State officials seek records on securities
From: www.columbiatribune.com
"Securities regulators from Secretary of State Robin Carnahan's office paid a surprise visit this morning to the Wachovia Securities office in downtown St. Louis seeking records in an investigation of how the broker's agents sold auction-rate securities."
Crist - Out of town, out of touch
From: www.tampabay.com
"As a beaming Gov. Charlie Crist and his fiancee Carole Rome posed for pictures in London Wednesday with the Prince of Wales, state economists were wailing about the latest signs of Florida's deteriorating condition. "
Joblessness reaches 15-yr. high
From: www.suntimes.com
"Unemployment surged in Illinois in June to 6.8 percent, the highest level in 15 years, rising from 5 percent a year earlier."
Mass. jobless rate rises to 5.2%
From: www.boston.com
"The Massachusetts unemployment rate last month jumped above 5 percent for the first time in nearly four years, a sign the national economic downturn is taking an increasing toll on the state."
Ohio unemployment at 6.6%
From: news.cincinnati.com
"Ohio's statewide unemployment rate jumped to 6.6 percent in June, its highest point since October 1993."
Unemployment rate rises in Georgia
From: www.onlineathens.com
"Unemployment was up in Georgia from last June."
Casinos not dead yet, Beshear says
From: www.kentucky.com
"VIRGIE, Ky. - Gov. Steve Beshear said Thursday that legalizing casinos remains a possibility in Kentucky even though lawmakers rejected the idea earlier this year."
Winfall for Bay State
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Lottery boss Mark J. Cavanaugh credited this year's record sales to better placement in stores and the lure of instant cash."
New state margin tax not kind to small businesses
From: www.chron.com
"About 20 percent of small-business owners surveyed said they'll lay off at least one employee to cope with costs of a new state tax, while nearly half said they'll raise prices, according to the National Federation of Independent Business' Texas office."
Michigan's growing oil boom
From: www.freep.com
"High gas prices may be hammering Michigan consumers and the overall economy. But in one sector -- the state's relatively inconspicuous, but well-established oil and gas industry -- they're contributing to a modest business boom."
State legislators consider increasing income taxes on the wealthy
From: www.latimes.com
"California has long had a reputation for soaking the rich, claiming a particularly large slice of their earnings to feed its growing government. Now, legislative Democrats want to push it further."
Hispanics caught in language crackdown
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Federal law requires that anyone with a commercial drivers license speak English well enough to talk with police. Authorities last year issued 25,230 tickets nationwide for violations. Now the federal government is trying to tighten the English requirement, saying the change is needed for safety reasons."
More insurance rate hike requests predicted
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"It's likely that State Farm won't be the last property insurer to ask Florida for a new rate hike, an industry spokesman said Thursday."
States battle mortgage foreclosure threat
From: www.usatoday.com
"Frustrated by the slow pace of federal relief, states around the country are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into their own programs to stem the rising tide of home foreclosures."
Natural gas prices are 79% higher than a year ago
From: www.radioiowa.com
"While gas prices in Iowa are up about 27% and diesel prices are up 59% over a year ago, experts say sticker shock is ahead when it comes to the cost of the fuel you use to heat your home this winter. Tommi Makila, an energy policy analyst for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says natural gas prices are 79% higher today than they were in July of last year."
State's stellar credit rating seen as good for investment
From: www.wyomingnews.com
"Wyoming's credit rating -- now more stellar than ever - should make the state attractive to business investors, State Treasurer Joe Meyer says."
State supports $4.9 billion wind power plan
From: www.statesman.com
"State officials on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a $4.9 billion wind power project that will add a massive system of transmission lines to help move electricity generated along the windy patches of West Texas to power-hungry metropolitan areas such as Austin. "
Tough times hit state hard
From: www.hattiesburgamerican.com
"The tough times - for the nation and Mississippi - are far from over. That was the message of the midyear economic conference held in Biloxi Thursday and sponsored by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research in the College of Business at the University of Southern Mississippi"
Blunt and Sebelius go to Britain for aviation industry gathering
From: www.kansascity.com
"Gov. Kathleen Sebelius of Kansas and Gov. Matt Blunt of Missouri are among state leaders on a trade mission to Britain this week."
In recession, lottery players dream big
From: bostonherald.com
"Despite sky-high gas prices and a tanking economy, Bay State residents shelled out a record $4.7 billion on the Lottery last year as dreams of instant cash offered "a little bit of hope on cardboard.""
Candidates aim to boost economy
From: www.detnews.com
"WEST BLOOMFIELD, Mich. -- Issues facing West Bloomfield and Commerce townships are the same as those affecting the entire state -- poor economic conditions, foreclosure rates, health care, quality education and government spending."
