Economic report paints grim picture for Idaho
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Slowing job growth resulting from higher energy costs and the housing and credit crises will make the next few years "the most challenging in decades" for the Idaho economy, according to a new state economic forecast."
The state worker - How budget impasse affects the rank and file
From: www.sacbee.com
"Some ground-level snapshots of how California's budget mess has affected state workers:"
Energy boom in Wyo. increases wages, inflation
From: www.npr.org
"Mary Sawaya owns a shoe and clothing store in Kemmerer, Wyo., where the economy has grown in conjunction with rising natural gas prices."
Some states seek integration path for immigrants
From: online.wsj.com
"Behind the national debate over immigration, a handful of Democratic governors are mounting a quiet offensive to integrate, rather than repel, foreign newcomers."
Downsizings force baby boomers to reinvent careers
From: www.dallasnews.com
"After a decade or more of corporate downsizings, baby boomers are looking upon cradle-to-grave job security with the same nostalgia as Hula Hoops and 45 rpm records. "
Voters favoring casino, sick pay
From: news.cincinnati.com
"A new public opinion poll finds Ohioans favor building a casino just over the Warren County line near Wilmington. They also want employers to provide a week's worth of paid sick leave."
State may set record for corn
From: www.sctimes.com
"WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture is estimating that the Minnesota corn crop will top 1.2 billion bushels, which would be a record."
As the economy slows down, more are lured to play the lottery
From: www.nj.com
"When the weather is nice, Jim Bowkley of Califon enjoys sitting on a bench on Main Street in Flemington, savoring his morning coffee or orange juice and, if he has a few extra dollars, scratching off a couple of New Jersey Lottery instant game tickets."
Private lottery best bet -- Daniels
From: www.fortwayne.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels on Wednesday revived his controversial plan to privatize the Hoosier Lottery, but this time the money would pay for at least two years of higher education for Indiana students whose families earn $60,000 or less a year."
McCain says he'll help auto industry
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"BIRMINGHAM, Mich. - Making a fundraising trip to Michigan Wednesday, John McCain spoke extensively about Russia's military incursion into Georgia - but also took time to tour an aerospace plant and express support for the state's beleaguered automakers."
Big quake could cost Midwest billions, expert says
From: www.stltoday.com
"From cracked oil and natural gas pipelines to contaminated public water supplies, the nation's economy could be the biggest casualty of the next major Midwest earthquake, an earthquake expert warned Wednesday."
Push for statewide smoking ban gaining momentum
From: www2.ljworld.com
"The tide is turning in favor of a statewide ban on smoking in public indoor places, officials said Wednesday."
Forest Service mulls roadless ruling
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The U.S. Forest Service said Wednesday it's reviewing a federal judge's rejection of a 7-year-old ban on building and logging in undeveloped national forests as environmentalists rushed to appeal the court ruling."
What to do with surplus? Fuel help, rainy day fund eyed as state ends year way in black
From: www.rep-am.com
"The last state budget ended $84.9 million in the black, according to a new, sunnier estimate from the legislature's budget office.
"
Alabama retirement system now paying pensions to more than 100,000 people
From: www.al.com
"The Retirement Systems of Alabama in June provided pension benefits to more than 100,000 retirees or their survivors, the first time it has crossed that threshold."
Katrina aid to state catfish farmers questioned
From: www.al.com
"WASHINGTON - The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries doled out more than $5 million in Hurricane Katrina aid to cat fish farmers and other "aquaculture" producers without requiring any proof of damage from the storm, according to a federal audit."
Nebraska Beef Ltd. expands beef recall by 160,000 pounds
From: www.journalstar.com
"Nebraska Beef, Ltd., of Omaha is expanding its latest recall of beef to include 160,000 pounds of primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef mistakenly left out of that earlier recall."
