Sanford signs broad illegal immigration law
From: www.charleston.net
"South Carolina became the fifth state in the nation to pass broad illegal immigration reform with the stroke of Gov. Mark Sanford's pen Wednesday."
Winona tries to cope with Highway 43 bridge closure
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"WINONA, Minn. - Thursday is the second day people around Winona are finding new ways to get from one place to another. The closing of the Highway 43 bridge has made getting back and forth from Winona to western Wisconsin much more difficult. "
Nevada challenges nuclear waste dump license bid
From: www.usatoday.com
"LAS VEGAS - Nevada officials say they've filed the first challenge to a Bush administration bid to win Nuclear Regulatory Commission approval for a national nuclear waste dump outside Las Vegas."
House session approves bonds to balance budget
From: www.cmonitor.com
"After a raucous late-night special session, the House gave Gov. John Lynch permission to use bonds to balance the state's budget. The vote followed a three-hour fight over rules and a mass walkout by Republicans stopped only when Speaker Terie Norelli had the doors locked."
Arkansas - All chickens exposed to bird-flu killed
From: www.usatoday.com
"WEST FORK, Ark. - State officials say all the chickens exposed to a strain of the bird-flu virus at a Tyson Foods Inc. contract farm in northwest Arkansas have been killed and buried.
"
State sees economic windfall in gay weddings
From: www.sfgate.com
"Think of it as the Summer of Love meets the Gold Rush. When same-sex unions become legal in California later this month, throngs of gay and lesbian couples, both from in the state and around the country, are expected to hasten to the altar."
Most immigrants lived in California illegally, study says
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"More than half of new California immigrants who are permanent legal residents lived in the state illegally before getting green cards, study says. "
Ohioans feeling pessimistic
From: news.enquirer.com
"WASHINGTON - Presidential contenders John McCain and Barack Obama face a grim political landscape in Ohio: voters who say the economy is lousy, will only get worse - and who blame Washington, according to a poll released Wednesday."
Energy experts tout TransCanada as viable venture
From: newsminer.com
"Consultants hired by state lawmakers to review the TransCanada gas pipeline proposal weighed in Wednesday on a pair of questions at the heart of the gas line debate ? Would the gas actually make it to Lower 48 markets? and Does TransCanada have the financial wherewithal to complete the project?"
Rural electric utilities panicked about fuel prices
From: juneauempire.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Village electric utilities in rural Alaska, panicked over the sky-high cost of fuel arriving on the summer's first barges, are appealing to the state for help. "
State legislators ponder override of Palin vetoes
From: juneauempire.com
"Legislators are gathered in Juneau to decide whether to back Gov. Sarah Palin's gas pipeline plan, but some are saying they want to confront her on another issue: her controversial vetoes of $268 million from the state's capital budget last month. "
Lawmakers to gas pipeline analysts - What's in it for us?
From: www.adn.com
"Their questions were basic, at times tedious, but state lawmakers say they are being diligent in dissecting TransCanada Corp.'s multibillion dollar natural gas pipeline proposal."
Sen. Olson testifies to federal grand jury
From: www.adn.com
"Alaska State Sen. Donny Olson, whose offices were searched in the early stages of a federal political corruption investigation, testified before a federal grand jury in Anchorage on Wednesday, according to his lawyer, Paul Stockler."
Special session tips off in school gymnasium
From: www.adn.com
"Alaska legislators on Wednesday hit the court to start reviewing Gov. Sarah Palin's plan for a natural gas pipeline."
Riley pushes Mobile port facility during South America trip
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Alabama Gov. Bob Riley has met with business officials in Santiago, Chile, hoping to attract business for Mobile's new container terminal."
Alabama's pension funds for teachers and state employees post investment losses so far in fiscal year
From: www.al.com
"The two biggest pension funds run by the Retirement Systems of Alabama lost money on investments for the year ending April 30 but did better with their three-year, five-year and 10-year investment returns."
E-enforcement becomes reality
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"A real-time electronic logbook system to track sales of pseudoephedrine, the primary ingredient for making methamphetamine, has been implemented across the state in an effort to disrupt the drug's supply chain, according to an announcement made by Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel in Searcy Wednesday."
Meth-busters? checking of pill buying eased
From: www2.arkansasonline.com
"SEARCY, Ark. - Purchases of a key ingredient in methamphetamine production now are a keystroke away for law enforcement officers."
