Court upholds ballot laws
Three independent candidates lost a challenge to Alabama's ballot access laws, which are among the toughest in the nation. [Montgomery Advertiser]
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Archive of Stateline.org RSS - State by State Roundup on Friday July 06, 2007
Court upholds ballot laws
Three independent candidates lost a challenge to Alabama's ballot access laws, which are among the toughest in the nation. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
Drought index dips, but barely
Alabama remains in the grip of a disastrous drought, but after a few days of scattered showers a little less of the state falls under the federal government's worst drought classification. [The Birmingham News] Read More
Guard unit called to support Operation Iraqi Freedom
The Montgomery-based 1146th Personnel Services Battalion of the Alabama Army National Guard has been called to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
Prosecution urges more jail time or restitution
Federal prosecutors on Thursday urged U.S. District Court Judge Mark Fuller not to erase the part of former Gov. Don Siegelman's sentence for bribery and other crimes that ordered him to pay $181,325 in restitution. [The Birmingham News] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Palin hopeful that producers will apply to build gas pipeline
Gov. Sarah Palin is publicly hoping that the state's major oil producers will apply to build an Alaska natural gas pipeline. The companies remain reluctant. [The Juneau Empire (registration)] Read More
Palin's budget cuts leave operations intact
Last week, Gov. Sarah Palin vetoed $231 million from the capital budget for construction projects, a move that pleased many Alaskans who voted for the self-described fiscal conservative to rein in government spending. [The Juneau Empire (registration)] Read More
Defense rests its case in Anderson trial
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The defense rested its case today in the trial of Tom Anderson without calling the former Alaska legislator to the stand. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Anderson case likely to get to jury today
On June 13, 2005, an FBI agent left a message on then-state Rep. Tom Anderson's cell phone asking for his views on an upcoming federal appointment because he had been such a friend of law enforcement in the past. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Closing arguments set for today in Anderson trial
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The defense in the federal corruption trial of former state Rep. Tom Anderson rested its case after breezing through a flurry of witnesses Thursday, as it tried to demonstrate Anderson has on numerous occasions voted against legislation his consulting clients asked him to support. [The Juneau Empire (registration)] Read More
State probing BP safety
State officials said Thursday in response to a congressional letter citing safety concerns at Prudhoe Bay that they have long been inspecting the North Slope oil production facilities under discussion and plan to release their findings soon. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
'Move Over Law' goes into effect
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- A new law goes into effect today. It's called the "Move Over Law" and it is meant to help protect law enforcement officers when pulling over cars on Alaska's roadways. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Drivers notice increased law enforcement
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Alaska law enforcement officers are taking to the skies to catch dangerous drivers on the highways. It's a first this Fourth of July weekend and drivers can't help but notice the increased enforcement both on the roads and in the air. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
New budget already faces shortfall
The newly enacted state budget may already be in the red. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Lawmakers criticize speed-ticket program
Revenue generated from speed-enforcement cameras should be used to put more state troopers on the Valley's highways, some legislators contend. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Bill to enforce baby formula 'use by' dates
House Democrats are crafting legislation to make it illegal to sell infant formula in Arizona past its "use by" date. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson)] Read More
Transplanting aloha spirit
A group of Hawaiian inmates has started calling Eloy home. About 300 prisoners are the first to populate the Saguaro Correctional Center, a new medium-security, culturally sensitive prison that opened in Pinal County in late June. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
On vacation, Elkins' state senator rescues drowning swimmer
State Sen. Bill Pritchard made headlines while on vacation in Florida this week when he helped rescue a man drowning in a swimming pool. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
Arkansas students' test scores improve, show smaller achievement gap
Arkansas students' scores on benchmark exams were higher overall this year than last year, and for the first time the scores show a narrowing of the achievement gap between black students and whites, state Education Commissioner Ken James said Thursday. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Beebe aids hospital, views rebuilding effort in Dumas
DUMAS, Ark. - Gov. Mike Beebe provided $250,000 in aid to Delta Memorial Hospital on Thursday during a tour of tornado rebuilding efforts in this southeastern Arkansas community. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Beebe gives hospital $250k to cover care after Feb. storm
