In the Nation

WISCONSIN

Judge strikes down photo ID law

A federal judge in Milwaukee struck down Wisconsin's voter identification law Tuesday, declaring that a requirement that voters show a state-issued photo ID at the polls imposes an unfair burden on poor and minority voters.

U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman sided with opponents of the law, who said low- income and minority voters aren't as likely to have photo IDs or the papers needed to get them. Adelman said the law appeared too flawed to be fixed by amendment.

The decision invalidates Wisconsin's law and means voter ID likely won't be in place for the fall elections, when Republican Gov. Scott Walker faces reelection.

While Walker last month committed to calling a special legislative session if the law were struck down, his spokeswoman would not commit to that Tuesday, saying, "We're reviewing the decision for any potential action." - AP
WASHINGTON

Hair rules get 2d look

The military is reviewing its new regulations involving soldiers' appearance after criticism that

a hair requirement is racially biased. A Pentagon spokesman says Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel will make whatever adjustments to the policy are appropriate after the review. The Army this month issued new standards that ban most twists, dreadlocks, and large cornrows. Sixteen female members of the Congressional Black Caucus wrote to Hagel calling the changes "discriminatory rules targeting soldiers who are women of color." - AP

CALIFORNIA

11 plant workers hurt

Eleven workers were hurt, two critically, Tuesday in an explosion and fire at a Los Angeles-area metal-polishing shop apparently caused by a buildup of dust and lint in an air duct, officials said. The blast struck Gorilla's Polishing in an industrial area of La Habra, about 20 miles southeast of Los Angeles. - Reuters