U.S. Top News: U.S. justice grants exemption in contraception mandate challenge

	Click to View in Browser 01/1/2014 U.S. justice grants exemption in contraception mandate challenge WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Roman Catholic Church-affiliated organizations on Tuesday asked the Supreme Court to block implementation of a part of the Obamacare healthcare law that requires employers to provide insurance policies that cover contraception. Former first lady Barbara Bush hospitalized in Houston (Reuters) - Former first lady Barbara Bush has been hospitalized in Houston for treatment of early signs of a "respiratory-related issue," her husband's office said on Tuesday. Doctors, hospitals expect some confusion as Obamacare plans start (Reuters) - Hospitals and medical practices across the United States are bracing for confusion and administrative hassles as new insurance plans under President Barack Obama's healthcare law take effect on Wednesday. De Blasio sworn in as New York mayor, replacing Bloomberg NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York City Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio, an unabashed liberal who campaigned to keep down crime and continue the city's prosperity while reducing the gap between rich and poor, was sworn in at a ceremony at his home just after midnight. Residents allowed to return home after smoky North Dakota rail crash CASSELTON, North Dakota (Reuters) - Mandatory evacuation orders were lifted on Tuesday in Casselton, North Dakota, where a fiery oil train crash a day earlier triggered a series of blasts and forced residents from their homes. Obama closes 2013 with 'shave ice' Hawaii treat KAILUA, Hawaii (Reuters) - President Barack Obama celebrated the end of 2013 on Wednesday with a favorite Hawaii treat, a flavored icy dessert known as shave ice. Gay couple to exchange vows on Rose Parade float LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A gay Los Angeles couple plans to exchange wedding vows on a flower-covered float trundling through Pasadena during the nationally televised Tournament of Roses Parade on Wednesday, capping a momentous year for same-sex marriage in the United States. U.S. judge releases dying lawyer convicted of aiding terrorism NEW YORK (Reuters) - A federal judge on Tuesday granted Lynne Stewart, a former defense lawyer convicted of aiding terrorism, a "compassionate" release from prison because she is dying of cancer. Wal-Mart offers 30 days of prescriptions to backlogged Obamacare enrollees (Reuters) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc said on Tuesday it will provide a month's supply of certain prescriptions at no upfront cost to participants of U.S. President Barack Obama's signature healthcare law who have not yet received a plan identification number. First marijuana retailers prepare for New Year's opening in Colorado DENVER (Reuters) - Proprietors of the first marijuana retailers licensed to sell pot for recreational use in Colorado were busy rolling joints and stocking up their leafy merchandise ahead of a grand opening on Wednesday that marks a new chapter in America's drug culture. Related Video Threat of Australian bushfire forces campers to evacutate North Korean leader says purge was a cleansing of "filth" Great Debate The Oracle Oregon fiasco, crying wolf on an Obamacare tax, and anointing the 'Politico 50′ Putin's (un)happy new year A daily digest of breaking business news, coverage of the US economy, major corporate news and the financial markets. Register Today   The latest Reuters articles on M&A, IPOs, private equity, hedge funds and regulatory updates delivered to your inbox each day. Register Today   » MORE NEWSLETTERS - 3 Times Square New York, NY 10036 USA © Copyright 2010 Thomson Reuters Ensure delivery of Reuters Newsmails, add mail@nl.reuters.com to your address book. Details Subscribe to other Reuters newsletters. Unsubscribe from this newsletter. Follow us on Twitter Friend us on Facebook Forward to a friend