Kansas wine sales are up
From: www2.ljworld.com
"A negative comment from Governor Kathleen Sebelius about Kansas wine has had a surprising effect statewide."
State's drought monitor shows little change
From: www.montgomeryadvertiser.com
"There's been little change in Alabama's overall drought status, despite recent heavy rainfall. "
Governor appeals ruling stopping Gulf Coast hotel
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Gov. Bob Riley is appealing a judge's decision that blocked state plans to build an upscale hotel and conference center at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores.
"
Law hazy on who must levy hotel tax
From: www.nwarktimes.com
"The Legislature should clarify whether bed-and-breakfast inns and other specialized lodging in Eureka Springs must keep collecting lodging taxes from their guests, according to an opinion issued this week by the Arkansas attorney general's office."
Search for revenue may yield slots at airport
From: www.azcentral.com
"Could Sky Harbor soon become home to an army of one-armed bandits?"
Border-crossing deaths on the decline
From: www.azcentral.com
"Fewer people are dying while trying to sneak across the U.S.-Mexican border, new Border Patrol figures show."
More Arizonans losing ground in fight against obesity
From: www.azcentral.com
"The rate of obesity in Arizona is rising."
California raises standards for green buildings
From: www.latimes.com
"California issued new building standards Thursday, which state officials said would push developers to reduce the energy use of buildings by 15% and target a 50% reduction in water for landscaping."
State Supreme Court gives new protection to endangered species
From: www.latimes.com
"SAN FRANCISCO - The California Supreme Court gave new protection to the state's endangered species Thursday, ruling unanimously that developers, loggers and other commercial interests may be required to compensate for unforeseen wildlife losses. "
Report says canal would fix California water woes
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"A quarter century ago, Californians overwhelmingly rejected the state's ambitious plan to pipe water around the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta to provide clean, plentiful supplies to a booming Southern California. A report released Thursday by the Public Policy Institute of California argues that much has changed since then."
Bush surveys record-breaking Calif. wildfires
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"REDDING, Calif. - President Bush offered federal help and encouragement Thursday to some of the 25,000 firefighters working under a blazing sun to contain wildfires that make up the single largest fire event ever recorded in California. "
City agency under state review
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"State regulators have opened a review of the Southeastern Economic Development Corp., the nonprofit arm of City Hall in charge of redeveloping the southeast corner of San Diego. "
Chinese take lead from UC-Berkeley in producing Ph.D. hopefuls
From: www.mercurynews.com
"The pipeline into America's Ph.D. programs used to flow from Berkeley. Now, the highest number of students pour in from China's Tsinghua and Beijing universities. "
State to educate migrants about heat illness
From: www.sacbee.com
"FRESNO, Calif. -- Two state agencies are joining forces to ensure that migrant students and their families know how to protect themselves from heat-related illness this summer.
"
California agency reviews slow response to data security breach
From: www.sacbee.com
"The Department of Consumer Affairs said Thursday it is reviewing why two full days passed before its staff started investigating a major data security breach that special e-mail filtering software detected last month."
Schwarzenegger, legislative leaders meet on budget
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with the four legislative leaders Thursday for their first formal get-together in a month. But no progress was reported. Assembly Speaker Karen Bass said a vote wouldn't be coming any time soon.
"
Bush vows not to leave California stranded as firefighting costs strain budget
From: www.sacbee.com
"President Bush took a helicopter tour of charred forests above Shasta Lake on Thursday and vowed to do the "best ... we possibly can" in directing federal assistance to help California respond to devastating wildfires.
"
Legislature considers raiding voter-approved funds
From: www.latimes.com
"Legislative leaders are drafting a complicated scheme to help close the state's massive deficit by raiding funds voters have set aside for transportation and local government services, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday, adding that it probably would force a state sales tax hike. "
California fines two health plans $13 million
From: www.latimes.com
"Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield -- two of the state's biggest health plans -- agreed Thursday to pay a total of $13 million in fines and to offer new health coverage to more than 2,200 Californians the companies dropped after they became ill.
"
California fines two health plans $13 million
From: www.latimes.com
"Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield -- two of the state's biggest health plans -- agreed Thursday to pay a total of $13 million in fines and to offer new health coverage to more than 2,200 Californians the companies dropped after they became ill."
Gov again pitches lottery; Perata skeptical
From: www.sacbee.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called in his special economic adviser David Crane and representatives of three investment houses to again pitch his lottery scheme Thursday, but Democratic leader Don Perata said he remains skeptical the plan could be used to help fill this year's $15.2 billion deficit."
Drilling rules now up to panel
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Twelve days of hearings before the state oil and gas commission ended Thursday without any clear consensus on how the industry should be regulated."