DUMAS, Ark. - A recreation complex rebuilt since tornadoes struck in February shows the power of community action, Gov. Mike Beebe says. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
New assistant education commissioner named
State Education Commissioner Ken James announced Thursday he has named Diana Julian to serve as assistant commissioner of the state Education Department. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Governor tours tornado-hit city, finds it on mend
DUMAS, Ark. - If it weren't for the fireplace and the brick frame standing alone in a yard, it would be hard to tell with the naked eye that a tornado cut through the Lennox Circle neighborhood in Dumas four months ago. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Curriculum changes could cut students' time with Ark. history
A newly revised social studies curriculum for Arkansas' school children will cut the amount of time devoted to state history for elementary and high school students, historians warned. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
Ark. scores show narrowing of gap between blacks, whites
For the first time, this year's scores on state standardized tests show a narrowing of the achievement gap between white and black students in Arkansas, while Hispanic students trailed. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
Literacy scores decline for many area schools
The largest school districts in Northwest Arkansas showed significant decreases in elementary literacy scores on the 2007 Benchmark Exams released Thursday by state education officials. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
Universities help pay salaries of Richardson appointees
Two New Mexico universities are helping foot the bill of Gov. Bill Richardson appointees, and the arrangement has some concerned about potential conflicts of interest. [Santa Fe New Mexican (registration)] Read More
Global warming threatens alternative-oil projects
LOS ANGELES - Oil-sand, oil-shale, and coal-to-oil projects -- alternative fuel sources that could enhance US energy security -- have always faced one hurdle. They look good only when oil prices are high. Now, they have another challenge: global warming. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
California investigates a mother-and-child prison center
LOS ANGELES - The authorities in California are investigating accusations that poor health care at a center where mothers serve prison terms with their young children led to the stillbirth of a 7-month-old fetus and endangered the lives of several children. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
California, Nevada governors want review of agency after Tahoe wildfire
CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Governors of California and Nevada agreed Thursday to form a panel that will determine whether policies to protect Lake Tahoe may have worsened the impact of a wildfire that destroyed 254 homes and other buildings. [The Orange County Register] Read More
Lawmaker advocates greater independence for state air board
The head of the Assembly's Natural Resources Committee said Thursday that she's considering introducing a bill to give members of California's air board fixed terms in office, saying that would allow them to implement the state's landmark global warming law without fear of political retribution. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Dems weigh subpoenas for 2 of governor's aides
Assembly Democrats said they may need to subpoena two of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's aides who are expected to rebuff an invitation to testify at an oversight hearing today on why two officials were forced from the state's air resources board. [The Mercury News (San Jose) (registration)] Read More
Schwarzenegger may lose a bit of his eco-luster
SAN FRANCISCO - In the last year or so, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger -- he of the incredible orange perma-tan -- has had a remarkably green tint. In September, Mr. Schwarzenegger, a Republican, signed into law a landmark emissions-reduction measure and then drove a green bus during his easy, breezy re-election campaign. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Veterinarians desert sterilization bill
The state's biggest veterinary group withdrew its endorsement this week of legislation that would require most owners to spay or neuter their dogs and cats, dealing the bill a serious blow. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
Offering a drop of hope
OAKLAND, Calif. -- At 3 months, Sophia DeMiguel appears to be a healthy, happy baby. She exhibits no signs of the disease that will color her life. [Contra Costa Times (registration)] Read More
California lobbyists hit record number
No one apparently noticed, but California state politics recently broke a record. [The Orange County Register] Read More
A craving to stay cool challenges power grid anew
Each time the temperatures rise, so do Californians' fears. [The Mercury News (San Jose) (registration)] Read More
State tuition aid for guardsmen suggested
Calling it "unconscionable" that California offers no college tuition help to its National Guard members, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger will push to include funding in the next state budget. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
School oversight measure advances
Democrats in an Assembly committee advanced a bill Thursday that would revive oversight of California's career-oriented schools despite the Schwarzenegger administration's continued criticism that it's too heavy-handed. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
