Study finds 11% drop in illegal immigrants
From: www.latimes.com
"WASHINGTON -- A report Wednesday indicating a marked decline in the number of illegal immigrants in the U.S. fueled a widening national debate over the Bush administration's policy of immigration enforcement through aggressive workplace raids."
Alaskans fret about a future without help from 'Uncle Ted'
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"ANCHORAGE, Akaska -- Alaska's vast landscape is littered with federally funded tributes to Sen. Ted Stevens's single-minded promotion of the state, from the brushed steel of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to the $187 million that subsidizes air mail for the one-third of residents who live beyond the reach of roads. "
Layoffs set for 22,000 California state workers
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"The California Department of Motor Vehicles, infamous for long lines, has cut its wait time in half to get a driver's license. A big part of the reason is its hiring of part-time employees. Of 9,017 DMV employees statewide, 1,345 - or 15 percent - could be gone by Friday after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signs an executive order to deal with the state's fiscal crisis."
Lobster is plentiful, but eaters aren't
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"It's peak season for lobster and tourism in Maine, yet consumption of this crustacean has fallen to the point that it costs no more than sliced turkey in parts of New England."
June unemployment rate climbs in Virginia
From: www.inrich.com
"A glut of college graduates and high school students seeking jobs combined with a hiring slowdown to raise the jobless rate in Virginia last month to the highest level since January 2004."
State, county reach mortgage relief agreement
From: gazette.net
"County and state officials signed an agreement Tuesday to give $4 million to help about 250 county homeowners refinance their mortgages."
Ford to invest millions in Ky.
From: www.kypost.com
"Ford will invest millions of dollars to retool its two Louisville assembly plants, a central part of the company's aggressive restructuring plan and a key to the company's future, Gov. Steve Beshear and Mayor Jerry Abramson say."
Utah's 'private clubs' on way out?
From: www.deseretnews.com
"Representatives of the LDS Church and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. already have met to discuss the governor's controversial proposal to eliminate private club membership requirements."
Massachusetts sets sales tax holiday
From: www.timesargus.com
"BOSTON - Just a month after Vermont consumers enjoyed a tax-free weekend, Massachusetts shoppers will get their own tax-free weekend next month."
Lawmakers blast sugar deal
From: www.tampabay.com
"WASHINGTON - Gov. Charlie Crist's top emissaries arrived at the Capitol on Wednesday to brief Florida's congressional delegation on his massive buyout of U.S. Sugar's operations in the Everglades."
Hawaii car sales plummet 19.6%
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii new car and light-truck sales continued to plummet in the second quarter this year and the outlook for the rest of the year and beyond is bleak."
Gas prices drive motorists away from toll roads, shrink revenue
From: www.usatoday.com
"CHICAGO - Record gas prices are prompting drivers to steer clear of some toll roads, bridges and tunnels, causing declines in the revenue that's used for repairs and maintenance."
Judge's ruling throws Southern California power plant plans into disarray
From: www.latimes.com
"Does Southern California need a dozen or so new gas-fired power plants -- and if it does, can it build them? No one seems to know for sure."
Economy may force state to reconsider spending
From: www.macon.com
"Georgia's sputtering economy and lagging tax collections may force legislative leaders to reconsider $700 million in new spending."
Warren Funeral Chapel agrees to close
From: www.columbiatribune.com
"Warren Funeral Chapel Inc. has reached a temporary agreement with the state to cease all operations for 15 days"
NC shoppers to save $9.2 million with tax holiday
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"North Carolina retailers hope this weekend's annual sales tax holiday will breathe life into the state's slumping economy, as shoppers are expected to save an estimated $9.2 million in taxes they would otherwise pay."
NEVADA ECONOMY - State loses 10,700 jobs to China
From: www.lvrj.com
"As August's Summer Olympics open in Beijing, America's top athletes aren't the only homegrown product headed to China. A new study found that some of America's -- and Nevada's -- best jobs have decamped to the People's Republic as well."
State has lost nearly 22,000 jobs to China, study find
From: www.djournal.com
"China is a four-letter word for many, and the Washington-based Economic Policy Institute has at least 21,000 reasons Mississippians could feel that way."
Slow going as officials assess Valley
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"HARLINGEN - State and federal officials toured Hidalgo County on Wednesday to conduct preliminary damage assessments, the first step in determining a county's eligibility for federal disaster relief funds."
Nissan offers 6-figure buyouts at Smyrna, Decherd plants
From: www.tennessean.com
"Barely a week after opening its $100 million headquarters building in Cool Springs, Nissan North America Inc. said Wednesday that it will offer buyouts with lump-sum payments of up to $125,000 to employees at its Smyrna and Decherd plants in an effort to trim 1,200 from its work force.
"
Officials say Iowa smoking ban working as planned
From: www.qctimes.com
"Officials say the first month of Iowa's statewide smoking ban has gone as planned.