Lottery vendor paid $132,000 to Cahill ally
From: www.boston.com
"The Massachusetts State Lottery's largest vendor paid in excess of $132,000 in consulting fees to one of state Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill's closest friends and political confidants, at the same time Cahill steered tens of millions of dollars in contracts to the national firm, according to records and officials."
Tax issue may merit session
From: www.sunherald.com
"Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant said Wednesday lawmakers should consider a short special session on a tobacco-tax increase, if a study commission recommends one."
Toyota won't resume pickup truck line in Ind.
From: hosted.ap.org
"PRINCETON, Ind. -- Toyota Motor Corp. says it will not resume production of the Tundra pickup truck at its Princeton, Ind., plant in November as previously announced."
Beshear still calling for raising cigarette tax
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear said yesterday that he continues to support an increase in Kentucky's cigarette tax as a way to raise revenue and cut the state's high rate of smoking."
Ala. to ask for extension for GPS program
From: www.tuscaloosanews.com
"Officials at the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles are hoping the fourth time will be the charm for a pilot program that monitors sex offenders with Global Positioning System devices."
Alabama fourth in nation for decrease in number of miles driven
From: www.al.com
"Some Alabamians apparently opted for a "staycation" in June, driving 336 million fewer miles than June 2007, the Federal Highway Administration reported Wednesday."
Home sales fall 24 percent in June, prices rise 2 percent
From: www.arkansasnews.com
"The number of home sold in Arkansas in June fell 24.2 percent compared to the same month last year while the average price of homes sold rose 1.9 percent, the Arkansas Realtors Association reported Wednesday."
Scientists get millions for stem cell research
From: www.sfgate.com
"The governing board of California's stem cell agency awarded a total of $59 million Wednesday to support the budgets of 23 young scientists and physicians throughout the state who have proposed new stem cell research projects."
Realtors move to set up statewide MLS
From: www.sfgate.com
"The Multiple Listing Service - long a balkanized set of private databases exclusive to real estate brokerages and their agents - is moving toward a more unified and more open structure."
California plan could be major boon to subprime lenders
From: www.latimes.com
"One reason California still has no state budget is a closed-door dispute over a tax proposal that could be a multimillion-dollar boon to banks that engage in subprime lending."
State burning through fire budget at breakneck clip
From: www.mercurynews.com
"Faced with hundreds of sprawling, hard-to-control blazes, California is struggling with what could be its most expensive wildfire season ever, burning through nearly $300 million in just the past six weeks."
Roan gas leases go on sale
From: www.rockymountainnews.com
"Today's sale of gas leases on the Roan Plateau could generate hundreds of millions of dollars for new state funds for cash- strapped colleges and towns reeling from the West Slope drilling frenzy."
State - Mill taints golf course
From: www.denverpost.com
"CA ON CITY, Colo. - The state has cited the Cotter Corp. uranium mill for radioactive contamination at an adjacent golf club, but a state health official said there is no health threat."
Gay candidate wins a Colorado primary
From: www.nytimes.com
"DENVER - Jared Polis, a 33-year-old openly gay entrepreneur from Boulder, beat two opponents on Tuesday night to win the Democratic primary to fill Representative Mark Udall's seat in Congress."
UConn Health Center says it will lose under Charter Oak
From: www.theday.com
"The University of Connecticut Health Center has plans to join Gov. M. Jodi Rell's Charter Oak Health Plan, but officials there are warning that doing so could cost the already cash-strapped hospital a lot of money."
Parity found in public, private health
From: www.zwire.com
"Chronically ill kids in Connecticut who are enrolled in Husky Health or Medicaid programs are receiving health services at the same levels as children with private insurance."
State Fair attendance slips 10%
From: www.delawareonline.com
"HARRINGTON, Del. - Attendance at the Delaware State Fair dropped 10 percent from 2007, officials have announced, blaming very hot weather for a lot of the 10-day run. But they pointed out that other aspects of the fair set records."