State to rescind $45 million in funding for L.A. Unified
The welcome news arrived in February: The state controller said he would forgo immediate claims his office had on a special payment of $70 million in state funds to the Los Angeles Unified School District, which allowed officials to sweeten the salary pot and reach agreement over a new teachers contract. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Gibbons joins call for joint fire commission
Gov. Jim Gibbons joined the call Thursday for creation of a joint Nevada-California commission to study forest management and fire prevention in the Tahoe Basin. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Maryland ranks 46th for traffic
Think Maryland roads are congested? The Reason Foundation agrees with you. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
New law requires insurance carriers to cover mental health, but some worry it will increase premiums
In a time when Colorado officials are working to lower health-care costs, a mandate on insurance companies to include mental illness in coverage seems paradoxical. [The Tribune (Greeley)] Read More
Blacks fear losing their voice
Former state Sen. Gloria Tanner looks at the future of politics in Denver and the state House of Representatives and sees few folks who look like her. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Enhanced high school studies may alter course
The Colorado Commission on Higher Education is slated to consider Tuesday modifying a plan to increase admission requirements to the state's four-year colleges and universities. [The Denver Post] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Democrats see last legislative session from different angles
House Speaker James A. Amann has a quick diagnosis for those fellow Democrats who have quietly complained that the party didn't get all the results it hoped for out of its new super-majority status in the legislature. [The Day (New London)] Read More
Rell signs storm-shutter bill into law
Gov. M. Jodi Rell made it illegal Thursday for insurers to refuse to take on coastal customers who do not install permanent storm shutters to prevent hurricane damage. [The Day (New London)] Read More
School desegregation case back in court
Connecticut's landmark school desegregation case, Sheff vs. O'Neill, is back in court in the form of a legal motion citing the failure of the legislature to approve a tentative agreement. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
State closes illegal trash dump in Milford
State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal renewed his push for regulation of the garbage industry after announcing Thursday that the state has shut down an illegal dump linked to reputed mob figure Gus Curcio. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Medical costs for state prisoners soaring, commissioner says
Treating cancer and AIDS is contributing to the escalating cost of providing medical care to state prisoners, says Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps. [The Commercial Dispatch (Columbus)] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Drivers fear battered border road as Del., Pa. in standoff
For years, Steve Rodriguez has traversed back roads to get to one of his favorite summer spots on the Brandywine to cool off. But lately, a section of his journey has been rough going. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Groups ask crab ban appeal
Four major conservation groups are seeking authority to appeal a Delaware Superior Court ruling that struck down the state's two-year-old ban on horseshoe crab harvests. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Party chief's dual role draws fire
Florida Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Thurman makes $100,000 a year to build a political machine to compete with Republicans, and earns extra income working for a law firm headed by one of the state's leading Republicans, Al Cardenas. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Proenza defies calls to leave hurricane center
Embattled hurricane center director Bill Proenza on Friday angrily defied calls from a mutinous staff for his dismissal. At the same time, he said he would discuss ''the way forward'' with his superiors in Washington. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
State takes on fake grouper
Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Bronson is offering a little schooling for consumers worried about fake grouper. [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
McCain scales back Florida staff
A cash crunch has forced Republican John McCain to gut his presidential campaign in Florida, an early sign that only a few, extremely flush contenders will be able to compete in a state hosting one of the nation's first primaries. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
On vacation, Elkins' state senator rescues drowning swimmer
State Sen. Bill Pritchard made headlines while on vacation in Florida this week when he helped rescue a man drowning in a swimming pool. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
South Dakota to execute 1st prisoner in 60 years
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - South Dakota is preparing for its first execution in 60 years, nearly a year after the governor delayed an execution over legal concerns about the lethal injection mixture prison officials planned to use. [USA Today] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Sharpton embraces relatives at rally for Gernarlow Wilson