Crist fields VP queries on Europe trade trip
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"LONDON - Florida Gov. Charlie Crist capped a four-day trade mission to Britain Wednesday with speculation about his vice presidential chances, hopes that cheap Florida real estate would entice foreign buyers and a private meeting with Prince Charles."
Environmental groups file suit against EPA
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"
Five environmentalist organizations sued the federal government Thursday, demanding new measurable standards for pollution-fueled algae blooms in Florida waterways. "
Crist may decide fate of natural gas port off Fort Lauderdale
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"A proposed natural gas port off northern Fort Lauderdale passed its final federal environmental review this week, despite intense opposition in neighborhoods that would face the terminals for giant fuel tankers. The results of the review make it more likely the final decision on whether the project gets built will fall to Gov. Charlie Crist."
Seminoles ask court to reconsider gambling pact
From: www.miamiherald.com
"The Seminole Tribe of Florida on Thursday asked the state's high court to reconsider its 7-0 decision to invalidate the gambling compact signed by Gov. Charlie Crist, a ruling that jeopardizes the operation of its blackjack and baccarat games being offered at the tribe's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino near Hollywood.
"
More public comment sought on proposed Ward area redevelopment
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"A state agency governing development in Kaka'ako wants more people to comment on the proposed "Ward Neighborhood" master plan that would dramatically alter much of the area's urban skyline on private land near the waterfront."
Hawaii DLNR seeking to clarify rules
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"WAILUKU, Hawaii - The Department of Land and Natural Resources is sticking to its position that weddings - just like any other commercial operations - need a right-of-entry permit if they are going to use unencumbered state land."
Culver says special session likely in September
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Gov. Chet Culver told a special commission Thursday that it's "very likely" he'll call a special legislative session to deal with this summer's severe weather."
CIETC outrage not near end
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Lawyers in the CIETC civil lawsuit agreed Thursday on an August 2010 trial date, which sets the stage for at least two more years of legal battles over roughly $1.5 million in taxpayer money allegedly misspent by former job-training executive Ramona Cunningham and others."
Businesses notified about smoking ban
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"The bar where Cole Fry works was one of the first in Iowa to get a note in the mail from the state's health department with the news that someone had alleged a violation of the smoking ban."
Rebuild Iowa Commission meets for first time
From: www.radioiowa.com
"The Rebuild Iowa Commission met for the first time today in Des Moines. Governor Chet Culver appointed the 15-member panel to help the state recover from last month's record flooding."
Rebuild Iowa Commission given 45 days to report back to Culver
From: ads.qctimes.com
"The commission charged with leading Iowa's storm recovery rolled up its sleeves in preparation for its task Thursday during the commission's first meeting at the Iowa Capitol.
"
Officials attempt to clarify smoking ban
From: ads.qctimes.com
"State gaming regulators are helping public health officials charged with enforcing the new smoking ban understand what parts of casinos must remain smoke-free and where smoking is allowed."
Culver boosts AmeriCorps presence in Oakville
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Iowa Gov. Chet Culver sent an additional 40 AmeriCorps members Thursday to Oakville to contribute to flood recovery in the Louisa County community."
Gaming commission names new chairman
From: www.qctimes.com
"Cedar Rapids attorney Greg Seyfer has been named the new chairman of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission."
Attorneys agree on 2010 trial for CIETC lawsuit
From: www.qctimes.com
"A lawsuit that seeks to recover more than $1.3 million in taxpayer money in the CIETC pay scandal could go to trial in two years."
Budget deflates Lincoln's big bash
From: www.sj-r.com
"Abraham Lincoln's bicentennial birthday on Feb. 12, 2009, might not be as big a bash as planners had hoped. "
State gives, then takes from mass transit
From: www.dailyherald.com
"The state gives and the state takes away. But after experiencing a $500 million emergency windfall only to lose $37 million in a stroke of Gov. Rod Blagojevich's pen, Regional Transportation Authority leaders are far from philosophical about the latest Springfield switcheroo. "
RTA warns of service cuts or fare increases to make up for governor's budget cut
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"Mass-transit service cuts or fare hikes might be needed to make up for a $37.3 million fare subsidy that Gov. Rod Blagojevich chopped from the state's budget, Regional Transportation Authority officials warned Thursday."
State rejects Hammond high school plan
From: nwi.com
"The $165 million plan for a new Hammond high school flunked its first financial test Thursday and could be headed for a showdown with property tax-weary voters."
State officials enter fiscal 2009 amid surplus but preach caution
From: www.indystar.com
"Indiana ended fiscal 2008 in good financial shape, but state officials and lawmakers say the worsening economy could mean spending cuts ahead."
Obesity up in U.S. and Kansas
From: www.kansas.com
"More than one-fourth of all Americans are obese, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday, a number that has grown by almost 2 percentage points since 2005."
