Spared a direct hit, New Orleans exhales
From: www.nytimes.com
"NEW ORLEANS — This nearly deserted city appeared to have escaped threats of full-scale devastation on Monday when Hurricane Gustav came ashore 70 miles to the southwest, bearing winds and rain far less formidable than earlier forecast."
State bill would be a blueprint for growth
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"California is on the verge of initiating a historic rewrite of local planning laws, fusing for the first time the issues of urban growth and global warming."
Labor shortage leaves Iowa in a crunch
From: www.siouxcityjournal.com
"MASON CITY, Iowa - Iowa will add about 2,000 jobs a month for the next several years while its boomer population begins to retire. The combination leaves the state in a labor crunch, with an expected loss of 200,000 workers during the next 25 years."
Demand and price are falling for lobster
From: www.nytimes.com
"BOSTON — For many, summer in New England would not be complete without throwing on a bib and cracking open a freshly boiled lobster. "
Household income leads nation
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Wyoming's real median household income grew at the fastest pace in the nation last year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau."
Alabama education officials cracking down on Internet colleges
From: www.al.com
"Alabama education officials are cracking down on the exploding market for Internet courses and degrees and have taken action against four unaccredited Birmingham-based online colleges."
Agreement on bingo heads to governor
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"State lawmakers yesterday agreed to revolutionize "grandma's bingo" with bigger games and prizes in exchange for an explicit ban on electronic bingo machines unless they are in Indian casinos. A 24-9 vote in the state Senate sent the legislation to the governor, who is expected to sign it."
Deficit looms for California's unemployment benefit fund
From: www.latimes.com
"With joblessness at a 12-year high and expected to head higher, California's fund for paying unemployment benefits is about to go broke.
"
State Fair ends; early attendance tally heartening
From: www.denverpost.com
"PUEBLO, Colo. — Despite expected competition from the Democratic National Convention in Denver during the heart of its run, the Colorado State Fair was on pace Monday to challenge last year's attendance of 485,038."
Tourist spots report flat or lower visitor numbers
From: www.theday.com
"Operators of several Connecticut tourist destinations say attendance was flat or slightly down this summer, despite the state's campaign encouraging residents to visit the local attractions."
Rell's 'Staycation' program ends, but did it work?
From: www.courant.com
"Ever since Doug Skow was a toddler, he's spent nearly every summer camping in New Hampshire. But because of the rising price of gasoline this summer, Skow and his wife, Donna, couldn't afford to drive their camper that far."
Iowa's bankruptcy filings rise 12%
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Mortgage payment troubles have led to a double-digit percent increase in bankruptcy filings in Iowa, even though the state has escaped the magnitude of foreclosure problems across the country.
"
As State Fair closes, officials puzzle at low turnout
From: www.detnews.com
"DETROIT -- The Michigan State Fair ended Monday, and officials plan to meet soon to try to figure out what caused this year's disappointing attendance."
Otter outlines $60 billion goal for Idaho
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter wants to boost the state's economy 18 percent before he leaves office by attracting foreign investment and weapons makers, among other things."
Casinos catering to eager market
From: www.suntimes.com
"Richard Huang unwinds at least twice a week by boarding a casino shuttle bus in Chinatown and heading south to Indiana for an evening of playing baccarat. He's part of a group casinos are increasingly trying to lure -- the Asian gambler. "
'If it's Labor Day, you go to the fair'
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"For more than 50 years, Jo McNally has spent every Labor Day the same way - at the Maryland State Fair."
Minnesota and Wisconsin tourism officials report mixed summer
From: www.duluthnewstribune.com
"Minnesota tourism officials say high gas prices and uncertainty over the economy may have put a damper on summer tourism. But some businesses say this summer was as good or better than last year."
State Fair to offer tradition with twist
From: www.santafenewmexican.com
"This year's State Fair features a lot of the new, with a nod to the past. "
The Oregon State Fair is starting to go green
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Most big outdoor events in Portland aren't shy about touting their green credentials to attract visitors. Whether it's carbon-offset floats at the Rose Festival or biodiesel vans to shuttle musicians to the Waterfront Blues Festival, few such efforts pass without an accompanying news release."
S.C. work force is aging
From: www.charleston.net
"Lorraine Hatton and her husband, Terry, had planned to retire to Charleston from Chicago. They wanted to be near their daughter and her two children. About three years ago, still in their 50s, they decided to make the move, even though both still were working full-time. He was employed by an international shipping company. She worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines."
