W.Va. Lottery sales down for 1st time in 20 years
From: www.dailymail.com
"With slot casinos in neighboring Pennsylvania luring gamblers away from its racetrack video machines, the West Virginia Lottery saw sales dip for only the second time in its history during the just-concluded budget year."
Job losses, lagging economy blamed for Michigan's bleeding population
From: www.detnews.com
"Roughly half the communities in Metro Detroit have lost population since 2000, according to estimates to be released by the U.S. Census Bureau today."
500 jobs could be created with new prison in Fayette
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Fayette County officials said Wednesday the state could build one of two new prisons in German Township to handle overcrowding within the Department of Corrections system, which expects to run out of space for inmates by 2010."
Poll ranks employment as Mainers' No. 1 concern
From: bangornews.com
"Jobs and employment top the list of concerns for Mainers in 2008, but gasoline prices, energy-related issues and the cost of living also rank high."
Victoria's Secret, CU sign deal
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"It's a licensing agreement that could get the University of Colorado some, ahem, exposure: The school has agreed to let lingerie empire Victoria's Secret use the Buffs' logo on everything from panties to letter jackets."
Why state agencies consider cut in workweek
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"State agencies were encouraged by a legislator Wednesday to develop flexible work schedules, including a four-day workweek, to give employees a break from rising fuel prices."
Agencies nudged toward four-day work week
From: www.news-star.com
"State agencies are being urged to get on board with the idea of a four-day work week or flexible schedules that allow employees to save on high gasoline prices."
Dover Downs opens $56 million expansion
From: www.delawareonline.com
"At least from one man's perspective, Dover Downs' new 68,000-square-foot, $56 million Collonade, a neoclassical behemoth bursting with 500 new slot machines, three restaurants, a cafe, and a funky bar and lounge, is simply one more phase in a decade-long process."
Florida Lottery awards first "Free Gas for Life" prize today
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Today, Florida Lottery holds its first "Summer Cash" drawing with "Gas for Life" and "Gas for a Year" among the prizes. It will be the first of eight weekly drawings."
Gambling central to Illinois budget talks
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Illinois House lawmakers spent most of Wednesday arguing, again, about how to pay for fixes to roads and schools across the state."
Dog tracks eye new bet
From: bostonherald.com
"The Bay State's beleaguered dog tracks could find new life as off-track betting parlors if voters this fall ban greyhound racing, a key lawmaker says."
Brito: InBev can do a better job of marketing Bud
From: www.stltoday.com
"NEW YORK - The man who could be king of Anheuser-Busch Cos. is quick to voice his respect for the St. Louis-based brewer and its top executives. But make no mistake: Carlos Brito thinks his company can do a better job managing Anheuser-Busch and its venerable Budweiser brand. And he's itching for the chance."
NYC grows as upstate cities shrink
From: www.newsday.com
"The Big Apple is getting bigger as the largest cities in upstate New York continue to lose more people, according census estimates released Thursday."
Columbus grows while rest of Ohio shrinks
From: www.dispatch.com
"According to U.S. Census estimates to be released today, Cleveland lost 5,067 people from July 1, 2006, to July 1, 2007, more than any other city in the country."
City's growth at 0.8 percent
From: www2.ljworld.com
"We've fallen out of the magic circle. Population numbers released today by the U.S. Census Bureau reinforced an emerging trend: Lawrence is no longer part of a group of Kansas City suburbs that consistently grow faster than the statewide average."
Report - N.D. has large loss of older residents
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"You know that North Dakota is losing young people. The youthful out-migration has been going on for decades, causing fits among state planners, boosters and policy-makers. But this may come as a mild surprise: The state's population of baby boomers is declining, too."
Nebraska rural population decline accelerating
From: www.theindependent.com
"New estimates from the U.S. Census suggest the decades-long population decline in rural Nebraska isn't slowing."
Effort to stop move of State Fair gathering petitions
From: www.theindependent.com
"There's one week left for Fair Vote Nebraska to gather signatures on petitions to repeal LB1116 -- the law that authorized a move of the Nebraska State Fair from Lincoln to Grand Island by 2010."
