Nation

California leads the nation in life sentences. A new bill aims to change that

By Kamala Kelkar

California leads the nation with the highest percentage of prisoners serving for life, which critics say is an economic drain on the state.

Amid gas-tax revenue decline, new fees on fuel-efficient cars

By Elaine S. Povich, Stateline

Lawmakers in California, home to almost half of the nation’s electric vehicles, decided this year to impose an annual fee on the owners of plug-in electric cars beginning in 2020.

Under Texas bill, adoption agencies could reject Jews, gays, Muslims

By Meredith Hoffman, Associated Press

Parents seeking to adopt children in Texas could soon be rejected by agencies with religious objections to them being Jewish, Muslim, gay, single, or interfaith couples.

Pentagon says Navy SEAL was killed in Somalia operation

By Associated Press

The Pentagon has identified the Navy SEAL who was killed in a military operation in Somalia.

Iowa Supreme Court halts part of state's new abortion restrictions

By Michael D. Regan

A legal challenge disputed the Iowa law's three-day waiting period and a stipulation that women must make an additional clinical appointment before receiving an abortion.

GOP chairman warns agencies about requests for records

By Kevin Freking, Associated Press

A House Republican chairman has told a dozen government agencies to exclude communications with his committee from requests made through the Freedom of Information Act.

Trump signs $1 trillion spending bill, keeping government open

By Darlene Superville, Associated Press

But other budget battles lie ahead as the White House and Congress hammer out a spending plan for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1.

Despite advances under Obama, lack of transparency can hinder hostage families

By Larisa Epatko

When it comes to negotiating hostage releases from terrorist networks, the United States’ “no-concessions” policy puts many decisions in the hands of the families, leaving them wondering what to do.

Analysis: 7 winners and losers in the House health care bill

By Lev Facher, STAT

Here’s what we know about the winners and losers from the House vote on health care.

You know your password is terrible. Here's how to fix it

By Megan Squire, The Conversation

The average Internet user has 19 different passwords for various accounts and websites. "Qwerty” and “123456 remain the most popular. To commemorate World Password Day, learn why these bad habits persist and how to choose more secure codes.