Attorney - Wording on tax-swap amendment misleading, confusing
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"An attorney trying to knock the tax-swap amendment off the ballot told a judge Wednesday that proponents tried to "hide the ball" and sneak multiple provisions past Florida voters in November."
Alligator Alley applicants to be reviewed by the DOT
From: www.sun-sentinel.com
"A Florida Department of Transportation panel of technical and financial experts next week will discuss the qualifications of the six teams vying to lease Alligator Alley."
Candidates say tough budget choices require some creative thinking
From: floridacapitalnews.com
"Leon County legislative candidates agreed Wednesday that Florida's fiscal crisis requires government to make tough choices about budget priorities and look for new revenue sources."
Judge has issue with wording of Amendment 5 tax ballot
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"The campaign to wipe out most school property taxes in Florida moved to a courtroom Wednesday, with an openly skeptical state judge raising the possibility that the ambitious tax plan could be torpedoed before it ever reaches voters.
"
Water management board will tell all about sugar deal -- later
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Water managers pledged Wednesday to keep the public fully informed about negotiations to buy out U.S. Sugar -- just not quite yet."
Judge might strike 'tax swap' amendment from November ballot
From: www.tampabay.com
"A controversial property tax cut proposal could have trouble making it on the November ballot, if a judge's skepticism on Wednesday is any guide. "
Florida's budget shortfall may hit $1.2B
From: www.miamiherald.com
"Florida's dwindling state budget could fall about $1 billion deeper into deficit due to a combination of record-high gas prices, the crashing housing market and record job loss in the state."
Isle foreclosures in July up 169% over last year
From: www.honoluluadvertiser.com
"Hawaii home foreclosure filings nearly tripled in July from the same month last year, though the number of cases remains moderate and the increase was lower than several other spikes over the past 12 months."
Hawaiian Telcom reports losses of $30M
From: starbulletin.com
"Hawaiian Telcom Communications Inc. again reported a quarterly loss yesterday as declining land-line usage continued to hurt results."
Embrace Iowa distributes funds for recovery efforts
From: www.wcfcourier.com
"The 2008 Iowa Disaster Collaborative recently granted an additional $690,000 to organizations throughout the state supporting recovery efforts."
Flood task force gets levee damage update
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"At least 20 levees in Iowa have been identified as needing repair, some with critical public safety gaps, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers official told an Iowa recovery task force Wednesday."
Capital plan inches forward
From: www.southernillinoisan.com
"Recent talks about selling the state lottery to pay for more roads, bridges and schools have been productive, House Speaker Michael Madigan said Wednesday."
Illinois House approves making injured vets exempt from property taxes
From: www.southernillinoisan.com
"Disabled veterans could be on their way to being freed from the burden of paying local property taxes."
House OKs two amendatory vetoes
From: www.sj-r.com
"State lawmakers wrapped up another do-nothing special session Wednesday, taking no significant action on two complex issues but continuing their political gamesmanship."
Tollway director extols 50 years of smooth driving
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Illinois drivers were shocked 50 years ago by the new phenomenon of having to pay tolls, but such user-funded roadways are proving an efficient and effective transportation model in a growing number of states, the state tollway chief said Tuesday."
House gives governor a win on vetoed bills
From: www.dailyherald.com
"The Illinois House on Wednesday approved new versions of legislation that Gov. Rod Blagojevich had rewritten to cut taxes for disabled veterans and lower insurance costs for college students."
Democratic infighting continues at state fair
From: www.dailyherald.com
"Not even a former United Nations ambassador could quell feuding among Illinois Democrats Wednesday."
Democrats' showing at state fair a festival of dysfunction
From: www.chicagotribune.com
"A day of promised progress among feuding Democrats over a stalled statewide construction plan collapsed Wednesday along with efforts to achieve an atmosphere of party unity at the Illinois State Fair."
Candidates debate farm, tax policies
From: www.journalgazette.net
"The candidates for lieutenant governor squared off in a debate Wednesday at the Indiana State Fair -- a tradition that focused on agriculture and rural Indiana."