Info tech jobs lead state labor outlook
From: www.lacrossetribune.com
"There's little to cheer about this Labor Day for many Wisconsin workers."
Alcohol issue again put before area voters
From: www.chron.com
"Sweeny-area residents have already voted 2-to-1 in favor of the sale of wine in grocery stores and mixed drinks in restaurants, but must vote again in November, thanks to Texas' local options law."
Mass. consumers spending less, seeking bargains
From: bostonherald.com
"Ronell O'Kussick and her 11-year-old son were back-to-school shopping for clothes in the Old Navy store at Watertown's Arsenal Mall on Friday morning."
Gas tax suspension goes into effect
From: www.ktuu.com
"ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A one-year suspension of the state motor fuel tax kicked in Monday, bringing a little relief from sky-high gas prices."
Alaska AFL-CIO endorses Barack Obama over Sarah Palin
From: newsminer.com
"FAIRBANKS, Alaska — No matter how much Alaska workers may want to support the Republican presidential ticket billing Gov. Sarah Palin's name as second-in-command, they should cast their votes instead for Democrat Barack Obama, a state labor organization leader said Monday in Fairbanks."
Alabama dodges worst of Gustav, shelters evacuees
From: www.al.com
"Alabama sustained minimal damage from Hurricane Gustav on Monday while providing shelter for more than 12,000 people fleeing New Orleans."
Analysts -- economic impact 'slow'
From: www.swtimes.com
"It's hard to remember the worries before $4 gasoline and rising foreclosures. Is Target coming to Fort Smith? What restaurants will be at the Fort Smith Pavilion? Will a casino open along the Arkansas River? How many more jobs will leave Whirlpool for Mexico?"
California seeks to curb sprawl
From: online.wsj.com
"California lawmakers passed a bill aimed at cutting carbon-dioxide emissions by rewarding cities and counties that prevent urban sprawl and improve public transportation."
Stalled budget overshadows other efforts of 2008 California Legislature
From: www.latimes.com
"The California Legislature closed the curtain on its session last weekend after acting on more than 1,000 bills."
Nurturing privacy for nursing mothers
From: www.denverpost.com
"The Workplace Accommodations for Nursing Mothers Act requires employers to make a "reasonable effort" to offer a private space and paid or unpaid break time for breast pumping. The law prohibits discrimination against women for expressing milk on the job."
Nearly $7 million recovered in unpaid wages
From: www.rep-am.com
"State officials say Connecticut's Department of Labor recovered nearly $7 million in unpaid wages for workers in the state in the last budget year."
Connecticut National Guard helps after Hurricane Gustav
From: www.courant.com
"Gov. M. Jodi Rell says Connecticut is providing two National Guard planes and their crews to the Gulf Coast to help out in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav."
Metro Atlanta counties swamped by garnishment filings
From: www.ajc.com
"As if anyone needed another sign of the slumping economy: creditors are filing so many garnishments in Georgia's largest counties that payouts are being delayed."
Iowa plant charged with hiring minors
From: www.npr.org
"IowIn the wake of an immigration raid on Agriprocessors meatpacking plant in Iowa, a state investigation alleges that 57 minors worked there. "
State to release storms damage report
From: www.kcci.com
"State officials are expected to release the findings of the Rebuild Iowa Advisory Commission's report on damage caused by severe weather this summer."
Culver says Iowans ready to shelter, aid storm victims
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Iowans stand ready to help Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Gustav and will take in evacuees if necessary, Gov. Chet Culver said Monday."
Idaho seeks sponsors for official state china set
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"BOISE, Idaho -- Idaho's 1960-era state china has been chipped, broken and lost and now only 35 place settings remain. So first lady Lori Otter and a group of male lawmakers' spouses, called the "Legisladies," are looking for sponsors to help buy a new set."
Truce is reached in battle over Idaho forest land
From: www.nytimes.com
"Legal and political battles over the future of national forest land have raged since 2001, with the Clinton administration's "roadless rule" protecting millions of acres from loggers, miners and development, and the Bush administration pushing for less-restrictive rules. On Friday, Idaho, one of the most forested states in the country -- and one of the most conservative -- announced an unlikely truce."
