Nation in brief: Bush restores state tax break

President Bush on Wednesday revived some 20 tax breaks, extended trade benefits for developing countries and protected doctors from a big cut in Medicare payments by signing sweeping tax and trade legislation.

The bill is a patchwork of must-do items that were left for the lame duck Congress. It was bundled together and passed by the House and Senate just before adjourning earlier this month.

Among other things, the bill lets taxpayers deduct state and local sales taxes instead of state and local income taxes, a provision that primarily benefits those in states such as Washington with no income taxes.

SAN FRANCISCO

Court to weigh marriage ban

The California Supreme Court unanimously agreed Wednesday to decide whether the state’s ban on same-sex marriage violates a constitutional ban on discrimination, though an outcome is not likely until late next year.

The justices are reviewing an October decision by the 1st District Court of Appeal, which ruled that California marriage laws do not discriminate because gay and lesbian couples can get most rights the state confers to married couples.

Massachusetts is the only state that authorizes same-sex marriage. California offers domestic partnerships, similar to civil unions in Vermont and Connecticut.

COLUMBUS, Ohio

Deadly fire caused by home resident

A fire at a group home for the mentally disabled that killed two people and injured another Wednesday apparently started when a resident lit clothing with a cigarette lighter, authorities said.

A 31-year-old resident was pronounced dead at the scene. The 62-year-old caretaker was pronounced dead after being taken to a hospital, said Doug Smith, a battalion fire chief. It appeared both died from smoke inhalation, he said.

A 29-year-old resident apparently started the fire when he ignited clothing in a closet at the front of the house, Smith said. He said the fire, reported at about 4 p.m., would have blocked the three from getting out the front door.