Rhetoric trumps realism in campaigns for governor
From: feeds.stateline.org
"There’s no shortage of reform ideas in this year’s gubernatorial campaigns. But there aren’t many specifics about how the huge budget gaps that exist in most states can be resolved.
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AK: State reviewing case against Bill Allen
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Alaska Attorney General Dan Sullivan said Thursday that state prosecutors are examining sex abuse allegations against former Veco Corp. chief Bill Allen, revitalizing a case that the U.S. Justice Department recently decided not to pursue.
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AL: Committee delays computer contract after learning company rep using state resources
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A legislative oversight committee Thursday delayed approval of a computer contract after learning the firm's Montgomery representative works out of a state office building.
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AZ: State's taxable retail sales took a 3% tumble in June
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Arizona's taxable retail sales tumbled in June compared with both the previous month and June 2009.
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CA: California sees increase in appliance rebate applications
From: feeds.stateline.org
"California's Cash for Appliances program is speeding up.
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CT: The high cost of congestion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Connecticut's congested transportation network does more than try motorists' patience: It costs businesses and residents at least $670 million a year, according to a new draft report prepared for the state's Transportation Strategy Board.
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DE: Gambling in Delaware -- Casinos cash in on table games
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenue from Delaware's three racetrack casinos has far exceeded government estimates so far this fiscal year, despite a weak economy and growing competition.
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DE: Find ways to trim budget without laying people off
From: feeds.stateline.org
"You would think that this deep into the biggest economic downturn since the Great Depression, both government officials and employees would recognize that hard times are upon us.
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FL: Authorities loosen curbs on Gulf fishing, shrimping
From: feeds.stateline.org
"MIAMI—Fishing and shrimping can resume in federal waters in the northern Gulf of Mexico stretching from Louisiana's far eastern shore into Florida's Panhandle, authorities said Thursday.
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FL: Crack at Crystal River Nuclear Power Plant explained
From: feeds.stateline.org
"CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — From the start, one question especially has concerned the federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission: Why Crystal River? Why did a 42-inch-thick wall at that nuclear plant separate into two layers during a big maintenance project last fall? Other nuclear plants have done similar jobs 26 times around the country, but no one ever saw a crack like Crystal River's — a crack that has kept the plant off-line for 11 months and piled up nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in outage costs.
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FL: Another Gulf rig explodes; no hazard apparent
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Another offshore rig exploded Thursday in the Gulf of Mexico, an unsettling echo of BP's deep-sea blowout less than six months ago, but this time it appears there won't be another environmental catastrophe.
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HI: Group urges Lingle to clear rail transit
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An organization of religious and community leaders yesterday called on Gov. Linda Lingle to give rail transit the green light.
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IA: Branstad says he'd seek "responsible" state regulation of farming
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Republican candidate Terry Branstad says if he's reelected as the state's governor, he'll seek "responsible" state regulation of Iowa's farmers.
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IA: Iowa ag secretary candidate attacks egg recall response
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Fairfield Democrat who wants to be Iowa's next agriculture secretary said Thursday he would do more to ensure food safety and timely inspections that would avoid the potential for repeats of the massive egg recall linked to salmonella contamination at Iowa production facilities.
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IA: Panel OKs 23 I-JOBS projects
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ANKENY, Iowa -- A state panel gave preliminary approval Thursday to 23 projects to receive $30 million in the latest round of I-JOBS funding for disaster prevention measures.
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IA: Scientific Games apparent winner of $50.3 million Iowa Lottery contract
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Scientific Games of Alpharetta, Ga., is the apparent winner of an Iowa Lottery contract worth $50.3 million to supply the state's lottery game computer system for the next decade.
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IA: Iowa unemployment insurance rates to rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Unemployment insurance rates paid by Iowa's 80,000 employers will be adjusted upward beginning Jan. 1, 2011, to compensate for a higher unemployment rate and the fact that more Iowans are remaining jobless longer, Iowa Workforce Development officials said Thursday.
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IA: Study -- Third of Iowa households lack broadband
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new study prepared in cooperation with the Iowa Utilities Board found that one-third of Iowa households don't have broadband service, not entirely because of a lack of access.
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IA: DeCosters gave big donation to Culver backer
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The DeCoster family gave $375,000 in the past four years to the Democratic Governors Association, which is the top financial supporter of Gov. Chet Culver's re-election campaign, federal records show.
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IL: Quinn launches drive to revive Peotone airport plan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Pat Quinn has launched a major behind-the-scenes effort to revive long-grounded plans to build a third metropolitan Chicago airport in far south suburban Peotone.
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IL: Slumping economy mirrored in child support collections
From: feeds.stateline.org
"In another troubling indicator of tough economic times, child support payments collected from unemployed Illinoisans skyrocketed last year.