Standing on the steps of the Douglas County Courthouse, the Reve. Al Sharpton embraced the mother and sister of Genarlow Wilson Thursday as he joined hundreds of supporters demanding Wilson's immediate release from prison. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Sharpton -- Wilson sentence 'wicked,' 'illegal'
Longtime civil rights activist Al Sharpton headlined an energetic rally at the Douglas County courthouse Thursday in support of Genarlow Wilson, who is serving a 10-year prison sentence for engaging in oral sex with a 15-year-old girl when he was 17. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
State on empty -- No funds for road upgrades
The state Department of Transportation ran out of money when its budget year ended, leaving nearly $445 million in routine maintenance and safety upgrades unfunded throughout the state. [The Athens Banner-Herald] Read More
Georgia cash for GOP is lacking
In the first quarter of the year, Republican candidates took in less than $650,000 from Georgians, compared to nearly $1.7 million for Democrats, according to the Federal Election Commission. [The Augusta Chronicle] Read More
Governor reports staff promotions
Gov. Sonny Perdue has made four changes to his administration. [Atlanta Business Chronicle (registration)] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Democrats deny governor's request to amend bills
Legislative leaders are rejecting Gov. Linda Lingle's last-minute request that the Legislature amend four of 33 bills that the governor is threatening to veto. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Override session still on Tuesday
Gov. Linda Lingle publicly asked lawmakers yesterday to compromise on a few bills on her potential veto list, but legislative leaders said they intend to stick with their own plans for a one-day special override session on Tuesday. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Hawaii statistics revealing
Hawaii is, if nothing else, a self-absorbed state. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
State now lets foster parents off for court
Jamie and Gina Wataru became foster parents six years ago when they decided they wanted a fourth child. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Monthly mortgage payments going up
Many Hawaii homeowners with adjustable-rate mortgages will face higher monthly payments in the next year. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Transplanting aloha spirit
A group of Hawaiian inmates has started calling Eloy home. About 300 prisoners are the first to populate the Saguaro Correctional Center, a new medium-security, culturally sensitive prison that opened in Pinal County in late June. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
State cancels water shut-off
Water continues to flow this morning to 16,600 acres of corn, sugar beets, hay, barley and wheat in the Magic Valley, and no farmers are going to jail for defending their pumps. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
State in danger of violating Swan Falls Agreement
The state may be in danger of violating the Swan Falls agreement because a drought is drying up the Snake River, according to a statement released late Tuesday by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. [The Times-News (Twin Falls)] Read More
Otter reiterates support for higher Idaho highway taxes
It could become more expensive to drive a car in Idaho. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Idaho to move 125 prisoners from Texas facility after concerns
State prison officials say 125 Idaho inmates in a private Texas prison are due to make their fourth move since 2005, following a suicide in March, problems with a guard passing contraband to inmates and the former warden's ouster. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
State evaluating math ed
In an effort to prepare students for the rigors of increasing math requirements, the Idaho State Department of Education is re-evaluating the way schools teach and assess student proficiency in mathematics. [The Times-News (Twin Falls)] Read More
I-90 blaze set with fireworks
A string of fires along Interstate 90 in Idaho, including several off the Veterans Memorial Bridge, was deliberately set Wednesday by a person throwing lit fireworks out the window of a vehicle. [Spokesman-Review (Spokane)] Read More
No curtailment
Just hours from cutting water access to nearly 600 Magic Valley groundwater users, the state's water director announced Thursday he was rescinding plans to shut down wells. [The Times-News (Twin Falls)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Springfield budget talks yield no progress
The Illinois House spent hours repeating familiar budget arguments. The Senate convened, then immediately adjourned. Gov. Rod Blagojevich holed up in his office. The first day of the General Assembly's special session wasn't exactly special. [Chicago Sun-Times] Read More
Some minimum-wage earners not happy
While most people would be excited about a pay increase, Gretchen Lesle is worried a $1-per-hour bump in Illinois' minimum wage could come back to haunt her in the form of higher prices. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Plenty of doubt over lottery sale plan
The Illinois House is poised to vote as early as today on whether to lease the Illinois lottery and issue billions in bonds to pay down the state?s pension debt. [Rockford Register Star] Read More
Safety on the streets -- Jesse White discusses details of teen driver bill
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White said he doesn't mind being "the bad guy" as long as it keeps teen drivers and others on the roads safe. [The Southern Illinoisan (Carbondale)] Read More
From the people to the gov, Welcome to Illinois
