Carolina Governor's Ambitious Climate Goal
With Gov. Roy Cooper's signing of the executive order, North Carolina joins states like Colorado, California and others that have set statewide targets for reducing emissions of gases that are associated with global warming and climate change.
November 1, 2018
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After Voters Purged From Rolls, Ohio Ordered to Count Some Provisional Ballots in Midterms
A federal appeals court on Wednesday ordered boards of election in Ohio to count provisional election ballots for the 2018 midterm elections that are cast by certain people previously purged from the state's voter rolls.
November 1, 2018
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When It Comes to Trump, Hawaii's GOP Nominee for Governor Walks a Fine Line
While Trump is seen as an asset to some mainland campaigns -- he has been stumping for his fellow Republicans in places such as Houston and Mesa, Ariz. -- political observers say it is a different story in Hawaii.
October 31, 2018
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After Impeachment Trial, West Virginia Justice to Become Chief of State Supreme Court
Beth Walker, 53, will be the court's third chief justice in one year. She will take the post Jan. 1, 2019, April Harless, deputy public information officer for the Supreme Court, said in a news release Monday.
October 31, 2018
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By Monitoring Political Protesters, Memphis Police Violated Consent Decree With ACLU
A federal judge ruled Friday that the Memphis Police Department violated a consent decree between the City of Memphis and the ACLU of Tennessee by spying on political protesters.
October 30, 2018
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Independent Candidate for Maine Governor Drops Out of Race
The announcement was a stark acknowledgment of the so-called spoiler discussion that has dominated the last three races for governor.
October 30, 2018
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Voting Machine Glitches Are Reportedly Changing Votes in Texas
Several Democratic voters have complained the voting system indicated they were about to cast a vote for Cruz, a Republican, instead of Democrat O'Rourke as they prepared to send it.
October 30, 2018
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Trump and Illinois Governor Administrations Knew About Cancer Risks From Local Plant for Months
The governor's office and the Rauner-led Illinois Environmental Protection Agency kept the politically explosive information from the public for eight months.
October 30, 2018
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Net Neutrality on Pause: California Agrees Not to Enforce New Rules as States Fight FCC in Court
The Department of Justice and internet service provider trade associations, which sued the state for enacting a law that sets different ground rules for internet protections in California, have also agreed to put that lawsuit on hold until 2019.
October 29, 2018
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In Rare Public Apology, NYPD Commissioner Tells 1994 Rape Victim He Is 'Profoundly Sorry'
Investigators who doubted the woman's story leaked their concerns to Daily News columnist Mike McAlary, who wrote she may have made up the attack in a story headlined "Rape hoax the real crime."
October 29, 2018
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Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting: Suspect Charged With 29 Counts
Robert Bowers, the 46-year-old gunman, was charged with 11 counts of obstructing exercise of religious beliefs resulting in death, 11 counts of using firearms to commit murder, four counts of obstructing officers and wounding them, and three of use and discharge of firearms.
October 29, 2018
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As Opioids Push Grandparents Into Parenting, Pennsylvania Lends a Hand
Assistance for grandparents who are raising grandchildren -- a family dynamic that is becoming more common because of the opioid drug crisis -- is officially on the way.
October 25, 2018
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New York Sues Exxon Over Climate Change
Irving-based Exxon Mobil misled investors for years about the company's financial risks from climate change regulations, according to a lawsuit filed today by New York Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood.
October 25, 2018
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On Groping Allegations, Indiana AG Won't Face Criminal Charges -- But He's Not Off the Hook
Curtis Hill, a Republican, also still could lose his office when the General Assembly convenes in January if Hoosier lawmakers independently conclude, through a two-thirds vote by both Republican-controlled chambers, that Hill's behavior at A.J.'s Lounge warrants his impeachment and removal.
October 25, 2018
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After 'Non-Frivolous' Complaint, Colorado Ethics Panel Will Investigate Governor's Travel Abroad
The complaint, filed earlier this month, accused Gov. John Hickenlooper of traveling the globe in private jets and rooming in expensive hotels paid for by businesses in violation of state ethics laws.
October 25, 2018
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Court: Georgia Cannot Reject Absentee Ballots Without Allowing Voters to Fix Them
The implementation of the injunction could complicate the work of election officials statewide, requiring the review of hundreds or thousands of ballot signatures with less than two weeks until Election Day.
October 25, 2018
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Missouri Judge Clarifies Voter ID Ruling
Missouri voters who do not have a photo ID when they arrive at the polls will no longer have to sign a sworn statement to cast a ballot.