Logbook for pseudoephedrine sales gets off the ground
From: www2.arkansasonline.com
"SEARCY, Ark. ? A statewide, online logbook for pseudoephedrine purchases from pharmacies was declared up and running Wednesday by Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, who has pushed for the project since he was serving in the House."
Beebe - Coal power not going away tomorrow
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"Gov. Mike Beebe said Wednesday he is working to attract more alternative-energy businesses to Arkansas, but he said coal power cannot be done away with immediately."
Pharmacies to track pseudoephedrine sales with online logbook
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"All Arkansas pharmacies selling products containing pseudoephedrine are now logging the sales of such products online, allowing law enforcement officials to easily monitor the sales, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel announced Wednesday."
D-M retiree not paying investors as ordered
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Arizona's securities regulator has fined a retired Davis-Monthan technical sergeant $15,000 and ordered him to pay another $12,000 in restitution for peddling unregistered investments to scores of Tucsonans and misleading them about the money-losing deals."
Governor declares drought in California
From: www.sfgate.com
"California's water crisis intensified Wednesday as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared the first statewide drought in 17 years - setting the stage for drastic cutbacks and for diverting supplies from the relatively water-rich to the water-poor."
Legal effects of marriage for same-sex couples
From: www.sfgate.com
"What legal and financial changes will same-sex couples face if they get married in California?"
California's high-speed rail proposal hits a snag
From: www.sacbee.com
"LOS ANGELES -- Union Pacific railroad reportedly has told California officials that it won't share its right-of-way to accommodate a proposed high-speed rail line linking the state's largest cities."
Governor declares drought - without mandatory rationing
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Wednesday declared a drought in California - a largely symbolic move intended to jump-start conservation efforts and push the governor's own ambitious plan to beef up the state's water infrastructure."
Schwarzenegger hopes drought decree is wake-up call
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared Wednesday that California is in a drought, a move that included no immediate conservation orders but may lead to more aggressive water-saving efforts in many parts of the state."
State to revoke license of farm labor contractor
From: www.sacbee.com
"The company that hired a 17-year-old farmworker who died after working in the fields east of Stockton is being stripped of its farm labor contracting license."
Schwarzenegger proclaims that California is in a drought
From: www.latimes.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger proclaimed a statewide drought Wednesday, warning that California's water supply is falling dangerously low because of below-average rainfall and court-ordered water restrictions aimed at protecting fish."
Governor declares drought in California
From: www.nytimes.com
"LOS ANGELES - Its reservoir levels receding and its grounds parched, California has fallen officially into drought, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Wednesday, warning that the state might be forced to ration water to cities and regions if conservation efforts did not improve."
Casino allows patrons to smoke
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Another casino is allowing patrons to light up while gambling, claiming the cigar bar exemption from the statewide smoking ban."
Senate OKs off-road vehicle trespassing bill
From: www.delawareonline.com
"The Senate approved legislation Wednesday that would increase the penalties for off-road vehicle drivers who trespass on private property."
McCain to speak about environment as he visits Everglades
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"Using the Everglades as a backdrop, Republican presidential candidate John McCain plans to continue his effort to position himself as an independent thinker different from President Bush."
Emotions run high over eradication plan
From: starbulletin.com
"HILO, Hawaii -- Strawberry guava is an invasive, non-native plant destroying native Hawaiian forests and should be limited by releasing a Brazilian insect that weakens the plant. Or, strawberry guava is an important food source in contemporary Hawaiian culture and should not be destroyed."
Rezko convicted of corruption
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A federal jury Wednesday convicted developer Antoin "Tony" Rezko of corruption charges for trading on his clout as a top adviser and fundraiser to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. (Also see:IL: Is Blagojevich next target?)
"
Governor wants construction plan for Olympic bid
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich Wednesday tied the push for a statewide construction program to Chicago's bid to host the 2016 Olympic games."
Jurors cautious with each count
From: www.dailyherald.com
"In the long trial of Antoin "Tony" Rezko, jurors faced a web of conspirators talking about pulling strings in the White House and appointments on obscure state panels that decide where to build hospitals or invest teacher pensions."