Beshear's backing on car sought
From: www.kentucky.com
"A state legislative panel is asking Gov. Steve Beshear to sign an order to allow three-wheeled electric vehicles on most state roads though he said last week that it would be best to study the issue for consideration in the 2009 General Assembly."
Casino gambling is still a possibility, Beshear suggests
From: www.courier-journal.com
"VIRGIE, Ky. - Gov. Steve Beshear said yesterday that legalizing casinos remains a possibility in Kentucky even though lawmakers rejected the idea earlier this year."
Beshear wants company to build electric cars in Ky.
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear said yesterday that his administration wants to talk to officials of an electric car company about the possibility of manufacturing the vehicles in Kentucky."
U of L grant went to defunct nonprofit group
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The nonprofit Illinois corporation that was paid the bulk of a $694,000 federal grant now being investigated at the University of Louisville was dissolved a year before the U of L deal was struck, the Illinois secretary of state's office verified yesterday."
Coakley campaign promotes workers' rights
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Massachusetts employees and employers can turn to a new multilingual resource for answers about their workplace rights and responsibilities. The attorney general's office has launched a public-awareness campaign, including a new Web site, on the state's wage and hour laws."
Massachusetts, others eye Wachovia's sales practices
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Secretary of State William Galvin's office has launched an investigation into the auction-rate bond business at Wachovia Corp., the latest financial firm to be in Galvin's regulatory cross-hairs."
Pike extracts toll for $100 gift
From: www.bostonherald.com
"Commuters beaten down by gas pains and tolls aren't the only ones the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority is willing to snatch cash from, one toll collector learned after an anonymous woman gave him $100 to "share.""
Pike refinance push spurs demands for alternatives
From: www.bostonherald.com
"State officials struggled to find alternatives to Gov. Deval Patrick's administration plan to bail the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority out of further debt yesterday as Pike officials pushed for quick passage of the proposal."
Cahill calls for turnpike overhaul
From: www.boston.com
"State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill continued to clash publicly with officials of Governor Deval Patrick's administration yesterday over the administration's proposal to throw the troubled Massachusetts Turnpike Authority a financial lifeline by guaranteeing the authority's debt."
Treasurer wants limit to designs for schools
From: www.boston.com
"State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill, trying to head off what he calls "Taj Mahal" high schools, said yesterday that he wants cities and towns to begin using off-the-shelf building designs that could cut school-project costs by 30 percent."
AFSCME backing legalization of slots
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a labor union representing 35,000 workers in Maryland, said yesterday that it plans to support the November referendum to legalize slot machines."
Secretary of state selection elicits cheers and jeers
From: gazette.net
"The selection of well-connected Prince George's County attorney John P. McDonough as secretary of state 18 months into the O'Malley administration has prompted questions from Republicans and slots opponents about the timing of the pick and his past employment with a pro-gambling interest."
AAA rating drives low interest rate on bonds
From: gazette.net
"Despite a flagging economy and an uncertain revenue forecast, Maryland's coveted AAA bond rating helped reel in a surprisingly low interest rate on Wednesday's sale of $415 million of general obligation bonds that will help pay for schools, hospitals and jails."
Banks in Maine avoiding problems
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Maine financial institutions have so far avoided the problems that have plunged a major California-based bank into receivership and the country's largest mortgage lenders into turmoil, according to industry observers and the state's top bank regulator."
Regulators vent over delays in LNG proposals
From: bangornews.com
"State environmental regulators vented frustrations Thursday about the constant delays that have plagued two competing proposals for large liquefied natural gas import terminals along Passamaquoddy Bay in Washington County."
State to charge some a fee for child support
From: www.detnews.com
"An estimated 213,000 Michigan families who rely on child support will begin paying an annual $25 fee to help fund state and federal collections starting in September. The new fee is required by the Federal Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. "
Governor ditches SUV, gives bus a try
From: www.freep.com
"Paperback book and tote bag in hand, Katie Ames boarded the bus as usual Thursday morning. Then she discovered the crowd of reporters and photographers accompanying a passenger: Gov. Jennifer Granholm."
Great Lakes may harbor lots of oil, but their bottomlands are off-limits
From: www.freep.com
"There is one underground location in Michigan that virtually everyone in the know believes contains a measurable amount of oil and gas available for extraction. But, almost certainly, no drilling rigs are headed there because the deposits lie below a resource Michiganders cherish even more than cheap petrol -- the Great Lakes."
Powering up solar education
From: www.startribune.com
"With the housing market in the doldrums and interest in green energy on the rise, electricians are looking to the sun for a new line of business."
Minn. utilities find ways to cut customer use
From: ap.brainerddispatch.com
"Minnesota's utilities are trying to figure out ways to cut electricity and natural gas sales by 1.5 percent per year."