If you've driven into Illinois lately, you may have noticed that the state's welcome signs have a new look. The Illinois Department of Transportation just finished putting up 66 new green and white welcome signs at entry points throughout the state. [Chicago Sun-Times] Read More
Horse slaughtering plant to remain closed
CHICAGO ? The last U.S. plant that slaughtered horses for human consumption will remain closed after a federal judge on Thursday dismissed its challenge to the state law that shut it down. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Fire marshal to lose $3,923 in salary for DUI arrest
The state fire marshal will lose nearly $4,000 in pay, but he will not lose his job in connection with a May drunken driving arrest in which he was driving a state-owned vehicle. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Pension costs growing sharply for Illinois government
Pension systems for Illinois teachers and government employees are $41 billion short of the money ultimately needed for retirement benefits. Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants to eliminate a big chunk of that shortfall by privatizing the state lottery and borrowing money to reinvest. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Ban on horse slaughter upheld
A federal judge effectively put a horse-slaughtering plant in DeKalb out of business with a ruling Thursday that upholds a state law banning the production or possession of horse meat for human consumption. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Stroger's cancer diagnosed prior to his nomination
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger said Thursday that prostate cancer had been diagnosed in him months before he was picked by Democratic Party leaders to be on the ballot in 2006, and that he did not publicly disclose the serious illness because he did not want to compound his mother's woes. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Fireworks on the fifth
Smoke from Independence Day fireworks barely had time to clear the air above the Capitol before state lawmakers started in Thursday with their own political pyrotechnics. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Stroger -- I kept cancer secret for mom
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger conceded Thursday that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer months earlier than his staff had previously announced, but said he hid the matter until very recently because of concern for his mother. [Crain's Chicago Business] Read More
Illinois finalizes FutureGen lobbying contract
The state has finished hiring a prominent Washington, D.C., lobbying firm to push officials to build a prototypical power plant in Illinois. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Blagojevich's lottery privitization plan likely to be scratched
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to privatize the state lottery may soon join his other proposals in the Legislative dustbin. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Shoppers or state will get extra tax paid at CherryVale
If you?ve shopped at CherryVale Mall since Sunday, you may want to double-check your receipts. You could be claiming back a few bucks. A few retailers at the shopping center applied Rockford?s 1 percentage-point sales-tax increase this week to its stores in the mall in Cherry Valley. [Rockford Register Star] Read More
Lawmakers return to Springfield
Legislators held a special session that was called by Governor Rod Blagojevich to try to end the battle over a multi-billion dollar budget. However, some lawmakers are not happy the governor refused to attend a budget hearing Thursday. [ABC News] Read More
House fights lottery lease
Lawmakers spent the first day of a special legislative session Thursday attacking Gov. Rod Blagojevich's plan to lease the state lottery, and a key Democratic lawmaker predicted the Illinois House would vote to condemn the idea as early as Friday. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Teen's controversial conviction stands
HOUSTON -- A Texas appellate court on Thursday let stand the conviction of Shaquanda Cotton, the black teenager from the small east Texas town of Paris whose sentence of up to seven years in youth prison for pushing a hall monitor at her high school provoked national criticism and fueled allegations of racial discrimination in the town's schools and courts. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Cone-zone scofflaws will pay dearly
State transportation officials hope higher fines ultimately will lead to safer work zones, where 14 people were killed and 636 were injured in Indiana last year. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Purdue construction plans include clean-coal boiler
Purdue University officials plan on moving forward with nearly $90 million in construction projects. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
'Diploma mills' are shut down
Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter has shut down two Michigan City-based businesses accused of operating "diploma mills" that sold fake high school and college diplomas via the Internet. [South Bend Tribune] Read More
Trooper slain in traffic stop
WABASH, Ind. ? An Indiana state police officer was shot to death Thursday on a Wabash County highway by a Michigan man who then killed himself, police said. [The Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne)] Read More
Sign of rising anger, property taxes
It is just one of many "For Sale" signs posted in front of some of the stately homes along North Meridian Street. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Slain Indiana trooper a 'very, very good man'