Alaska lawmakers question in-state gas line plan
From: newsminer.com
"State lawmakers questioned Gov. Sarah Palin's new in-state gas pipeline effort Wednesday as they returned to Juneau for hearings on TransCanada's pipeline proposal."
Legislators question in-state gas plan
From: juneauempire.com
"Legislators who have been advocating in-state natural gas use, and sometimes criticizing Gov. Sarah Palin's TransCanada proposal, spent the first day of the special session that began Wednesday critiquing Palin's proposal for in-state gas development."
Volkswagen news could interrupt legislators' trips to conferences
From: www.al.com
"If a special session doesn't interrupt, 58 lawmakers and 19 state employees could attend two legislative conferences this month, one that starts Friday in Oklahoma City and one that starts July 22 in New Orleans."
Report - $1 billion wasted in California
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Californians can save more than $1 billion each year by eliminating unnecessary medical treatments, using less-expensive but equally effective drugs and reducing other kinds of waste from the health care system, said a report released yesterday by the California Public Interest Research Group."
Students nationwide feel lunchtime pinch
From: www.contracostatimes.com
"Around the East Bay and the country, school districts have been raising their prices due to increased food, fuel, labor and other associated costs. "
Female inmates doing time on Calif. fire lines
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Tracey Johnson is one of 28 female convicts working the front lines of the nine-day-old wildfire roaring through Los Padres National Forest in Southern California's Santa Barbara County"
Cal Fire report blames SDG&E
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A state report released last night says arcing San Diego Gas & Electric power lines ignited the Witch Creek, Guejito and Rice Canyon fires, three of the most devastating wildfires that raged across San Diego County last October."
First wave of Guardsmen heads to front lines today
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"About 200 members of the California National Guard will convoy to the front lines of the wildfires this morning after trading in their guns for shovels as part of a four-day crash course in firefighting."
Weary California firefighters get no relief
From: www.latimes.com
"In the battle against a 49,000-acre fire in Butte County, the weather took the fire's side Wednesday."
Power lines sparked Witch fire, report finds
From: www.latimes.com
"SAN DIEGO -- Arcing power lines sparked last fall's Witch fire, the most destructive of the fires that swept through San Diego County, according to an investigatory report issued by CalFire on Wednesday.
"
High-speed rail route approved
From: www.sfgate.com
"The California High Speed Rail Authority has given its final approval to a route that would link the state's major cities and regions"
California blaze roars in 'perfect storm'
From: www.usatoday.com
"Scorching heat and whipping winds kept stoking wildfires across California on Wednesday, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes and spewing smoke into already polluted skies."
Verizon to pay $21M to settle lawsuit over termination fees
From: www.usatoday.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - Verizon Wireless (VZ) has agreed to pay $21 million to settle a lawsuit filed by California customers upset with the company's early termination fees, a lawyer on the case said Wednesday."
Fatigue is a 2nd danger for California firefighters
From: www.nytimes.com
"CONCOW, Calif. - For the men from the Lathrop-Manteca firehouse gathered near a smoldering subdivision called Camelot, the weariness hangs like smoke around them. The extent and intensity of the fires that have gouged the landscape across the state is something they have never seen."
Utility shut-offs jump
From: www.denverpost.com
"Electric and natural-gas utilities in Colorado and nationwide say they are shutting off more customers this year because of delinquent bills."
State's population growth continues to slow
From: www.rep-am.com
"Connecticut's population growth slowed in 2007, pointing to serious economic problems down the road, say researchers with the state's data center."
State logs 2,500 complaints about F&S Oil, billing
From: www.rep-am.com
"The state has received more than 2,500 complaints from former customers of failed F&S Oil Inc., with some citing rude behavior or aggressive collection tactics used by the company that purchased F&S Oil's accounts receivables, state officials confirmed Wednesday."
Teamsters to endorse Amann
From: www.theday.com
"Brace yourselves for truckin' metaphors: House Speaker James A. Amann is rolling with the Teamsters."
Haven Healthcare officials to stay on to run nursing homes
From: www.courant.com
"In announcing the breakup of the Haven Healthcare nursing home chain this week, state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal proclaimed, "Haven is history.""