Long Thompson floats insurance co-op
From: www.journalgazette.net
"Providing access to cheaper insurance should help small businesses prosper, according to Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson."
Long Thompson -- Try health co-op
From: www.fortwayne.com
"Jill Long Thompson says that if she is elected governor, she would work to create a statewide purchasing pool to help small businesses and individuals obtain more affordable health insurance."
Daniels says lottery lease could fund scholarships
From: nwi.com
"Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels has revived a contentious proposal to lease the Hoosier Lottery to a private operator, saying the money could fund a proposed college scholarship program."
Governor links lottery lease to scholarship plan
From: www.nwitimes.com
"Gov. Mitch Daniels put the Hoosier Lottery back on the auction block Wednesday, this time as a way of bankrolling income-based college scholarships for high school graduates."
Kansas legislators clash on insurance, health care
From: www.kansas.com
"A legislative forum Wednesday highlighted the deep divisions that have prevented the state Legislature from passing comprehensive health-care reform."
Mental health issues worse in mountains
From: news.cincinnati.com
"Researchers commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission reported this week that residents of the impoverished mountain region face more mental health issues than the rest of the country."
State inspects fair's midway rides
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Nearly a dozen state inspectors yesterday swarmed over roller coasters, a Ferris wheel and dizzying rides such as the "Dragon Wagon," looking for anything that might pose a danger as the Kentucky State Fair opens today."
Beshear touts higher cigarette tax
From: www.kypost.com
"Gov. Steve Beshear says he'll keep pushing for a higher state cigarette tax as a way to raise needed revenue and improve the health of Kentuckians."
Nighbert is target of state inquiry
From: www.kentucky.com
"The state Transportation Cabinet's watchdog agency is investigating former Secretary Bill Nighbert, who is also a target in an FBI investigation of alleged bid rigging."
Breakfast kicks off Kentucky State Fair
From: www.courier-journal.com
"Traffic doesn't appear to be bad this morning for those who plan on attending the Kentucky State Fair, where people are filling up their plates at a kickoff breakfast event."
Legislators back funds for renters, fishermen
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Lawmakers agreed Wednesday to spend nearly $100 million to help renters and commercial fishermen."
Gas find producing windfall in state
From: www.nola.com
"The state collected a $93.8 million windfall Wednesday thanks to a boom in land leases by energy companies betting on a major discovery of underground natural gas reserves in northwest Louisiana called the Haynesville Shale."
Retailers root for boost from tax-free holiday
From: bostonherald.com
"Massachusetts' fifth annual sales tax holiday is this weekend, and retailers hope it will be incentive enough for consumers to open their wallets more freely despite the tough financial climate."
Student loan authority may not get state aid
From: www.boston.com
"Financial help from the state appears unlikely for Massachusetts' student loan authority, which is pressing ahead with efforts to raise money the traditional way - in the public market."
Many more ask colleges for aid
From: www.boston.com
"Facing a sputtering economy and escalating tuition, college students are applying for financial aid in surging numbers, the latest sign of tough times buffeting the nation's campuses."
Many brain injury patients poised to quit nursing homes for freer lives
From: www.boston.com
"CANTON, Mass. - Just 29 years old, Kaya Alexander lives in a nursing home. She had no other options after a 2006 car accident broke her neck, damaged her brain, and sheared off three fingers of her left hand, the only hand she can move."
Public forums on growth set across state
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"Marylanders will have an opportunity to air their views about future growth and development in a series of "listening sessions" scheduled across the state next month, the Maryland Department of Planning said yesterday."
Foot off the gas pedal
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"With gas prices hitting $4 this summer, drivers in Maryland and across the country have been driving far less as they choose in growing numbers to take public transit, share rides or simply stay home."
Asphalt prices pinch projects
From: www.sunjournal.com
"With the price of liquid asphalt more than doubling since January, the Maine Department of Transportation announced Tuesday it is suspending $14.3 million worth of road paving projects scheduled for later this summer."