Jurors suspicious of Levine
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Jurors weighing the fate of political insider Antoin "Tony" Rezko listened to the government's star witness, Stuart Levine, for more than three weeks, but it didn't take long for them to decide in deliberations they could not send Rezko to prison based solely on his account."
Legislative session ends with more than 270 bills sent to governor
From: newsblogs.chicagotribune.com
"After last year's never-ending session, state lawmakers vigorously pursued this spring's goal of getting their business done before the calendar flipped over to June."
Rosemont mayor again pushes plan to sell theater to state
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens on Wednesday voiced exasperation with some Illinois political leaders for ignoring his offer to sell the Rosemont Theatre to the state for use as a gambling casino, a plan he said would raise $600 million a year in revenue."
Ex-Obama fund-raiser is convicted of fraud
From: www.nytimes.com
"CHICAGO - Antoin Rezko, a once-powerful fund-raiser who helped propel the career of Senator Barack Obama, was found guilty on Wednesday by a federal jury of 16 counts, including fraud, money laundering and bribery in an influence-peddling scheme that touched the highest levels of the administration of Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich of Illinois."
Governor shrugs off ally's conviction
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"The corruption convictions of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's friend, top adviser and fundraiser dealt a fresh blow to a beleaguered administration Wednesday, weakening the governor's ability to lead and further undermining the credibility of a politician elected on a pledge of reform."
Former Obama fundraiser convicted of corruption
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"CHICAGO - Antoin Rezko, a Chicago businessman and longtime fundraiser for Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), was convicted of 16 felony corruption charges Wednesday in a case that alleged influence peddling in the upper reaches of the administration of Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D). "
Is Blagojevich next target?
From: www.suntimes.com
"Gov. Blagojevich has repeatedly denied knowing of crooked schemes that were revealed in Tony Rezko's trial, but Wednesday's conviction moves an ongoing federal probe right onto the governor's doorstep."
Granger family plays host to Daniels
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels was spending the night with the Van Pelt family of Granger when the alarm clock went off, he told a group of people over breakfast Wednesday at Honkers Family Restaurant in Mishawaka. Daniels realized he was the only person in the household to hear it, so he padded into the kitchen and silenced it. Call it an executive decision. "
House approves airport proposal
From: www.nola.com
"The House of Representatives passed a bill Wednesday that would create a commission to pursue the eventual transfer of Louis Armstrong International Airport from New Orleans to the state."
Panel backs raising car insurance levels
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"A Senate panel resurrected legislation Wednesday that would require more than a million Louisiana motorists to buy more insurance in order to drive their vehicles."
Autism coverage bill stays alive
From: www.nola.com
"Despite opposition from business interests, a Senate committee Wednesday kept alive a bill that would require insurance companies to cover treatment for autistic children under 17 up to a maximum $36,000 a year and $144,000 for lifetime coverage."
Auto insurance levels to rise via new bill
From: www.nola.com
"The Senate Insurance Committee unanimously approved legislation Wednesday to increase the auto liability insurance minimum coverage level but at a level less than its sponsor wanted and delayed the new thresholds until Jan. 1, 2010."
DiMasi's friend to defy order to attend hearing on lobbying
From: www.boston.com
"Defying an order from Secretary of State William F. Galvin, Charlestown accountant Richard D. Vitale will refuse to appear at a hearing today to answer questions about allegations that he lobbied on behalf of a group of Massachusetts ticket brokers."
Slots at tracks in the race
From: www.bostonherald.com
"A leading Beacon Hill proponent of expanded gambling is pushing for a late June debate on a controversial plan to legalize thousands of slot machines at local racetracks."
Mass. House approves statewide trans fat ban; Senate up next
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Lawmakers in the Massachusetts House have approved what would be the nation?s first statewide trans fat bill. The bill, which would eliminate artificial trans fat from restaurants, now moves to the Senate."
Lights, camera, tax credit - Massachusetts lures filmmakers with generous rebate
From: www.nytimes.com
"Angela Peri was shepherding the more than 200 extras she had sent to the set of a new movie, "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," being filmed in an upscale mall near Boston. "
A Michigan business comedy ...
From: www.freep.com
"The Michigan business tax climate in general and the whopping new financial incentives for filmmakers in particular get the ridicule treatment from state Rep. Chuck Moss, R-Birmingham, in a video released this week by the state Chamber of Commerce."