Volunteer fire companies face audits
From: www.delawareonline.com
"All volunteer fire departments will have to undergo mandatory financial audits under legislation Gov. Ruth Ann Minner signed into law Wednesday."
Deportations on the rise in Florida
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Deportations in Florida jump by almost 50 percent, setting a pace that likely will surpass last year's total and exceed a 10-year high mark."
State's sugar deal puts town's fate in limbo
From: www.miamiherald.com
"CLEWISTON, Fla. --Fearing a bitter future when United States Sugar Corp. leaves the town that sugar built, people here are rallying around their mayor's call for a role in negotiating the company's controversial exit."
Jobless claims up in Georgia
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"The number of Georgians filing initial claims for jobless benefits continued to rise in June, state officials said today."
Honolulu population shrank a bit in '07
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Oahu experienced its first population loss in seven years, according to new Census Bureau estimates for 2007."
$15 million grant approved for state if it can match it
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaii hospitals would receive $15 million in federal funds to help with rising costs and numbers of Medicaid and uninsured patients under legislation passed by the U.S. Senate. Matching state funds would be needed to tap the money in the Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 if it becomes law."
Hawaii ranks 45th in foreclosures
From: starbulletin.com
"The number of local foreclosures jumped nearly 19 percent year-over-year in June, though Hawaii fared significantly better than many other states where defaults are increasing at a faster pace."
State admits care shortfalls at center for disabled
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Four years after agreeing to a long list of court-ordered reforms, a state institution for some of Iowa's most profoundly disabled children and adults is still failing to meet minimum health and safety standards."
Big Ten Network, Mediacom talking again
From: www.qctimes.com
"The Big Ten Network and Mediacom are talking again."
Tourism gets a boost from Idahoans staying close to home
From: www.ktvb.com
"Tourism officials in Idaho admit they were nervous the economy would have a negative effect this year, but a new tourism report shows numbers are up seven percent."
Foreclosure proceedings on homes in Idaho drop 18 percent in June
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"The number of Idaho homes in some stage of foreclosure in June was down 18 percent from the previous month, but still 20 percent higher than the like period a year ago, according to a survey released Thursday."
Blagojevich backs off on Amtrak cuts
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Despite an earlier threat, Gov. Rod Blagojevich didn't cut significant portions of the state's Amtrak service Wednesday."
Group wants guv to be more open with capital spending
From: www.chicagobusiness.com
"As lawmakers returned to Springfield Wednesday to deal with the unbalanced state budget, a public planning agency criticized the governor's capital spending plan."
10th casino license to be issued soon
From: www.dailyherald.com
"After being tied up in litigation for almost the last decade, the state's 10th casino license will be back in play very shortly, the Illinois Gaming Board announced Wednesday."
$1.4 billion budget faceoff shapes up in Springfield
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich made good Wednesday on his threat to enact major state budget cuts, vetoing $1.4 billion and daring House Democrats to "stop playing games," approve more money and avoid election-year pain."
2nd-act twist -- allowing for onstage smoking
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A Chicago alderman proposed an exemption Wednesday to a city smoking ordinance that would allow actors to light up on stage, days after producers of the musical "Jersey Boys" had to cut smoking out of their show."
Ill. governor trims $1.4 billion from budget
From: www.stltoday.com
"Springfield- Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday unilaterally cut $1.4 billion from Illinois' new state budget - including hundreds of millions of dollars earmarked for social services, education and health care - because the Legislature has failed to approve enough revenue to cover those expenses."
Illinois lawmakers again debating infrastructure plan
From: www.stltoday.com
"Springfield- Allies of Gov. Rod Blagojevich today have started a full-court press to approve a statewide infrastructure repair program, telling legislators that failure to pass the massive plan could leave this year's state budget out of balance, nix billions in federal matching funds, and even risk lives."
