Pipe pressure before gas explosions was 12 times too high Source: AP

The pressure in natural gas pipelines prior to a series of explosions and fires in Massachusetts last week was 12 times higher than it should have been, according to a letter from the state's U.S. senators to executives of the utility in charge of the pipelines. Democratic U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Edward Markey sent the letter Monday seeking answers about the explosions from the heads of Columbia Gas, the company that serves the communities of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover, and NiSource, the parent company of Columbia Gas.

Lawsuit targets Massachusetts utility over deadly gas explosions

A resident of a Massachusetts city rocked by last week's deadly gas blasts that damaged dozens of homes sued utility operator NiSource Inc ( FILE PHOTO: A burnt Columbia Gas of Massachusetts envelope sits on the sidewalk outside a home burned during a series of gas explosions in Lawrence, Massachusetts, U.S., September 14, 2018.

A Full Investigation Is Needed Into the Sexual Assault Allegations Against Brett Kavanaugh

The Senate cannot move forward with this lifetime appointment to the highest court in the land without considering the results of a fair, non-partisan, and complete process. Over the weekend, details of serious charges of sexual assault alleged to have been committed by Judge Brett Kavanaugh became public, as did the name of the woman raising these allegations.

Differences separate allegations against Kavanaugh, Thomas

In this Dec. 8, 2017, file photo, Anita Hill speaks at a discussion about sexual harassment in Beverly Hills, Calif. The sexual assault allegations against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh recall Hill's accusations against Clarence Thomas in 1991, but there are important differences as well as cautions for senators considering how to deal with the allegations.

Kavanaugh accuser wants FBI investigation before testifying

The woman accusing Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault says the FBI should investigate the incident before senators hold a hearing on the allegations. In a letter addressed to Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley of Iowa, and obtained by CNN's "Anderson Cooper 360," Christine Blasey Ford's attorneys argue that "a full investigation by law enforcement officials will ensure that the crucial facts and witnesses in this matter are assessed in a non-partisan manner, and that the Committee is fully informed before conducting any hearing or making any decisions."

Hearing sets up dramatic showdown between Kavanaugh, accuser

Republicans on Monday abruptly called Brett Kavanaugh and the woman accusing him of sexual assault decades ago to testify publicly next week, grudgingly setting up dramatic showdown they hoped would prevent the accusation from sinking his nomination to the Supreme Court. Senate leaders announced the move under pressure from fellow Republicans who wanted a fuller, open examination of the allegations from Christine Blasey Ford, a college professor in California.

What do you think about the Kavanaugh allegations?

While U.S. Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation has certainly been politically contentious, his confirmation by the Senate had seemed all but certain. With credible credentials, a Republican majority in the Senate and passable answers to charged questions on court precedent, Kavanaugh seemed set to become the next Justice.

Funding fix for Dayton center for drug-exposed babies OK’d by Senate

The Ohio Department of Medicaid says it is working on a proposal to the federal government to allow the health-insurance program to cover some of the care at Brigid's Path, the state's only standalone recovery center for drug-exposed infants. The nonprofit center opened in December in the Dayton area and has had to limit services to eight infants at a time, despite high demand and 24 beds.

Professor speaks out on ‘assault’

WASHINGTONi1 4 A college professor went public for the first time on Sunday to accuse US President Donald Trump's Supreme Court pick of sexually assaulting her in the 1980s, prompting calls to postpone the nomination vote. Christine Blasey Ford, a professor at Palo Alto University, initially detailed the allegations about Brett Kavanaugh in confidential letters to her local congresswoman and later to California Senator Dianne Feinstein, a senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee.

GOP, Dems unite behind Senate bill fighting addictive drugs

Republicans and Democrats joined forces to speed legislation combating the misuse of opioids and other addictive drugs through Senate passage Monday, a rare campaign-season show of unity against a growing and deadly health care crisis. It takes wide aim at the problem, including increasing scrutiny of arriving international mail that may include illegal drugs.