Asian carp, other invasive species make a splash
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As one voracious non-native fish bears down on the Great Lakes, notorious mussels are spreading across the West. Frustrated state officials say it’s time for the federal government to play a bigger role in stopping the spread of invasive species.
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AL: Alabama has more than $382 million in unclaimed assets; any claimants?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state treasury has more than $382 million in assets waiting to be claimed.
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AL: Alabama Farmers Federation backs candidates
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Alabama Farmers Federation has released a bipartisan list of endorsements for the November general election, including Republican Kay Ivey for lieutenant governor and Democratic incumbents Susan Parker and Jan Cook for the Public Service Commission.
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AL: Alabama companies get money to train employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Seven existing Alabama companies are to receive a total of more than $158,000 to help them train existing employees in modern skills.
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AR: Some Arkansas growers to harvest early
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arkansas farmers have gotten the weather they'd been hoping for and some are about to begin an early harvest that could mean better prices.
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AR: White House pledges $1.5 billion for agricultural disaster aid
From: feeds.stateline.org
"U.S. Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., said today she has secured a commitment from the Obama administration to find $1.5 billion in its budget to help farmers who are coping with natural disasters.
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CA: State panel sets limits on utility shut-offs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"SAN JOSE, Calif. -- State regulators on Thursday made it more difficult for utilities to shut off electricity and gas service to customers who are struggling to pay their bills.
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CO: Tom Tancredo officially launches bid for Colorado governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"LAKEWOOD, Colo. — Touting opposition to new taxes and fees and support for education reform and a business-friendly atmosphere, former Republican congressman Tom Tancredo on Thursday launched a gubernatorial campaign as an American Constitution Party candidate.
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CO: Colo. pot shops face closure under tough new rules pot
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nearly a fifth of Colorado's medical marijuana dispensary operators could be forced out of business in coming weeks because of new state rules barring some convicted felons from the pot business, federal drug authorities say.
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DE: Delaware politicians laud beach boost
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Delaware's congressional delegation said this week's grant of nearly $8.2 million to fix the shores of Bethany Beach and South Bethany will more than pay for itself.
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DE: Dover Downs Gaming profits drop
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Profits at Dover Downs Gaming & Entertainment plummeted by 42 percent for the second quarter, as a weak economy continued to depress gambling and the company spent heavily to start up table games. Overall revenues remained stable.
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FL: Miami Commission approves skyscraper-size billboards
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Miami commissioners passed one of the most controversial zoning issues in years Thursday, giving developer Mark Siffin the green light to build a pair of towering electronic signs that will hover almost 500 feet over downtown.
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FL: Oil spill threat to South Florida almost over, top federal official says
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The top federal official on the BP oil spill said Thursday there's now very little chance any of the oil will reach South Florida.
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GA: Coca-Cola pours $70M into clean technology fund
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Big Red is investing some green — into going green.
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GA: Jobless Georgians getting extended UI benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The checks are in the mail.
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HI: Tests, arrests hint at rise in drug use use
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A jump in methamphetamine-related arrests on Oahu and a significant increase in positive results in workplace drug tests statewide suggest a surge in meth use -- even by people trying to find jobs in Hawaii's struggling economy.
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IA: Culver -- Aid for flooded Iowans announced soon
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An aid package for business and property owners hurt by the summer's floods and storms could be announced as early as today, Gov. Chet Culver said Wednesday.
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ID: Small firm buys land for proposed Idaho nuke plant
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A small company that wants to build a billion-dollar nuclear power plant in Idaho says it has signed an agreement to purchase 6,000 acres in Payette County.
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IL: State to Aunt Aggie's niece -- Stop right there
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials have told the niece of a 100-year-old Monee woman known as "Aunt Aggie" to stop trying to sell the woman's 70-acre farm.
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IL: Quinn forgetting some 'paycheck-to-paycheck' folks
From: feeds.stateline.org
"If there is a phrase that defines Gov. Pat Quinn's message over the last three decades — since long before his back-door entry into the governor's office — it would be these three words: "Paycheck to paycheck."
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IL: Illinois opens door for small distilleries
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Small-scale liquor distilleries could soon begin selling their products on-site in Illinois, a change that could lead to more of them popping up across the state.
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KS: Governor announces agreement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Bombardier Aerospace is preparing to release details of an agreement with the state that officials contend will secure Wichita as the home of the Learjet. Gov. Mark Parkinson planned to be in Wichita on Friday for the joint announcement with Steve Ridolfi, Bombardier's business aircraft president.
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KY: Businessman, lawmaker announce GOP slate for governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Louisville businessman who describes himself as a tea party candidate Thursday became the first Republican to enter next year's race for governor.
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LA: FEMA trailer formaldehyde claims by Mississippi residents dismissed by federal judge
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Plaintiffs' attorneys plan to appeal a judge's dismissal of claims against the federal government by Mississippi storm victims who say they were exposed to dangerous fumes while living in FEMA trailers after Hurricane Katrina.
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LA: Obama panel -- Review drill ban
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama's own commission investigating the Deepwater Horizon explosion is asking for an independent analysis over whether the administration's drilling moratorium is an adequate way to ensure rig safety.