October 24, 2018
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Legal or Illegal? On Halloween, Georgia Town Will Lock Sex Offenders in City Hall
As Grovetown prepares to house sex offenders in its council chambers on Halloween night, questions have arisen about the plan's legality.
October 24, 2018
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After 'Explosive Devices' Are Sent to CNN and Top Dems, NYC Mayor Has a Message for Public Officials
Security was ramped up across the city Wednesday after a quartet of suspicious packages were mailed to the homes of former Presidents Clinton and Obama, Gov. Cuomo's Manhattan office and CNN's New York newsroom
October 24, 2018
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Election Law With New Residency Requirements Blocked in New Hampshire
With just days to go until the mid-term elections, a Hillsborough County Superior Court judge has blocked the state from implementing a new election law known as Senate Bill 3.
October 24, 2018
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Missouri Medicaid to Be Overseen by Outgoing House Speaker
Missouri Gov. Mike Parson has tapped House Speaker Todd Richardson to run the state-run health insurance program for the poor.
October 24, 2018
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Have You Been Sexually Assaulted? The Hiring Question Oakland Will Stop Asking Police
The practice was revealed in a San Francisco Chronicle story on Sunday that said the department has, since at least 2011, required potential hires to sign a waiver allowing the department to conduct background checks for financial records, education transcripts and other information.
October 23, 2018
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Charged With Murder for Shooting Suspected Shoplifter, Florida City Commissioner Resigns
A letter of resignation dated Oct. 20, the same day Michael Dunn was arrested, was hand delivered to Lakeland City Hall on Monday afternoon.
October 23, 2018
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Early Voting Restrictions Lifted in 8 Florida Counties Hit by Hurricane
Gov. Rick Scott's order gives the eight counties the ability to extend early voting days and to designate more early voting locations, even though the deadline to do so has passed.
October 22, 2018
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Alaska Governor Ends Reelection Bid 3 Days After His Running Mate Resigned
Alaska Gov. Bill Walker announced Friday he is dropping his bid for re-election, and threw support to Democrat Mark Begich over Republican Mike Dunleavy.
October 22, 2018
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Juvenile Justice: Life Sentences Without Parole Ruled Unconstitutional in Washington State
Thursday's ruling upheld a state Court of Appeals decision in the case of Brian Bassett, who was 16 when he fatally shot his parents with a stolen rifle and drowned his 5-year-old brother in a bathtub at the family's home in McCleary, Grays Harbor County, in 1995.
October 19, 2018
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Medical Marijuana Approved to Treat Severe Autism in Rhode Island
The state Department of Health this week approved medical marijuana use for people who suffer from some severe manifestations of autism, most of whom are children.
October 19, 2018
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In Sexual Harassment Probe of Oregon Capitol, Lawmakers Accused of Ignoring Subpoenas
In an unprecedented court filing Wednesday, Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian accused top legislative officials of ignoring subpoenas issued by his agency in its investigation of sexual harassment at the Oregon Capitol.
October 19, 2018
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'I'm in Good Health': Alabama Governor Dismisses Stroke Allegations
Ivey's camp pushed back against the allegations Wednesday. Daniel Sparkman, a spokesman for the governor, denied a cover-up or any need for a cover-up existed, and denied any meeting took place between Collier and the then-lieutenant governor over the matter.
October 18, 2018
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Bundled Amendments Will Stay on Florida's Ballot
An effort to strike Amendments 7, 9 and 11 failed Wednesday when the Florida Supreme Court unanimously OK'd the three initiatives for November's ballot.
October 17, 2018
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Democrat in Illinois Governor's Race Hit With Racial Discrimination Lawsuit From His Own Campaign Workers
Three weeks before Election Day, staffers who have worked for J.B. Pritzker's campaign have filed a federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination in their months on the job, accusations the Democratic governor candidate quickly called "just not true."
October 17, 2018
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Why Georgia Officials Say They Ordered Black Senior Citizens Off the Bus Taking Them to Vote Early
Government officials in an east Georgia county told about 40 African-American senior citizens to get off a bus taking them to vote Monday, leading to complaints of voter suppression.
October 17, 2018
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Absentee Ballot Rejections Draw Legal Challenge in Georgia County
Voting advocates and civil rights groups have homed in on Gwinnett County and what they deem to be its "excessive rejection of mail ballots because of voters' innocent errors and discrepancies."