Governor vetoes $1.4 billion in budget
From: www.sj-r.com
"Gov. Rod Blagojevich Wednesday made good on his threats to drastically slash spending to balance the state budget. "
IDOT move a $9 million loss here
From: www.sj-r.com
"Sangamon County's economy will lose nearly $9 million and dozens of jobs in addition to more than 100 state workers if the Illinois Department of Transportation moves its Division of Traffic Safety to southern Illinois. "
ARDC argues to keep lawyer list private
From: www.sj-r.com
"An attorney for the state Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission has told the state Supreme Court it should not release a list of licensed attorneys in Illinois to a company that grades lawyers and puts the results online. "
Gambling tax revenues down as economy struggles
From: hosted.ap.org
"Indiana's gambling tax revenues are down for the first time in more than a decade - a sign that the normally booming industry is not immune to economic downturns."
Rep. Fry takes IDEM to task over plant
From: www.southbendtribune.com
"A local state representative says Indiana's Department of Environmental Management is failing to enforce the law against an Elkhart recycling plant."
Tornado towns OK'd for aid
From: cjonline.com
"Help is on the way for tornado-stricken Chapman and Manhattan."
$8 million in housing grants awarded
From: cjonline.com
"In an effort to kick-start redevelopment in disaster-affected communities, the Kansas Housing Resources Corp. has announced $8 million in housing development grant awards."
Beshear approves riverfront dev. study
From: www.kypost.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear has approved the Frankfort/Franklin County Tourist and Convention Commission's request for funding assistance to conduct a riverfront development study of the Frankfort area."
Beshear planning town hall tour
From: www.kentucky.com
"In an effort to regroup from a rocky start to his term, Gov. Steve Beshear will embark later this month on a 12-city town hall tour that will take him from Pikeville to Paducah."
Analyst urges caution on electric car proposal
From: www.kentucky.com
"SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. - As Kentucky politicians stumble over themselves to tout a three-wheeled electric car as a financial boon to the state and their gas price-weary constituents, an industry analyst suggests they use caution."
State endorses Union for retirees
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"Louisiana communities are working to make our state the country's next prime retirement location, Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu said, and grants awarded Wednesday will help spread the word."
Official -- Trailer firm quiet on tests
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"WASHINGTON - A congressman on Wednesday accused the main manufacturer of travel trailers used by FEMA for Hurricane Katrina victims of hiding test results that showed excessive levels of formaldehyde, including in trailers in East Baton Rouge Parish."
Govs seek winter fuel-aid hike
From: bostonherald.com
"Gov. Deval Patrick and three other New England governors are pushing for a massive increase in federal fuel-assistance funds to avert what they say could be a crisis this winter due to skyrocketing home-heating prices."
N.E. leaders seek more US heating oil aid
From: www.boston.com
"Alarmed by zooming energy costs, four New England governors yesterday called on the federal government to increase the region's home heating assistance to $1 billion, from $252 million last winter."
Patrick meets voters in Salem
From: www.boston.com
"SALEM, Mass. -- The 10-year-old boy who briefly upstaged the Massachusetts governor appeared before the crowd of 300 in a tie, pressed shirt, and pleated pants. Jonathan Marrero recounted how upset he was when his elementary school cut its librarian and how he raised more than $2,000 to help restore funding."
Initiative seeks to aid immigrants
From: www.boston.com
"Governor Deval Patrick launched a statewide initiative yesterday to find ways to integrate immigrants into Massachusetts "as quickly as possible" at a time when their numbers are booming."
Legislators tour National Harbor
From: gazette.net
"Bypassing their Annapolis offices, members of the House Ways and Means Committee drove down to the new National Harbor waterfront city in Prince George's County on Tuesday."
State approves Kibby wind farm project
From: bangornews.com
"State regulators gave final approval Wednesday to a $270 million wind farm and transmission line proposed for the mountains of rural Franklin County."
DOT presses case for truck weight exemption
From: bangornews.com
"Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Cole testified Wednesday before a House committee in Washington about the need for an exemption on federal truck weight limits, a provision that would help keep heavy trucks off Maine's secondary roads."
Michelle Obama offers everyday women support in struggles
From: www.freep.com
"It wasn't the three jobs she has to work to care for her extended family, or the inability to take a vacation for the last five years. For Eloise Williams of Pontiac, the ultimate indignity came when she found a lump in her breast before she became a full-time teacher at Pontiac Northern High School."