WABASH, Ind. -- A state trooper who had stopped to help who he believed was a stranded motorist was shot and killed Thursday along a northern Indiana highway, state police said. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
King silent on possible run for office
U.S. Rep. Steve King was mum Thursday about his own chances of running for statewide office, but he did offer a prescription for Iowa Republicans to bounce back from recent losses. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Strong economy pumps more tax money into Iowa
Iowa?s economy hummed along in the fiscal year that just concluded, pumping an extra $367 million in tax receipts into state coffers. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Big storms expose vulnerability
Back-to-back severe winter storms that struck Iowa in February and March point out the vulnerability of the state's electric, telephone and water systems and the need for more disaster planning, a new state report shows. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Resolution declines Blue name
One name you won't soon find on the UI campus is the University of Iowa Wellmark BlueCross and BlueShield College of Public Health, public health faculty overwhelmingly decided in an emergency meeting Thursday afternoon. [Iowa City Press-Citizen] Read More
Iowa colleges reach out to Hispanics
Several universities and colleges in Iowa are ready to add Spanish-language pages to their Web sites and buying Spanish radio ads to help recruit more Hispanic students. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Sebelius seeks federal aid for recent flood victims
Gov. Kathleen Sebelius on Thursday said she has requested federal assistance for southeast Kansans hit by recent floods. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
House speaker wants legislative review of 'gambling czar' position
House Speaker Melvin Neufeld says the Legislature needs to be involved in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' request to establish a new position to oversee gambling expansion in Kansas. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Order sought against Kline
Planned Parenthood, which was the target of an investigation into abortion records by former attorney general Phill Kline, and then cleared by Kline?s replacement, is seeking a court order against Kline. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
US-24 corridor to be focus of development study
State and local officials are taking a greater interest in development along and near US-24 highway and its demands on the highway, streets and roads in the area. [The Topeka Capital-Journal] Read More
Senators survey S.E. Kansas flooding from air
A monumental recovery program is required to match flooding that damaged housing, industry and agriculture in 20 counties of southeast Kansas, federal and state officials said Thursday after touring the disaster zone. [The Topeka Capital-Journal] Read More
DEQ urging northern Oklahoma residents to boil water
The Department of Environmental Quality issued a precautionary boil order on Wednesday for some northern Oklahoma residents whose water supply might be affected by a massive oil spill from a Kansas refinery. [The Daily Ardmoreite (Ardmore)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
House votes to end session on first day
In an unprecedented move, the state House shut down yesterday rather than take up the 67 items -- including tax incentives for coal-conversion plants -- that Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher asked the legislature to consider in a special session. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
Beshear reception for Democrats draws criticism
Less than an hour after House Democrats led a vote to immediately adjourn Gov. Ernie Fletcher's special legislative session, the governor's election opponent hosted a reception for those lawmakers at Democratic Party headquarters. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
House adjourns as session starts
In a swift rebuke to Gov. Ernie Fletcher, the House met yesterday and adjourned on the first day of a special session -- called to consider matters that Fletcher said couldn't wait until the next regular session begins in January. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
House lawmakers adjourn special session; Senate continues work
House lawmakers adjourned without taking any action during a special legislative session on Thursday, saying Gov. Ernie Fletcher's decision to call them back to Frankfort was ill conceived. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Justice McAnulty has lung cancer
Justice William E. McAnulty Jr., the first African American to sit on the Kentucky Supreme Court, has been diagnosed with lung cancer that has spread to his brain. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
FAA runway money said not in peril in jeopardy
House Democrats said their decision to leave Frankfort yesterday will not endanger the proposed $27 million relocation of the Blue Grass Airport runway from which Comair Flight 5191 mistakenly departed. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
Supreme Court Justice McAnulty says he has brain cancer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kentucky's first black Supreme Court justice said he has lung cancer that has spread to his brain. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
College wants 2008 debate
DANVILLE, Ky. - Centre College is seeking $1 million in state funds as part of an attempt to lure a presidential debate in 2008. [The Kentucky Post (Covington)] Read More
NKU is awaiting OK for program