Lawsuit over I-35W bridge bidding process continues
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"The new Interstate 35W bridge probably will be finished before a lawsuit over the bidding process behind it goes on trial in December."
Legislative panel considers pension head pay raise
From: hosted.ap.org
"A legislative panel is considering boosting the salary for the head of the state pension fund."
E. coli is found at Lake of the Ozarks
From: www.stltoday.com
"State water-quality testing at the Lake of the Ozarks found low levels of bacteria."
Regulators probe St. Louis Wachovia Securities office
From: www.kansascity.com
"Securities regulators from Missouri and other states descended Thursday on the downtown St. Louis headquarters of Wachovia Securities after receiving complaints from investors over frozen auction-rate securities."
McCain renews call for gas-tax holiday at Union Station campaign stop
From: www.kansascity.com
"Sen. John McCain on Thursday renewed his call for a "brief" gas tax holiday - and quickly ran into a political fender-bender with his new Missouri campaign chairman, Sen. Kit Bond."
Coast may be part of aerospace corridor
From: www.sunherald.com
"The central Gulf Coast is poised for an exciting future as an aerospace corridor from Louisiana to Florida."
Wind-energy project launched near Shelby
From: hosted.ap.org
"SHELBY, Mont. -- A ceremony attended by Gov. Brian Schweitzer marked the start of work on a wind energy project near Shelby. The governor joined representatives of NaturEner, a wind-power company, at a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday."
Montana board approves mine study
From: www.helenair.com
"A community-impact study forecasting 246 jobs at a proposed Montana mine, and eventual tax revenue of $5.3 million, has the approval of a state board."
Ohio firms to buy Montana coal mine
From: www.helenair.com
"BILLINGS, Mont. -- Two Ohio companies plan to sink $450 million into a central Montana coal project, in a bid to dramatically increase production from an underground mine that has struggled for years."
Testing finds no more brucellosis-infected cattle in Montana
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"State officials in Montana said they have found no more livestock with the disease brucellosis, as they near completion of their investigation into a single infected cow in the Paradise Valley."
Foreclosure bill gives breathing room
From: www.news-record.com
"The state's commissioner of banks could prod lenders and borrowers to renegotiate the terms of subprime mortgages at risk of default under a bill the General Assembly approved Thursday."
New laws will allow more workforce housing
From: www.theunionleader.com
"Gov. John Lynch signed two bills yesterday that are meant to ease the development of affordable housing throughout the state.
"
N.H. becoming more affordable place to live
From: www.nashuatelegraph.com
"A 12-year legislative campaign to break down barriers to build affordable housing became a reality Thursday."
N.J. closes low-income loophole
From: www.philly.com
"In a Mount Laurel community named for a pioneer of affordable housing, Gov. Corzine yesterday signed into law a bill aimed at ensuring that every town in the state provides homes for low- and moderate-income residents."
Consumer groups seek data on Jersey hospitals' errors
From: www.nj.com
"Arguing that consumers have access to more information about buying a car than choosing a hospital, two high-profile consumer organizations yesterday urged lawmakers to identify which hospitals are making life-threatening mistakes."
Housing equity is at root of new law
From: www.nj.com
"In the steamy atmosphere of a tent revival meeting, Gov. Jon Corzine yesterday signed what proponents described as landmark legislation to help develop affordable housing in New Jersey."
Highlands' guardians approve preservation plan
From: www.nj.com
"What began four years ago as a bold vision for ending sprawl in a huge swath of northern New Jersey took a giant step toward reality Thursday when the New Jersey Highlands Council, in a 9-5 vote, adopted the plan that will govern development and preservation in the region for generations."
BIA limits distance for casinos
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a rule that says casinos should be located within 25 miles of a reservation headquarters. "
Ortiz under fire for alleged meddling
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"Thick drama involving power plays, allegations of drug dealing and a secret recording is unfolding at City Hall this week. "
Nevada's poor will have to tighten belts more if food stamp, welfare cuts OK'd
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Just when a souring economy is making life tougher for a growing number of poor Nevadans, the state is preparing to cut back on the services designed to help them."
Bill on video games called unwarranted
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"An unusual coalition of critics ranging from the American Civil Liberties Union to conservative anti-tax groups is trying to block tighter state restrictions on the sale of violent video games to children - a measure awaiting the signature or veto of Gov. David Paterson."
Harlem area is blighted, state agency declares
From: www.nytimes.com
"The Empire State Development Corporation declared a 17-acre area of Harlem blighted on Thursday, a step toward forcing property owners to sell their land as part of eminent domain proceedings to make way for the expansion of Columbia University."