Officials close to final Idaho roadless plan
From: www.idahostatesman.com
"BOISE, Idaho -- The U.S. Forest Service is close to finishing a plan for managing more than 9.3 million acres of roadless backcountry in Idaho."
More Illinois, Iowa residents are insured, U.S. Census says
From: www.qctimes.com
"Both Iowa and Illinois have pushed hard to include more people on state-supported health insurance programs, an effort reflected in recent figures released by the U.S. Census."
Will 'no tuition' spell chaos in Indiana schools?
From: www.indystar.com
"Indiana's public schools will soon have to stop charging tuition to students who attend their schools but live in other districts. That will mean a nearly free pricetag that sounds good to parents but could tempt schools to recruit scholars or athletes and raises questions about equal access for poor students and racial minorities."
Tribe asks judge to stop Harrah's casino in Kansas
From: www2.ljworld.com
"A judge was told Friday that blocking Harrah's Entertainment Inc. from going forward with plans to build and manage a state-owned casino in Sumner County could doom the projec"
Kentucky Arts Council is taking nominations for state poet laureate
From: www.courier-journal.com
"The deadline for submitting nominations for Kentucky Poet Laureate for 2009 and 2010 is Sept. 30."
La. sees most evacuees in state history, avoids past mistakes
From: www.usatoday.com
"This time, Louisiana residents didn't need to be nudged. As Hurricane Gustav roared toward a state still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, 1.9 million Louisianans fled their homes, according to Gov. Bobby Jindal. (Also see: LA: Jindal's priority - find survivors, and LA: Gustav exposes flaws in levees)"
Gun, ammo sales are brisk ahead of storm
From: www.nola.com
"On what would normally be a slow summer weekday, the three employees at Gretna Gun Works Inc. frantically tended to a crush of customers admiring the racks of shotguns and rifles lined up behind the glass counter."
Katrina's lessons shape reaction to Gustav
From: www.npr.org
"Authorities in the Gulf Coast region report that mandatory evacuations ordered as Hurricane Gustav advances have been successful. By all accounts, the preparations for Gustav are a stark improvement over the chaos before and after Katrina."
Exodus ahead of hurricane Gustav more thorough - but some won't go
From: www.csmonitor.com
"NEW ORLEANS - Nearly 1 million Gulf Coast residents fled the path of hurricane Gustav this weekend – a sign that emergency preparations among residents and public officials alike, if not perfectly smooth, are improved since hurricane Katrina swamped New Orleans and flattened parts of the Mississippi coast three years ago."
In the big empty, a calm after the storm
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"NEW ORLEANS -- The Big Easy became the Big Empty -- few people and no floodwater, hardly, given expectations. Man, was it strange. "
New Orleans levees tested as Gustav lashes Gulf Coast
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"NEW ORLEANS -- Hurricane Gustav smashed into Louisiana's Gulf Coast on Monday, unleashing torrential rains and 110-mph winds that sent waves of water splashing over this city's levees. "
Re-entry? Wednesday at the earliest
From: www.nola.com
"The southeast Louisiana exodus filled highways with gridlock, grief and anxiety over the weekend, as hundreds of thousands of motorists fled the threat of Hurricane Gustav for higher ground farther inland. "
Weakened Gustav spared New Orleans, Gulf Coast
From: www.usatoday.com
"NEW ORLEANS — Hurricane Gustav was downgraded to a tropical depression Tuesday morning, but Gulf Coast officials were still assessing damage and said it might be two more days before 2 million evacuees can begin returning home."
Louisiana delegates attend Republican National Convention, but ache for home
From: www.dallasnews.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. – Nobody would have blamed George White for returning to New Orleans this weekend, to connect with his family and friends as Hurricane Gustav threatened to destroy his 101-year-old home. "
Weakened Gustav spared New Orleans, Gulf Coast
From: www.usatoday.com
"NEW ORLEANS — Hurricane Gustav was downgraded to a tropical depression Tuesday morning, but Gulf Coast officials were still assessing damage and said it might be two more days before 2 million evacuees can begin returning home."
Co-op boards keep their power
From: www.boston.com
"A fight over screenings by exclusive housing cooperatives in the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Cambridge ended this month when Governor Deval Patrick vetoed a bill that would have forced co-ops to admit anyone who could afford to buy."
