Nightly Brief

The day's top stories from Courthouse News in short takes with links (click the link above).

1.) PG&E Fought Better Pipeline Tests Before Catastrophe, Engineer Says

An engineer pushed for Pacific Gas and Electric to perform more rigorous tests on its pipes before a fatal gas line explosion killed eight people, but the company pushed back, the witness told jurors Thursday.

2.) Declassified 9/11 Report Details Claims of Saudi Ties

FBI sources believed the 9/11 hijackers "were in contact with, and received support or assistance from," two Saudi intelligence officers and other government officials, according to a secret chapter of the 9/11 Commission's report declassified today.

3.) France Attack Marks Deadly Twist in European Terror

France's deadly truck attack marks a frightening new reality in European terrorism: assailants turning to an ever-expanding arsenal in bloodshed that is becoming harder to predict or prevent.

4.) Apparent Military Coup Underway in Turkey

The Turkish military claims it has "fully seized control" of the country after what appears to be a coup. The country's prime minister confirmed that there has been an attempt to take over the government, but provided no further details.

5.) Congress Passes Tepid GMO Labeling Law

Consumers seeking to find out whether various foods contain genetically modified ingredients may finally get their wish, although Congress stopped short of making it easy: obtaining the information will require a smartphone or the time to call the products' producers.

6.) Lengthy ACLU Memo Calls Trump Dangerous

The ACLU on Thursday released a blistering 27-page memo detailing the "unconstitutional acts" Donald Trump has said he will implement if elected president, and said it will fight them in court if necessary.

7.) Florida Must Provide Inmates Kosher Meals

Florida prisons cannot deny kosher meals to inmates whose sincere religious beliefs require them, the 11th Circuit ruled.

8.) Group Fights Feds for Whale Habitat in Hawaii

Despite gaining recognition as an endangered species, a population of false killer whales that inhabit an area off the main Hawaiian Islands remain in unprotected waters according to environmentalists suing the federal government.

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