Asphalt prices put road work on hold
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"The rising price of liquid asphalt has led the state to suspend some road paving projects that were scheduled for this year."
Asphalt prices delay roadwork
From: bangornews.com
"The skyrocketing price of liquid asphalt is causing the Maine Department of Transportation to suspend the paving of about 85 miles of state roads that was scheduled to begin this fall."
Gas prices driving motorists off road, especially in Maine
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"With gas prices soaring, Americans drove 12.2 billion fewer miles in June than the same month a year earlier, and hardly anywhere was that more apparent than in Maine."
Collection set for home toxics
From: kennebecjournal.mainetoday.com
"Maine residents with banned or unusable pesticides lurking in their basements, garages or back sheds will have a chance this fall to get rid of the stuff -- legally and safely."
Task force reviews pros and cons of wood heat
From: bangornews.com
"Converting a large number of Maine homes from oil heat to wood heat would save consumers money but could have implications for both the environment and other forest product industries, members of a task force were told Wednesday."
New House recess irks Republicans
From: www.freep.com
"House Republicans chastised majority Democrats on Wednesday for taking a summer vacation from Lansing, saying the state must address taxes, jobs and college tuition rates during economic hard times."
Sviggum - Workers' compensation needs reform
From: www.sctimes.com
"Fewer Minnesota workers are getting injured on the job, but when they do, their benefits are costing employers more, state Labor and Industry Commissioner Steve Sviggum told a dozen employers Wednesday at the St. Cloud Area Chamber of Commerce."
Minnesota foreclosure rates drop, maybe
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"After months of increases, home foreclosures fell last month in Minnesota - but only slightly."
Entergy bills may fall
From: www.clarionledger.com
"Following a drop in natural gas prices and outcry over high electricity bills the last two months, Entergy Mississippi proposes trimming September bills by 9.6 percent."
Speaker McCoy against fall special session to vote on tobacco tax
From: www.clarionledger.com
"House Speaker Billy McCoy on Wednesday resisted the idea of a special legislative session this fall to hike cigarette taxes, and said lawmakers can approve the measure early next year at less expense to taxpayers."
Analyst - Miss. tax structure needs balance
From: www.clarionledger.com
"A policy analyst for a Washington think tank says Mississippi needs to consider a tax credit to help low- and middle-income working families."
McCoy opposes special session on cigarette tax
From: www.djournal.com
"House Speaker Billy McCoy, D-Rienzi, said he would prefer to take up the issue of increasing the cigarette tax in the 2009 regular session instead of a special session this fall."
Ex-Public Service commissioner to head NWE
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"In a surprise announcement Wednesday, NorthWestern Energy named former Montana Public Service Commissioner Bob Rowe as the company's president and chief executive officer, replacing Mike Hanson."
Investor recommends selling some state educational land
From: www.journalstar.com
"The state board that manages educational investments needs to be more diversified, a state investment official told legislators Wednesday."
N.H. regulators to have 'major' news on UBS branch
From: www.fosters.com
"New Hampshire securities regulators say they'll have a major announcement Thursday about their investigation of a company that underwrites student loans in the state.
"
New law regulating outdoor wood boilers goes into effect
From: www.fosters.com
"A new law applying to outdoor wood boilers (also known as outdoor wood-fired hydronic heaters) has gone into effect, the state Department of Environmental Services has announced."
N.J. municipalities likely to sue to extend affordable-housing deadline
From: www.app.com
"New Jersey's cities, towns and townships lost a round Wednesday when they tried to convince a state agency they needed more time -- past a Dec. 31 deadline -- to submit plans to provide affordable housing."