October 17, 2018
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Death Toll Rises: At Least 26 Killed by Hurricane Michael
That number could grow as officials continue to comb through areas that were most severely hit.
October 17, 2018
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Brothel Owner Running for Nevada Legislature Found Dead
Dennis Hof, the flamboyant pimp and Republican nominee who was expected to win a seat in the Nevada state Assembly next month, has died at his signature brothel, according to Nye County officials.
October 16, 2018
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Young Mayor Facing Federal Fraud Charges Refuses Resignation Calls
Fall River Mayor Jasiel Correia, who is facing fraud charges in federal court and has been served with an eviction notice, announced he will not step down Tuesday morning.
October 16, 2018
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'Difficult Case to Defend': Surveillance Video Shows Florida City Commissioner Fatally Shooting Alleged Shoplifter
For more than a week, details in the case of a Lakeland city commissioner who fatally shot an alleged shoplifter came mainly from police accounts.
October 16, 2018
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Supreme Court Orders Lead-Paint Companies to Pay Cities' Removal Costs
The lead paint industry's efforts to avoid a cleanup bill for more than $400 million has reached the end of the road.
October 16, 2018
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Voter Registration Extended in Hurricane-Impacted Georgia Counties
Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal has re-opened voter registration in four South Georgia counties where Hurricane Michael forced their election offices to close last week.
October 16, 2018
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Psychiatric Patients Held in Jails Due to Alaska Hospital Staff Shortage
Officials at the Alaska Psychiatric Institute in Anchorage said the facility recently halted admissions amid alarm by a spike in staff injuries over a two-week period from the end of September to early October.
October 16, 2018
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Measure to Weaken Property Tax Limits Qualifies for California's 2020 Ballot
Approved by voters in 1978, Proposition 13 set state property taxes at 1 percent of the purchase price and capped annual increases at 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower.
October 16, 2018
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Raising Stakes of Florida Governor's Race, Power to Replace 3 Supreme Court Justices Will Go to Winner
The high court issued a rebuke of Scott on Monday, saying the governor "exceeded his authority" when he moved last month to begin the process of naming new Supreme Court justices.
October 16, 2018
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Once Seen as a Local Issue, Affordable Housing Is Becoming a State Focus
There’s been a flurry of state legislation to tackle the problem — with radically different approaches that reflect the highly partisan national divide.
October 16, 2018
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Transgender Women Awarded $780,000 in Lawsuit Against Wisconsin Health Coverage Ban
A jury has awarded $479,500 to a transgender UW-Madison employee and $301,000 to a transgender UW-Madison student after a federal judge found a state ban on insurance coverage for gender reassignment surgery to be sex discrimination.
October 15, 2018
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Georgia GOP Secretary of State, Who's Running for Governor, Sued for Blocking Voter Registrations
Several civil rights organizations are suing Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp to stop the state from enforcing a law that has put more than 53,000 voter registrations on hold.
October 12, 2018
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Despite Hurricane, Judge Rejects Florida Democrats' Request to Extend Voter Registration
After the Florida Democratic Party filed a lawsuit earlier this week seeking a statewide extension of the voter registration deadline, a federal judge has rejected it, saying "there is no justification."
October 12, 2018
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After 1989 Interview Surfaces, Michigan AG Says He Regrets 'Embarrassing' Comments to Woman
The video clip, in which Schuette appears to attempt to flirt with the camerawoman, was being widely circulated on social media Thursday afternoon after it was published by the pro-Democrat group American Bridge.
October 12, 2018
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Cease and Desist: Democratic Florida Governor Candidate Demands GOP Stop Attack Ads
Calling the ad "demonstrably false," attorney Glenn Burhans Jr., penned a letter Thursday saying that the campaign "will take all available resources to prevent the spread of the false and defamatory advertisement."
October 12, 2018
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Death Penalty Ruled Unconstitutional by Washington State Supreme Court
In a strongly worded decision that faulted the state's use of the death penalty as being "arbitrary" and "racially biased," the Washington state Supreme Court on Thursday abolished capital punishment.
October 11, 2018
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Obamacare Premiums Will Drop for the First Time, and by Double Digits in Some States
Health insurance premiums in the 39 states that use HealthCare.gov will fall 1.5 percent on average for the most commonly purchased plans in 2019, marking the first time that rates have dropped since the 2010 health care law was implemented.