"
Volkswagen's CEO for America sets big goals
From: www.tennessean.com
"HERNDON, Va. -- Stefan Jacoby's suits appeared to be shrinking after he moved to this country from Germany in the fall. He blamed the dry cleaners. But after his wife arrived here in March, she let him in on a secret: He was eating too much.
"
N.H. jobless rate is eighth lowest in the nation
From: www.fosters.com
"ROCHESTER, N.H. -- The unemployment rate for the United States continued its rising trend in June, going up to 5.7 percent, compared to 5.2 percent in May. Of the New England states, only Maine bucked this rising trend.
"
Unemployment increases in June
From: hosted.ap.org
"State officials say Oklahoma's unemployment rate rose in June, but remained slightly lower than the rate reported during the same period last year.
"
Pa. lawmaker seeks to legalize video poker in social clubs
From: www.philly.com
"Law enforcement has long turned a blind eye to illegal video poker machines, fixtures at many corner bars and social clubs across the state."
Gibbons girds for meal tax fight
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"Gov. Jim Gibbons wants to continue the state's $142 million battle with casinos over "comped" meals."
TransCanada passes key vote in Senate
From: juneauempire.com
"With time running out for the Alaska Legislature to get a TransCanada Corp. natural gas pipeline, a Senate committee finally took action on the proposal late Wednesday, approving the contract 7-5."
State agency tells cruise lines to fix wastewater plans
From: juneauempire.com
"The state Department of Environmental Conservation told cruise lines last week that their plans for reducing wastewater pollutants were inadequate and that current discharge allowances will be revoked unless new plans are filed by mid-August."
Alaska's 'earmarks' king Stevens, now indicted
From: www.csmonitor.com
"GIRDWOOD, Alaska - It is, according to federal prosecutors, the scene of the crime. But as potential illegal payout, it appears a paltry trade for what could be the ruin of Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens's long legacy of public service."
Ark. environmentalists question drilling in WMAs
From: www.thedailycitizen.com
"Arkansas' $29.5 million agreement with a natural gas firm that wants to drill on more than 11,500 acres of state wildlife area faces criticism and questions from environmental groups concerned about the impact that drilling will have on water and animals.
"
U.S. review of snake's status could stall growth in Pinal
From: www.azstarnet.com
"The next place where development meets endangered species in Arizona could be Pinal County."
Governor joins Kyl in call for utility aid
From: www.azstarnet.com
"Saying not everyone needs more heat, Gov. Janet Napolitano wants the Bush administration to withdraw its opposition to additional funds to help the needy pay their utility bills."
Report-- Number of illegal migrants in Ariz., U.S. plummet
From: www.azcentral.com
"The illegal-immigrant population has fallen an estimated 11 percent nationwide over the past year and perhaps even more in Arizona, with stricter law enforcement a likely cause, according to a report issued Wednesday by a Washington organization that promotes less immigration."
Budget mess leaves rural hospitals dry
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Small rural hospitals are scrambling to get unprecedented emergency loans as California's monthlong budget crisis deepens."
New Calif. law requires graffiti vandals clean up
From: www.sfgate.com
"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed into law a measure that requires those convicted of graffiti vandalism to clean up their scrawls and possibly keep the surface clean for one year.
"
51% of Californians back offshore drilling
From: www.sfgate.com
"A majority of Californians favor more oil drilling off the coast, according to a statewide survey released Wednesday, for the first time since oil prices spiked nearly three decades ago."
Perata solicits funds for nonprofit that backs his courthouse construction bill
From: www.sacbee.com
"Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata has solicited at least $200,000 this year from political interest groups for a nonprofit foundation that promotes and rallies support for one of his bills. The arrangement, apparently legal, allows the Senate leader to solicit unlimited funds for his own political agenda without having to detail how the money is spent."
California voters share blame for chronic budget impasses
From: www.sacbee.com
"California voters could hardly be more disgusted at government's chronic inability to solve state budget woes effectively and on time. But the same voters have passed laws that virtually guarantee annual spending increases for education, severely restrict what can be cut from transportation and local governments and make it virtually impossible to raise taxes."
The state worker - Threat to cut pay tarnishes state's image as employer
From: www.sacbee.com
"Add this to the list of issues vexing California's state government: It's getting a reputation as a lousy boss."
Q&A - If pay cut is ordered, state treasurer says he must comply
From: www.sacbee.com
"Treasurer Bill Lockyer, who acts as the state's banker, met with members of The Bee Capitol Bureau on Wednesday to discuss the tardy budget and the governor's plan to cut state worker pay to the minimum wage."
