RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A coalition of Democrats and Republicans called Tuesday for new laws to discourage Virginia motorists from using their cellphones while driving. The legislators unveiled several bills targeting “distracted driving,” which they said caused thousands of traffic accidents and killed 175 people in the state last year. HB 1834, sponsored by Del. … Continue reading
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Gay and transgender rights supporters wasted little time in challenging a new North Carolina law, filing a federal lawsuit Monday that called it discriminatory and said it singles out LGBT people for “disfavored treatment.” The law, which has also drawn strong opposition from major corporations including Apple and … Continue reading
LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan lawmakers directed another $28 million on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016 to address Flint’s lead-contaminated water supply, allocating money for bottled water, medical assessments and other costs for the financially struggling city. The quick and unanimous approval by the House and Senate came just over a week after the funding was … Continue reading
by Mahogany Waldon President Obama issued an executive order on gun control laws and a plan to expand mental healthcare access in the U.S. on Tuesday, Jan 5. The order comes in light of the recent San Bernardino shooting in December. According to ABC, the U.S. has seen a three-fold increase in mass shootings since … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Paris attacks have renewed debate on the U.S. government’s post-Sept. 11 domestic surveillance laws, leading to efforts to revive the issue on Capitol Hill and handing Marco Rubio an opening against Ted Cruz in the Republican presidential race. The two senators were on opposite sides earlier this year when Congress eliminated … Continue reading
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio voters rejected a ballot proposal Tuesday that would have legalized both recreational and medical marijuana in a single stroke — a vote-getting strategy that was being watched as a potential test case for the nation. Failure of the proposed state constitutional amendment followed an expensive campaign, a legal fight over … Continue reading
WASHINGTON (AP) — The math is harsh: The federal penalty for having no health insurance is set to jump to $695, and the Obama administration is being urged to highlight that cold fact to help drive its new pitch for health law sign-ups. That means the 2016 sign-up season starting Nov. 1 could see penalties … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 