States ratchet up transgender battle with lawsuit against U.S.
Officials from 11 U.S. states sued the Obama administration on Wednesday to overturn a directive telling schools to let transgender students use bathrooms matching their gender identity, decrying the policy as "a massive social experiment." | Video
South Carolina governor to sign ban on abortion past 19 weeks
CHARLESTON, Texas Republican South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley on Wednesday signed into law a bill banning most abortions after 19 weeks of pregnancy unless the mother's life is at risk, a spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday.
Kentucky judge rules Louisville can remove Confederate monument
LOUISVILLE, Ky. The city of Louisville, Kentucky can remove a 121-year-old monument to Confederate soldiers that critics have objected to as an emblem of slavery, a state judge ruled on Wednesday.
Wisconsin appeals court grants stay, reinstates right-to-work law
A Wisconsin state appeals court has reinstated a right-to-work law that was struck down by a lower court that said it was unconstitutional, granting a stay while the earlier ruling is appealed, the state's attorney general said.
Chicago immigrant claims U.S. retaliated over her activism
CHICAGO A Chicago activist sued U.S. immigration authorities on Wednesday alleging they denied renewal of her immigration status in retaliation for her political activity.
U.S. opposes $50 million bail for Turkish-Iranian gold trader
NEW YORK U.S. prosecutors on Wednesday opposed a Turkish-Iranian gold trader's request to be released on bail while he awaits trial for conspiring to violate U.S. sanctions against Iran, saying his vast wealth makes him a flight risk.
Accused Romania-based arms trafficker convicted in U.S. terror trial
NEW YORK A Romanian-born man was convicted on Wednesday on U.S. charges that he conspired with two former European officials to sell $15 million worth of weapons to undercover informants posing as Colombian rebels.
Oklahoma Cherokee tribe leader removed for financial violations
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. An Oklahoma Cherokee tribe has removed its three-term chief after financial irregularities led to accusations that he had, among other things, taken money out the tribe's higher education fund and used the tribe's credit card for personal use.
Hacker who exposed Hillary Clinton's email server pleads guilty
WASHINGTON A Romanian computer hacker who revealed the existence of a private email server used by Hillary Clinton when she was secretary of state pleaded guilty to hacking-related offenses on Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department said.
U.S. airports still understaffed for peak travel: TSA head
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is taking steps to shorten airport lines including moving officers to different posts, but still lacks the staffing to handle peak travel times, Administrator Peter Neffenger said in a Congressional hearing Wednesday. | Video