Next U.S. president to get Mich. lakes cleanup pitch
From: www.detnews.com
"Michigan will develop a Great Lakes restoration plan to present to the next U.S. president in a bid for federal dollars to combat contamination and foreign species invading the lakes via ocean-going vessels, Lt. Gov. John Cherry announced Wednesday."
Senators hear from Wayne State, DMC on contract dispute
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"After hearing two hours of testimony from officials for Detroit Medical Center and Wayne State University medical school on their $18 million contract dispute, Sen. Tom George, R-Kalamazoo, said he is leaving ?all doors open? and could propose legislation that would cut DMC?s Medicaid reimbursements."
Casinos at center of liquor dispute
From: www.freep.com
"Patrick Devlin, a lawyer and employee of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, has sued Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox in an effort to force him to require the state's 19 tribal casinos to obtain liquor licenses."
Talks focus on lead in venison
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - Education could help dissipate concern about lead in venison meat, officials of seven Midwestern states decided Wednesday."
Report - 'Less investment, less return'
From: www.startribune.com
"Minnesota has slipped behind other states in employment and personal income in recent years as it spent less on education and other government programs, according to a report released Wednesday by a St. Paul think tank."
Officials from seven states discuss lead dangers in venison
From: www.startribune.com
"BLOOMINGTON, Minn. - Education could be a key to reducing any dangers from lead in venison ? as well as to calming public fears ? officials from seven Midwestern states agreed Wednesday."
Minnesota tests find lead in more donated venison
From: www.startribune.com
"Minnesota officials have tested 1,239 samples of venison donated to food shelves last fall and found that 273, or 22 percent, had evidence of lead bullet fragments."
Blunt visits artist's KC home as part of state historic sites tour
From: www.kansascity.com
"Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt on Wednesday highlighted the Kansas City home and studio of artist Thomas Hart Benton as part of his promotional tour of state historic sites."
Medicaid stuck at stalemate
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"Lawmakers approved bills increasing Mississippi's unemployment benefits and reauthorizing the agency that distributes those checks before recessing Wednesday for three weeks because of a stalemate over a funding fix for Medicaid."
Miss. AG Web site will track fraudulent contractors
From: www.cdispatch.com
"Mississippi has a new tool to help residents avoid contractors who may take their money and run, especially families still rebuilding from Hurricane Katrina."
House, still grappling with Medicaid, agrees
From: www.cdispatch.com
"The House appears ready to give up reaching a Medicaid compromise with the Senate and Gov. Haley Barbour, but negotiators have agreed on legislation to keep the state?s employment agency from going out of business and to raise the pay of jobless workers."
Wyo company says it won't drill on battlefield
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"BILLINGS, Mont. -- Plans for exploring coal-bed methane resources at Rosebud Battlefield State Park in southeastern Montana are on hold for now as the state and parties with minerals interests try to find a way to protect the historic site from energy development."
State's ongoing lease auctions reignite fight over Front land
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"The decades-long fight over Montana's Rocky Mountain Front is heating up again. Wildlife officials and private conservation groups are seeking to stop the leasing of state-owned land in the area for oil and gas development."
House panel OKs plan to revise layout of some driver's licenses
From: www2.journalnow.com
"A plan to help keep store clerks and bartenders from selling alcohol to underage residents by reformatting driver's licenses was approved yesterday by an N.C. House committee."
AG's opinion sought on petition circulators
From: journalstar.com
"State Sen. Mike Flood has asked for an attorney general opinion on whether petition circulators and blockers -- those trying to discourage people from signing petitions -- can be banned from private property."
Lawmakers OK budget bill
From: www.unionleader.com
"The New Hampshire Legislature passed a budget bill early this morning that Democrats said will guarantee a balanced budget at the end of next year."
NH Legislature approves highway plan
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire lawmakers have passed a 10-year, $2.3 billion highway plan that cuts the current plan almost in half."
Scope of gas case at issue
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Lawyers with the attorney general's office as well as the 26 oil companies and refiners that the state is suing appeared in court yesterday to argue motions that could determine just how big New Hampshire's biggest-ever environmental case could be."
State's public pension system gets cash
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire's public pension system will get much-needed cash to shore it up -- and spare property taxpayers steep increases under an overhaul lawmakers approved Wednesday."
