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)] Read More
Challenger tops chief, but Martin may contest count
Official results from Tuesday's runoff make Beasley Denson the first new chief the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has seen in nearly three decades, but it's possible Chief Phillip Martin, the loser in the race, will challenge the vote count. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] 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
More in Missouri get tax cut for Social Security
Some older Missourians got a tax break Thursday when Gov. Matt Blunt signed a bill gradually eliminating the state income tax on Social Security. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Cattlemen's group opposes disease lab
One of the state?s largest farm associations has come out against a plan to build a huge animal disease research lab in Columbia. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
GOP selects candidate for open Missouri state seat
ST. CHARLES, Mo. - Republican officials chose on Thursday night state Rep. Tom Dempsey to run for a vacant state Senate seat, but their Democratic counterparts delayed picking a nominee until later this month. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Inmate charged after DNA links him to 1997 rape
DNA tied a Missouri prison inmate to an unsolved rape that occurred near the state Capitol nearly 10 years ago, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday. [Wisconsin State Journal (Madison)] Read More
Water Patrol reports tranquil 4th, but busy weekend expected
The Missouri Water Patrol reported a fairly calm Fourth of July holiday at the Lake of the Ozarks, but officials with the agency expect a busy weekend. [Jefferson City News Tribune] 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
$500K-plus balance sets record; nearly $200K raised in past 3 months
Gov. Brian Schweitzer has raised slightly more than $600,000 for his 2008 re-election campaign and reported having about a record $500,000 left in the bank on June 30, a report filed Thursday showed. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Schweitzer nears $600,000 raised for re-election campaign
Gov. Brian Schweitzer's fundraising for his re-election bid slowed a bit in the most recent quarter, although he still had $506,504 on hand at the end of June, according to campaign finance reports released Thursday. [The Bozeman Daily Chronicle] Read More
Rehberg -- No run for Senate
WASHINGTON - Republican Rep. Denny Rehberg will not challenge Sen. Max Baucus in 2008, the state Republican Party announced Thursday. [Billings Gazette] Read More
High construction costs throw MSU another curve
Bozeman's construction boom continues to create problems for Montana State University's building projects, running up price tags, causing delays and making it harder to hire construction workers. [The Bozeman Daily Chronicle] 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
Community-based programs help alleviate prison crowding
Nebraska's prison crowding problem has improved slightly in the past year thanks to the expansion of parole programs and community-based programs for drug offenders. [The Grand Island Independent (registration)] Read More
Nebraska pursuing thousands in back taxes from cigarette sales
Nebraska was looking to collect some of $350,000 owed in taxes from online cigarette sales, and planned to mail collection letters on Thursday to about 100 state residents who ? unknowingly or not ? owed $1,000 or more. [The Grand Island Independent (registration)] Read More
Health insurance boon for state couples to end
Free health insurance will end for the 700 married couples who work for state government, according to a memo to state workers this week. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
State agency heads get raises
Gov. Dave Heineman granted pay raises of up to 5.1 percent this year to directors of the state agencies he controls, while raises for most state workers are tied up in a contract dispute. [Omaha World-Herald (registration)] Read More
Drivers may see gas prices spike
Gas prices in Omaha are increasing, the result of a Kansas refinery being flooded and shut down. Tom Kloza, chief oil analyst at the Oil Price Information Service in Houston, forecast pump prices of $3.05 to $3.25 for the multistate area, varying by state gasoline taxes. [Omaha World-Herald (registration)] Read More
Ex-chancellor of UNO quits for good
Nancy Belck and the University of Nebraska at Omaha are done for good. [Omaha World-Herald (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
Gibbons appoints new V&T commissioner, gives no explanation
Gov. Jim Gibbons replaced a 14-year representative to the Nevada Commission for the Reconstruction of the V&T Railway. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
State mental health official resigns post
The state's Division of Mental Health and Developmental Services has lost another top administrator. [Las Vegas Review-Journal (registration)] Read More
Lending regulator plans to resign
Gov. Jim Gibbons' administration is changing the top regulators over private lenders, banks and other financial institutions with the appointment of a new commissioner and the departure of another. [Las Vegas Review-Journal (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
Gibbons accelerates program to design, widen I-15 in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS -- Widening should begin by next spring on a key southern Nevada freeway under an accelerated program allowing the project to be designed as it is built, officials said Thursday. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
Nevada justice, ACLU critical of trend in state prison funding
LAS VEGAS -- With Nevada's prison system eating up a larger chunk of the state budget, critics ranging from a state Supreme Court justice to the American Civil Liberties Union are calling for curbing growing inmate populations and spiraling costs. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
Court won't review death sentence in Reno murder case
Cary Williams, sentenced to die for the 1982 torture-murder of a pregnant Reno nurse, lost Thursday in a bid to have the full Nevada Supreme Court review a court panel ruling against his appeal. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
Change makes reaching out to at-risk teens less risky