State grants final approval for Beaumont's proton-beam center
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Janet Olszewski, director of Michigan's Department of Community Health, has granted final approval for William Beaumont Hospitals in Royal Oak to proceed with plans to build a $160 million proton-beam therapy center."
Mich. joins pact for Great Lakes
From: www.detnews.com
"A compact designed to prevent remote regions or countries from tapping into the Great Lakes was approved Wednesday by the last of the eight states that surround one of the world's largest sources of fresh water."
Granholm signs water protection pact
From: www.freep.com
"With the stroke of Gov. Jennifer Granholm's pen Wednesday at a Saugatuck beach, Michigan, which calls itself the Great Lakes State, became the last of eight states to formally approve a compact to protect the Great Lakes from having their water diverted to other regions."
We're #52
From: www.stltoday.com
" This city was once among the big guns. Only New York, Chicago and Philadelphia had more residents in 1900."
Lawmaker comes up with an ice idea
From: www.sunherald.com
"State Rep. Richard Bennett, R-Long Beach, said he's proposing the state enter into a contract with a supplier so ice could be delivered in South Mississippi, possibly within about 24 hours of a hurricane's landfall."
25x25 Alliance looks to unlock state's rich energy potential
From: www.greatfallstribune.com
"Northcentral Montana is sparsely populated but has huge energy potential, an expert told members of the National 25x'25 Alliance Steering Committee on Wednesday."
Buyout attempt stirs governor's concern
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Gov. Brian Schweitzer is asking Anheuser-Busch and the company that is trying to take it over to honor its relationship with Montana farmers."
State car smoking ban goes to Easley
From: www.newsobserver.com
"The Senate voted 43-5 Wednesday to give final legislative approval to a bill that would prohibit smoking in all state-owned or leased cars in the motor fleet starting Jan. 1. The measure now goes to Gov. Mike Easley."
Senate hurries to ease rules for hog farmers
From: www.newsobserver.com
"The state Senate is quickly pushing legislation that would poke a hole in 1995 hog reforms that were designed to keep hogs, their smell and pollutants away from homes, schools and churches."
Peterson spars with lawmakers on WSI surplus
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"A Fargo legislator told the state auditor Wednesday that debates about the workers' compensation agency's illegally large reserve fund is a "detail.""
N.D. seeks to double energy by 2025
From: www.in-forum.com
"A North Dakota energy policy plan calls for doubling the state's export electricity transmission grid as part of an overall goal to double the state's full range of energy capacity by the year 2025."
Lincoln may reach quarter-million mark in coming year
From: www.journalstar.com
"Lincoln's population will likely pass the 250,000 mark within the next year."
TransCanada answers questions on 2nd pipeline
From: www.journalstar.com
"YORK - When a big Canadian energy corporation, with $30 billion in assets, announces plans to bury a pipeline under your farm or a road or river, people obviously have a lot of questions."
Communities experiencing big growth, census report says
From: www.omaha.com
"Still this decade's fastest-growing city in Nebraska, Gretna is poised to triple its 2000 population by 2010 - pushing the Sarpy County town's projected count beyond 7,500."
Governor pushes Washington for more heating aid
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"Gov. John Lynch called on the Bush administration and Congress to double federal grants to avert a "crisis" for low- and moderate-income families facing soaring costs to heat their homes with heating oil."
Katz turns to leaflets in fight over ouster by CWA board
From: www.nj.com
"Communications Workers of America Local 1034 president Carla Katz and her executive board hit the streets yesterday morning with leaflets denouncing as "false" the allegations that the national union used to relieve them of their duties."
Cost woes might trim stadium at Rutgers
From: www.nj.com
"Rutgers University officials yesterday said skyrocketing costs for concrete, steel and fuel will force them to scale back the university's controversial $102 million football stadium expansion, or risk going over budget."
Study: Prison population on decline in N.M.
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"The state's prison population has dropped 6.6 percent in the past two years, a new study shows."
