Nightly Brief

Top CNS stories for today including Senate Democrats blasting education secretary nominee Betsy Devos on her inexperience; Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt concedes climate change is real, but stands by his criticism of the Environmental Protection Agency, which he will likely soon lead; the Supreme Court hears arguments on behalf of Muslim men rounded up after 9/11 who said their detention was the result of an unconstitutional national-security policy, and more.

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1.) Senate Dems Blast Betsy DeVos on Inexperience

During a grueling confirmation hearing that crept into the night Tuesday, Senate Democrats did everything in their power to flunk the charter school supporter nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for education secretary.

2.) Pruitt Stands By Criticism of Agency He’s Been Chosen to Lead

Senate Democrats subjected Donald Trump’s choice to head the Environmental  Protection Agency to withering questioning on Wednesday as Republicans sought to make the most of what little record he has of trying to protect the environment.

3.) High Court Signals Reversal Against Muslims Rounded Up After 9/11

In the last day of U.S. Supreme Court arguments under the Obama administration, Muslim, South Asian and Arab men rounded up in New York after 9/11 asserted Wednesday that unconstitutional national-security policy is a matter for judicial oversight.

4.) Justices Tread Carefully in Disparaging-Marks Case

The U.S. Supreme Court struggled Wednesday to balance the rights of free speech with a federal law that prevents companies from receiving trademarks on potentially offensive terms.

5.) Last-Resort Drugs Can't Stop 'Nightmare Bacteria'

The threats posed by “nightmare bacteria” may be more severe and immediate than previously realized, as an increasing number are developing antibiotic-resistance genes while spreading asymptomatically in health care facilities.

6.)  Mark Zuckerberg Goes on Record in Oculus Lawsuit

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday testified in a courtroom for the first time ever, defending his company’s virtual reality subsidiary Oculus VR against claims its headset technology was stolen from a Dallas-area software developer.

7.) Feds Move to Save Starving Orcas in Puget Sound

The National Marine Fisheries Service is again considering a whale protection zone for endangered orcas in Puget Sound because boat noise is causing them to starve.

8.) Orlando Nightclub Shooter's Wife Pleads Not Guilty to Terror Charge

The widow of the gunman who killed 49 people at an Orlando nightclub this past June pleaded not guilty Wednesday to felony charges that she helped her husband carry out the attack and hampered the criminal investigation that followed.

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