Judge rules against selling pollution credits to power plants
From: www.latimes.com
"How do you build 11 new gas-fired power plants in Southern California when you already exceed federal standards for unhealthful air? "
Bid to halt Medi-Cal cuts rejected
From: online.wsj.com
"LOS ANGELES -- A state court rejected a request by a coalition of California hospitals, doctors and other health-care providers to block a 10% cutback in payments to them for treating the poor who are covered by Medi-Cal, a joint federal and state program. "
Winter heating bills set to soar
From: www.denverpost.com
"Colorado consumers can expect the summer pinch from high fuel prices to morph into a winter nip from home energy bills, state energy officials said Wednesday."
Colorado gets $250 million housing boost
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Colorado stands to receive more than $250 million in funding under the massive housing bill signed by President Bush on Wednesday."
State lodges Roan drilling protest
From: www.denverpost.com
"The state of Colorado filed one of the 17,000 protests against the Bureau of Land Management's plan to lease the Roan Plateau for drilling next month."
5 states and New York City threaten to sue E.P.A.
From: www.nytimes.com
"SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Five states intend to sue the Environmental Protection Agency if it does not act soon to reduce pollution from ships, aircraft and off-road vehicles. "
Candidates address Latino issues
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Touting business development, safer streets, equality, and even education for undocumented immigrant students, three of Delaware's four gubernatorial candidates on Wednesday night attempted to woo the state's fastest growing population: Latinos."
DSU building to be renamed for Bank of America
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Delaware State University's College of Business building is getting a new name."
Congressional delegation has questions about Everglades deal
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"WASHINGTON - Members of Florida's congressional delegation told state officials Wednesday they were concerned how the proposed $1.75 billion state purchase of U.S. Sugar property south of Lake Okeechobee would impact local communities and federal support for Everglades restoration."
Environmental groups - Halt changes in Glades while U.S. Sugar details still murky
From: www.palmbeachpost.com
"Two major environmental organizations called today for blocking new development or mining projects in the Glades until the state decides how to use the 187,000 acres it's buying from U.S. Sugar Corp. to restore the Everglades."
Cabinet approves management plan for Babcock Ranch
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Florida's Cabinet on Tuesday approved a plan for running Southwest Florida's Babcock Ranch, a blueprint that Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson said should give state officials sympathy for farmers."
State reviews Medicaid-network denials
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"A state review of nearly 300 children that the Tallahassee Pediatric Foundation claims were denied access to its physician network shows that only 14 cases could possibly be linked to problems with Florida's new, $300 million Medicaid computer system."
State's reps in Congress want sugar-deal facts
From: www.miamiherald.com
"WASHINGTON --Florida's congressional delegation prodded state officials Wednesday to divulge more details on the top-secret negotiations to buy out U.S. Sugar, saying they were left out of the loop."
A dance of environment and economics in the Everglades
From: www.nytimes.com
"WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - When Florida officials announced a plan last month to save the Everglades by buying United States Sugar and its 187,000 acres, they knew that the success of their plan could be defined by Alfonso Fanjul and his brother J. Pepe Fanjul. "
Business groups appeal ruling to stop coal plant
From: www.onlineathens.com
"Georgia business groups are appealing a judge's decision to halt the construction of a power plant, warning that the ruling could stall other energy plants and hamper economic development throughout the state."
Lawmakers may reconsider spending
From: www.onlineathens.com
"Georgia's sputtering economy and lagging tax collections may force legislative leaders to reconsider $700 million in new spending."
Vog could hurt Big Island tourism, too, officials say
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"The immediate effects of vog are being felt mostly by Big Island farmers and the agricultural industry, but representatives of Hawaii County and its tourism industry warned yesterday morning that the long-term affects could be devastating."
Big Isle a disaster area
From: starbulletin.com
"HILO, Hawaii - U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Edward Schafer yesterday declared the Big Island to be a natural disaster area because of agricultural losses due to vog."
No state tax credits remain for fixing historic buildings
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Two dozen historic buildings in the flood-ravaged Czech Village and Bohemian Historic District in Cedar Rapids are ready to begin reconstruction, but they've hit a logjam, an advocate says."
Groups seek limits on Mississippi, Gulf pollution
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"Environmental groups in nine states petitioned the federal government on Wednesday to set and enforce pollution standards in the Mississippi River basin and the Gulf of Mexico."
Northwest Iowa developers start process of seeking gamblng license
From: www.radioiowa.com
"A group of developers is starting the long process of trying secure a state license for a casino in the far northwest corner of Iowa."
Expert -- Iowa's crop loss less severe than assessed
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowa's crop losses from floods are far less than first estimated, and statewide a decent harvest is in the works, a grain expert told an agriculture task force Wednesday."
Lisa Madigan fights against 'Meth Coffee'
From: www.thesouthern.com
"CHICAGO - Attorney General Lisa Madigan is going after a San Francisco-based coffee seller, claiming the name and marketing of its product is misleading and glorifies the drug culture."
