Reuters US Domestic News Summary

09/21/2016 19:50

Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs.

U.S. cities push for local laws to oversee police surveillance

A number of U.S. cities are introducing proposals to mandate community oversight of police use of digital surveillance technology as evidence mounts that black or poor neighborhoods are being more heavily scrutinized than others, civil rights activists said on Wednesday. The legislative measures are being introduced by lawmakers in 11 cities from Seattle to Washington, D.C., and are backed by a coalition of 17 groups led by the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

Disease-related malnutrition costs U.S. $15.5 billion annually: study

The United States could save at least $15.5 billion in annual healthcare spending if malnutrition caused by chronic diseases is better addressed, according to a study. The study, conducted by Abbott Laboratories' nutrition division and the University of Illinois, noted one in three patients who arrive at a U.S.-hospital suffer from malnutrition. A further one-third become malnourished during their stay.

Kansas argues against boost in school funding

Kansas sought on Wednesday to avoid a court ruling that could force the cash-strapped state to increase school funding by more than $1 billion. Lawyers for the state and for public school districts faced off before the Kansas Supreme Court in the latest chapter of a decades-long battle over equitable and adequate funding.

Trump praises 'stop-and-frisk' police tactic

U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in remarks at an African-American church on Wednesday praised "stop-and-frisk" policing methods, which have aroused protests and successful legal challenges on grounds they single out minorities. The anti-crime tactic, which involves police officers stopping, questioning and searching pedestrians for weapons or contraband, gained traction in New York City under the administration of Mayor Rudy Giuliani, now a top Trump supporter.

Charlotte braces for more riots after police shooting

Authorities in Charlotte, North Carolina, braced on Wednesday for a possible second night of rioting triggered by the police killing of a black man who refused commands to drop a handgun that officers said he was brandishing. Sixteen police were injured overnight on Tuesday and one person was arrested as officers in riot gear clashed with demonstrators who hurled stones, set fires and briefly blocked an interstate highway.

Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo dies in car crash

Atlanta rapper Carlos Walker, who went by the stage name Shawty Lo, died early on Wednesday in a fiery car crash while returning from a nightclub near his hometown, police said. He was 40. Walker, a founding member of the Southern rap group D4L and founder of D4L Records, was best known for his single, "Dey Know."

Texas says withdrawing from U.S. refugee resettlement program

Texas gave notice on Wednesday that it was withdrawing from participating in the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement's program, citing security concerns after failing in federal court to halt the inflow of Syrian refugees into the state. The Texas State Refugee Coordinator sent a letter to the agency, giving 120 days notice of its intention to withdraw, charging the program was riddled with problems that present security risks, Republican Governor Greg Abbott said.

No charges for Maryland policeman who killed armed black woman

No charges will be filed against a Maryland police officer who fatally shot an armed black woman during a standoff that she live-streamed over the internet, a prosecutor said on Wednesday. The officer was justified in shooting Korryn Gaines, 23, and no criminal charges are warranted, Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger said in a statement.

Investigators try to determine if accused New York bomber had help

U.S. authorities on Wednesday were looking into whether an Afghan-born American citizen charged with carrying out bombings in New York and New Jersey acted alone or had help as the city's top federal public defender sought access to the suspect. Police in New York City said they had not yet been permitted by doctors to speak to Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, who was arrested on Monday after being wounded in a gunfight with police in Linden, New Jersey.

Judge dismisses case against North Carolina's gay marriage opt-out law

A federal judge threw out a challenge to a North Carolina law that allows government officials to refuse to perform same-sex marriages if they cite religious objections, claiming the couples who brought the suit failed to establish they were harmed by the law. The six plaintiffs, who include gay couples, argued in the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Asheville that the legislation - Senate Bill 2 - allows magistrates and other officials performing marriages to put their personal beliefs before their sworn constitutional duty.

09/21/2016 19:50