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IL: 'Destination site' could become host of festivals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"COBDEN, Ill. -- Developers of a proposed destination development in Marion joined local legislators and members of the regional wine industry Thursday to build upon what they referred to as a mutually beneficial relationship.
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IL: Durbin supports Tenaska project
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Brushing aside cost concerns, U.S. Sen. Richard Durbin on Thursday endorsed a controversial power plant proposed for Taylorville and suggested that the low-emissions plant could get rid of carbon via a government-funded sequestration project known as FutureGen 2.0.
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IL: Illinois AG suing firm for identity protection charges
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan said Thursday she is suing a California company for charging consumers for identity protection services that they never requested.
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IL: Illinois employment could improve later this year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Employment in Illinois may accelerate in the last quarter of the year, according to one survey by a California-based staffing firm.
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IN: Indiana to get share of Botox settlement
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Indiana's attorney general says a pharmaceutical company that makes Botox will pay the state nearly $636,000 in a civil settlement.
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IN: Neighbors oppose air permit for MAC asphalt plant at Jeffersonville hearing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"About 60 Jeffersonville residents attended a public hearing conducted by state environmental regulators on Thursday to oppose a new air-quality permit requested for an asphalt plant near the Jefferson Court subdivision.
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IN: Superior claims concrete caused bridge failure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Chief executives of Gary-based Superior Construction Co. and the engineer for the Martin Luther King Drive bridge in Gary said Thursday the bridge's untimely end wasn't caused by its construction or design.
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IN: USI to seek boost in state appropriations
From: feeds.stateline.org
"By the University of Southern Indiana's calculations, the institution is able to receive up to $42.8 million in operating funds from the state over the next two years.
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KS: KPERS liability at $7.6 billion
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Improved investment returns trimmed to $7.6 billion the unfunded pension liability of the Kansas Employees Retirement System, analysts said Thursday.
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KY: Court allows Kentucky state furloughs to begin Friday
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Beshear administration's plan to place state workers on furlough will begin as planned Friday, closing most state government offices.
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KY: Ky. looks to improve college prep
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Kentucky educators are aggressively pursuing college and career readiness initiatives mandated by state lawmakers, but the state's universities - including Western Kentucky University - are devoting too many resources to remedial programs to close readiness gaps.
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LA: Oil platform explosion is in marked contrast with BP disaster in Gulf of Mexico
From: feeds.stateline.org
"An oil and natural gas production platform exploded in flames Thursday morning, sending 13 workers on board plunging into the Gulf of Mexico and touching raw nerves about the safety of offshore energy operations in the wake of the BP spill.
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LA: Sales tax holidays hit La. hunters' bull's-eye
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Louisiana's second annual sales tax holiday on hunting supplies is the key reason that Mike Melancon will likely buy a rifle scope today.
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LA: Health care critics speak
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ricky Landry, of Zuppardo's Family Supermarket, in Metairie, is concerned that the new federal health-care plan will force his business to increase grocery prices.
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LA: Temporary cap that stopped Gulf oil gusher is removed; no oil is expected to leak
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Engineers removed a temporary cap Thursday that stopped oil from gushing into the Gulf of Mexico from BP's blown-out well in mid-July. No more oil was expected to leak into the sea, but crews were standing by with collection vessels just in case.
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LA: Beaches are back 4 months after Gulf oil spill, but BP still casting a long shadow
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gulf Coast beaches that were post-oil spill ghost towns a few months ago expect to be packed for Labor Day weekend, long considered the last summer holiday. But this year, each surge of vacationers or long hotel waiting list can be somehow traced back to BP.
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MI: Make cities a campaign priority
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As mayors, Virg Bernero of Lansing and Brenda Lawrence of Southfield have wrestled daily with the aftershocks of population loss, plummeting property values and revenue sharing cuts.
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MI: Michigan 10.0 asks if a right-to-work law helps or hurts Michigan in its battle for jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than half of likely voters would support a right-to-work law in Michigan, according to a poll released on the eve of Labor Day weekend.
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MI: Virg Bernero would not bring state's business to banks that won't lend in Michigan
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Democratic gubernatorial candidate Virg Bernero says he'll stop the state from doing business with banks that won't lend in Michigan if he's elected.
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MI: Long-term unemployment reaches crisis level, says Michigan League for Human Services
From: feeds.stateline.org
"People out of work for longer than six months make up a growing share of the unemployed in Michigan, and minority workers are more likely to be unemployed long-term, according to a new report released today from the Michigan League for Human Services.
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MI: Unions, corporations can pool money for political action committees, under latest decision
From: feeds.stateline.org
"GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land won't try to stop corporations or labor groups from pooling funds for spending by political-action committees -- as long as expenditures are not connected with campaigns for government office.