Efforts turn to storage for renewable energy
From: www.boston.com
"FLORIDA, Mass. - Deep within a mountain here, the state's eighth-largest power plant kicks into action with a thunderous clatter. A reservoir at the summit drains through a pipe in the mountain, loosing a torrent of water that spins two massive turbines, and then flows into the Deerfield River."
Impact of vote on slots
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"As the November referendum on slots nears, Maryland voters can expect a barrage of warnings from proponents about what a "no" vote could mean: cuts to public education and health care, higher taxes and the demise of the state's horse racing legacy."
State group focuses on 'green building' ratings
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"The Maryland Green Building Council plans to meet today to discuss rating systems for projects and how to increase the number of environmentally friendly building projects in the state."
Private insurers protest lower Md. auto insurance rates
From: www.hometownannapolis.com
"BALTIMORE - The private auto insurance industry is objecting to a proposal by the state's insurer of last resort to lower rates as gasoline and food prices rise."
Abandon Purple Line for rapid bus, consultant says
From: gazette.net
"The Town of Chevy Chase paid $250,000 during the past fiscal year to an engineer who gave a presentation last week arguing that a Purple Line bus route on Jones Bridge Road should be explored further by the state."
Bill seeks savings by allowing four-day school weeks
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Local school districts could adopt a four-day week to cut heating and transportation costs under a bill to be introduced in the Legislature's next session."
Maine's summer tourists make Labor Day exodus
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Although Monday was one of the busiest days this summer on the Maine Turnpike, traffic moved smoothly as out-of-state visitors headed south, Maine traffic officials said."
Maine eyes 4-day school, work week
From: www.bangornews.com
"More than 100 school districts in 16 states have decided to go with four-day school weeks. At least one state has told its employees to work four days a week. Now, the energy-saving idea is beginning to get serious consideration in Maine. "
Baldacci - seizing Katahdin mill not yet an option
From: www.bangornews.com
"MILLINOCKET, Maine — Gov. John Baldacci will hold a multibillion-dollar Toronto-based conglomerate to its promise to reopen the Katahdin Avenue mill before he acts on other options, he said Saturday."
Mich. residents may pay extra for green power
From: www.lansingstatejournal.com
"Saying it's only fair, Michigan lawmakers plan to raise residential electricity bills and drop business rates so all customers are charged the true cost of their power."
Michigan citizens hoofing it on Labor Day
From: www.usatoday.com
"MACKINAW CITY, Mich. — Michigan's governor has celebrated a Labor Day tradition by shattering her own record for running across the state's five-mile-long Mackinac Bridge."
Lousiana delegates face hard choice - stay or go
From: online.wsj.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Hurricane Gustav is forcing members of Louisiana's delegation at the Republican National Convention to make a difficult decision: return to the Gulf Coast to help their families cope with the storm or remain in St. Paul to cast their vote for John McCain."
With more free time, delegates network, see the sights
From: minnesota.publicradio.org
"FRIDLEY, Minn. — The RNC wrapped up on Monday after speeches from First Lady Laura Bush and Cindy McCain. By early evening, delegates started making their way back to their hotels and looking for something to do."
Protests at GOP gathering result in 284 arrests
From: www.usatoday.com
"ST. PAUL — Sporadic violence broke out as thousands of protesters marched on the Republican National Convention on Monday, chanting for an end to the war in Iraq and demanding Republicans be denied the White House in November's election."
St. Paul gets 'deflated feeling'
From: www.usatoday.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Republican National Convention was supposed to be this city's chance to pull even with its bigger, richer, slicker "twin." Once again, however, St. Paul has been eclipsed — not by Minneapolis, but by a city at the other end of the Mississippi."
Palin (and news of pregnant daughter) steals GOP convention spotlight
From: features.csmonitor.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. – Douglas Holtz-Eakin is a serious person. He's John McCain's top economic adviser, and before that he was chief economist of the President's Council of Economic Advisers and director of the Congressional Budget Office, among other things. "
Palin's small Alaska town secured big federal funds
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin employed a lobbying firm to secure almost $27 million in federal earmarks for a town of 6,700 residents while she was its mayor, according to an analysis by an independent government watchdog group. "
Hurricane, Palin roil the start of GOP convention
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Republicans plan on resuming their long-planned national convention schedule Tuesday, a day after their opening events were curtailed because of Hurricane Gustav and roiled by their presumptive vice president's announcement that her 17-year-old daughter is five months pregnant. "
A convention is sheltered by the storm
From: www.nytimes.com
"It took resources, coordination and lots of volunteers, but the McCain campaign managed to push back the dreaded split-screen between St. Paul and Hurricane Gustav and save the Republican convention from a flood of bad Katrina memories. "
Miss. 'dodged a bullet' with weakened Gustav
From: www.usatoday.com
"Hurricane Gustav landed only a glancing blow in Mississippi, where state officials reported no major structural damage and suggested that thousands of evacuated residents may be able to return to their homes as early as Wednesday."