Lynch has days to decide veto
From: www.cmonitor.com
"Although Gov. John Lynch continues to stay mum about whether he'll support a proposed school funding plan, the clock has begun to tick."
Pension plan passes; DNA collection falls
From: www.cmonitor.com
"A major public pension reform bill cleared the Legislature yesterday, after years of difficult work and a week of negotiations that one House member likened to the Greek myth of Sisyphus pushing a boulder up the hill."
NH lawmakers approve cigarette tax hike, wine discount cut
From: hosted.ap.org
"A possible cigarette tax hike, a cut in a wine discount and borrowed money will be used to balance New Hampshire's books."
Parkway offers to buy back tokens before total phaseout at New Year's
From: www.nj.com
"If you have Garden State Parkway tokens rattling around beneath your car seat, you now have seven months to fish them out and cash them in. As expected, the board of the New Jersey Turnpike Authority voted yesterday to stop accepting the quarter-size brass and nickel tokens at Parkway toll booths as of Jan. 1, 2009."
Gasoline prices hit new high
From: www.lvrj.com
"Standing at the gasoline pump sporting shorts, a T-shirt, sunglasses and bare feet, musician Tim Wray cut the perfect image of an easygoing surfer dude headed to California for a laid-back beach vacation."
Ballot plan appeal rejected
From: hosted.ap.org
"Advocates of two proposed ballot petitions to cap revenue for the Las Vegas tourism authority and a third plan to restrict tax-raising ballot questions failed Wednesday to get Secretary of State Ross Miller to reconsider his rejection of the plans."
Big-picture thinkers weigh in on gaming's fiscal outlook
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"With the increased cost of a tank of gasoline equivalent to the cost of a few cocktails, fewer tourists are driving to Las Vegas. With airlines cutting back flights to town, it will be harder to fill hotel rooms. And the Strip has grown posh, making it less attractive to the masses."
Paterson visits LI, calls for school property tax cap
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson paid a visit to a Nassau County front yard Wednesday where he called on state leaders to embrace a proposal to cap school property taxes."
Paterson, Spitzer faulted on vows to reform Albany
From: www.newsday.com
"Good-government groups accused Gov. David A. Paterson and his predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, yesterday of breaking a campaign promise to overhaul state government - even as Paterson unveiled a plan to curb the influence of money in politics."
Affordable housing bill passes in Senate, Assembly
From: www.newsday.com
"After years of failed efforts, state lawmakers yesterday passed the first new set of rules aimed at boosting affordable housing on Long Island."
Agencies hone hurricane response
From: www.timesunion.com
"The state is gearing up in an unprecedented way for hurricane season, which debuts Sunday."
Transit providers appeal for aid
From: www.timesunion.com
"Leaders of the state's public transportation agencies, including those serving Capital Region commuters, are calling on state lawmakers to release millions of dollars to help cover soaring fuel prices."
Paterson pushes campaign changes
From: www.timesunion.com
"Gov. David Paterson on Wednesday proposed a series of campaign finance changes that would lower contribution limits, close corporate loopholes and ban political fundraisers in and around Albany during the legislative session."
Groups seeking reforms assail Paterson
From: www.nytimes.com
"The government reform groups were already angry enough with Gov. David A. Paterson. At a news conference on Wednesday, they accused him of abandoning the reform platform on which he had campaigned alongside Eliot Spitzer, in 2006. "
Ohio Supreme Court turns down smoking exemption request by private clubs
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"The Ohio Supreme Court snuffed out hopes by private clubs to get special exemptions that would allow their members to light up."
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's approval rating at 55 percent
From: blog.cleveland.com
"Ohio's poor economy is battering household budgets, but it has barely nicked the popularity of Gov. Ted Strickland."
Norman's lobbying firm may get $20,000 raise
From: newsok.com
"NORMAN, Okla. - The national lobbying service that represents the city may get a raise this year if a proposed amendment to the budget is approved."
Sales tax revenue slows for cities
From: newsok.com
"May sales tax reports show March and April were slow months for businesses in several metro-area cities compared with the returns from a year ago."
Judge blocks some parts of HB 1804
From: newsok.com
"A federal judge today blocked enforcement of employer-related provisions of the state's controversial immigration law, ruling it likely interferes with federal regulations regarding the hiring of unauthorized workers."