IDOT move could cause real estate problems
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Springfield-area real estate agents say a controversial plan to move about 100 Illinois Department of Transportation workers to southern Illinois could put an $8 million strain on the local housing market."
Officials oppose Ameren rate increase
From: ads.qctimes.com
"Two central Illinois officials Wednesday spoke against Ameren's bid to raise its charges for the delivery of electric power and natural gas."
Blagojevich, top lawmakers to meet again in Chicago
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"CHICAGO - Governor Rod Blagojevich is slated to meet again with Illinois' top lawmakers to discuss a possible compromise on a massive statewide construction program. "
Illinois still struggling to repair iffy bridges
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"CHICAGO - Few of the busiest bridges in Illinois with structural deficiencies have been fixed since a deadly bridge collapse in Minneapolis a year ago prompted calls for urgent repairs here, according to state and federal records. "
Traffic safety employees speak their minds - big
From: www.sj-r.com
"Faced with watching her job headed far south, Joan Egizii is taking her fight to keep the state's traffic safety division in Springfield to the streets - in big white letters."
Commission to gather testimony on IDOT move today
From: www.sj-r.com
"Nearly three months ago, Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration set off a firestorm when it announced a plan to move the traffic safety division of the Illinois Department of Transportation from Springfield to southern Illinois. Now it's state lawmakers' turn. "
Meth Coffee fails to amuse Madigan
From: www.suntimes.com
"The back of the package for Meth Coffee suggests drinkers "chew them whole, snort the powder dry, cook it over a lighter and huff. . . ." But Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is having none of it."
Gov - I'm still not a target of feds
From: www.suntimes.com
"Gov. Blagojevich has said -- repeatedly -- he doesn't view himself as a target in the ongoing federal corruption probe that has tarnished his tenure and left him with historically low voter-approval ratings."
Dem wants Indiana to grow 'green' economy
From: www.nwitimes.com
"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson on Wednesday pitched a Green Jobs Initiative designed to create more than 32,000 new jobs."
Feds write off South Shore extension
From: www.nwitimes.com
"The federal Surface Transportation Board will not help the South Shore commuter rail line secure right of way from Canadian National for a Munster to Valparaiso extension."
Long Thompson pitches plan to create green jobs
From: www.indystar.com
"Gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson unveiled a green jobs initiative Wednesday that would create additional tax credits for businesses and dedicate millions of dollars to new research and technology."
Rollout of Indiana welfare changes halted
From: www.indystar.com
"Contractor takes too long to process food stamp requests, feds say; action is a blow to Daniels' privatization push"
Stumbo bill would allow video lottery at tracks
From: www.kentucky.com
"State Rep. Greg Stumbo released a working draft of a bill Wednesday he plans to prefile for consideration in the 2009 General Assembly that would allow video lottery terminals at race tracks."
Beshear orders bill on electronic billboards withdrawn
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear yesterday ordered that a major proposed change in billboard regulations be withdrawn because of safety concerns."
Jindal, Moret work on iron mill
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Louisiana's bid to bring a multibillion-dollar steel mill to St. James Parish remains a strong and competitive one, Gov. Bobby Jindal said Wednesday night after a daylong South Carolina trip to court Nucor Corp., the nation's biggest steelmaker."
Local leaders tell corps about levee trade-offs
From: www.nola.com
"Government, business, environmental and neighborhood leaders on Wednesday helped Army Corps of Engineers planners choose which of dozens of alternatives should be included in a new master plan for protecting Louisiana's coast."
Jindal tours Carolina steel plant
From: www.nola.com
"Ramping up the state's efforts to lure a $2 billion pig iron factory to St. James Parish, Gov. Bobby Jindal flew to South Carolina Wednesday to meet with executives of Nucor Corp. about a deal that could bring more than 500 new jobs to the rural community along the Mississippi River."
Senator refutes horse whispers
From: bostonherald.com
"As the turf battle between the state's feuding racetracks turns nastier, Sen. Scott P. Brown has alerted ethics officials that his daughter is co-owner of a horse with the operator of a track in his district."
College families scouring for loans
From: www.boston.com
"With tuition bills looming, thousands of Massachusetts students and parents are scrambling to secure college loans amid deep turbulence in the nation's credit markets, but college and university officials are reassuring families they should be able to borrow the money they need."
Lawmakers divided over Turnpike rescue
From: www.boston.com
"Lawmakers, hoping to strike a deal before the legislative session ends tonight, remained divided yesterday on how far the state should go in salvaging the finances of the troubled Massachusetts Turnpike Authority."
Adult smoking rate plunges in Mass.
From: www.boston.com
"Nearly 8 percent fewer Massachusetts adults smoked in 2007 than the year before, the steepest decline in cigarette use in more than a decade, state health authorities reported yesterday."
Road block?
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Marylanders are driving fewer miles and using less gasoline. They're buying fewer SUVs and more small cars. The vehicles they are buying are more fuel-efficient and easier on the environment."