Public meetings set for NorthWestern proposal
From: www.helenair.com
"MISSOULA, Mont. -- Three public meetings are scheduled in Montana regarding a proposal by NorthWestern Energy to build and operate a 500 kV electric transmission line."
Molnar ethics complaint hearing postponed
From: www.helenair.com
"A hearing in the ethics charge against Public Service Commissioner Brad Molnar, R-Laurel, has been postponed to give Molnar time to consult with his attorney."
Contested races could put PSC on voters' radar
From: www.helenair.com
"When it comes to hot political races, the Montana Public Service Commission doesn't usually come to mind."
Talk of state oil refinery revives interest in Nonpartisan league
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Recent talk about a state-owned oil refinery has renewed interest in the origins of North Dakota's original state industries almost 90 years ago."
Surviving the summer of 2008
From: www.theunionleader.com
"BELMONT, N.H. – Gasoline prices broke $4 a gallon. The economy slumped. And rain dampened, if not totally drowned out, vacation plans."
Transit aid tops N.J. fall agenda
From: www.philly.com
"The last months of 2008 will look a lot like the first two when lawmakers return to Trenton."
Duo target tax breaks to attract businesses
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The dynamic duo that two years ago fought to scale back the green building tax breaks are gearing up for what could be an even bigger war, one that will pit the Legislature against Clark County and city halls across the state."
Gaming down? Sure. Drinking? Not so fast
From: www.lasvegassun.com
"The latest state tax numbers were gloomy. Sales taxes fell to levels not seen since 2006. The gaming tax is down 6 percent. Tax from property sales was down 29 percent."
School bus trips run out of gas
From: timesunion.com
"Students will take fewer field trips, spend less time sitting on idling buses and find fewer empty seats on their rides to school this year, as school officials try to lighten the load of soaring diesel and gasoline prices on their budgets.
"
Youngsters enlisted in Albany anti-gun bid
From: timesunion.com
"When kids head back to school this week, the Rev. Charlie Muller wants them talking about guns."
Oregon to test pets in yurts in 2009
From: www.statesmanjournal.com
"PORTLAND, Ore. -- The state Parks and Recreation Department is easing into its plan to relax the ban on pets in campground yurts and cabins."
State asks whether wind farm projects are separate
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Another conflict is stirring over the Steens Mountain projects -- one that could bring the force of the state into Harney County's wind power debate and strain relations between local planners and Oregon regulators."
Panel -- Expand Oregon Health Plan to cover all kids, more adults
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon should tax hospitals and insurance companies over the next two years to insure all children and to add 100,000 low-income adults to the Oregon Health Plan, a state task force will recommend this week."
Ex-gambling regulator's contract questioned
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"State Treasurer Robin Wiessmann should consider suspending payments to the state's former top gambling regulator because her $120,000 termination agreement was not properly reviewed, a lawmaker said Thursday."
Makeover coming for state-owned liquor stores
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Pennsylvania's 621 state-run liquor stores are getting a new look and better customer service. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is spending about $3 million over two years on an outside consultant to help revamp the liquor stores beginning next year."
LCB may add to number of sites with bargain prices
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"When Kevin Joyce needs to buy liquor to serve at his restaurant, he sends a deliveryman on a two-hour trip to a liquor store that sits in the back of the nearly deserted Washington Mall in Washington County. It's one of six outlet stores in the state, and the closest state store to Pittsburgh that offers one-liter bottles of liquor at bargain prices."
Liquor buyers are prey for high taxes, special interests
From: www.pittsburghlive.com
"Pennsylvania liquor consumers are getting a break compared with shoppers in Ohio and West Virginia, but the prices they pay still are inflated by taxes, fees and the state's mark-up."
Democrats, eyeing storm, play down partisanship
From: www.nytimes.com
"SCRANTON, Pa. — On this Labor Day, which has long been the traditional opening to the general election season, the Democratic presidential ticket struggled to draw attention."