Paterson, at N.A.A.C.P., warns of racism's power
From: www.nytimes.com
"CINCINNATI - David A. Paterson, in his first major speech to a national audience since becoming governor of New York, said on Thursday that even as black Americans rejoice about the possibility that Senator Barack Obama could become president, they cannot lose sight of the serious social and economic ills that plague their community and should remain mindful of the racism that still exists."
State jobless rate up again in June
From: www.cleveland.com
"The state says Ohio's unemployment rate was 6.6 percent in June, up from 6.3 percent in May."
State agency's leader to keep interim post
From: newsok.com
"Board members of a state agency voted by a slim margin Thursday to keep its interim administrator -- a former state official whose hiring has been criticized as a way to make him eligible for retirement benefits."
School funding plan draws opponents in state
From: newsok.com
"An Oklahoma Education Association plan to require the state to fund schools at the regional average could harm rural schools, two Republican legislators said Thursday."
State ranchers await ruling on grazing
From: newsok.com
"A federal judge in Seattle will decide Tuesday whether to let ranchers struggling with high feed prices pay a nominal fee to use land protected under a U.S. Department of Agriculture conservation program."
Despite banking problems elsewhere, Oklahoma banks solid for now
From: www.ardmoreite.com
"ARDMORE, Okla. -- There's been a lot in the news lately about the rumored crisis in the banking system over the past few days, primarily because of the closure of IndyMac Federal Savings Bank on Friday in California."
Oregon strawberry season cut short this year
From: news.opb.org
"Oregon strawberries are big. In fact Oregon ranks third in the nation in terms of production. Only California and Florida grow more. But Oregon's strawberry production is a long way from the boom time of the 1980's. And as Pete Springer reports, this year the season was dramatically shorter than usual because of the weather."
Influence charges fly in Pittsburgh casino rescue
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"A flurry of calls involving state leaders, investors in Pittsburgh's casino and two state gambling regulators -- calls that resulted in a deal to shore up the casino's finances -- have prompted charges by opponents that undue influence was brought to bear."
Beware of gas-saving scams
From: www.pennlive.com
"Be on the lookout for products touting easy ways to save money on gas. The state attorney general's office has issued a consumer advisory warning of fuel-efficiency scams disguised as gas-saving devices or fuel additives."
State police selling airplanes
From: www.philly.com
"The Pennsylvania State Police has a deal it hopes you won't pass up: buying aircraft described on the state police Web site as having "a unique and exciting history.""
Pa. turns its eyes toward the sun for energy
From: www.philly.com
"YORK, Pa. -- For a state with energy-production roots drilling deep into the coal mines and oil fields, the time has arrived for a heavenward look to try to harness the power of the sun."
Number of jobless Rhode Islanders continues to grow
From: www.projo.com
"Rhode Island's recession continues to deepen, as payrolls shrink and the ranks of residents unable to find work grows."
Woman who cleans AG's office doesn't show up after immigration raid
From: www.projo.com
"Officials at the office of Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch learned up close the "widespread nature of the problem" of illegal immigration yesterday when one of two custodians who clean the law office of the state's top prosecutor emerged as a likely illegal immigrant, said a spokesman."
Court raids put focus on companies suspected of hiring illegal immigrants
From: www.projo.com
"Governor Carcieri yesterday ordered an "internal" review of the dozens of contracts the state has with two janitorial companies whose workers were arrested in an immigration sweep and said he would not tolerate "this type of illegal activity by unscrupulous employers.""
Gay pride group to pay for S.C. ad campaign
From: www.charleston.net
"A gay pride organization said Thursday it plans to raise $5,000 to pay for an advertising campaign that proclaimed "South Carolina is so gay" after the state refused to pick up the tab."
S.C. Pride to pay for 'so gay' ad
From: www.thestate.com
"A Columbia group said Thursday it will reimburse a European travel agency the roughly $5,000 lost when a state tourism agency refused to pay for an ad campaign to draw more gay travelers to South Carolina."
S.C. Department Of Vocational Rehabilitation -- Workers overcoming disabilities
From: www.thestate.com
"Bobby McQueen gets up every morning and goes to work. Sounds ordinary - but not to him. Eight years ago, McQueen became paralyzed in the right arm during a car accident and feared he would never work again. Today he earns his living as an engineering technician thanks to the S.C. Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, which helped strengthen him physically and emotionally and teach him computer skills."
Drilling off S.C. may not be issue
From: www.thestate.com
"CHARLESTON, S.C. - While national momentum grows to lift a ban on offshore oil drilling, geologists say it's unlikely there will be rigs off South Carolina anytime soon because there's simply little oil to be had."
Ford jury ponders wire fraud case
From: www.commercialappeal.com
"When jurors in John Ford's corruption trial resume deliberations this morning, they'll renew the task of slogging through the testimony of 50 witnesses and tuning in on tape recordings, including several secret FBI wiretap tapes.