DRAWING WATER - State engineer grants some of agency's request
From: www.lvrj.com
"Their proposed pipeline might be half-empty so far, but Southern Nevada Water Authority officials prefer to see it as half-full. Deputy General Manager Kay Brothers said she is generally pleased by a ruling Wednesday that grants the authority a little more than half of the groundwater it sought from three valleys in central Lincoln County."
Rural-valley groundwater for Las Vegas
From: www.azcentral.com
"A bid to pump more than 11 billion gallons of groundwater a year from three rural Nevada valleys to Las Vegas was cut to just over 6 billion gallons and approved Wednesday by the state's water engineer."
Senecas keep casino open despite judge's ruling
From: www.buffalonews.com
"If the Seneca Nation of Indians seems concerned about a federal judge's ruling that it can't legally operate a casino in Buffalo, jeopardizing a $333 million casino now under construction, you wouldn't know it from the nation's reaction Wednesday."
Officials unveil details on enhanced driver's license
From: www.newsday.com
"State officials Wednesday released new details about the enhanced driver's license that doubles as a passport, which will be offered to residents beginning Sept. 16."
Gov. Strickland's task force tackles problems of poor
From: www.dispatch.com
"Franklinton's Pauline Edwards has been involved in anti-poverty efforts for decades and says they have always fallen short."
Health care plan activates legal review
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"A new law has triggered a state hearing of proposed increases by Oregon's largest health insurer in its individual and small-group plans."
Oregon's top mental health provider ignored signs of own crisis
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The books were a mess. Staff shifted money around day to day just to keep clinics running and employees paid. The company was hemorrhaging cash and had maxed out its line of credit."
Orie says taxpayers shouldn't get Barden's bill
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Taxpayers shouldn't be left holding the bag for the $7.5 million annually that North Shore casino owner Don Barden promised to contribute toward a Penguins arena, a state senator said Wednesday."
Rendell signs autism measure
From: www.post-gazette.com
"HERSHEY, Pa. -- Christopher Waeltermann had just one question at a ceremonial signing of a bill to help people with autism: "Does this mean my autism is cured?" No, but it does mean that insurance companies now will have to pay for medically necessary services for the 6,000 Pennsylvanians who are under 22 and have autism."
Affordable housing tack -- All stick, no more carrot
From: www.projo.com
"NARRAGANSETT, R.I. - Encouraging developers to build affordable houses alongside market-rate houses is a key goal for communities across Rhode Island as they try to comply with housing requirements set by the state."
GOP head backs oil drilling
From: www.charleston.net
"South Carolina's Republican Party chairman announced support Wednesday for a campaign to allow oil exploration off the coast of South Carolina and other states, an idea that concerns environmental and tourism interests and is opposed by many Democratic leaders and candidates."
President approves S.D. disaster declaration
From: www.rapidcityjournal.com
"President Bush signed a disaster declaration Wednesday for 27 South Dakota counties and three American Indian reservations that were flooded after an early June storm."
Witness refuses to testify in Ford's corruption trial
From: www.tennessean.com
"The former chairman of a Wisconsin-based dental company who entered into a business relationship with former state Sen. John Ford is refusing to testify at his federal corruption trial, according to Ford's attorney."
MLGW customers will feel spike in natural gas, electricity
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"Consumers already feeling the pinch at the gas pump could be in store for another round of sticker shock when they get their utility bills in late summer and fall."
Witness -- John Ford worked to get $200K set aside to settle OmniCare lawsuit
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"Serving as both an elected lawmaker and a paid consultant for a state contractor, John Ford offered to arrange $200,000 in state funds to help resolve a legal problem facing that contractor, a prosecution witness testified in Nashville Wednesday."
Texas to assess social services technology
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Benchmarks proposed to assess whether eligibility field offices can be switched to the Web-based TIERS software technology:"
Social services czar sets measurements for troubled eligibility system
From: www.dallasnews.com
"State social services czar Albert Hawkins will prove that a problem-plagued eligibility screening system works before he more than doubles the number of needy Texans who must use it, a spokeswoman says."
Bush admin opposes federal pay for wolf kills
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"WASHINGTON -- The Bush administration is objecting to legislation that would ask the federal government to help compensate livestock owners whose animals are killed by wolves."