Northern Kentucky University is awaiting state approval this month of a program that would create two new programs in the field of health and information services. [The Kentucky Post (Covington)] Read More
National Guardsmen take off for overseas
Their sand-colored uniforms blending into the gray July sky, 34 Kentucky Air National Guardsmen trudged to a waiting C-130 transport plane yesterday morning on their way to a tour overseas. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Out-of-state voters a concern for Louisiana
Out-of-State voter registration for Katrina evacuees is a nightmare for the state. Secretary of State Jay Dardenne says after Katrina, many Louisiana voters moved to other states but never canceled their voter registration. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Tax breaks may burden state's next governor
The state's next governor will likely receive a pricey welcome package upon entering office -- millions of dollars in tax breaks that will have to be absorbed by the future administration. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
151,900 seeking Road Home
Applications from Louisiana homeowners continue to pour into the state's cash-strapped Road Home hurricane repair and buyout program as a July 31 deadline to apply for financial assistance draws closer. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Census Bureau reports small regional sieve
Virtually every municipality in northeastern Louisiana has lost population since 2000, according to a report released this month from the U.S. Census Bureau. [The News Star (Monroe)] Read More
Blanco signs off on pay raises for assessors, clerks
Gov. Kathleen Blanco has signed into law hefty pay raises for clerks of court and assessors, and aides said Thursday she is probably going to sign into law pay raises for judges and statewide elected officials. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
State grants to fix sewer
The city of New Iberia's ongoing effort to bring its antiquated wastewater system up to date received a nearly $900,000 boost from the state in the recently completed legislative session. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Top pick emerges for LSU president
The committee charged with finding candidates to be the next president of the Louisiana State University System is expected to unveil a short list of recommendations today, topped by John Lombardi, the controversial chancellor of the University of Massachusetts and former president of the University of Florida. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
BEP faces tough issues, prepares for LNG hearings
State environmental regulators are gearing up for a week of public meetings on the first of several controversial liquefied natural gas facilities proposed for Down East Maine. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
Controversial passage - Eastport ship's pilot navigates proposed LNG route
EASTPORT, Maine - Capt. Robert J. Peacock pilots ships through Head Harbour Passage, a controversial swath of Canadian waters that leads to this easternmost deep-water U.S. port. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
Optimistic past, uncertain future
When construction began in 1836 on a mental hospital in Augusta, advocates for the mentally ill wanted to make sure lawmakers never forgot those who lived there. [Portland Press Herald] Read More
Maine invests in debt advice
AUGUSTA, Maine - Lawmakers say Mainers, and especially younger people who get easy access to credit cards, need better money-management skills. And they're putting up money to see that more financial advice will be offered. [The Boston Globe (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Miller - sales tax hike likely
Consumers could soon be paying more at cash registers across the county and state. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Maryland looks for ways to flip switch on new power plan
Gov. Martin O?Malley wants Marylanders to reduce their electricity usage by 15 percent by 2015 and is convening a summit July 25 to explore options. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Franchot, state clashed over pay for assistants
Gov. Martin O?Malley?s top aides tussled with Comptroller Peter V.R. Franchot over salaries for the state tax collector?s top deputies, who are being paid more than some Cabinet secretaries. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Money week - bond ratings, spending cuts
Gov. Martin O?Malley will seek Board of Public Works approval on Wednesday to cut about $200 million from state agencies, the first step toward closing a $1.5 billion deficit in next year?s budget. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Security boosted at state prison
CRESAPTOWN, Md. - State officials are upgrading the security status of the Western Correctional Institution in hopes of relieving gang activity and violence in neighboring Western Maryland prisons. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Maryland ranks 46th for traffic
Think Maryland roads are congested? The Reason Foundation agrees with you. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Lawmakers upset new Rockville courthouse left out of the capital budget
Montgomery County lawmakers expressed regret that Gov. Martin O?Malley?s capital budget failed to include money for a new District Courthouse in Rockville, a project in the planning stages for four years. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Hospital plans to sue Prince George?s
The operator of the troubled Prince George's hospital system plans to file suit against the county today, hoping to recoup the millions of dollars that County Executive Jack B. Johnson is withholding before the system runs out of cash on Aug. 3. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