State names ombudsman for Measure 37, 49 claims
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The job of untangling property development claims brought about by Measure 37 and Measure 49 has been handed to Alwin Turiel, a veteran land-use planner and consultant."
LNG backers say controversial terminal will help salmon in Columbia River
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Backers of a controversial plan to build an import terminal for liquefied natural gas on the lower Columbia River claim their project would actually boost salmon survival rates while helping the region meet growing energy demands."
Whiting boats cleared to catch salmon
From: www.oregonlive.com
"This summer, commercial salmon trollers and sport anglers in California and along most of Oregon's coast won't be allowed to pluck a single chinook salmon from the ocean, an unprecedented shutdown."
Smoking ban goes down in flames
From: www.mcall.com
"A bill banning most public smoking in Pennsylvania landed in limbo Wednesday when the state House and Senate split on a laboriously crafted compromise. The Senate voted 31-19 to reject the measure, but the House voted 163-38 to approve it."
Senate rejects smoking ban deal
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"The state Senate Wednesday defeated a proposed compromise to ban smoking in most places in Pennsylvania, after a yearlong legislative effort to settle the matter."
Smoking ban put in doubt again
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Efforts to enact a public smoking ban in Pennsylvania were thrown into chaos yesterday as the state Senate rejected the measure by a wide margin and then the House, also by a wide margin, approved it."
Pa. Senate snuffs out compromise bill to ban smoking
From: www.philly.com
"The state Senate yesterday voted down a long-awaited smoking-ban bill, clouding the future of legislation agreed upon by a bipartisan committee Tuesday."
Two introduce Rendell's turnpike-lease plan in House
From: www.philly.com
"Gov. Rendell's proposal to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike to a private operator for $12.8 billion was introduced in the state House yesterday by a powerful Philadelphia Democrat and a rural Republican."
Philadelphia will try to reduce foreclosures
From: cms.stateline.org
"PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia announced a program on Wednesday to reduce the number of people who are forced from their homes because they cannot afford the payments on an adjustable-rate subprime mortgage."
Ex-employer says he didn't agree to settlement with injured immigrant
From: www.projo.com
"A groundbreaking settlement for an injured Mexican illegal immigrant was put in jeopardy yesterday when the man's former employer, Warwick tree-company owner William J. Gorman Jr., asked that his lawyer be dismissed and told a judge that he "had never even heard of" the $30,000 settlement agreement."
S.C. to get mortgage fraud hot line
From: www.thestate.com
"South Carolinians who think they have been the victims of mortgage fraud will have a dedicated telephone hot line to call soon."
State will get tough on 'silent invasion'
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"Gov. Mark Sanford signed an immigration bill into law Wednesday, surrounded by legislators who called the law the toughest of its kind in the nation and one that they believe will stop the "silent invasion" of South Carolina."
Sanford signs illegal immigration bill
From: www.thestate.com
"Gov. Mark Sanford signed legislation Wednesday that threatens to temporarily shut down businesses and fine them up to $1,000 per worker if they employ illegal immigrants."
Strict illegal immigration bill signed
From: www.charlotte.com
"S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford signed legislation Wednesday that threatens to temporarily shut down businesses and fine them up to $1,000 per worker if they employ illegal immigrants."
Tight state budget derails parent's hopes for pre-K
From: tennessean.com
"Middle Tennessee parents are being notified their children won't attend state-funded pre-kindergarten this fall, their registrations canceled in the wake of an abrupt freeze on a planned $25 million program expansion."
State parks looking better
From: blogs.chron.com
"High gas prices apparently are influencing Texans to seek out state parks instead of embarking on longer travel trips."
To save energy, step away from A/C
From: www.chron.com
"As tempting as it may be in the heat, Joyce McBride does her best to not fiddle with her thermostat."
11 conspired to steal homes, state charges
From: www.chron.com
"When a man visited Katherine Washington Williams about five years ago, she thought he could save her home of 40 years from foreclosure."
Medicare drug coverage is costing most seniors more
From: www.latimes.com
"WASHINGTON -- As if escalating prices for food and gas weren't enough of a worry, most seniors in Medicare's prescription-drug program are paying considerably higher monthly premiums for coverage this year, according to a study to be released today."
Some small towns opt to buy terrorism insurance
From: www.usatoday.com
"Small rural and suburban communities - some with few structures taller than a good-sized maple tree - might be unlikely targets for terrorists, but many of them are protecting their police stations and water towers with terrorism insurance."
