Courthouse News
Plan to ban plastic grocery bags clears first hurdle in California
A bill that would prohibit plastic bags in California grocery stores and steer people to paper or reusable bags passed its first legislative committee hearing on Wednesday.
Salmon advocates sue to defund Lower Columbia River Basin hatcheries
Conservationists say salmon hatcheries on the Columbia River are harming wild fish populations and the species that need them for food.
California pitches national monument, Joshua Tree expansion
The proposed law would create a 627,855-acre national monument in the Southern California desert and add 17,915 acres to Joshua Tree National Park.
Feds strengthen background check requirements for gun purchases
The Justice Department has finalized regulations to strengthen background check requirements for gun sales and crack down on unlicensed firearms dealers.
Texas sues Harris County over guaranteed income program
Uplift Harris, established using a $20.5 million federal grant under the American Rescue Plan Act, would give 1,928 Harris County residents $500 per month for 18 months, which they can use as they see fit.
Montana groups lose appeal to stop trail relocations on Crazy Mountains
Four environmental and sporting groups lost an appeal to the Ninth Circuit on Monday following a failed federal challenge to the U.S. Forest Service’s plan to reroute once-public trails on Montana’s Crazy Mountains.
Final Four brings surge of fans, revenue to the Phoenix metro
Phoenix and Glendale are hosting fan events including outdoor concerts all weekend to celebrate the finale of March Madness.
Job gains again surprise, picking up more than 300,000 in March
To the consternation of Wall Street and joy of Main Street, the labor market in the United States remains resilient, gaining 303,000 jobs last month.
Snow drought plaguing Pacific Northwest, Rockies
Experts fear recent storms across the Western U.S. have not done enough to bring drought relief to many mountain ranges.
Electric vehicles linked to decreased Bay Area carbon emissions
UC Berkeley researchers said that the very high number of electrical vehicles in the Bay Area will help California reach its net zero emissions goal, but the state has more work to do.