Health industry makes voice heard in session
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"When the state Legislature convenes in a special session to tackle a health care bill for children, 42 state senators, 70 representatives and more than 70 lobbyists will be working for an even larger number of health care companies, medical associations, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and health-related charities. "
Dockworkers PAC NY's biggest wallop
From: www.nypost.com
"Dockworkers, public-school teachers and Rochester billionaire Tom Golisano lead an army of special interests, with nearly $70 million in their campaign coffers, according to an analysis of PAC money."
Teachers union witholds support from 38 senators over property tax cap
From: www.buffalonews.com
"The property tax-cap wars intensified Wednesday as a politically potent union said it is withholding support from more than three dozen state senators who last week backed legislation to hold the line on annual property tax increases.
"
Senecas to lobby against tax bill
From: www.timesunion.com
"Seneca Nation of Indian leaders plan to lobby Gov. David Paterson's office today in an effort to block the Legislature's latest attempt to tax sales of tobacco products by American Indian tribes."
Bruno to see other side
From: timesunion.com
"Former Senate Republican Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno has registered as a lobbyist."
With wholesale price cuts, why will natural gas bills rise?
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Since the state's largest gas utility said it would seek an unprecedented increase in rates this fall to cover rising supply costs, natural gas prices have plummeted."
Oregon family celebrates lead law
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Colton Burkhart was just 4 when he swallowed a quarter-sized medallion that nearly took his life."
Bluhm talks of city's casino going bankrupt
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The way Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm paints it, the choice before the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today couldn't be easier."
Faced with high gas prices, Pennsylvania motorists driving less
From: www.post-gazette.com
"Record gas prices helped to keep increased numbers of Americans off the roads at the start of summer vacation, including in Pennsylvania, where driving fell 2.6 percent in June, according to data released by the Federal Highway Administration yesterday."
Bluhm says state must OK casino takeover soon
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Chicago billionaire Neil Bluhm warned Wednesday a "messy bankruptcy" looms for Pittsburgh's lone slots casino if the state Gaming Control Board doesn't approve his bid to take over the stalled project."
Home buyers benefit from federal grants
From: www.projo.com
"NARRAGANSETT, R.I. - Helping would-be home buyers and agencies that serve the needy and the homeless will be among the priorities this year as the town receives $62,566 in federal Community Development Block Grants."
Hot line set for reports of fraud, waste at landfill agency
From: www.projo.com
"An anonymous hot line has been established at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation after a preliminary investigation raised "the possibility of fraud and abuse" at the corporation, said Chris DerVartanian, chief of the Bureau of Audits, in a news release."
Immigrant accused of using fraudulent ID
From: www.projo.com
"One of the 31 custodians arrested last month at state courthouses as suspected illegal immigrants appeared in federal court yesterday to face a charge of using fraudulent identification."
SC board -- Annual economic forecast looks no worse
From: www.goupstate.com
"The economic downturn highlights the state's reliance on sales tax collections, which fell by nearly $165 million during the past year, the head of the state's economic oversight board said Wednesday.
"
State seeks federal funds for drought-stricken farmers
From: www.greenvilleonline.com
"PICKENS, S.C. -- Standing on a patch of drought-parched grass outside the Pickens city water plant Wednesday, Gov. Mark Sanford told a gathering of cattle farmers that he has asked for federal assistance for nearly the entire state."
Budget deficit equal to tax cuts
From: www.charleston.net
"The state's top budget forecaster would not say Wednesday that South Carolina's economic woes were self-inflicted, but John Rainey did call the mix of tax cuts and a slowdown a "perfect storm.""
Citing crop losses, Sanford seeks federal drought aid
From: www.charleston.net
"Gov. Mark Sanford on Wednesday asked that all but two of South Carolina's counties be declared federal disaster areas because of the region's ongoing drought, a situation he said is threatening the state's vital agriculture industry."
Sanford asks for federal aid
From: chronicle.augusta.com
"COLUMBIA, S.C. -- Gov. Mark Sanford on Wednesday asked that all but two of South Carolina's counties be declared federal disaster areas because of the region's ongoing drought, a situation he said is threatening the state's vital agriculture industry."