Research finds wide disparities in health care by race and region
From: www.nytimes.com
"Race and place of residence can have a staggering impact on the course and quality of the medical treatment a patient receives, according to new research showing that blacks with diabetes or vascular disease are nearly five times more likely than whites to have a leg amputated and that women in Mississippi are far less likely to have mammograms than those in Maine."
Huntsman helps Nu Skin launch logo, prepare kits
From: deseretnews.com
"PROVO, Utah -- While Nu Skin employees and their children put together some 10,000 education kits destined for underprivileged kids in Utah, China and India, Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Wednesday recounted how his two daughters adopted from foreign orphanages began life."
Comments show Entergy has changed its tune on paying for decommissioning
From: www.timesargus.com
"At least three times when its purchase of the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant was under review in 2001 and 2002, Entergy Corp. said publicly that it would assume the costs of decommissioning the plant when it eventually shut down.
"
WSU goes to four-day work week
From: www.nwpr.org
"Public workers are getting a chance to switch to a four day week to save on gas money. Washington State University is the latest example in the region to offer its employees flexible hours."
Soaring fuel costs dent government budgets
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Families and businesses have been reeling for months as gas shot up to $4 a gallon. Now, as prices keep climbing, state and local governments are seeing their budgets busted."
AT&T investing $27 million in its WV wireless network
From: dailymail.com
"AT&T is investing $27 million to upgrade and expand its wireless network in West Virginia, a company executive said."
Drivers may be getting incorrect renewal notices
From: dailymail.com
"Incorrect renewal notices were sent out to as many as several thousand state drivers last week, according to the Division of Motor Vehicles."
W.Va. to prepare database of 9,000 billboards
From: hosted.ap.org
"The West Virginia Division of Highways plans to gather information about thousands of billboards alongside more than 550 miles of roads."
Manchin appointed 9 of 18 on WVU's board
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Nine members of West Virginia University's board of governors, which meets tomorrow to consider the university's decision to retroactively award an M.B.A. degree to Mylan Inc. executive Heather Bresch, were appointed by West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin, Ms. Bresch's father."
Most of Wyo pulls out of drought
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The snowy winter and rainy spring in Wyoming produced enough moisture to overcome drought conditions for now in some parts of the state that have been plagued by dry weather for nearly a decade, according to a weekly federal drought map."
Scalpers beware: States target ticket sellers
From: www.stateline.org
"The online hijacking of huge blocks of tickets for hot concerts and sporting events for resale at many times face value has raised the ire of consumers and caught the attention of several states that have taken steps to address the problem."
State jobless benefits reserves low
From: www.stateline.org
"
More than a dozen states would be hard-pressed to provide unemployment benefits if the economy tailspins into a full-blown recession and more workers get pink slips.
"
States act to stem foreclosure scams
From: www.stateline.org
"The rise of home foreclosures has spawned an increase in scams that prey on people’s desperation to save their homes. At least 18 states have enacted laws to target such schemes."
States wager on racetrack slots
From: www.stateline.org
"States are betting that adding slots to racetracks will help get them through a faltering economy and dwindling cash reserves"
WORTH NOTING: Partying, politicking and parrying at governors' pads
From: www.stateline.org
"Some governors can’t get away from prying eyes, even in their own mansions. Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter (D) is embarrassed when word leaks out of his son’s birthday beer bash on the premises; California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) can barely get a GOP sign on his own yard; and Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is fighting to get the keys to his mansion from his soon-to-be ex-wife. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
The economic downturn: an opportunity for governors?
From: www.stateline.org
"Most governors recognize that they have the best political job in America. Most also would concede that the job is more satisfying when the economy is strong and revenues are growing than during an economic downturn, when cutting budgets becomes the major task. But even a recession can present opportunities for governors to make improvements that yield lasting benefits for their states."
WORTH NOTING: Illinois gov runs up travel tab
From: www.stateline.org
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden.
California corrections officials install “flushometers” to control wasteful toilet flushing in prisons. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in."
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: www.stateline.org
"Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s commuting costs start to add up. South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds settles a dispute with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service over a cranky game warden.
California corrections officials install “flushometers” to control wasteful toilet flushing in prisons. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in."
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