NE governors call for boost in home heating aid
From: www.timesargus.com
"BOSTON - Governors from across New England, warning that some families may have to choose between food or warmth this winter, called for a sharp boost in federal home heating aid."
Senate blocks Medicare cuts in physicians' pay
From: www.courier-journal.com
"WASHINGTON - With unexpected help from ailing Sen. Edward Kennedy, the Senate voted yesterday to prevent a 10.6 percent cut in doctors' Medicare payments that Kentucky and Indiana physicians had warned could end some services."
Communities pay for high prison rate
From: online.wsj.com
"PHOENIX -- When she hit 60, Sarah Coleman thought she was done raising children. But today she is among the millions of Americans left to fill the void for family members gone to jail."
Online 'textbooks' see college doors opening
From: www.usatoday.com
"As textbook prices skyrocket, college students and faculty seeking more affordable options increasingly are turning to "open textbooks" as an alternative."
Schools cutting bus service because of fuel prices
From: www.usatoday.com
"School administrators are spinning their wheels trying to cope with the soaring costs of fuel for school buses. The bottom line: More students will walk farther this fall. "
Pluses in housing crisis for Midwest
From: www.usatoday.com
"Parts of the Midwest experienced a modest population resurgence last year as the nation's housing crisis disrupted a long-term migration by Americans to the Sun Belt, a USA TODAY analysis of new Census data shows."
University of Utah dodges funding cut
From: www.sltrib.com
"The University of Utah is breathing a huge sigh of relief."
Despite Utah protests, Nevada official OKs water plan
From: www.sltrib.com
"Las Vegas is closing in on its quest to pipe groundwater from an aquifer that straddles the Utah-Nevada state line to fuel growth in the desert megalopolis."
Utah foreclosures up 141%
From: deseretnews.com
"The number of Utah homeowners who received a foreclosure filing in June jumped nearly 141 percent, compared with the same month last year, according to a report released Wednesday."
Suburbs in Utah are flourishing
From: deseretnews.com
"From the Wasatch Front to Washington County, Utah's suburban communities continue to flourish, according to population estimates released today by the U.S. Census Bureau."
Roads funding bill defeated in House
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"The Republican-dominated House of Delegates defeated one major transportation funding measure Wednesday, and at least two others likely await a similar fate. "
Killed bill had sales tax rise for Richmond area
From: www.inrich.com
"New transportation taxes for the Richmond area -- proposed increases largely unnoticed by lawmakers in both parties -- are dead."
Transit session skids to a stop
From: www.roanoke.com
"The General Assembly's special session sputtered toward a conclusion Wednesday with rancor and finger-pointing but no fix for Virginia's road and transit funding problems."
Va. cattle being exported to Turkey
From: hosted.ap.org
"State agriculture officials say a second shipment of Virginia cattle is awaiting export to Turkey."
Bill would let employers limit workplace languages
From: hamptonroads.com
"Can an employer require workers to speak only in English?
Sometimes, says the government - as long as there's a work-related reason, such as communicating with clients or maintaining safety."
General Assembly kills transportation funding bills, adjourns special session
From: hamptonroads.com
"The General Assembly killed all transportation funding bills and adjourned a two-week special session in the wee hours Thursday morning without any solution to traffic gridlock."
Assembly rejects gas-tax increase
From: fredericksburg.com
"The General Assembly yesterday killed a bill to raise state taxes for transportation, but passed one that would take future airport and port revenue for the state's two most congested regions."
'Be-back buyers' prepping for sales-tax-free weekend
From: www.rutlandherald.com
"During the statewide Sales Tax Independence Days on July 11 and 12, people looking to purchase a woodstove could save up as much as $120 in sales tax on a stove costing $2,000 - the purchase limit. Stores selling other high-priced items are also gearing up for a throng of shoppers looking to spend their federal stimulus checks or just take advantage of the duty-free days."
What happens when a business owner is deployed to war?
From: www.nwpr.org
"Later this summer, roughly 2,400 members of the Washington State National Guard will deploy to Iraq -- some for the second time. This means leaving behind not just families but jobs in the civilian world."