PSU researchers gauge pain of coming electric rate hikes
From: www.post-gazette.com
"HARRISBURG -- Two Penn State researchers are trying to calculate the impact most Pennsylvanians will feel from rising electric costs as rate caps expire in the next two years."
State works to line up janitorial contracts
From: www.projo.com
"The Carcieri administration is moving forward with plans to secure new long-term janitorial contracts for the dozens of buildings formerly cleaned by TriState Enterprises and Falcon Maintenance four weeks after it abruptly fired the companies for using workers suspected of being illegal immigrants."
Cases proceeding against suspected illegal immigrants
From: www.projo.com
"Legal cases are proceeding on different fronts for the 31 janitors arrested during last month's immigration raids at state courthouses."
Suspected illegal immigrant waits to see if he's deported
From: www.projo.com
"Gustavo Cabrera rode across the U.S. border in a car trunk, sandwiched between four other men and breathing through a fist-sized hole. Hours later, the men raced from the car and hurled themselves onto a pile of people hidden in a truck that rumbled on to Houston."
Chartier begins as state fire marshal
From: www.projo.com
"He was one of the fire chiefs commanding at the scene of the worst fire tragedy in state history, a night that he says left an indelible mark on all who were there."
9 school districts still without contracts
From: www.projo.com
"With more than half the state's 36 school districts scheduled to start classes this week, 8 districts still do not have new teacher contracts in place — although so far, no teachers' union has threatened to strike and schools are expected to open on schedule."
Carcieri finds immigration an issue that people are talking about
From: www.projo.com
"As on most mornings last October, the radio chatter that day centered on the Red Sox' ever-changing fortunes in the playoffs. That is, until Governor Carcieri made one of his frequent appearances on a talk-radio program."
Hanna, downgraded to tropical storm, targets Ga., S.C.
From: www.usatoday.com
"Georgia and South Carolina were bracing for Tropical Storm Hanna, forecast to strike Friday."
More employers use E-Verify despite complaints
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Despite concerns from business groups and immigrant advocates about a government Web-based employment verification program, a growing number of local companies are using it."
Wine debate hasn't gone dry
From: www.knoxnews.com
"Lawmakers are gearing up for another fight over whether to loosen restrictions on wine sales in Tennessee."
Tennesseans already seeing download taxes
From: www.timesfreepress.com
"Noticed an extra 9 cents tacked onto the price of that iTunes song? As new laws to streamline Tennessee's sales tax system go into effect, the state is collecting some extra revenue from one type of sale: digital downloads."
Ophelia Ford is upset by funeral home fees
From: www.tennessean.com
"State Sen. Ophelia Ford — a licensed funeral director — is upset again with the way Tennessee regulates the funeral home industry."
Tennessee economic development officials rely on state planes
From: www.tennessean.com
"In mid-July, when Volkswagen decided it would build a new plant in Chattanooga, state Commissioner of Economic and Community Development Matt Kisber was hundreds of miles away, vacationing with his family in the Gulf Coast resort town of Destin, Fla."
Old wells rouse dormant Tennessee oil industry
From: www.npr.org
"Ky-Tenn Oil Inc. has stumbled into a new revenue stream: old oil wells."
Consumer Watch--Opinions mixed on the fate of TRCC
From: www.chron.com
"Jeryl Bennett paid about $130,000 for her new home four years ago. The appraised value now: $77,000."
'October surprise' over Palin investigation?
From: abcnews.go.com
"Is the McCain campaign afraid of an 'October surprise' involving vice-presidential pick Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska? "
Bipartisan calls for new federal poverty measure
From: www.nytimes.com
"WASHINGTON — Congressional lawmakers and officials of some cities are increasingly calling for an overhaul in the way the federal government measures poverty, arguing that the current definition fails to reflect fully the hardships or resources available to struggling Americans."
College orientations get political
From: www.csmonitor.com
"Welcome to college. Your first assignment: Register to vote.
"
Vermonters define 'rich,' relatively
From: burlingtonfreepress.com
"While working day jobs, many Americans dream of striking it rich -- buying the occasional Powerball ticket, keeping an ear out for stock tips and toiling away on start-up businesses. The meaning of "rich," however, is broad."
