Texas attempts to revive voter assistance restrictions
(CN) — Parties on opposite sides of Texas’ strict new election access law appeared before a three-judge panel of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday, attempting to resolve claims the measure violates Section 208 of the Voting Rights Act. After presiding...
Boar’s Head family beef over company stock lands at 11th Circuit
ATLANTA (CN) — Attorneys for two co-owners of Boar’s Head Provisions Co. asked an 11th Circuit panel on Wednesday to parse a complicated dispute over transfers of company stock that could impact ownership of the deli meat giant. Known for operating their privately...
Grainy video in UK trial shows Sycamore Gap tree’s last stand
LONDON (AP) — It’s a stark and grainy video on a dark and stormy night. The shocking footage of the famous Sycamore Gap tree’s last stand begins with the rumble of the wind, which is then overtaken by the sound of a chainsaw snapping to attention. The...
House Republicans eye measure to strip federal judges of power to rule on foreign aid
WASHINGTON (CN) — House Republicans are set to broaden their backlash to the federal judiciary, with top lawmakers on Wednesday teasing a new bill aimed at restricting judges’ authority to rule on the expenditure of foreign aid. The proposed bill, sponsored by Florida...
Who are the contenders to be pope? They include a theologian, a diplomat and a simple street priest
(AP) — Wanted: A holy man. Job description: Leading the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church. Location: Vatican City. There are no official candidates for the papacy, but some cardinals are considered “papabile,” or possessing the characteristics necessary to...
Ukraine says it’s ready to sign a key rare-minerals deal sought by the US
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine is ready to sign an agreement that would give the U.S. access to its valuable rare minerals in the hopes of ensuring continued American support for Kyiv in its grinding war with Russia, senior Ukrainian...
Arizona hemp industry moves to protect unlicensed retailers from criminal penalties
PHOENIX (CN) — Representatives of Arizona’s hemp industry will file a special action in the Arizona Court of Appeals Wednesday to protect retailers selling delta-9 and other non-marijuana THC products without a marijuana dispensary license. The Hemp Industry...
Vietnam celebrates 50 years since war’s end with focus on peace and unity
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnam on Wednesday celebrated the 50th anniversary of the end of the war with the United States and the formation of its modern nation with a military parade and a focus on a peaceful future. The fall of Saigon on April 30,...
Human rights commission blames US for fatal beating, cover-up by border agents
(CN) — Almost 15 years after U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents fatally tased and beat an undocumented migrant residing in San Diego, an international human rights commission found United States immigration law enforcers liable for his death and the subsequent...