Governors urge Md. Democrats to back Obama
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Two of Hillary Clinton's strongest Mid-Atlantic region supporters joined forces last night to rally Maryland Democratic activists for Barack Obama. The effort will probably result in Maryland volunteers heading to neighboring states."
Maryland residents asked to cut energy use
From: www.npr.org
"More than a dozen states around the country have made lofty promises to cut back on power use to save taxpayers money, reduce stress on energy markets and improve the environment. "
Rise in tax, drop in cigarette sales may squeeze Md.'s expected revenue
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"Cigarette sales have dropped by nearly 25 percent in Maryland since the state's tobacco tax doubled in January, as sticker shock apparently has curtailed some residents' smoking and sent others across the border for better deals. "
Education, wages rise, report says
From: www.sunjournal.com
"The good news: Maine is spending a lot more on research and development. Mainers are better educated and are making more money."
Baldacci family sells restaurant property
From: bangornews.com
"BANGOR, Maine - The Baldacci family, whose members include Gov. John Baldacci, announced Wednesday the sale of the property on which Baldacci's Restaurant is located."
Age, maintenance costs concern for Michigan bridges
From: www.mlive.com
"Nearly half of Michigan's bridges are at least 40 years old, causing some concern that their repair and maintenance bills could escalate substantially within the next few years."
State high court rules against Focus: HOPE worker
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"The Michigan Supreme Court ruled 4-3 Wednesday that a Detroit woman who worked for Focus: HOPE was not entitled to workers' compensation payments because her mental disability injury arose from "intentional and willful misconduct," in refusing to attend an office event in Dearborn."
Penske to chair new state fund
From: www.crainsdetroit.com
"Southeast Michigan business leader Roger Penske has been tapped to chair a business council that will lend expertise and experience to a new state investment fund to be detailed Thursday by Gov. Jennifer Granholm."
Economy main issue for candidates for state's 23rd District House seat
From: www.detnews.com
"State Rep. Kathleen Law said the five Democrats and three Republicans vying for her House seat in Lansing realize the economy is the biggest issue facing Downriver residents."
Mich. Supreme Court rules against woman's mental disability claim
From: www.detnews.com
"The Michigan Supreme Court ruled Wednesday against a woman who filed a mental disability claim after her employers at the Detroit-based civil rights organization Focus: HOPE reprimanded her for failing to attend a mandatory Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration in 2002."
3-county levy means $15M for zoo
From: www.detnews.com
"Faced with funds that could dwindle to naught in the next few months, the Detroit Zoo is desperately hanging its hopes on assistance from the state and a proposed regionwide tax that goes before voters Tuesday."
New laws restrict texting, driving
From: www.sctimes.com
"Julia Stiegel has taken cell phones out of the hands of friends who were texting while driving."
Minnesota's new laws take effect Friday
From: www.twincities.com
"A host of new laws take effect Friday, and that means Minnesotans must make adjustments."
Social Security debit cards launch here
From: www.stltoday.com
"Starting Friday, 160,000 St. Louis-area residents who receive Social Security checks in the mail will get a nudge toward entering the electronic age."
Allegations at funeral home stun Columbia
From: www.kansascity.com
"Harold Warren Sr. has done business here for four decades. He's served the city and the community. By all accounts, he's well-liked and widely respected."
Farmers receive carbon credits
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"GREAT FALLS, Mont. -- Just more than 100 landowners will receive checks this week totaling $551,000 for enrolling land in a carbon credit program, the Montana Farmers Union said."
Economists at UM revise state forecast
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"MISSOULA -- University of Montana economists have revised their statewide economic forecasts downward, citing weakness in the housing market combined with tighter credit and higher energy prices."
Donnan criticizes Berry
From: www.charlotteobserver.com
"Mary Fant Donnan, the Democratic nominee for N.C. labor commissioner, strongly criticized Republican incumbent Cherie Berry on Wednesday for Berry's recent decision not to increase safety inspections at poultry plants."
Tax-free weekend revs stores, customers
From: www.newsobserver.com
"At one minute past midnight tonight, cash register bells will ring as the state's seventh annual sales-tax weekend starts, and budget-sensitive shoppers will be ready."
Thirst for Thrift -- N.C. retailers are expecting profitable tax-free weekend
From: www2.journalnow.com
"Retailers expect good business during North Carolina's tax-free weekend. Beginning Friday, the state will lift the 6.75 percent tax charged in most counties on back-to-school items."
N.D. regulators intervene in Xcel gas billing snafu
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"Xcel Energy has temporarily stopped billing North Dakota ratepayers for natural gas they weren't charged for last winter because of a meter reading snafu, a state regulator said."
N.D. workers comp agency changes appeals process
From: www.bismarcktribune.com
"North Dakota's workers compensation agency says it will resume using independent hearing officers to review disputes over benefits paid to workers who are injured on the job."
