From removing doors to checking sleeves, U.S. schools seek to snuff out vaping

Students caught vaping in school can expect a lot more than a warning or detention in one North Texas district starting this fall. They will be forced to attend a special, isolated disciplinary school for a month.

“Hopefully it’s more of a deterrent,” said Michael Stevens, superintendent of Channing Independent School District, about 50 miles northwest of Amarillo, referring to the new policy. “It’s a severe health problem.”

Channing is not the only district getting stricter about vaping. Another Texas school system has hired a resource officer to assist with vaping prevention. Thousands of schools across the country are installing sensors in bathrooms to catch offenders. One school in Alabama has gone as far as to remove bathroom stall doors.

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Couple wounded in El Paso mass shooting sues Walmart

A couple wounded in the Aug. 3 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, has sued the retailer, claiming the store lacked proper security, in what their lawyers called the first lawsuit over the attack.

Guillermo and Jessica Garcia believe Walmart’s failure to employ armed security guards at the store, despite using them in other stores, was a factor in the massacre, where 22 people were killed, their lawyers said on Wednesday.

The Garcias said they were shopping with their two children when the gunman, identified by authorities as Patrick Crusius, opened fire.

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Lawyers seek $26 million in Volkswagen U.S. fuel economy settlement

Lawyers for owners of 98,000 Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) U.S. vehicles that had fuel economy labels that overstated efficiency will ask a U.S. judge for $26 million in attorney’s fees and costs, court documents show.

On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency said the largest German automaker must forfeit greenhouse gas emissions credits and lower the fuel economy ratings on those vehicles after it said vehicle software overstated real-world performance.

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U.S. abortion rights groups fight new Missouri law in court

Opponents of a new law in Missouri restricting most abortions after eight weeks of pregnancy will ask a federal judge on Monday to stop the law from taking effect this week.

Abortion rights groups Planned Parenthood and the American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit in July and want a judge to put the law on hold until their legal challenge is heard in court.

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New York fashion grandee Barneys files for bankruptcy protection

U.S. department store operator and fashionista favorite Barneys New York Inc filed for bankruptcy protection on Tuesday and put itself up for sale, underscoring how even luxury retailers are struggling to freshen their image and compete with online rivals.

The nearly century-old chain, best known for swanky shop windows on New York’s Madison Avenue, long enjoyed a loyal following among socialites and a privileged reputation as a retailer that could make or break a brand.

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