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MI: State probes oil spill cleanup
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Michigan's Occupational Safety and Health Administration launched an investigation this week into conditions of the workers cleaning up the more than 800,000 gallons of crude oil that recently spilled into western Michigan waterways.
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MO: Missouri revenues up slightly in August, down for year
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Missouri's tax revenues increased slightly in August but not enough to reverse declines from the previous month.
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MT: Butte summit will help generate jobs for Montana
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Over the past few weeks, I've been lucky enough to spend some time at home under the Big Sky, traveling our state and hearing from you. I am always impressed, but never surprised, at the common sense feedback I get at home. This last trip, I heard one thing loud and clear: We need more good-paying jobs.
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MT: Lottery prizes totaling $450K unclaimed
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The Montana Lottery says three large prizes won in March Powerball drawings remain unclaimed and the clock is ticking on the six-month time frame in which they can be claimed.
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ND: Number of licensed ND grain elevators rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"North Dakota regulators say the number of licensed grain elevators has increased for the first time since 1995.
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NE: Nebraska State Fair's attendance on track to hit 300,000
From: feeds.stateline.org
"As of Tuesday, 120,000 people had attended the Nebraska State Fair being held in Grand Island for the first time in its 141 years.
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NH: State revenues up slightly for fiscal year's first 2 months
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state is enjoying a small surplus of revenues after two months of the 2011 fiscal year, which began July 1.
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NH: N.H. Banking Department blamed for firm's closure
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After laying off seven lawyers and as many paralegals, an attorney under fire for modifying mortgages without a state license has closed the doors to his Concord law firm. Dan Dargon says he had to take those steps because the state Banking Department's investigation into his firm has dealt his business a "catastrophic" blow.
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NJ: Despite budget cuts, NJ homeowners still face sky-high property taxes
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The average property tax hike in New Jersey will be 3.3 percent this year — and will hit 23.5 percent after the loss of the homestead rebate is factored in, a statewide review of new tax rates show.
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NJ: N.J. prepares for Hurricane Earl projected path in time for Labor Day weekend
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Travel plans on the ground and in the air could be complicated during the upcoming holiday weekend, with Hurricane Earl churning up the East Coast on a collision course with Labor Day traffic.
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NJ: Political group spins wind energy as waste of public funds, failure in the making
From: feeds.stateline.org
"ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - A political group protested the state's plans to spend public money on New Jersey's new offshore wind industry. About 20 members or supporters of Americans for Prosperity rallied Thursday in front of the five windmills at the Atlantic County Utilities Authority to denounce offshore wind as a public waste of money.
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NJ: Assemblyman- Make OTW parlors part of horse-racing debate in NJ
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A South Jersey assemblyman is calling for the expansion of off-track wagering in New Jersey, saying the potential revenues from OTW operations should be part of the debate over the future of gaming in the state.
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NJ: Is this what Gov. Chris Christie meant by family fun?
From: feeds.stateline.org
"When the governor said he wanted to create a vacation destination that couldn't be topped, who knew this is what he meant?
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NJ: Gov. Christie pushes bill to convert New Jersey Network into independent entity
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Chris Christie submitted legislation today designed to end the state's four decades of support for the public television network, NJN, by year's end .
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NV: Nevada labor groups decry benefit cuts
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nevada labor leaders and worker representatives Thursday condemned big cuts to public employee and retiree benefits and pledged to overhaul the state's tax system if lawmakers don't in the 2011 Legislature.
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NY: Pension fund drop = tax rise
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Mandatory pension contributions for the state as well as municipalities -- including cities, towns and counties -- will jump 37 percent within two years thanks to a drop in the value of the recession-battered pension fund, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli said Thursday. And that likely means higher property taxes, deep cuts, or a combination of the two are just around the corner.
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NY: Paladino talks tough about Seneca issue
From: feeds.stateline.org
"NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- Gubernatorial candidate Carl P. Paladino said Wednesday that if he is elected, he would take a hard line against the Seneca Nation of Indians. And he didn't stop there.
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OH: Ohio hits a rough patch, drops 11 spots in national highway rankings
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Ohio plummeted 11 spots in a national ranking of highway systems after shoveling cash at its roads and seeing minimal gains for its money.
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OR: Bid by Nestle to tap into Cascade Locks spring water open for public comment
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Nestl Waters North America's bid to tap a Columbia Gorge spring for a new bottled water plant gets a crucial public airing this month as Oregon regulators consider a water exchange required for the project.
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PA: Study credits federal intervention in preserving jobs
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A non-profit economic research group today released an annual report on the state of workers in Pennsylvania that concluded that, absent policy actions taken by the federal government in the wake of the recession, Pennsylvania and the nation would be looking at double digit unemployment rates today.