Say it's Friday, 3 a.m. A 17-year-old boy comes out of the night and through the door of the Center for Independent Living shelter downtown, one of the few places in the Las Vegas Valley that a teenager on the run or on the streets can land at that hour. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
Water authority-owned ranches join Nevada cattlemen's
ELKO, Nev. -- The Nevada Cattlemen's Association has granted membership to six ranches owned by the Southern Nevada Water Authority -- a group distrusted by some ranchers who believe its plans to pipe water to Las Vegas will drain northeastern Nevada's aquifers. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
Assemblyman Marvel recovering
Veteran Assemblyman John Marvel is recovering following surgery at Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
Nevada records fall; Lovelock 112; Reno, Fallon 108
RENO, Nev. -- Records continue to fall across the state as a heat wave keeps its grip on much of the West, including an all-time high of 112 degrees at Lovelock in north-central Nevada. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] 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
Nevada pleased with role, however small
Last year about this time, Nevada loomed. At least among primary junkies, fear was real that the state's rodeos and casinos would supplant New Hampshire's candlepin bowling and house parties as the early backdrops of presidential politicking. A year later, the candidates keep coming here, actually logging more days in the state than their counterparts did four years ago. [Concord Monitor] 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
Presidential tab - Priceless
DURHAM, N.H. ? Hosting two former Presidents isn't cheap. The University of New Hampshire's May commencement cost $440,417, or more than three times the cost of last year's ceremony, which rang in at $134,660, according to figures provided to the New Hampshire Union Leader. Much of the added expense went toward extra security for keynote speakers and former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton as well as for accommodating the larger than usual crowds who came to watch. [The Union Leader (Manchester)] Read More
Nevada pleased with role, however small
Last year about this time, Nevada loomed. At least among primary junkies, fear was real that the state's rodeos and casinos would supplant New Hampshire's candlepin bowling and house parties as the early backdrops of presidential politicking. A year later, the candidates keep coming here, actually logging more days in the state than their counterparts did four years ago. [Concord Monitor] 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
Live Earth New York? Not exactly
TRENTON, N.J. - When Saturday's Live Earth concerts bring focus to global warming, millions around the world will hear about Live Earth New York. But try as one might, they will find no such show in New York. [Newsday] Read More
Rock out, but don't flick on that CO2-spewing lighter
NEW YORK - It is an uphill battle for green-themed Live Earth organizers to pull off concerts around the world in the name of curbing global warming while avoiding their own contribution to landfills and emissions. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] 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
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
New law aimed at ID theft
Identity theft is on the increase in New Mexico, but state officials hope a new law that allows people to freeze their credit reports will help curb the problem. [Santa Fe New Mexican (registration)] Read More
Use of on-loan lobbyist under scrutiny
Attorney General Gary King said Thursday that his office will review whether there were legal or ethical problems with Gov. Bill Richardson?s use of an electric utility lobbyist as on-loan staffer, including during this year?s legislative session. [Santa Fe New Mexican (registration)] Read More
Local legislator receives poor conservation rating
FARMINGTON, N.M. - This year, James Strickler, R-Farmington, was identified by Conservation Voters New Mexico as having the worst voting record among the members of the New Mexico Legislature with respect to environmental issues. [The Daily Times (Farmington)] Read More
Richardson -- Democrat with conservative views
He likely won't say anything that will instantly pop up on a Web site as the campaign slogan of the month. But New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential contender, believes voters will be able to look past the glitz and glamor of his party's top-tier candidates and see his vision for America's future when he spends Saturday campaigning across the Upstate. [Spartanburg Herald-Journal (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
The feuding by Bruno and Spitzer turns bitter
After three months of what has seemed like constant fighting, Gov. Eliot Spitzer on Thursday called his antagonist, Senator Joseph L. Bruno, and asked for a meeting. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Bruno - I'm watched
The battle between Gov. Eliot Spitzer and Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno escalated once again on Thursday with Bruno charging the governor put him under State Police surveillance in an act of political "espionage," and likening him to a "Third World dictator. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Bruno, Spitzer feud heightens with claims of misuse of police
The feud between Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno and Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer escalated Thursday with Bruno calling for Spitzer to be investigated for abusing the powers of his office. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Newspaper denies claims of extortion
A Times Union attorney on Thursday told Albany County District Attorney David Soares that claims that an advertising salesman for the paper tried to extort money from Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno's office were "baseless" and untrue. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
Live Earth New York? Not exactly
TRENTON, N.J. - When Saturday's Live Earth concerts bring focus to global warming, millions around the world will hear about Live Earth New York. But try as one might, they will find no such show in New York. [Newsday] Read More
Bloomberg says he will support state G.O.P.