Gregoire releases tax returns, Rossi won't
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire released her recent tax returns Wednesday in response to requests from news reporters and criticized her opponent, Republican Dino Rossi, for refusing to follow suit."
Foreclosure filings up nearly 70% in state
From: seattletimes.nwsource.com
"Washington state foreclosures were up 69 percent last month compared with the previous June and up almost 10 percent from May, as the mortgage meltdown continues, despite governmental and private efforts to help struggling homeowners."
State will rethink cut in job centers
From: www.madison.com
"State officials have taken a step back from their plan to pull staffers who help the unemployed out of dozens of job centers around the state."
Many of state's elderly near poverty
From: www.greenbaypressgazette.com
"It's sometimes difficult for Marie Nickel of Suamico to make ends meet. The widowed homeowner earns $922 a month working at a senior resource center, but her dollars just don't stretch very far these days - especially with her health problems."
Fischer's trip role criticized
From: www.jsonline.com
"At least two businessmen who went on the state's March trade mission to Ireland and the United Kingdom said they were disappointed with Commerce Secretary Jack Fischer, one even saying Fischer hurt his efforts."
W.Va. businesses support McCain tax plan
From: www.dailymail.com
"HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- Presumptive Republican nominee Sen. John McCain traveled through West Virginia just long enough Wednesday to shake a few hands and get on a bus, but his supporters say the positive effects of a McCain presidency would last much longer."
Wyo will be first with Yellowstone commemorative quarter
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"For a mere 25 cents, the nation will know in a couple of years that Wyoming is home to the world's first national park."
Sour economy limits states' options in '08
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 4 p.m. EDT, July 2, 2008)
For many states, 2008 will be remembered for record numbers of home foreclosures, $4-a-gallon gasoline and the beginning of a slide into new fiscal woes after two years of overflowing coffers.
Stateline.org’s annual state-by-state look at legislative accomplishments, covering 36 states so far, discerns the trends and precedents emerging from state capitals this year."
Educator to assist with BRAC response
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The state's higher education commission has hired a Chestertown educator, counselor and Army veteran to help coordinate the response of Maryland's colleges, universities and career schools to the influx of defense jobs expected from nationwide military base realignment."
FEMA change sends states searching for ice
From: www.stateline.org
"
States looking for free ice from FEMA in the aftermath of a hurricane will be out of luck because of the agency's new policy.
"
Squeeze spares some states
From: www.stateline.org
"Not every state is having budget troubles. Alaska, Texas, West Virginia and others are faring better than most because of their booming energy industries. But North Dakota stands out because it has energy and agriculture — and not many people."
2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 12:11 p.m. EDT, July 3, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
States revisit Prohibition-era booze laws
From: www.stateline.org
"Seventy-five years after the repeal of Prohibition, state lawmakers across the country are marking the anniversary by relaxing or eliminating some laws that have restricted alcohol sales since as long ago as the 1930s."
State workers: Thank God It's Thursday
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 1:45 p.m. EDT, June 30, 2008)
In the face of $4-a-gallon gasoline, Utah is imposing four-day workweeks for most of its state employees in a newly invigorated trend at the state and local level to combat record-high energy costs."
July brings bumper crop of new laws
From: www.stateline.org
"
New state laws that take effect Tuesday will change life for many, as they crack down on California’s cell-phone-chatting drivers, Colorado’s deadbeat parents and New Mexico’s human traffickers, among others.
"
Violent weather taking toll on states
From: www.stateline.org
"A string of deadly tornadoes and damaging floods in 17 states this year has raised questions about public safety, the toll on infrastructure and how to pay for recovery."
States credit foreign language study
From: www.stateline.org
"Some states are rewarding high school students who study a foreign language outside of the classroom. Connecticut became the latest state to give school credit to students who take private classes and pass a proficiency test."
Jobs are at risk if Congress doesn't fix the Highway Fund
From: www.stateline.org
"State budgets and nearly 400,000 jobs are at risk if Congress fails to replenish the Highway Trust Fund, John Horsley, executive director of the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials, writes in a commentary for
Stateline.org."
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."
Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
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."
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