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LA: Gulf of Mexico oil spill lawsuits should be consolidated, panel of federal judges is told
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A federal judicial panel in Boise, Idaho, wrestled Thursday with perceptions of bias and conflict among both judges and geography in figuring out where to consolidate more than 300 lawsuits filed against BP PLC and other companies in the wake of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
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MA: Onetime home of the Puritans weighs bet on casino gambling
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Massachusetts legislators were locked in negotiations Thursday over casino gambling legislation. But the talks centered not on whether to have gambling in the state at all, but rather on what kind. That's a major leap forward for the former home of the Puritans, which has for decades fended off attempts to bring casino gambling within its borders.
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MA: Patrick, in shift, offers a slots deal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In a significant shift in his public position, Governor Deval Patrick said yesterday that he would accept creation of one slot parlor as part of the expanded gambling bill, if legislators agreed to break a logjam that has halted other major business on Beacon Hill.
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MA: Homeowners, renters may get more help
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Renters threatened with eviction from foreclosed properties and homeowners struggling to keep their homes would gain new protections from a law passed by the state Legislature late Wednesday and expected to be signed by Governor Deval Patrick.
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MD: Constellation CEO -- Calvert Cliffs project in jeopardy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Constellation Energy Group Chief Executive Mayo A. Shattuck warned Wednesday that the proposed new nuclear reactor at Calvert Cliffs would be in jeopardy if the project does not receive approval for a federal loan guarantee by the end of the summer.
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MD: Md. Dems get $100K from national party
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Democratic National Committee wired $100,000 to the Maryland Democratic Party Wednesday, a cash infusion the party says will help statewide campaign efforts for the fall.
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ME: Cigarette sales on rise in Maine
From: feeds.stateline.org
"For the first time in years, cigarette sales in Maine are up as measured by the sale of the tax stamps that must be on every pack sold in the state. In the first six months of this year, tax stamp sales were up 5 percent.
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MI: Mich. leak raises pressure on oil firm over safety record
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The world's largest crude-oil pipeline company is facing mounting questions not only about its west Michigan spill but also about its safety record that includes a multimillion-dollar penalty levied for a 2007 accident in Minnesota that left two workers dead.
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MN: GOP's Emmer says Target's spending is free speech
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican Tom Emmer says the flap over Target Corp. giving money to a group supporting him in the Minnesota governor's race is getting personal.
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MO: Nixon lays out goals for economic growth effort
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri is a centrally located state with natural resources, a hard-working employee pool and diverse industries, Gov. Jay Nixon said Thursday. But the state can't be the best at everything, he cautioned.
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MT: Legislative panel can't agree on state energy policy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative panel Thursday deadlocked on how to update the state's energy policy, as Democrats balked at what they saw as an excessive endorsement of oil, gas and coal as part of Montana's energy future.
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NC: N.C. mental health provider loses accreditation
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The financially troubled Mental Health Association of North Carolina is getting out of the business of providing care to hundreds of people.
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NC: N.C. hopes to land Caterpillar plant, 500 jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. -- North Carolina hopes to be picked as the site for a new plant planned by heavy-equipment manufacturer Caterpillar Inc. that will employ about 500 employees and contract workers.
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NE: Busy signals, long waits for Nebraskans applying for unemployment benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Once again the state Department of Labor call center cannot handle the wave of calls from Nebraskans applying for unemployment benefits.
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NH: Uncovered by helmet law?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Five years ago, the state of New Hampshire passed a helmet law. No, not that kind of a helmet law -- not a motorcycle helmet requirement. It was a bicycle helmet law: Riders under 16 must wear protective headgear when riding on public ways.
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NH: Hodes misses vote on benefits
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After repeatedly prodding his Republican opponents in the U.S. Senate race to support extending unemployment benefits, Democratic U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes last week missed the vote.
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NJ: Gov. Christie proposes expanding grant program to keep N.J. businesses in-state
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Christie today proposed pumping up a state grant program designed to keep businesses in New Jersey, saying the change would be key to retaining companies like Honeywell.
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NJ: Make change? Why not? Privatize New Jersey toll booths
From: feeds.stateline.org
"We're not here to ridicule anyone's job, but we had to chuckle at the indignation from the toll collectors union when the governor's task force recently proposed privatizing toll collections. Collectors said it would lead to a lesser-skilled work force.
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NJ: A hammer for the tool kit- Arbitration reform
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Over the past month, the governor signed a budget that cut municipal property tax relief funding by about $400 million, and a new 2 percent cap on future property tax increases became law.
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NJ: N.J. senator seeks inquiry into Cherry Hill off-track betting facility
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A state senator has requested that the attorney general look into an off-track betting facility in Cherry Hill that was approved in 2003, but never built, according to a report on CourierPostOnline.com.
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NJ: Honeywell to stay in N.J. after Gov. Christie proposes boosting tax credits for businesses
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MORRIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. — Soon after taking office, Gov. Chris Christie heard Morris Township-based Honeywell International was considering fleeing the state.
