Ukrainian legislators on Tuesday passed a law granting broader autonomy to the Donetsk and Luhansk eastern regions, with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko declaring the move protects the “sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence” of Ukraine while advancing decentralization. The new bill, initially proposed by Poroshenko, grants greater self-rule to the two regions for a three year … Continue reading "Ukraine Grants Limited Self-Rule to Eastern Regions"

Environmental groups are expressing outrage and vowing resistance following the federal approval of a controversial liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal in Calvert County, Maryland. The Cove Point liquefied natural gas (LNG) export terminal, proposed by energy company Dominion, would be the nation’s first such terminal on the East Coast. There are three existing LNG … Continue reading "'Don't Mourn, Organize': Federal Approval of LNG Export Terminal Denounced"

A federal judge on Sunday afternoon struck down Alaska’s gay marriage ban—the first of its kind, passed by voters in 1998. “The court finds that Alaska’s ban on same-sex marriage and refusal to recognize same sex marriages lawfully entered in other states is unconstitutional as a deprivation of basic due process and equal protection principles … Continue reading "Court Overturns Alaska's First-in-the-Nation Gay Marriage Ban"

As many as 100,000 people took to the streets of Dublin on Saturday to denounce a new water tax  and declare, “Water is a human right.” Protesters say the water charges, to begin next year, are yet more austerity measures that have pushed people towards a “tipping point.” Fifty-year-old Martin Kelly held a sign reading … Continue reading "Sea of Irish Protesters: 'Water Is a Human Right!'"

Mere hours after voters in Denton, Texas made history by enacting the state’s first ban on fracking, the oil and gas industry has challenged that move with a lawsuit. Supporters say the ban, which passed with the support of nearly 59 percent of voters, said it was necessary to protect the city from the polluting … Continue reading "Industry Lashes Out With Lawsuit Hours After Landmark Fracking Ban"