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PA: Bill addresses kids left alone in casino lots
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Two Republican lawmakers are upset about several incidents this summer at a suburban Philadelphia casino, where adults have gone inside to gamble while leaving young children alone in vehicles in the parking lot.
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SD: Money an issue in replacing failed dam
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State officials say it's uncertain whether the Rosehill Dam in Hand County will be replaced or rebuilt after it gave way in a summer downpour.
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TN: Benefits change ahead for state employees
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Thousands of Tennessee state employees and educators could face a tough choice when picking their health plan this month: Pay cheaper monthly insurance premiums or stay loyal to their regular physician.
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TX: 2nd appliance rebate program set in Texas
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Texans frustrated by not being able to get through by phone or online to take part in an April energy-efficient appliance rebate program will have another chance.
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UT: Even if Utah accepts federal money, schools may only see half of it
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Utah's chances of rejecting $101 million in federal stimulus funds are "about as close to zero as one can get," Attorney General Mark Shurtleff's office told lawmakers Thursday.
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UT: Gov. Gary Herbert vows help for Indian country
From: feeds.stateline.org
"OGDEN, Utah — Gov. Gary Herbert told leaders of Utah's Indian tribes on Thursday that he is committed to help them improve job development, education and health care.
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VA: Northrop Grumman regrets computer outage
From: feeds.stateline.org
"More than a week after the collapse of computer systems it runs for Virginia, Northrop Grumman is saying it "deeply regrets" the outage that paralyzed some of the basic work of state government for days.
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VA: McDonnell lays out concerns to Northrop Grumman
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Gov. Bob McDonnell is telling the state's computer contractor, Northrop Grumman, that the weeklong failure of government info-tech networks caused an "unacceptable hardship" for taxpayers and public employees.
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VA: Bars, restaurants face new taxes with privatization
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Restaurants and bars that buy liquor from state stores now would have to pay for the privilege of buying directly from private wholesalers under a privatization plan being prepared for unveiling by Gov. Bob McDonnell next week.
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VT: Vermont ranked top for low-income student performance
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A new report ranks Vermont top in the country for low-income students. At the same time the report from the American Legislative Exchange Council, a national group that promotes limited government, put Vermont at the bottom in its efforts at education reform.
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WA: Economic climate change hits water policy
From: feeds.stateline.org
"State revenue problems are forcing a serious conversation about how the state might overhaul the management and financing of Washington water resources.
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WA: No more bets -- WA court says online bookie illegal
From: feeds.stateline.org
"All bets are off at Betcha.com, a Seattle-based online bookmaker that couldn't skirt the state's gambling laws by making it optional for losing bettors to pay off wagers.
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WI: Foreclosures creep higher
From: feeds.stateline.org
"After two consecutive months in which Wisconsin foreclosure filings were lower than the same time a year ago, filings crept up 1.1% in August -- a reminder of the tenacious nature of the problem in a job-short economy.
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WI: 2 Neumann clients complain of raw deals
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Not everybody is impressed when Republican gubernatorial candidate Mark Neumann repeatedly touts his business experience.
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WI: Wisconsin offers Harley incentives package
From: feeds.stateline.org
"With a crucial decision about the future of Harley-Davidson Inc.'s manufacturing operations in Wisconsin looming, state officials have stepped up and offered the motorcycle company various financial incentives to help preserve as many as 1,700 jobs, including 1,300 in the Milwaukee area.
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WI: Stimulus gives Wisconsin a shot of federal money
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Wisconsin, a longtime laggard among states at securing federal money, shot ahead in 2009 as the federal stimulus bill took effect, snagging an increase of more than 50%, or $21.14 billion in federal funds.
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WI: Cracks force closing of ramp on new Marquette Interchange
From: feeds.stateline.org
"A Marquette Interchange freeway ramp used by 15,000 motorists per day was shut down Thursday evening and will remain closed indefinitely because cracks have developed in a vertical support column.
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WI: State whittles unemployment compensation case backlog
From: feeds.stateline.org
"The state agency that handles unemployment compensation appeals says the number of backlogged cases awaiting a hearing has been reduced to an estimated 5,883 as of the last week of August.
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WV: State officials say economy is growing
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Manchin administration officials see further signs of a rebounding economy after West Virginia's general revenues beat August's estimate by $31 million.
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WY: Energy industry criticizes proposed Wyoming royalty fee hike
From: feeds.stateline.org
"Oil and gas representatives had harsh words Wednesday about the first proposed changes to the state's oil and gas leasing contract in nearly three decades.
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Visit the Stateline.org Economy & Business Page
From: feeds.stateline.org
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