Senate blocks House surveillance bill, 2-month extension
The Senate struggles unsuccessfully early Saturday to prevent an interruption in critical government surveillance programs.
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Fate of U.S. domestic surveillance program uncertain after Senate vote
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Senate blocked a measure to extend spy agencies’ bulk collection of Americans’ telephone records early on Saturday, leaving the fate of the program uncertain days before its June 1 expiration. By a vote of 54-45, the Senate failed to reach the 60-vote threshold needed to advance a bill that would have extended for two months provisions of the “USA Patriot Act” that
Syrian official: Islamic State militants in Palmyra's museum
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Islamic State fighters broke into the museum of the ancient town of Palmyra, though its artifacts have been removed and are safe, a Syrian official said Saturday.
Shi'ite militias advance on Islamic State insurgents near Iraq's Ramadi
A convoy of Shi’ite Muslim militia and Iraqi army forces set out from a base near Ramadi on Saturday to advance on areas held by Islamic State, a Shi’ite spokesman said, launching a counter-offensive to reverse stunning gains by the jihadi insurgents.
Safety measures ordered for failed oil pipeline in California
By Steve Gorman LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Owners of an oil pipeline that burst in California this week must take numerous corrective measures, including an in-depth analysis of factors contributing to the spill and a plan to fix any flaws found, before they can restart the line, U.S. safety officials said on Friday. The corrective action order issued on Thursday by the U.S. Transportation Department’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration,
In chaos of deadly Texas gang fight, self-defense claims may abound
By Jon Herskovitz AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) – Texas laws that offer a high degree of protection to those who act in self-defense may make it difficult to prosecute the 170 people jailed for a Sunday motorcycle gang fight that left nine dead, with hundreds of weapons seized by police. Texas allows a person to use deadly force with legal arms in self-defense if they believe such force is immediately necessary
Both sides say Irish gay-marriage referedum wins resounding victory
The issue attracts sweeping support, advocates and opponents say.
Fierce gunbattle kills 43 in west Mexico cartel territory
ECUANDUREO, Mexico (AP) — The latest in a series of clashes between Mexican authorities and a powerful, fast-growing drug cartel turned into the deadliest confrontation in recent memory, with 42 suspected gang gunmen and one Federal Police officer killed during a three-hour firefight at a remote western ranch.
Calif. oil spill: Plains All American Pipeline's history of safety violations
Critical eyes have uncovered that Plains All American Pipeline, which operates the pipeline that ruptured in Santa Barbara earlier this week, has a history of safety violations.
Suspect arrested in D.C. quadruple murder
Daron Dylon Wint is accused in the slayings of a wealthy family and their housekeeper.