The big showdown: Defying the Republican-dominated Congress, President Barack Obama rejected a bill today to approve construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, wielding his veto power for only the third time in his presidency. The Associated Press reports Obama offered no indication of whether he’ll eventually issue a permit for the pipeline, whose construction has become a flashpoint in the U.S. debate about environmental policy and climate change. Instead, Obama sought to reassert his authority to make the decision himself, rebuffing GOP lawmakers who will control both the House and Senate for the remainder of the president’s term. Read the full story.
All indications: The Supreme Court appeared likely today to make it easier for participants in employee retirement plans to challenge companies’ investment decisions that eat into retirement savings. The Associated Press reports the justices heard arguments in an appeal filed by current and former employees of energy company Edison International. They object to the way the company manages employees’ 401(k) retirement accounts, including choosing mutual funds with excessive fees. Read the full story.
Call and response: Louisiana’s public colleges must follow a new statewide policy for handling sexual-assault allegations and bolstering prevention efforts, though the broad guidelines stop short of requiring a specific prosecution response. The Board of Regents approved the state’s first “Uniform Policy on Sexual Misconduct” on Monday. The guidelines, prompted by legislative questions about the adequacy of campus sexual-assault policies, take effect immediately. Louisiana’s four college system management boards also are required to develop more campus-specific requirements. The Associated Press has the full story.