October 11, 2018
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Amid Overtime Investigation, Massachusetts Police Destroy Years of Payroll Records
The Massachusetts State Police's effort to get rid of payroll records was "completely consistent with standard operating procedure" but not something they should be doing amid questions of payroll and overtime abuse, Gov. Charlie Baker said Wednesday.
October 11, 2018
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26-Year-Old Massachusetts Mayor Arrested for Fraud That Financed a Lavish Lifestyle
A Mercedes, jewelry, designer shoes and trips to casinos; the young mayor of Fall River was living the high life, but federal investigators say it was done with stolen cash.
October 11, 2018
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Sick of Illegal Robocalls? States Want the FCC to Crack Down on Them.
Virtually anyone can send millions of illegal robocalls and frustrate law enforcement with just a computer, inexpensive software and an internet connection, according to a coalition of 34 state attorneys general.
October 11, 2018
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Why Is Only Florida Exempt From Trump's Offshore Drilling Plan? New Jersey Sues to Find Out.
New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal on Wednesday sued the federal government for failing to answer his Freedom of Information Act request seeking why Florida -- but no other Atlantic seaboard states -- was excluded from a plan to expand offshore oil drilling.
October 11, 2018
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Attack Ads Fly as Hurricane Michael Strikes Florida
Before Hurricane Michael's 155-mile-per-hour winds blasted the Florida Panhandle Wednesday afternoon and eventually knocked out the power to thousands of households, scores of voters watching TV for news of the approaching hurricane were also presented with dark and stormy ads about statewide political candidates.
October 11, 2018
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Former Cleveland Police Officer Who Fatally Shot Tamir Rice Backs Out of Job With New Department
"Hopefully he will never be employed by any [police department] in America," Tamir Rice's mother said during the news conference. "He is unfit to be a police officer, period."
October 11, 2018
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Mic Drop? GOP Minnesota Rep. Snatches Opponents' Mic and Later Tosses It Back
The aggressive gesture drew a gasp from the audience and, judging from her expression, clearly startled Mahlberg. When Quam was done with his rebuttal, he then dismissively tossed the mic back at Mahlberg, again drawing commotion from the audience.
October 11, 2018
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Prison Psychiatry Chief Accuses California of Misleading Court on Mental Health Care
Dr. Michael Golding compiled a "lengthy, detailed report" that inmate attorneys say contains "serious allegations" that data reported to the court overseeing a long-running case involving medical and mental health care inside California prisons "is inaccurate and has been presented in a materially misleading way," court documents say.
October 11, 2018
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About That Trick-or-Treat Ban for Teens...
Suddenly and without warning, news reports saying Chesapeake fines and jails teenage trick-or-treaters have gone viral.
October 10, 2018
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Voter ID Law Upheld, But Judge Scolds Missouri for 'Misleading' Ads
A Cole County judge ruled Tuesday that Missouri election officials can no longer tell voters that a photo ID is required to cast a ballot.
October 10, 2018
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123 Missing Children Found in Michigan During One-Day Sweep
The effort in particular was aimed at locating victims of sex trafficking.
October 10, 2018
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Bill Gates Endorses Washington State's Carbon-Fee Ballot Measure
Bill Gates, in a Tuesday blog post, said he would contribute to the Yes on 1631 campaign, vote for the measure and encourage others to do the same.
October 10, 2018
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University of Illinois at Chicago Will Give Free Tuition to State's Top Students
A new scholarship program made possible by state funding will provide free tuition to University of Illinois at Chicago for high-achieving local students.
October 10, 2018
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Third 'Gender X' Group Created in New York City
The new law, signed Tuesday by Mayor de Blasio and introduced by Council Speaker Corey Johnson, will allow adults born here to change the gender on their birth certificate without a medical professional's approval -- instead letting them "self-attest" their gender.
October 10, 2018
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Weeks Before Election Day, Complaints Mount Over Florida Voter Registration Glitches
Two controversies erupted at once Tuesday, one over a state online voter registration system and the other involving the storm's disruption of the last day that Florida residents could become eligible voters in 2018.
October 10, 2018
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Trump Administration Will Oppose Chicago Police Reforms
Jeff Sessions' announcement came the day after President Donald Trump -- who has repeatedly highlighted Chicago's stubborn gun violence -- suggested the department employ stop-and-frisk policing to battle crime.
October 10, 2018
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As Hurricane Michael Nears, Many Florida Nursing Homes Still Lack Generators
When the Legislature passed rules this year requiring emergency power in long-term care facilities, Hurricane Michael was exactly the kind of disaster lawmakers had in mind.