"
State seeks water rate cut
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"State Attorney General Robert Cooper's office said Monday that instead of hiking water rates by $7.6 million, Tennessee-American Water Co. should slash its charges to Chattanooga customers by $1.6 million."
Volkswagen trying to reconnect with American car buyers
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Volkswagen's planned $1 billion plant in Chattanooga is an ambitious drive to boost market share in the United States and reconnect with car buyers, company officials say."
Ford jury reviews evidence, audio recordings
From: www.tennessean.com
"The jury is still out in former state Sen. John Ford's corruption trial."
State bailout would involve Metro in commuter rail
From: www.tennessean.com
"The state has offered $1 million to bail the Music City Star commuter rail out of a financial crisis -- for now -- on the condition that Nashville's bus system get involved in its management.
"
Tennessee youth too busy, impatient to hunt, fish
From: www.tennessean.com
"Boone Hutchison has lived most of his life a mere two-minute drive from Percy Priest Lake."
Smokies park battered by pollutants
From: www.tennessean.com
"ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Visitors could see 77 miles into the distance in the Great Smoky Mountains if not for man-made pollutants, according to a National Parks Service document quoted in federal court today. TVA's coal-fired power plants were pointed to as the main culprit, by witnesses for the state of North Carolina."
Runner testifies to being overcome by Smokies pollution
From: www.tennessean.com
"ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Will Harlan started on a "fun" run to promote clean air in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park one July day a few years ago, and it largely ended his competitive running career. He blames pollution -- to which TVA's coal-burning plants are a major contributor -- for what happened to him.
"
State supports $4.9 billion wind power plan
From: www.statesman.com
"Big wind in Texas is getting even bigger."
Former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe donates $100,000 to mansion fund
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Ex-Gov. Dolph Briscoe has donated $100,000 to help repair his fire-gutted former residence"
Big Tex to get a Texas-sized makeover
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Kate Moss step back. Big Tex is about to claim the catwalk. The Texas State Fair's iconic towering cowboy mascot will strip down and squeeze into a new pair of Dickies denims and cuffs today in preparation for this September's fair. "
Metro gives I-5 bridge a tepid go-ahead
From: www.oregonlive.com
"In an action intended to avert unchecked growth, the Metro Council on Thursday reluctantly endorsed a new $4.2 billion Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River by cutting it down from 12 planned lanes to just six."
Winter could test energy math
From: online.wsj.com
"The next blow from high energy prices could come in the dead of winter. Utilities and industry analysts estimate that it will cost families 30% to 50% more to heat their homes with natural gas this winter. "
Rocky Mountain Power wants its second rate hike since December
From: www.sltrib.com
"One way or another, Rocky Mountain Power wants $160 million more from its Utah customers."
Utah couple testifies before Congress on insurance nightmare
From: www.sltrib.com
"WASHINGTON -- A horrific mountain biking accident left Logan resident Heidi Bleazard hospitalized with a broken back, fractured ribs and a severe head injury that robbed her of some memories. "
Oil raising cost of Utah roads
From: deseretnews.com
"The prices for petroleum-based products such as asphalt and polymer road overlays are on the rise as refineries adjust their production priorities to get more fuel from crude oil."
Electric bills will jump 11% if rate hike is OK'd
From: deseretnews.com
"The state's largest electric utility is asking the Utah Public Service Commission for a $160.6 million rate increase that would raise the typical residential customer's monthly power bill by 11.2 percent."
Rocky Mountain Power to raise rates
From: www.heraldextra.com
"Not only are record gas and higher food prices hitting Utahns in the pocketbook, starting in August, Rocky Mountain Power customers will likely pay more to cool their homes, too."
Kaine calls for curbs in hiring, spending, travel
From: www.washingtontimes.com
"Staggered by a slumping economy, Gov. Tim Kaine's administration on Thursday ordered state agencies to curb hiring, travel and purchases, and warned that budget cuts are on the way. "
Kaine orders state to cut spending
From: www.inrich.com
"Budget cuts and possible layoffs are in store for Virginia's government."
Virginia joins in Wachovia financial probe
From: www.inrich.com
"Virginia has joined 11 states investigating sales of a specialized type of investment."
Va. leaders prepare for budget problems
From: www.roanoke.com
"Gov. Tim Kaine's administration has imposed spending and hiring restrictions on state agencies and raised the possibility of layoffs as it braces for more budget problems caused by a slumping economy."
Deemed safe, Va. growers still suffer
From: hosted.ap.org
"Virginia is celebrating a bumper crop of tomatoes but battling lingering consumer concern about the safety of tomatoes."
