La. sugar cane crop hard hit by Gustav
From: www.nola.com
"FRANKLIN, La. — Gov. Bobby Jindal on Tuesday toured the south Louisiana areas hardest hit by Hurricane Gustav, finding widespread wind damage to property but little flooding."
Oil industry tallies offshore damage, preps for restart
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"Initial inspections of the Gulf Coast's extensive energy complex confirmed Tuesday that Hurricane Gustav was nowhere near as destructive as Katrina and Rita three years ago, but resumption of production and refining may be a few days away, or more."
Gov. Kaine orders agencies to plan for up to 15% in cuts
From: hamptonroads.com
"Gov. Timothy M. Kaine sounded new alarms Tuesday that Virginia's economy is ailing and ordered state agencies to begin preparing for deep spending cuts."
No Michigan job growth until 2010
From: www.detnews.com
"The long economic slide that has cut more than 460,000 Michigan jobs this decade is slowly drawing to a close, according to a highly regarded University of Michigan forecast. Sometime in 2010, the study says, the state will see a slight gain of 33,000 jobs -- but only after another 89,000 jobs disappear this year and the next."
Hoeven beefs up tax relief proposal
From: www.grandforksherald.com
"Gov. John Hoeven has beefed up a previously announced proposal for property tax relief and increased education funding, adding income tax relief and boosting its price tag from $300 million to $500 million."
Ky. economic development secretary quits, sort of
From: www.kentucky.com
"Economic Development Secretary John Hindman is returning to the private sector to start a consulting business, Gov. Steve Beshear announced Tuesday."
Colorado jobless aid under strain
From: www.denverpost.com
"Rising claims and a huge volume of calls are stressing the state's unemployment-insurance system."
Bingo bill took circuitous route through Capitol
From: www.sacbee.com
"This is a story about how laws are made in California. It's about poor kids in Los Angeles who lack tuition for parochial school, and disabled kids in Sacramento whose beloved therapy program is threatened. It's about casino tribes, Catholic priests, high school sports and blind people. Oh, and bingo."
South Texas town wants to build casino
From: www.statesman.com
"Fresh off his electoral victory in May, Mayor Vicente Garza Jr. has embarked on a quixotic project, betting against long odds that a casino could secure the future of this indebted town of 485 residents."
Home seizures surge
From: bostonherald.com
"Lenders took legal ownership of nearly 8,000 Massachusetts homes during 2008's first seven months - more property titles than banks seized for mortgage nonpayment in all of 2007, new figures show."
Budget standoff delays billions in state payments
From: www.sacbee.com
"State Controller John Chiang on Tuesday said he will be unable to make $7.6 billion in payments to schools, state vendors and others in September if a state budget is not approved this month."
3 Democrats seek insurance chief's job
From: www.delawareonline.com
"Three Democrats want to be Delaware's next insurance commissioner, battling it out in a hot and heavy primary race for the opportunity to hold a relatively obscure office with a low profile."
State finished fiscal year with $83.4 million surplus
From: www.courant.com
"After a topsy-turvy year, the state has finished the fiscal year with an official surplus of $83.4 million."
Regulators look into $2 fee for local calls from prison inmates
From: juneauempire.com
"After complaints from businesses dealing with prison inmates, state regulators said they would investigate whether a $2 fee for local collect calls from inmates is reasonable."
From thongs to T-shirts, it's Sarah wear
From: www.adn.com
"Local and Internet-based businesses are cranking out Sarah Palin products -- from "Palin Power" maternity T-shirts to "Wonder Palin" thong underwear."
Palin exposes real Northern Exposure
From: abcnews.go.com
"If Hollywood is to be believed, all that northern exposure has made the people of Alaska a little quirky. They alternately befriend and battle bears, become paranoid insomniacs during the endless days, seek solace in the wild -- and, oh, the men grow in trees. "
Another controversy for Sarah Palin
From: abcnews.go.com
"Gov. Sarah Palin is already facing ethical questions over her firing of the Alaska public safety commissioner, and now she faces questions over the firing of a longtime local police chief. "
Palin's Alaskan town proud, wary
From: www.boston.com
"WASILLA, Alaska - Sharing coffee and doughnuts at a plastic table in the back of Carr's Quality Center supermarket, Lou Hoffman and Dave Chatterton savored the image of their former mayor, Sarah Palin, mixing it up at a Beltway soiree."
