WASHINGTON—States do not have to stick to a particular insanity test in criminal cases, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 on Monday. Lawyers for James Kahler, who shot and killed four members of his family in 2009 in Burlingame, Kan., argued that the state of Kansas violated his due process rights by rejecting his argument that his depression made him unable to distinguish right from wrong.
WASHINGTON—Democrats once again thwarted a massive economic recovery proposal in the Senate on Monday. The $1.8 trillion package failed on a 49-46 vote, falling 11 votes short of the needed 60 to pass. The Republican majority turned out in smaller numbers because several GOP senators are in isolation after contracting or being exposed to COVID-19, the disease that caused the financial devastation in the first place. Sen.
WASHINGTON—Senate Democrats voted Sunday to block an economic relief bill because it did not have enough worker protections. The $1 trillion proposal includes $350 billion to help small businesses make payroll and up to $1,200 for each taxpayer. Lawmakers will vote again on Monday.
How is the economy responding? Markets slumped again Monday morning. The Federal Reserve tried to give them a boost by announcing it will buy unlimited Treasury bonds. The Fed also will lend to businesses and local governments to keep credit flowing.
Mailbag | Letters from our readers