State GF&P head says training is key to improving relationships with landowners
From: www.argusleader.com
"Hiring "the right people" is key to a smoother relationship between landowners and state game wardens, a wildlife official said Tuesday."
S. Dakota reels in anglers
From: www.argusleader.com
"Rising gas prices haven't curbed Great Plains anglers' taste for walleye, at least in South Dakota."
TRA hires demoted Bredesen lobbyist
From: www.tennessean.com
"A top lobbyist for Gov. Phil Bredesen who was demoted for workplace harassment three years ago has been rehired by a former administration colleague at the Tennessee Regulatory Authority, a state agency long accused of patronage hiring."
UTSA profs lose jobs over deal on land
From: www.mysanantonio.com
"The University of Texas at San Antonio has fired two tenured engineering professors for allegedly violating the school's ethics policy when they bought a piece of land in Helotes that students were studying for a class project."
Five years after blackout - electric grid still vulnerable
From: abcnews.go.com
"Five years after the worst blackout in U.S. history, the country has strengthened the reliability of the electricity grid. But new challenges in demand, investment and energy resources leave the system vulnerable to another large-scale failure, experts and government officials say. "
Battle over gun rights - Round 2
From: www.csmonitor.com
"The US Supreme Court's decision striking down a 32-year ban on handguns in Washington, D.C., has sparked a string of lawsuits across the country challenging the constitutionality of various gun regulations."
America's face evolves, blurs, ages
From: www.usatoday.com
"The number of minorities in the USA is growing so briskly that non-Hispanic whites will lose their majority status in 2042, years before demographers had previously projected, according to Census data released today."
Going green registers with colleges
From: www.usatoday.com
"Students arriving on campus this month are seeing green - and not just from the money they're spending on tuition."
Census data projects more diversity at work
From: www.usatoday.com
"The U.S. workforce will become increasingly diverse over the next three decades, a shift that could bring changes in education, training and public policy, according to a USA TODAY analysis of Census data released Thursday."
Whites to lose majority status in U.S. by 2042
From: online.wsj.com
"Whites will comprise less than half of the U.S. population by 2042, about eight years earlier than previously thought, according to a report to be released by the Census Bureau."
Property tax equalization law is shocking some business owners
From: www.sltrib.com
"NORTH SALT LAKE, Utah -- A new state law that took effect this year was aimed at evening out scary spikes in property tax bills. But it didn't work out that way for Hugh Williams. The valuation for his sprawling Hugh's RV property at 250 S. Highway 89 ballooned from $1.2 million to $4.7 million in a year's time."
Utah to be 20% minority by 2010
From: www.sltrib.com
"Utah is lagging the United States as a whole in minority representation, though a third of the state's growth since 2000 has come from minorities, according to Utah Population Estimates Committee data."
Utah has youngest population in U.S.
From: deseretnews.com
"Maybe Utah should be called "Youth-tah." Once again, new census estimates peg Utah's population as the youngest among the states. And Utah is also home to eight of the 50 youngest-population counties in America (out of more than 3,100 counties nationwide)."
Huntsman says state to monitor gas prices
From: deseretnews.com
"Utah gas prices were the third-highest in the nation on Wednesday, and Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. said that the state will monitor and analyze the situation to try to ensure that Utah consumers aren't being gouged."
Utah ranks 9th in U.S. in foreclosures
From: deseretnews.com
"Utah's housing market continued to struggle in July and had the ninth-highest foreclosure rate in the nation, according to a report being released today."
The new majority
From: deseretnews.com
"When Manuel Velasco immigrated to Utah from Mexico 13 years ago, his children at first found few Hispanic classmates. He says it was rare to find a restaurant that understood Spanish for his weekly dates with his wife as he learned English."
VPSD -- Drop phone spy case
From: www.timesargus.com
"Vermont's two-year investigation into allegations that two telephone companies released customer data as part of a once-secret federal spying program appears to be drawing to a close."
