Washington state may not force pharmacies to sell Plan B or other emergency contraceptives, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
Judge Ronald Leighton said the state's goal was to suppress religious objections by druggists -- not to promote timely access to the medicines.
Leighton heard closing arguments this month in a lawsuit that claimed the state requirement violates the constitutional rights of pharmacists. The state requires pharmacies to dispense any medication for which there is a community need. Leighton said the state allows other exemptions to that rule, such as not stocking certain drugs that can lead to theft. Ralph's Thriftway in Olympia, Wash., and two licensed Washington pharmacists filed the suit in 2007.
Newark leaders blast NYPD spy effort
The mayor and police director of New Jersey's largest city said the New York Police Department never told them it was conducting widespread spying in Newark's Muslim neighborhoods.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker and Police Director Samuel DeMaio said they never would have allowed the spying. In mid-2007, the NYPD's secretive Demographics Unit fanned out across Newark, photographing every mosque and eavesdropping on Muslim businesses.
The findings were cataloged in a 60-page report, though there was no mention of terrorism or criminal wrongdoing.
New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg defended the NYPD, saying its job is to investigate allegations and protect the public: "Remind yourself when you turn out the light tonight."
Occupy group sets national convention
A group of protesters affiliated with the Occupy Wall Street movement said it plans to elect 876 delegates from across the USA and hold a national "general assembly" in Philadelphia over the Fourth of July holiday as part of ongoing protests over corporate excess and economic inequality.
The 99% Declaration Working Group said an online election will be held in June to select delegates. The group plans to draft and ratify a "petition for a redress of grievances," and will hold a news conference in front of Independence Hall on the Fourth of July. "Following the footsteps of our Founding Fathers is the right way to go," group adviser Michael Pollok said.
Mine official charged in 2010 tragedy
The superintendent of the West Virginia coal mine where an explosion killed 29 men in 2010 was charged Wednesday with conspiracy to defraud the federal government.
Former Upper Big Branch mine boss Gary May, 43, is the second employee of Massey Energy, the company that owned the mine at the time, to face prosecution. U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin said his investigation is "absolutely not" finished, signaling that officials are now exploring possible charges against even higher-level executives.
Solyndra employees to get bonuses
A Delaware bankruptcy court judge approved nearly $370,000 in bonuses for employees of the bankrupt solar-panel manufacturer Solyndra.
Solyndra, which received a $535million taxpayer-backed loan guarantee, initially sought to give about $500,000 in bonuses to 21 employees but later agreed to scale back the request.
Judge Mary Walrath overruled objections from Solyndra's laid-off workers, who opposed the bonuses. Solyndra argued the bonuses are necessary to retain essential employees as the company sells off its assets.--Aamer Madhani
Third-grader held in school shooting
An 8-year-old girl was in critical condition after she was shot in the abdomen at Armin Jahr Elementary near Seattle, and one of her classmates was detained, authorities said.
Bremerton police Lt. Peter Fisher said a third-grade boy was in custody and being questioned, and a firearm was found in a classroom. The school went into lockdown but will reopen today.
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