Some bosses get sweet Springsteen ticket deal
From: www.nj.com
"More than 1,000 of the best seats for tonight's final, sold-out Bruce Springsteen concert at Giants Stadium were held back from the general public and sold at face value to local sports teams, sponsors and political figures, according to the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, which operates the Meadowlands stadium."
Court OKs regulations on animal treatment
From: www.nj.com
"The state Supreme Court yesterday upheld most of New Jersey's regulations on the treatment of farm animals -- including those that allow farmers to confine pigs to cramped crates, stress chickens to produce extra eggs and remove turkeys' toes without painkillers."
DOT restarts planning process for land development
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"The Transportation Department is starting anew with the possible redevelopment of valuable land in the Santa Fe area that houses its headquarters and district office. "
Businesses look for tax-free boost
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"It's holiday time again - tax holiday, that is, when the state of New Mexico temporarily does away with gross-receipts taxes on certain merchandise, including many types of clothing, school supplies and small computers. "
Nevada Power gets OK for energy projec
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"In its long-range plans to meet growth, Nevada Power Co., is going to develop two unusual energy projects that are being called a first in the state."
Pro-tax-hike Silver gets fiscal with gov
From: www.nypost.com
"Gov. Paterson and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver clashed over the deteriorating state budget yesterday as Silver bluntly questioned the governor's grim fiscal warnings and challenged him to raise taxes on the wealthy."
Governor lays out plan to cut $1.2B from state budget
From: www.newsday.com
"Gov. David A. Paterson yesterday proposed cutting $1.2 billion from the current state budget of $122 billion to close deficits for this year and next, though it was unclear whether the State Legislature would cooperate."
Cuomo acts to block kid porn
From: www.democratandchronicle.com
"After six months of investigating the sources of Internet child pornography, the New York Attorney General's office decided to go after the "pipeline" itself - Internet service providers."
Talks break off on cancer map bill
From: www.timesunion.com
"A proposed law that would let New Yorkers zoom to neighborhood-level data on cancer maps has lost direction. The bill passed both the state Assembly and the Senate, but negotiations over the bill's requirements have broken off."
Tough talk for speech
From: www.timesunion.com
"Sitting in front of the Capitol on sunny Wednesday afternoon, state workers munched on gyros and hot dogs, licked fast-melting cones of frozen yogurt, and talked about one thing: Gov. David Paterson's plan to fix the state's financial woes."
A call to act draws praise
From: www.timesunion.com
"A "hard" hiring freeze and possible privatization of state assets are among the cornerstones of Gov. David Paterson's plan to deal with what he called the fiscal emergency facing New York in 2009.
"
Fiscal woes of the past prod Paterson to act early
From: www.nytimes.com
"It was early 2002. Wall Street's profits had collapsed after the 9/11 attacks, unemployment was on the rise and tax revenue was plummeting. "
Strickland asks businesses for sick days solution
From: www.daytondailynews.com
"Gov. Ted Strickland has sent letters to 500 business leaders and organizations inviting them to help find a compromise to keep a paid sick days mandate off the November ballot."
AEP requests approval to raise rates
From: www.dispatch.com
"AEP Ohio asked for state approval this morning to raise electric rates by roughly 15 percent each of the next three years.
"
New Ohio report finds costs of basic needs much higher than federal poverty levels
From: www.dispatch.com
"No one has to tell Jeannette Davis that she doesn't make enough to cover rent, food, transportation and other basic needs for her family. A report released yesterday found that families like Davis' need an annual income of $53,431 to cover the necessities without government or private assistance.
"
Fuel cost causes loss of some direct connections to, from OKC airport
From: www.news-star.com
"Rising fuel costs are being blamed for cuts in flights to and from Will Rogers World Airport.
"
OKC NBA team announces radio deal with Citadel
From: www.news-star.com
"Oklahoma City's new NBA team said Wednesday its games will be broadcast on a locally based all-sports radio station.
"
20 busiest state bridges still await repair
From: newsok.com
"TULSA, Okla. -- Oklahoma's 20 busiest structurally deficient bridges have yet to be fixed, and the state is planning to repair or replace only five of those soon, an Associated Press analysis has found."
Oklahoma Bridge Inspection Database
From: www.newsok.com
"About 5,000 bridges in Oklahoma meet the same ratings or worse as the collapsed Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota in summer 2007. That means each bridge is considered both structurally deficient and has a structural deficiency of 50 or less."
Oregon halfway through big bridge-fixing project
From: www.oregonlive.com
"PORTLAND, Ore. -- Four years before an Interstate highway bridge collapsed in Minnesota, Oregon took on more than $1 billion in debt to repair its bridges, an initiative that jibed with the new governor's penchant for using public dollars to boost employment."