Vt. pulling plug on telephone company probe
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"Two years after launching a probe into whether telephone companies released customer data as part of a federal government spying program, the state of Vermont may give up on it. "
Basic Health Plan is near capacity
From: www.theolympian.com
"Enrollment in the state's health care plan for the working class rose 2,000 people this year, but it's not clear whether the increase is because of a weakening economy."
Budget on minds of negotiators
From: www.theolympian.com
"With a limited hiring freeze in place at state agencies and a projected budget deficit of $2.7 billion, Gov. Chris Gregoire's negotiators are watching the bottom line in negotiations with state worker unions."
Wisconsin drivers cut back
From: www.jsonline.com
"Wisconsin residents are driving significantly less than they did a year ago, one of the first concrete indicators that gas prices are changing behavior."
BLM sets grouse protection zone
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"The greater sage grouse will receive special protection from oil and gas development on about a million acres in the Powder River Basin under an interim management plan announced Wednesday by the Bureau of Land Management."
Injecting new life into old wells
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"RIVERTON, Wyo. -- In a sandy meadow just south of Riverton, Devon Energy Corp. is finishing construction on a $100 million carbon dioxide pipeline and injection facility, which company officials say will revive an aging oil field and help the environment at the same time."
Wyo drivers drive less, highway tax revenue holds steady
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Many Wyoming drivers are heading in the same direction as those elsewhere in the nation by not going anywhere. Fewer Wyomingites have hit the road because of rising fuel prices this year, according to a new report from the Federal Highway Administration."
Get ready for high heating bills
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"People need to get girded for some sharp hikes in their natural gas heating bills this winter, the secretary and chief counsel of the Wyoming Public Service Commission said Wednesday."
Heating costs heading up in Wyoming
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"CHEYENNE, Wyo. -- Residential natural-gas rates in Wyoming will increase an average of 32 percent statewide this winter, up from an average of $178.30 last January to a projected $234.90 next January, according to figures released Wednesday by the state Public Service Commission."
Frustrated govs rip fed road policy
From: www.stateline.org
"
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Fixing congested roads and deteriorating bridges is becoming more difficult for states as their economies tighten and prices for building supplies skyrocket, but five Northeastern governors blame federal policies for hampering states’ infrastructure improvement efforts, too.
"
WORTH NOTING: Michigan billed for woman's gas
From: www.stateline.org
"
A woman wants Michigan to pay for gas wasted in stalled traffic. A Nebraska judge considers whether the Almighty can be sued. And a Democrat-sponsored Web site claims Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) is the worst of the worst. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in.
"
States curb carbon as blueprint for feds
From: www.stateline.org
"An effort by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) to focus Southern governors on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their states is the latest example of state-led policies that could be used as models for future federal action."
Three states reconsider affirmative action
From: www.stateline.org
"
In a year when voters could elect the country’s first African-American president, three states also will decide on a controversial ballot measure that would end the use of affirmative action in college admissions and government contracting."
States adopt bold anti-poverty measures
From: www.stateline.org
"At least 15 states have declared war on poverty, launching broad, high-profile campaigns aimed at rooting out the causes of poverty and alleviating its effects on children."
2008 state-by-state summary
From: www.stateline.org
"
(Updated 11:15 a.m. EDT, Aug. 6, 2008)
Here’s
Stateline.org's state-by-state rundown of significant legislative action in 2008."
Anti-tax activists again watch Colorado
From: www.stateline.org
"
Colorado voters may get to decide this November whether to ditch for good their strictest-in-the-nation state spending cap that returned extra revenue to taxpayers, while voters in Massachusetts will consider killing the state income tax."
Watch your (official) language
From: www.stateline.org
"Missouri, a key presidential swing state and home to one of the most hotly contested gubernatorial races, will test what some see as voters’ attitudes toward immigrants with a ballot measure to make English the only language of state government."
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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