A renewed Northern Power plans to ride the wind
From: www.timesargus.com
"WAITSFIELD, Vt. – A Vermont energy company that builds turbines for the wind market was delivered from Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings last month when its parent company sold the division to a group of private investors for $12.9 million."
Washington pulls the plug on highway wi-fi
From: news.opb.org
"Roadside Web surfing is going away in Washington. The state Department of Transportation says it's discontinuing Wi-Fi service Monday at highway rest stops."
Gregoire getting same donations that ads attack Rossi for
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"The political contributions from drug and insurance companies that have become fodder for attack ads against Republican Dino Rossi are also fueling Gov. Chris Gregoire's campaign, the state Democratic Party and Evergreen Progress, the political action committee behind the negative ads."
Commerce official's company pays state fine
From: www.jsonline.com
"The No. 3 official at the state Department of Commerce had his business pay a nearly $2,500 penalty last week, a year after he was personally assessed the fine for failing to pay worker's compensation insurance."
Supreme Court candidates woo chamber endorsement
From: www.register-herald.com
"WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. — West Virginia Supreme Court candidates stumped before state Chamber of Commerce members Friday at The Greenbrier with all three asking for the business group's endorsement."
Ranchers split on mandatory animal ID
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Wyoming livestock producers strongly favor an animal disease track-back program in the state, but deep division and uncertainty persists regarding whether such an effort should be mandatory."
Wyoming rakes in cash from energy, investments
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"While most states have seen their revenues shrivel in the recent tough economic times, Wyoming is watching its bankroll grow. Officials say Wyoming lawmakers will have to decide early next year whether to spend or save the extra dollars."
Local workers remember the past, look toward future
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"Wyoming's economy is strong, but not everyone at Monday's Labor Day picnic was resting easy with the November election looming."
Bush, McCain view state issues similarly
From: www.stateline.org
"Democrats charge that a John McCain presidency would mean “four more years” of President Bush’s policies. A close look at both men’s records shows, on issues important to states, the Republicans are not far apart.
"
What would an Obama win mean for states?
From: www.stateline.org
"DENVER — If elected president, Democrat Barack Obama promises closer ties with states and an infusion of federal dollars that could lessen points of tension between Washington, D.C., and statehouses on issues from health care to energy."
Alaska gov 1st woman in No. 2 GOP slot
From: www.stateline.org
" |
Alaska Gov.
Sarah Palin (R) |
Sarah Palin, the first woman to serve in Alaska’s top post, is now the first female to be chosen as a vice-presidential running mate in the Republican Party.
Census - Uninsured down, poverty up
From: www.stateline.org
"The U.S. Census Bureau annual report on poverty shows modest gains in median income in 2007 and a decrease in the number of people who lack health insurance. But the number of Americans living below the poverty line rose to 37.3 million, despite six years of economic growth. Experts predict the picture will be worse this time next year."
Summertime blues hit states
From: www.stateline.org
"A slump in travel has hurt states that depend on tourism, and the summer season of 2008 could be one of the worst of the decade."
Renewable energy fuels Colorado governor
From: www.stateline.org
"Few governors have championed renewable energy as aggressively as Colorado Democrat Bill Ritter. So far, voters seem to appreciate his efforts."
Why presidential elections matter to states
From: www.stateline.org
"Democrats and Republicans will gather in Colorado and Minnesota to nominate their candidates for president amid uncertainty in the states on the economy and other issues."
WORTH NOTING: Lawmaker called out for 'dirty' stocks
From: www.stateline.org
"A questionable investment embarrasses a Wisconsin state senator. Indiana state fairgoers object to a racy blue-ribbon photo. And one California lawmaker’s hard line on the state budget lands her across the street. In case you missed those stories this week, “Worth Noting” fills you in."
2008 state elections: What's at stake?
From: www.stateline.org
"(Updated 4:20 p.m. EDT, Aug. 20, 2008)
The historic battle for the White House may be grabbing most of the headlines, but plenty of state races and major ballot measures also could be nail-biters this November — and the results could have national implications.
Stateline.org today is launching a new 2008 interactive guide to help voters keep track of the 11 gubernatorial, 11 attorneys general and seven secretary of state races and some 130 statewide ballot measures.
Power rates spike in some states
From: www.stateline.org
"Consumers already grappling with high food, gasoline and heating oil prices in many states now face another financial burden: skyrocketing electricity bills."
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."
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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