State trims nonessentials to offset likely lag in revenues
From: hamptonroads.com
"Warning that Virginia's economy is slowing, the Kaine administration on Thursday ordered the state government to stop nonessential hiring and travel and said deeper budget cuts may be in store."
Virginia ceases spending, hiring
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"RICHMOND, Va. - Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's administration ordered state agencies to stop hiring, traveling and buying equipment and prepare for even more severe cuts as the state's budget surplus is almost gone amid an economic slowdown. "
State's students will get engineering boost
From: www.timesargus.com
"Vermont will be the first state in the country to join a national design competition being organized by government and software industry leaders as part of an effort to recruit more students into engineering and mathematics."
Wisconsin lawmakers seek review of state employee sick leave use
From: www.jsonline.com
"State legislators on Thursday questioned whether state employees were abusing sick leave and said they wanted a review of sick leave use by early next year."
Will Poker Event Be Forced to Fold?
From: www.theintelligencer.net
"WHEELING, W.Va. -- A planned poker tournament Saturday at Snowshoe Mountain Resort in Pocahontas County, W.Va., is "not permissible" under state law, West Virginia Lottery Commission general counsel John Melton said.
"
Carbide-WVU deal falls through
From: www.wvgazettemail.com
"SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- An agreement reached last August by the West Virginia University Research Corp. and Union Carbide Corp., now a wholly owned subsidiary of Dow Chemical Co., fell through earlier this week, according to an announcement released late Thursday afternoon."
W.Va. wants to lure motorcycle enthusiasts to mountain scenery
From: www.dailymail.com
"With a governor who savors hopping onto a Harley-Davidson, the state of West Virginia is now marketing itself to out-of-state, open road-loving motorcyclists.
"
Dow calls off WVU land donation
From: www.dailymail.com
"SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Dow Chemicals Co.'s plan to give West Virginia University 58 acres of South Charleston real estate and lab space valued at $25 million has fallen through.
"
State's finances are in good shape, officials say
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The state's ability to pay its bills without borrowing money resulted in an uptick in Wyoming's credit rating from AA to AA plus, Treasurer Joe Meyer announced Thursday."
State vet asks for slaughter deadline extension
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"LANDER, Wyo. -- When brucellosis showed up in a western Wyoming cattle herd in November 2003, the rancher slaughtered all of his breeding animals so the state wouldn't lose its coveted "brucellosis-free" market status."
2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"
 |
(Updated 2:26 p.m. EDT, July 18, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
States' hottest laws take on new threats
From: www.stateline.org
"The mosaic of laws passed by state legislatures this year reveals a country grappling with threats, from a faltering economy and record-high gasoline prices to global warming and lead-tainted toys from China.
"
Sour economy limits states' options in '08
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 5:38 p.m. EDT, July 17, 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 39 states so far, discerns the trends and precedents emerging from state capitals this year."
Lynch signs 3 bills on cheaper housing
From: www.concordmonitor.com
"Gov. John Lynch has signed three bills to encourage developing more affordable housing for workers and their families."
States avoid slashing higher ed money
From: www.stateline.org
"Despite a tough economic year, several states are attempting to hold the line on college tuition — or at least not let increases get out of control — by avoiding deep cuts to higher education, an area that states have been quick to slash in past years when funds were low."
WORTH NOTING: Cream pie on gov's 4th of July
From: www.stateline.org
"Vermont
’s governor unexpectedly gets pie in the eye. Ohio State University, a runner-up in football and basketball, earns a dubious top ranking in something else. And the National Football League raids the Pennsylvania State Police for talent. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
States move to regulate senior guardians
From: www.stateline.org
"
As the U.S. population ages and families scatter across the country, the frail elderly increasingly end up relying on court-appointed guardians when they can no longer take care of their personal affairs. California just joined six other states in watching over these professionals charged with protecting society’s most vulnerable adults.
"
Govs turn to fixing infrastructure
From: www.stateline.org
"PHILADELPHIA — Improving the nation’s crumbling bridges, roads and sewage systems is a $1.6 trillion problem that governors intend to explore in the next year."
Govs celebrate past, look to '09
From: www.stateline.org
"While 70 current and former governors hobnob and reminisce in Philadelphia July 11-14 during the National Governors Association's 100th anniversary celebration, the sitting governors also plan to strategize on how to influence the next president on policies ranging from energy to health care."
Govs punt on global warming
From: www.stateline.org
"
PHILADELPHIA - Congress and the White House aren’t the only ones who can’t agree on a comprehensive energy plan. Neither can the nation’s governors. The National Governors Association is expected to conclude its centennial meeting today (July 14) by urging Congress anew to extend tax breaks that encourage the use of more wind and solar power and energy-efficient buildings, but the governors were too far apart on whether to tackle global warming.
"
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."
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."
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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