October 9, 2018
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Florida Commissioner on Mayor's Domestic Violence Order: That's Like Hitler Having a Proclamation for Jews
Last month, the mayor of Hallandale Beach, Keith London, bizarrely accused fellow commissioner Anabelle Lima-Taub of profiting from bleaching her sphincter, causing public outrage and series of #MeToo posts on social media. Now, Lima-Taub is the one under fire for apparently comparing the mayor to Adolf Hitler during Wednesday night's regularly scheduled commission meeting.
October 9, 2018
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Months After Janus Ruling, Teachers Are Sticking With Unions
Three months after the U.S. Supreme Court's Janus ruling, teachers appear to be sticking with their union, even though they are no longer required to pay dues or a fee in lieu of their dues.
October 9, 2018
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1,500 Additional People Incorrectly Registered to Vote by California DMV
These errors, which include non-citizens, are in addition to the roughly 23,000 registration mistakes disclosed by the DMV last month.
October 9, 2018
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Trump's Call for Chicago Police to Use 'Stop and Frisk' Rejected
The president said he wanted officials to "work with local authorities to try to change the terrible deal the city of Chicago entered into with ACLU, which ties law enforcement's hands, and to strongly consider stop-and-frisk."
October 9, 2018
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Virginia Started a Unique Climate Change Fund. 2 Years Later, It's Empty.
In the spring of 2016, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed a bill that gave Virginia a first-of-its-kind loan program.
October 8, 2018
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Limo and Driver in Deadly Crash Shouldn't Have Been on the Road, Says New York Governor
The man behind the wheel in the deadly New York limousine crash did not have the proper license and the vehicle had failed an inspection just last month, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.
October 8, 2018
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Former Cleveland Cop Who Shot 12-Year-Old Tamir Rice Hired by Another Ohio Police Department
Timothy Loehmann was one of two part-time officers recently added to the Bellaire Police Department's payroll, Chief Richard Flanagan confirmed to The Times Ledger.
October 8, 2018
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This Sheriff Pocketed $750K in Jail Food Funds. He Also Bought a $740K Beach House. No Ethics Violation Here.
The Alabama Ethics Commission voted on Tuesday to drop an ethics violation case against Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin.
October 5, 2018
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San Francisco Takes Unprecedented Step to Protect High Rises During Earthquakes
For all the tech wealth that has flown into this city in recent years, it's also an unnerving time for city builders.
October 5, 2018
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Jury Convicts Chicago Police Officer of Murder in Laquan McDonald's Shooting
Chicago police Officer Jason Van Dyke was convicted of second-degree murder and 16 counts of aggravated battery in the shooting death of 17-year-old Laquan McDonald, marking a stunning end to a racially tinged case that roiled Chicago when police dashboard camera video of the shooting was released three years ago by court order.
October 5, 2018
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'They Should Sober Up': Minnesota Police Tells Residents to Stop Reporting Drunk Birds
Reports of erratic bird activity prompted the Gilbert Police Department to issue a news release Tuesday.
October 5, 2018
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Confederate Street Names Will Be Renamed in Atlanta
Confederate Avenue and East Confederate Avenue will be renamed United Avenue and United Avenue S.E., respectively, and a third street, Confederate Court, will be renamed Trestletree Court, after apartment buildings that are on the street.
October 5, 2018
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'Wow': Christine Blasey Ford's Looks Mocked by North Carolina GOP Leader Using Wrong Photo
Lancaster shared the photo, which shows a young woman wearing braces and large glasses, adding the comments: "This is the alleged sexual assault victim. Wow."
October 5, 2018
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Toxic Algae Bloom Spreading North in Florida
More South Florida beaches closed and fish washed up dead as the toxic algae bloom known as red tide spread north on the state's east coast Wednesday.
October 4, 2018
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Despite Push, Nearly 6,500 Rape Kits Remain Untested in Washington State
The office announced the total number of kits Wednesday after receiving inventories from 208 law-enforcement agencies across the state.
October 4, 2018
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ICE Union Requests Criminal Investigation of Portland Mayor
The politically pointed gesture, designed to call attention to Ted Wheeler's stance against immigration enforcement actions, goes as far as to suggest he should temporarily give up his duties as police commissioner.
October 4, 2018
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Report: Democratic Candidate for Illinois Governor's 'Scheme to Defraud' Led to $330,000 in Tax Breaks
Inspector General Patrick Blanchard's finding came in a report issued after his office looked into whether Democratic governor candidate J.B. Pritzker's relationship with Assessor Joe Berrios played a role in Pritzker's property taxes being lowered.
