Court overturns California gay marriage ban, appeal planned

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - An appeals court on Tuesday found California's gay marriage ban unconstitutional in a case that may lead to a showdown in the Supreme Court.

Grand Canyon to ban bottled water sales

PHOENIX, Arizona (Reuters) - The Grand Canyon will soon ban the sale of bottled water, responding to concerns that empty plastic bottles scattered around the park are spoiling views of the natural wonder.

Washington state same-sex marriage supporters cheer court ruling

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Gay marriage proponents in the Pacific Northwest cheered a U.S. court ruling on Tuesday that overturned a California ban on same-sex nuptials, in what they saw as boost to their cause a day before a key vote to legalize such unions in Washington state.

Jury selected in murder trial of Virginia lacrosse player

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia (Reuters) - A jury was seated Wednesday and opening statements were underway in the first-degree murder trial of a former University of Virginia lacrosse player accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, a fellow athlete at the school.

Prosecution urges rejection of Sandusky request over visit

HARRISBURG, Pa (Reuters) - Pennsylvania prosecutors who have charged Jerry Sandusky with sexually abusing boys filed a fierce response on Tuesday to the former Penn State assistant football coach's request to be allowed to see his grandchildren in his home.

New York City hotels to give panic buttons to maids

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hotels in New York City agreed to give housekeepers personal panic buttons in the wake of a hotel maid's charge she was sexually assaulted by former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

New York City hotels to give panic buttons to maids

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hotels in New York City have agreed to give housekeepers personal panic buttons in the wake of a hotel maid's charge she was sexually assaulted by former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Washington state House poised to pass gay marriage bill

SEATTLE (Reuters) - The Washington state House of Representatives was expected to endorse gay marriage on Wednesday in a vote that would move the state another step closer to becoming the seventh to recognize same-sex nuptials.

Father in Washington state house blast left farewell message

SEATTLE (Reuters) - Josh Powell, in a farewell voicemail message left for relatives before he triggered a fiery blast that killed himself and his two young sons, said he could not live without them and was "not able to go on anymore," ABC News reported on Tuesday.

Supreme Court lets stand Ohio stay of execution

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to lift a stay of execution for Ohio convicted killer Charles Lorraine because the state failed to follow agreed-upon reforms for procedures on how it carries out the death penalty.