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NM: NM state prisons struggle through staffing shortage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Some of New Mexico's prisons are woefully understaffed as they struggle to recruit and keep correctional officers, according to state data and interviews.
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NV: Gov. Gibbons makes med board, TRPA appointments
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada Gov. Jim Gibbons has named Las Vegas real estate broker and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency board member Donna Ruthe to the state Board of Medical Examiners.
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NV: Poll- Nevadans angry, pessimistic
From: feeds.stateline.org
"WASHINGTON -- What is the mood in a state where almost one in five people is out of a job or underemployed? Where you've most likely held a foreclosure notice in your hand or know someone who has? Where nobody knows when the good times will return?
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NV: Transmission line plan gains approval
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada utility regulators have approved a sweeping 20-year development plan for Nevada's main electric utility that includes a $510 million transmission line, $301 million in "smart" meters and more than 400 megawatts of renewable-power purchases.
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NY: Cuomo probing MetLife, Prudential Financial
From: feeds.stateline.org
"New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo subpoenaed MetLife Inc. and Prudential Financial Inc. as part of what his office called a "major fraud investigation" into how life insurers make payouts to policy beneficiaries.
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NY: Paterson -- I believe we'll have a budget by Tuesday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday. Gov. David Paterson was on the radio in Syracuse this evening expressing optimism that legislative leaders — who met with him this afternoon — will reach an accord on the final pieces of the state budget by Tuesday.
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OH: El Salvadoran call center used for Ohio appliance rebate program
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Texas company that administered Ohio's $11 million appliance rebate program used hundreds of workers in El Salvador to process applications and answer customers' calls.
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OH: Ohio, Michigan score among highest for states with oil spills
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio and Michigan have been ranked 8th and 9th, respectively, in major oil spills and accidents since 2000, according to a report based on government data that a national environmental group released Thursday.
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PA: Corbett- Pennsylvania job losses are the governor's fault
From: feeds.stateline.org
"KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett on Wednesday laid the blame for lost Pennsylvania jobs at the feet of Gov. Ed Rendell, charging that his tax-and-spend policies have hindered the state's ability to ride out the worst economic downturn since the 1930s.
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PA: Rendell offer reforms for beleaguered DRPA
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Rendell, responding to weeks of discord and controversy at the Delaware River Port Authority, yesterday suggested several reforms for the agency.
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PA: State has glut of 'fiefdoms'
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Think of Pennsylvania, and things such as the Constitution, the Liberty Bell, sports, the Amish and Pa. Dutch come to mind. But the state has another, less-favorable reputation for its mind-boggling number of local governments.
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RI: Editorial -- Don't knock the sock
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Independent gubernatorial candidate Lincoln Chafee raised some valid concerns about Rhode Island's $75 million loan to the video-game company of former Red Sox star Curt Schilling. But he went too far when he questioned the pitcher's famed bloody sock — symbol of Boston's amazing resurgence and world championship in 2004.
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SC: Advocacy group leader promotes overhaul of South Carolina tax system
From: feeds.stateline.org
"South Carolina isn't broke — its tax system is broken, the director of a public education advocacy group told more than 400 business and...
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TN: Tennessee businesses lobby for amnesty for illegal immigrants
From: feeds.stateline.org
"While Tennessee's lawmakers work to make state immigration policy as tough as Arizona's, Tennessee businesses and professional groups are lobbying to make life easier for immigrants.
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UT: Feds approve huge Utah gas project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An energy company has received approval to open one of Utah's biggest natural-gas fields by agreeing to use new technology to drill under wild areas, instead of on top of them.
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VA: Be sure to put an asterisk on Virginia's budget surplus
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia Gov. Robert F. McDonnell's announcement that the state registered a modest surplus in the fiscal year that ended last month is good news, but it's the sort of good news that comes with a large asterisk.
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VA: McAuliffe seeks refit of shuttered Franklin paper mill
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Terry McAuliffe, hoping business bets yield votes for another go for governor, could learn next month whether he can pull off his gamble to refit a Southside paper mill as a power plant.
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VA: McDonnell orders study of gun-range options
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob McDonnell has directed his secretary of public safety and the superintendent of Virginia State Police to look at all options regarding a controversial shooting range and training facility proposed for Powhatan County.
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VA: McDonnell to visit Norfolk to tout liquor proposal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell will travel the state next month to pitch his plans to privatize state liquor sales.
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VT: White River Junction postal processing plant cited, fined $420,000 in safety violations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Federal job safety inspectors have cited a Vermont mail processing center for a half dozen safety violations and will seek $420,000 in fines, the latest in a series of crackdowns on "willful" neglect of electrical hazards in postal buildings.
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VT: Dealer.com ordered to pay back wages
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Dealer.com, a Burlington company touted locally and nationally as one of the top places to work, has been ordered by the U.S. Department of Labor to pay a total of $138,283 in overtime to 161 current and formers workers it misclassified as exempt from overtime. The company, which makes websites for auto dealers, erroneously classified employees who held jobs doing inside sales, clerical support and account management as being exempt from overtime pay, Labor Department spokesman John Chavez said.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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