Oregon lacked grounds to close Connell House
From: www.oregonlive.com
"A state investigation finds the Department of Human Services has no legal grounds to pull the license from a Cornelius home for people with mental illnesses."
Oregon publishes its first report on pesticide use
From: www.oregonlive.com
"After a nine-year political scrum, Oregon released its first accounting of pesticide use Wednesday, cataloging more than 40 million pounds of 551 fumigants, herbicides and insecticides applied to the state's lands and waters in 2007."
Future Of Oregon family farms looks healthy
From: news.opb.org
"We've all heard about the decline of the family farm in the U.S. and the dominance of giant corporate farms. The trouble is, in Oregon that's just not the case."
Court - Oregon must pay for obesity surgery
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"PORTLAND, Ore. - If an obese worker is too heavy to be treated for a knee problem, the state may be obligated to pay for gastric surgery to help the worker lose weight."
Lawmaker proposes notices to gamblers
From: www.pennlive.com
"Everyone gets statements on bank accounts and credit cards, but do you want a statement on how much you won -- or lost -- at the casino? Perhaps just as importantly: Do you want your spouse to see that statement?"
State senator's post on Blue Cross board questioned
From: www.mcall.com
"The Democratic leader in the state Senate was appointed to a $20,000-a-year post on a health insurer's board of directors, and government watchdog groups questioned whether the appointment would cause potential conflicts of interest."
Casino's contractor won't pull the plug yet
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The primary contractor for the North Shore casino will stay on the job for now, confident that a group led by Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm will be able to complete a deal to take over the troubled project."
State trying to close Ross care home
From: www.post-gazette.com
"For the second time this year, the state is attempting to shut down the Windsor Place personal care home in Ross."
Governor's panel on immigration order meets tomorrow
From: www.projo.com
"A panel monitoring implementation of Governor Carcieri's executive order on illegal immigration will hold a hastily convened meeting tomorrow to discuss members' concerns that they were unaware that federal immigration agents were raiding state courthouses midway through the panel's first meeting on July 15."
Courts retain cleaning companies
From: www.projo.com
"The state courts plan to keep doing business with two cleaning companies that the Carcieri administration fired last week after 31 of their custodians were arrested as suspected illegal immigrants."
Upstate senator wants workers' legal status probed
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"An Upstate senator said Wednesday he wants the state Department of Transportation to investigate the immigration status of employees for the agency's contractors, following complaints from constituents."
SC taxpayers pick up $100,000 vacation tab
From: www.goupstate.com
"MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - South Carolina taxpayers will pay $100,000 to bring about 120 German politicians to Myrtle Beach for a vacation."
Pharmacy rules call for training
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"Changes behind the counters of South Carolina pharmacies could cause some longer waits for customers."
S.D. farmers earn $1.3M for capturing carbon dioxide
From: www.argusleader.com
"WASHINGTON - The National Farmers Union mailed checks last week totaling more than $1.3 million to 414 South Dakota farmers and ranchers who are capturing and storing carbon dioxide, then selling carbon credits to corporations, utilities and local governments."
VW considers 2nd vehicle line in Chattanooga
From: www.tennessean.com
"Volkswagen is already considering adding production of a second automobile to the plant it plans to build in Chattanooga, according to a company spokeswoman.
"
Housing bill could help 30,000 in Tenn.
From: www.tennessean.com
"A bill signed into law by President Bush to bolster the weak real estate market could help thousands of Tennessee households with an array of tax credits, foreclosure-assistance provisions and other measures.
"
NC -- Courts must ensure that TVA reduces air pollution
From: www.tennessean.com
"ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- North Carolina pounded in its point in closing arguments this morning that a legal requirement is needed to ensure the Tennessee Valley Authority reduces air pollution from its coal-burning power plants.
"
Last salvos fired in TVA trial
From: www.tennessean.com
"ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- The Tennessee Valley Authority needs a legally binding requirement to make sure it reduces air emissions from its coal-burning power plants as quickly as it can, a North Carolina lawyer insisted in closing arguments Wednesday morning.
"
Gov. Perry raising eyebrows with early fundraising
From: www.dallasnews.com
"Gearing up for an unprecedented fourth term, Gov. Rick Perry is planning about 20 fundraisers between now and December, even though he won't face an election until March 2010."
Great Lakes compact on fast track in Congress
From: www.detnews.com
"WASHINGTON -- A ban on water diversions from the Great Lakes advanced Wednesday as the House Judiciary Committee voted to move it to the full House floor and the Senate Judiciary Committee heard advocates explain its urgency."
Great Lakes compact gets House committee's OK
From: www.freep.com
"WASHINGTON - A House committee approved a compact today to prevent the diversion of water from the Great Lakes, one of the world's largest sources of fresh water."