4 of 6 positions in utilities-panel races decided
From: www.azcentral.com
"Republican voters in Tuesday's primary election want the next Arizona Corporation Commission to push for greater use of renewable-power sources, based on unofficial election results."
Farmer campaigns against Schwarzenegger water plan
From: www.signonsandiego.com
"Dino Cortopassi is a wealthy farmer who grew up in California's fertile delta region and, as he tells it, is passionate about protecting it. In recent weeks, he has channeled that passion into an expensive and highly negative advertising campaign against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger."
Suits filed over lead in artificial turf
From: www.sfgate.com
"Six artificial-turf companies are breaking state law by not warning the public of exposure to dangerous amounts of lead from the fake green grass, according to two separate lawsuits filed Tuesday by the California attorney general and an environmental group."
Bush cites hurricane damage in pushing for more offshore drilling
From: www.sacbee.com
"WASHINGTON – Amid signs that opposition is weakening in California and elsewhere, President Bush on Tuesday stepped up pressure on Congress to lift its ban on offshore drilling, saying the damage caused by Hurricane Gustav makes it clear that the nation needs to increase its domestic oil supply."
Folks who barely avoided Fay's flooding fear they might go under
From: www.orlandosentinel.com
"Florida residents still soggy from Tropical Storm Fay watched anxiously Tuesday as a new storm took aim at the U.S. coastline and two more lined up in the Atlantic Ocean."
GOP touts disaster insurance
From: www.miamiherald.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- With a string of tropical depressions threatening to batter Florida, Republicans pointed with pride Tuesday to a plank in the party's platform that calls for a ''natural disaster insurance policy'' -- a provision GOP presidential nominee John McCain has opposed."
Judge cutbacks will impair courts, senior judge says
From: www.ajc.com
"The state judiciary has indefinitely suspended the use of senior judges because of a budget crisis brought on by reduced tax collections."
Rebuild Iowa panel unveils final report
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"Gov. Chet Culver's advisory commission released its final report Tuesday on the state's needs for disaster recovery, but the panel did not offer advice on whether a special legislative session should be scheduled to address its proposals."
Firm hunts for oil in southwest Iowa
From: www.desmoinesregister.com
"State records with the Iowa Geological Survey show an oil exploration well was drilled in May near Red Oak in southwest Iowa's Montgomery County. The well, which reached a depth of 3,594 feet, was drilled with a permit obtained by Ozona Natural Gas Co. of Conroe, Texas."
Coalition aims to downsize government
From: www.indystar.com
"Efforts to streamline local government, largely tabled this year as lawmakers grappled with the state's property tax crisis, could gain momentum under a new coalition that has pledged to promote changes in a system described as cumbersome and redundant."
Hopeful-- Firing was political
From: cjonline.com
"Shari Weber, a Republican who is trying to unseat Sen. Anthony Hensley, D-Topeka, has raised questions about political meddling in the aftermath of her termination as president of the Community Bankers Association."
Jindal -- Gustav now an official "major disaster"
From: www.nola.com
"Gov. Bobby Jindal on Tuesday said he's won two promises from the federal government that will ease Louisiana's hurricane recovery: funding for residents and the opening of the strategic oil reserve."
New Orleans passes test, faces challenge
From: www.boston.com
"NEW ORLEANS - Hurricane Katrina brought shame upon a fabled American city - and the nation. "
No Katrina, Gustav still costly
From: www.thenewsstar.com
"NEW ORLEANS — It will take some time to tally the economic damage done by Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast but one thing was clear Tuesday: Gustav was no Katrina."
Gustav evacuees still wary, and weary
From: www.csmonitor.com
"HOUSTON; and HATTIESBURG, Miss. - For many who fled the path of hurricane Gustav, there's a sense that the worst is over. But most evacuees also have an unease that won't dissipate until they're able to unlock their own front doors and see for themselves what damage – if any – Gustav wrought in their absence."
How New Orleans weathered Gustav
From: www.csmonitor.com
"NEW ORLEANS - New Orleanians and the world held their collective breath Monday as hurricane Gustav huffed and puffed but ultimately failed to blow this old port town down."
Lower crude prices warm Mass. homeowners
From: www.boston.com
"The winter ahead might be a little less chilling for Massachusetts residents who heat their homes with oil. The average price per gallon has fallen 67 cents since it peaked at $4.71 in July, according to the state Department of Energy Resources."
Time extended for Big Dig prosecution
From: www.boston.com
"A federal judge has ruled that prosecutors can pursue scores of fraud charges against former employees of a Big Dig contractor - even though the statute of limitations had expired - because the United States was at war for much of this decade."
Tribe wants talks on casino
From: www.boston.com
"The Mashpee Wampanoag tribe is planning to formally ask Governor Deval Patrick today to negotiate a compact for a $1 billion resort casino in Middleborough, an overture that could reignite the gambling debate and eventually clear the way for the state's first casino."
A milestone for gays, a boon for Massachusetts
From: www.washingtonpost.com
"PROVINCETOWN, Mass. -- The news flashed to Kathy Arminio as an instant electronic bulletin from a gay rights advocacy group: New York Gov. David A. Paterson (D) had issued a directive ordering state agencies to recognize same-sex weddings performed in other jurisdictions. "
Cecil residents split on prospect of slots
From: www.baltimoresun.com
"As residents of Perryville confront the prospect of a sprawling slot-machine complex opening in their historic town, many recall previous plans for economic development that never seemed to deliver on their promise."
Catching up - new state, new daughter, no controversy for Maine tribes advocate
From: pressherald.mainetoday.com
"Voters will consider a proposal this fall to build a casino in Maine – this time in Oxford County – but Tom Tureen won't be paying much attention."
Heating oil prices in Maine drop 2 cents a gallon
From: www.bangornews.com
"Maine's latest biweekly survey indicates the average cash price of heating oil has dropped 2 cents a gallon and now stands at $3.98. "
Herring catch cuts raise alarm
From: www.bangornews.com
"Fisheries regulators from Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire have taken a big bite out of the number of days that fishing boats can land herring, alarming Maine fishermen who depend upon herring for their livelihoods."
Granholm's decision rests on 2 questions
From: www.freep.com
"In the complicated morass that is Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's text message scandal, Gov. Jennifer Granholm has distilled her decision on whether to remove the mayor to two questions:"
Palin gets chance to fire back with speech
From: seattlepi.nwsource.com
"ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Sarah Palin can't say she wasn't warned."
Panel considering oil prices, production
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"On Thursday, a legislative committee will hear from a panel of experts on oil prices, oil production in Montana, oil taxation and the impact higher oil prices may have on the Montana economy. It also will wrap up a 16-month study of carbon sequestration."
Schweitzer -- Economy still cooking
From: www.billingsgazette.net
"Touting gains made during his time in office, Gov. Brian Schweitzer released an annual Labor Day report Tuesday that was full of indicators that Montana's economy is as strong as ever. His political opponent, however, said the numbers were hand-picked to paint a rosy picture."
Ex-ethics commission worker in NC sues over job
From: www.starnewsonline.com
"A former State Ethics Commission worker sued Tuesday to get her job back and collect monetary damages, arguing she was fired in retaliation for speaking with state personnel officials and the State Auditor's Office."
NH on verge of hiking cig tax 25 cents
From: hosted.ap.org
"New Hampshire is on the verge of raising its cigarette tax 25 cents a pack."
Power pundit
From: www.nypost.com
"Carla Katz is adding to her growing bank account. The former union president, who got $6 million from her affair with New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine in 2004, has plans to make a little cash on her own -- with a book. A tipster says Katz is "in talks with editors" about her "book on power" due out in early '09."
Pulling a shroud over public integrity probe
From: www.timesunion.com
"Government watchdogs on Tuesday assailed the state Commission on Public Integrity for what they said was a move to shield from public view some aspects of investigations into lobbyists."
Ohio appeals court strikes down grocery tax
From: hosted.ap.org
"An Ohio tax levied on business sales is unconstitutional when it's applied to food sold by grocery stores and to food wholesalers, a state appeals court ruled Tuesday."
NW Natural asking increase
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Northwest Natural Gas Co. asked regulators Friday for a 25 percent residential rate increase in Oregon effective Nov. 1 -- down from an earlier estimate of a 40 percent spike in rates."
Plan to annex Oregon City golf course faces hurdle
From: www.oregonlive.com
"OREGON CITY, Ore. -- A state Land Use Board of Appeals opinion has put into question whether a proposal to annex the 120-acre Oregon City Golf Course tract will appear on the November ballot. The proposal was defeated in March."
State, company make a deal on Johnson Lake cleanup
From: www.oregonlive.com
"Oregon environmental regulators and Owens-Brockway Glass Container have agreed on a partial cleanup of Johnson Lake, an 18-acre lake near Interstate 205's junction with the Columbia River."
Teens can begin hunter education class at 14
From: www.pennlive.com
"Another barrier to youth entering the sports of hunting and trapping has been reduced by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The agency has dropped the minimum age required for the independent study version of its hunter-trapper education class three years to 14."
Drink tax is kept off ballot
From: www.post-gazette.com
"The Allegheny County Board of Elections yesterday ruled that both referendum questions on the 10 percent drink tax should not be placed on the November ballot because they are illegal according to county and state law."
Economic woes not likely to harm hunting
From: www.capjournal.com
"Despite hard economic conditions, the upcoming pheasant hunting season looks as promising as ever, many in the community believe.
"
Gustav claims could hit $10 billion
From: www.2theadvocate.com
"BEAUMONT, Texas — Residential and commercial damage from Hurricane Gustav will trigger an estimated $4 billion to $10 billion in insurance claims, a third of which could affect the energy industry."
Governors appoint I-5 bridge advisers
From: www.oregonlive.com
"The governors of Oregon and Washington have appointed a committee to advise them on the $4.2 billion Interstate 5 bridge project that links Portland and Vancouver."
Author of Palin biography now in hot demand
From: www.adn.com
"DICKINSON, N.D. -- Kaylene Johnson remembers coming to The Dickinson Press newspaper looking for work when she was about 14."
Utility to Utah -- Raise rates or lose electricity
From: www.sltrib.com
"Rocky Mountain Power is giving Utahns an ultimatum: Give us the money we want or we won't give you the electricity you need."
Rocky Mountain Power to scale back services
From: deseretnews.com
"Utah's largest electric utility announced late Tuesday that effective Sept. 15, it would implement a hiring freeze directed at customer service positions in Utah."
Gas down, food up -- still costly
From: deseretnews.com
"What a difference a gallon of gas makes. Utahns are paying more at the grocery store now than they were at the first of August, particularly on eggs, beef and bread, according to a basket of 15 goods the Deseret News has tracked since April. But gas went down 30 cents in the past month, providing some relief."
Kaine orders state agencies to address shortfall
From: www.roanoke.com
"Gov. Tim Kaine has asked executive branch agencies to prepare contingency budget reduction plans ranging from 5 percent to 15 percent, another sign of the possible severity of Virginia's revenue shortfall."
VPIRG challenges Vt. Yankee ads
From: www.burlingtonfreepress.com
"Advertisements in print and on the air tout Vermont Yankee as "safe, clean, reliable." The nuclear power plant is none of those, argues the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, which Tuesday asked state Attorney General William Sorrell to investigate whether the ads amount to false advertising."
Yankee ad campaign prompts consumer fraud complaint
From: www.timesargus.com
"The Vermont Yankee nuclear plant is the target of a consumer fraud complaint that claims its owners engaged in deceptive advertising, officials said Tuesday."
Hospitals report fewer mistakes, accidents
From: www.spokesmanreview.com
"Regional hospitals are reporting fewer surgery mistakes and serious accidents in 2008. Called adverse events, hospitals in Washington had to begin publicly reporting more of their mistakes, ranging from pressure sores to suicides and botched surgeries, following medical liability reform legislation in 2006."
Compensation scam lasted for 15 years
From: www.dailymail.com
"A South Carolina man and woman pleaded guilty to illegally collecting nearly $116,000 from the state Workers' Compensation Commission by pocketing checks meant for the widow of a dead West Virginia miner."
Commission stands firm on turbine locations
From: www.casperstartribune.com
"GREEN RIVER, Wyo. -- There will be no late changes to current plans to construct a 36-turbine wind farm on top of White Mountain, Sweetwater County commissioners told the project's developer Tuesday."
Republican delegates speak from the convention
From: www.stateline.org
"
St. PAUL, Minn. —
Stateline.org asked delegates at the Republican National Convention, gathered here to nominate U.S. Sen. John McCain to be president, to turn their focus closer to home and answer the question: What serious issue in your state would you like the next president to address?
From economic growth, to military spending, to the future of ethanol and coal, the delegates expressed a wide range of serious concerns that they hope the next president will tackle. Go to
Convention Watch and look for "Delegates speak" and other convention coverage updated throughout the day."
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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