October 4, 2018
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As 1 Supreme Court Justice Survives Impeachment in West Virginia, Others Face Trial
After deliberating behind closed doors for just under 2 hours, 20 minutes Tuesday afternoon, the West Virginia Senate soundly rejected removing Supreme Court Justice Beth Walker from office for maladministration.
October 3, 2018
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Citing PTSD and Depression, Rising Democratic Star Jason Kander Drops Out of Kansas City Mayor's Race
Jason Kander, citing depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, is dropping out of the Kansas City mayor's race.
October 3, 2018
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Citing Political Infighting, Indiana Schools Chief Says She Won't Seek 2020 Reelection
The Republican said her decision to leave office after just one term largely was prompted by ongoing political infighting over the status of the state superintendent's office, which she sees as "noise" and a distraction from educating children.
October 3, 2018
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Trump Under Investigation by New York for New Tax Fraud Allegations
The announcement by the Department of Taxation and Finance came within hours of a bombshell report in The New York Times detailing dubious tax schemes that Trump participated in with the help and blessing of his late father, Fred Trump, in the 1990s.
October 3, 2018
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'Sextortion' Outlawed in Maryland
Using threats of shame or economic harm to coerce a person into having sex will become explicitly illegal in Maryland under one of the hundreds of new laws that take effect Monday in the state.
October 2, 2018
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Truck Crashes Into Protesters in Michigan
Eight people were hospitalized when a truck crashed into a large group of people protesting early Tuesday.
October 2, 2018
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Police in Atlanta Will Get a Big Pay Raise
Starting in January, the city will add $10 million toward paying officers' salaries. The increase will provide some cops with roughly an additional $10,000 more a year.
October 2, 2018
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On Kavanaugh, GOP Governor Says She Hopes Senate Makes 'the Right Decision' and Confirms Him
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey spoke with reporters this morning after a press conference about the state's new Security Operations Center and cybersecurity website.
October 2, 2018
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Hillary Clinton Campaigns in Illinois for Governor Candidate
Clinton formally endorsed Pritzker during a Chicago visit in April after he won the Democratic primary by a wide margin.
October 2, 2018
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California Becomes First State to Require Women on Corporate Boards
Gov. Jerry Brown on Sunday signed a bill into law that makes California the first state to require corporate boards of directors to include women, saying that despite potentially "fatal" legal problems in the measure, it is time to force action.
October 1, 2018
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Texas Governor Calls Beto O'Rourke 'Cult-Like'
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is not running for re-election against Democrat Beto O'Rourke, but during an early morning interview on national television, it was clear the El Paso Democrat is on Abbott's mind.
October 1, 2018
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After Florence, North Carolina Spends $4 Million to Fight Mosquitoes
Standing water is the perfect breeding ground for one of the South's most plentiful pests.
October 1, 2018
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'Done Being Silent': Woman Accuses Washington State Legislative Leader of Rape
A Seattle woman says state Sen. Joe Fain raped her in 2007 after a party in Washington, D.C., spurring bipartisan calls Friday for an investigation into one of the state Capitol's most prominent Republican legislators.
October 1, 2018
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'This Is Revolutionary': New California Laws Address Its Bad Rep for Police Secrecy
Gov. Jerry Brown ushered in a new era of transparency in California law enforcement on Sunday, signing two new laws that for the first time give the public access to internal police investigations and video footage of shootings by police officers and other serious incidents.
October 1, 2018
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Trump Administration Sues California After Governor Signs Net Neutrality Protections
The Justice Department's suit, filed in federal court in Sacramento, argues that California's approach illegally intrudes on federal jurisdiction.
October 1, 2018
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Ex-Massachusetts Lawmaker Awaiting Corruption Trial Found Dead
Former Massachusetts state Sen. Brian Joyce was found dead at his Westport home, the Bristol County District Attorney's office said Thursday.
September 28, 2018
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A Tiny House Village for the Homeless Will Close Its Doors in Seattle
The city of Seattle plans to shut down the Licton Springs tiny-house village after March, bringing to an end one of the most controversial city efforts to help house homeless people.
September 28, 2018
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Voter Surge: Registration Jumps by 1.6 Million in Texas Since Last Midterm
The surge of registered voters come as Texas has one of the nation's hottest U.S. Senate races between U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and Democrat Beto O'Rourke, as well as a half dozen close congressional races that could determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives.