Nightly Brief

Top CNS stories for today including thousands joining Native Americans for a march in Washington; a Florida judge rejects an elderly man's "Stand Your Ground" defense and says he must stand trial for the murder of a fellow movie theater patron; House Republicans pass legislation on Friday that requires judges to sanction attorneys and other parties who file frivolous federal lawsuits; Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti accelerates planning of ambitious infrastructure projects, and more.

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1.) Thousands Join Native Americans in March on Washington

Nearly a year of environmental protests across the nation culminated Friday with thousands of taking to the streets for the Native Nations Rise March on Washington.

 2.) Fla. Judge Rejects ‘Stand Your Ground’ Defense

A Florida judge on Friday rejected the “Stand Your Ground” defense of a retired police officer who must now stand trial for the fatal shooting of fellow moviegoer who angered him by texting before the main feature began.

 3.) House GOP Moves to Tamp Down on Frivolous Lawsuits, Class Actions

House Republicans passed legislation Friday that requires judges to sanction attorneys and other parties who file frivolous federal lawsuits. The move came less than 24 hours after GOP lawmakers moved to curb class actions.

4.) Sessions Socked With Ethics Complaint on Russia

The Alabama State Bar has been called on to investigate whether Attorney General Jeff Sessions violated ethics rules in congressional testimony where he denied having met with Russian operatives.

5.) Businesses Fight Arizona Minimum-Wage Increase

Arizona businesses told the state Supreme Court on Thursday that the $4 minimum wage increase approved by voters in November is unconstitutional, as the state constitution’s revenue source rule requires new expenditures to have a funding source.

 6.) Texans Say Fetal Burial Bill Doesn’t Go Far Enough

Anti-abortion activists came out in droves to a Texas House committee hearing Wednesday to testify against a bill that would require fetal remains to be given a funeral after a miscarriage, abortion, or ectopic pregnancy — saying the bill didn’t go far enough.

 7.) Commission Cracks Down on Blocking Beach Access

The California Coastal Commission flexed its enforcement muscles Thursday and fined an upscale beachfront restaurant $500,000 for blocking public access to a popular San Mateo beach, and asked its staff to crack down on repeat violators of the Coastal Act.

 8.) Re-Elected LA Mayor Focuses on Transit & Housing

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed an executive directive Thursday to accelerate planning of ambitious infrastructure projects that the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress could boost or derail.

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