Federal judge strikes down new Texas abortion regulations
AUSTIN, Texas — A federal judge has determined that new Texas abortion restrictions violate the U.S. Constitution, a ruling that keeps open — at least for now — dozens of abortion clinics that were set to halt operations Tuesday had the law taken effect. In a decision released Monday that the state is certain to […]
Groups opposing Texas abortion regulations in federal court
AUSTIN, Texas — After a summer filibuster only managed to temporarily delay passage of tough new Texas abortion restrictions, advocacy groups turned to a federal judge Monday in their latest attempt to derail the law before it takes effect next week. Planned Parenthood and other abortion rights organizations have sued to block key portions of […]
Court: Applicants wrongly denied U.S. citizenship
BROWNSVILLE, Texas — For more than two decades, Sigifredo Saldana Iracheta insisted he was a U.S. citizen, repeatedly explaining to immigration officials that he was born to an American father and a Mexican mother in a city just south of the Texas border. Year after year, the federal government rejected his claims, deporting him at […]
Perry’s visit to Bethesda coincides with ‘Pitch Across Maryland’ stop
What happened when the Texas governor crossed paths with a Maryland business advocacy group?
Texas Gov. Rick Perry plans trip to Maryland
ANNAPOLIS — Texas Gov. Rick Perry is planning a trip to Maryland to tout his state for having lower taxes. Perry’s office announced Thursday he is scheduled to travel to Maryland next week. The Republican has launched radio ads and television ads in Maryland. Perry’s office says the nearly $500,000 in TV and radio buys, […]
2 states won’t process benefits for same-sex Guard couples
AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas National Guard refused to process requests from same-sex couples for benefits on Tuesday despite a Pentagon directive to do so, while Mississippi won’t issue applications from state-owned offices. Both states cited their respective bans on gay marriage. Tuesday was the first working day that gays in the military could apply […]
Jury handed Fort Hood shooting rampage case
FORT HOOD, Texas — The Army psychiatrist on trial for the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood passed on his final chance to address jurors before they started deliberating Thursday, even after prosecutors insisted they hand down a verdict that would allow the death penalty. Maj. Nidal Hasan is acting as his own attorney but […]
Judge bars most motive evidence in Fort Hood trial
FORT HOOD, Texas — The judge overseeing the Fort Hood shooting trial has blocked prosecutors from using several witnesses and most evidence they’d sought to explain the motive behind the 2009 attack. Col. Tara Osborn made the ruling Monday during the military trial of Maj. Nidal Hasan. He’s accused of killing 13 people and wounding […]
Judge halts trial in Fort Hood shooting rampage
FORT HOOD, Texas — The standby attorney for the soldier charged in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage accused Maj. Nidal Hasan on Wednesday of deliberately charting a course toward a conviction and death sentence, abruptly halting the trial after only one day. Lt. Col. Kris Poppe, Hasan’s lead court-appointed standby attorney, said he is […]
Judge bans Fort Hood suspect’s defense strategy
FORT HOOD, Texas — An Army psychiatrist will not be allowed to tell jurors that he gunned down Fort Hood soldiers to protect the lives of Taliban leaders in Afghanistan, a military judge ruled Friday. Maj. Nidal Hasan’s “defense of others” strategy fails as a matter of law, Col. Tara Osborn said during a 45-minute […]
Fort Hood suspect, defense attorneys at odds
FORT HOOD, Texas — Defense attorneys ordered to help the Army psychiatrist charged in the deadly Fort Hood shooting rampage say they’re being asked to cross ethical lines. Maj. Nidal Hasan is representing himself at his upcoming murder trial. The judge last week said his previous attorneys would stand by and help him if he […]
Fort Hood suspect to represent himself at trial
FORT HOOD, Texas — A military judge is allowing the Army psychiatrist charged in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting rampage to represent himself at his upcoming murder trial. The judge also ruled Monday that Maj. Nidal Hasan’s attorneys will remain on the case, but only if he asks for their help. The judge, Col. Tara […]