A swath of Berkshires' past saved for future
In one of the largest and most ecologically significant public conservation deals in recent years, the state has acquired a 900-acre parcel in the southern Berkshires that contains pristine old-growth forest, including Eastern hemlock trees that predate the Pilgrims' arrival at Plymouth. [The Boston Globe (registration)] Read More
Galvin lost in Chinese translation
Local Chinese community activists are accusing the state?s elections chief of using ?ignorant? arguments to keep candidates? names in English on Boston ballots. [Boston Herald] Read More
Security video from Geoghan slay hits Web
State correction officials are investigating whether the killer convicted of strangling and stomping a pedophile priest posted a security surveillance video on YouTube showing prison guards desperately trying to pry open cell doors as the murder took place. [Boston Herald] Read More
Some Democrats back Hillman
A small group of Democrats in the Legislature has emerged to support the recent appointment of Reed V. Hillman, a Republican, as US marshal for Massachusetts, despite strong opposition to Hillman from the state's two US senators. [The Boston Globe (registration)] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Ads bash proposed $1.35 monthly fee on Mich. phone bills
Michigan telephone companies on Thursday launched an advertising campaign against a proposed $1.35 monthly fee on all phones, which would raise $200 million a year for law enforcement and fire services. [Lansing State Journal] Read More
Feds clarify EMU crime report
The U.S. Department of Education has written a letter of clarification to Eastern Michigan University President John A. Fallon III after a damaging report released earlier this week implied Fallon knew about a campus homicide sooner than he had previously said. [The Detroit News] Read More
Driver's cash forfeited despite illegal search
The Michigan Supreme Court on Tuesday denied the appeal of a motorist who had to forfeit nearly $181,000 that was found in a backpack during a traffic stop, even though the money was seized illegally. [The Detroit News] Read More
State park may become wilderness
CLAY, Mich. -- A 200-acre portion of Algonac State Park could become a state-designated wilderness area if the Legislature accepts a recommendation from the state Department of Natural Resources. [South Bend Tribune] Read More
Report about EMU revised
A U.S. Department of Education official acknowledged Thursday that Michigan State Police did not send letters to Eastern Michigan University's president suggesting that a student found dead in her dorm room had been murdered until after a suspect was arrested, clarifying a report released earlier this week. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Evaluation tools sought for Minnesota's schools
Officials could soon start shining some light into the shadows of Minnesota's educational system. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
U pops the age-old question -- Coke or Pepsi?
To fulfill two fundamental needs, University of Minnesota students need look no farther than the coolers of the Gopher Express shop. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
Taxpayers' costs for Twins ballpark may be going up
As a condemnation hearing over the site of the new Minnesota Twins stadium nears its midpoint, the best drama may still be found outside the courtroom. [Minneapolis Star Tribune (registration)] Read More
Anthrax confirmed in NW Minn. bull
Minnesota has recorded its first anthrax case of 2007. The state Board of Animal Health confirms that a bull found dead at a Marshall County farm last week, died of anthrax. [Brainerd Daily Dispatch] Read More
Underground mines could affect Iron Range development
HIBBING, Minn. - Iron Range development could be affected by the discovery of far more underground mines than had been expected in the Chisholm and Hibbing area. [Brainerd Daily Dispatch] Read More
Maryland ranks 46th for traffic
Think Maryland roads are congested? The Reason Foundation agrees with you. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Salmonella poisoning cases include local child
A metro Atlanta child is among 57 people sickened in an 18-state outbreak of a rare form of salmonella poisoning, state and federal health officials said Thursday. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Schools move toward following students' yearly progress on tests
The Cohoes city school district, outside Albany, is considering a gifted program for elementary students and adding college-level courses after discovering that its top students improved less on standardized tests in the past two years than everyone else in the district. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Medical costs for state prisoners soaring, commissioner says
Treating cancer and AIDS is contributing to the escalating cost of providing medical care to state prisoners, says Mississippi Department of Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps. [The Commercial Dispatch (Columbus)] Read More
Student enrollment in Miss. Virtual Public School program up sixfold
More Mississippi high school students are trading in their pencils and notebooks for a computer screen and keyboard for some classes as enrollment for the Mississippi Virtual Public School has increased more than sixfold since last year. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Drought's grip on region slips, maybe too late
The drought across Northeast Mississippi is retreating, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor released Thursday. [The Daily Journal (Tupelo)] |