Workers' religious freedom vs. patients' rights
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"A Bush administration proposal aimed at protecting health-care workers who object to abortion, and to birth-control methods they consider tantamount to abortion, has escalated a bitter debate over the balance between religious freedom and patients' rights. "
Congress takes aim at pricey colleges
From: www.cbsnews.com
"Congress wants to blow the whistle on colleges that raise tuition sharply. Lawmakers also want to help students pay less for textbooks and make Pell grants available year-round. "
Illegal immigrants returning home in large numbers
From: www.dallasnews.com
"By several measures, illegal immigrants appear to be returning home in large numbers, pushed by enforcement efforts and the sagging economy. "
Planned suit would target ships' and planes' pollution
From: www.sacbee.com
"California, New York City, three other states and some environmental groups plan to file notice today that they'll sue the Environmental Protection Agency to push it to regulate pollution from ocean ships and aircraft causing global warming."
Study - Illegal residents decline
From: www.usatoday.com
"The number of illegal immigrants in the USA has fallen sharply as state and federal officials intensify a crackdown on undocumented migrants and jobs grow scarce in the faltering economy, according to a report Wednesday by a group that advocates reduced immigration."
Private club fees inch to demise
From: www.sltrib.com
"State liquor control commissioners took another step Wednesday toward eliminating private club membership fees people must pay before they can buy a drink.
"
Utah to receive $2M in lawsuit settlement
From: www.deseretnews.com
"The Utah Attorney General's Office has announced a $2 million settlement in a lawsuit against drugmaker Bristol-Myers Squibb.
"
Suit may destroy UEP Trust of FLDS
From: www.deseretnews.com
"The future of the Fundamentalist LDS Church's real-estate holdings arm may hang on a lawsuit filed by a former child bride."
Like prices, property tax on the rise
From: www.deseretnews.com
"Gasoline prices are up. Food prices are up. Now, 85 local government entities in Utah are proposing to hike property taxes, too.
"
State offers, union nixes alternate records route
From: www.timesargus.com
"The Douglas administration extended an olive branch Wednesday to the state workers' union in an ongoing access-to-public-records dispute, but the Vermont State Employees Association said the administration's offer came up short.
"
State, union spar over $1,700 records bill
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"The Douglas administration offered the state employees union a compromise Wednesday over a public records request the union is making. The union didn't like the sound of it, however."
Gregoire gets carded, turned away at Olympia bar
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"Gov. Chris Gregoire was turned away from an Olympia bar when she couldn't produce identification to prove she was over 21."
Great Lakes Compact advances
From: www.jsonline.com
"Washington - Both chambers of Congress took steps Wednesday to advance an agreement among eight states to prevent outsiders from tapping into water from the Great Lakes."
Supreme Court Justice takes strong stand
From: www.dailymail.com
"State Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin has issued a 60-page opinion defending his decision to continue hearing cases involving Massey Energy even though its chief executive spent millions to defeat his opponent for the court seat. "
Billionaires bank on Wyo wind
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Wyoming's future role in wind energy became a lot less speculative this week with the announcement that The Anschutz Corp. plans to take over the TransWest Express Transmission Project."
Louisiana touts its offshore oil drilling
From: www.stateline.org
"
NEW ORLEANS — While states on the east and west coast debate whether to drill for offshore oil and natural gas, Louisiana and three other Gulf Coast states hold up their offshore drilling operations as proof that they can produce oil and gas without hurting the environment.
"
Great Lakes states protect their water
From: www.stateline.org
"Congress begins work Wednesday (July 30) on the Great Lakes Compact, an agreement among eight states designed to preserve their drinking water and promote shipping, electric power and tourism by restricting water diversion from the lakes."
States worry about dwindling road funds
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 12:30 p.m. EDT, July 24, 2008)
Drivers are buying less gasoline, draining the federal Highway Trust Fund and jeopardizing thousands of major road and transit projects around the country."
Social issues crowd state ballots
From: www.stateline.org
"
Besides electing a president on Nov. 4, voters in some key battleground states also will face divisive social policy choices, including whether to ban gay marriage in Florida and restrict affirmative action and abortion in Colorado."
WORTH NOTING: R.I. sweeps out cleaning staff
From: www.stateline.org
"The Rhode Island attorney general’s office is duped by a janitor. A South Carolina lawmaker gets defensive over an incriminating photo. And Ohio cracks down on very tiny, but unwanted overnight guests. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
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."
Budget gaps triple for '09
From: www.stateline.org
"
The drumbeat of bad fiscal news from statehouses is intensifying. States collectively faced deficits of $40.3 billion in writing their current budgets — triple the $13 billion shortfall states weathered the previous year, a new report released July 23 shows.
"
NCSL Conference focuses on floods, energy
From: www.stateline.org
"As state lawmakers gather in New Orleans this week for a policy conference, they’ll be reminded often of what can happen if public works are allowed to deteriorate."
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."
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 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."
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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