At the same time that Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg has been traveling the country in recent weeks denouncing partisan politics, he has been quietly sending a very different message to the state's Republican Party: I will continue to support the G.O.P. team. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
Congestion pricing ad touts pluses for asthmatics
An image of a sad-looking little girl squeezing an asthma inhaler is being used to pressure state lawmakers into approving Mayor Michael Bloomberg's controversial plan to reduce traffic and pollution by charging motorists who drive into Manhattan. [Newsday] Read More
Bid rejected for more aid to small-city schools
A state appeals court on Thursday agreed with a lower court?s decision rejecting a lawsuit by a group of small urban school districts seeking billions more in state aid, saying the group lacked the proper standing to sue. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
City schools focus new aid on reducing class sizes
Schools Chancellor Joel I. Klein announced yesterday how the city school system plans to spend $228 million in new education financing from the state, including allocating nearly half the money to reduce class sizes. [The New York Times (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
Disaster registry tracks neediest
Ardis Wilson, who at 80 lives in an Apex townhouse, knows she is vulnerable during emergencies. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Black sentencing could be delayed
Former House Speaker Jim Black's attorney has requested that his sentencing on a federal public corruption charge be delayed into August. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Pardon, $100,000 compensation elude N.C. man freed five years ago
GOLDSBORO, N.C. - Five years after new evidence helped free Terence Garner from prison, he is still pressing for a pardon from the governor that would allow $100,000 in compensation for the years he lost in prison. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
N.C. drunken driving convictions on the rise
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Drunken driving suspects in North Carolina who fight their cases in court are more likely to be convicted now than they were four years ago, according to a newspaper report. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Hackney governs House from the middle
Senate leader Marc Basnight is a fan of his counterpart in the House, Speaker Joe Hackney. But Basnight doesn't relish negotiating a $20 billion budget with him. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Flood insurance rates may surge
Thousands of coastal residents could see their flood insurance premiums rise this fall because North Carolina hasn't adopted the latest international building codes on wind-borne debris. [Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.)] Read More
Folwell wants to follow Moore as treasurer in '08
After eight years as a school-board member and two terms in the N.C. General Assembly, Dale Folwell wants to be state treasurer. Folwell, a Republican from Winston-Salem, said yesterday that he plans to run next year to replace Richard Moore, a Democrat who is running for governor. [The Winston-Salem Journal (registration)] Read More
Easley approves mortgage oversight
Gov. Mike Easley has signed into law two bills increasing state oversight of a mortgage industry whose recent excesses are resulting in record numbers of foreclosures. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
State workers' pay raise gets tentative agreement
A week after a tax and Medicaid deal collapsed, House and Senate negotiators made progress yesterday on a two-year spending plan for state government, including a tentative agreement on pay raises for state workers. [The Winston-Salem Journal (registration)] Read More
Black wants judge to delay sentencing
Former N.C. House Speaker Jim Black has asked a judge to delay his sentencing for more than a month because of what Black's attorney describes as a surprise recommendation that his crimes fall under a federal bribery law. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
Cowell, Folwell join state treasurer's race
Two legislators threw themselves into the state treasurer race Thursday. That makes three who have raised their hands so far. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (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
Tanning law a go, but N.D. officials not ready
A new state law took effect Sunday that requires tanning salons to buy operating permits, post health warnings about ultraviolet light exposure and ban customers under 18 who don't have a parent's note. But because the state Health Department and local health units still are gearing up to enforce the law, salon owners need not fear run-ins with authorities, health inspectors said Thursday. [Grand Forks Herald] Read More
Devils Lake outlet remains out of commission
North Dakota Water Commission officials said Thursday the Devils Lake outlet has been vandalized, and its pumps would remain off until that damage is repaired. [Grand Forks Herald] 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
Official pleads no contest to ethics violations
In violation of state ethics laws, George Forbes took fancy meals, charter flights and limo rides from investment professionals who wanted a chance to manage a slice of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's $20.9 billion investment portfolio. [Dayton Daily News] Read More
Democrat guilty of ethics charges
The accused drunks, thieves and prostitutes fell silent yesterday morning when George L. Forbes, with a trademark scowl and well-dressed entourage, walked into the hot, crowded room in Franklin County Municipal Court. [The Columbus Dispatch] Read More
George Forbes convicted; avoids jail time
Democrat George Forbes, one of the most powerful men in Cleveland, was convicted this morning in a Columbus courtroom for his role in the still-unfolding Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation scandal. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Tuition freeze celebrated, but cost of campus living increases
Costs of attending a state college or university will continue to rise this fall for many students despite a two-year undergraduate tuition freeze celebrated by lawmakers and university officials. [Toledo Blade] Read More
State getting word out on tax break
More than 500,000 senior citizens and disabled Ohioans are expected to save an average of $400 a year under the new Homestead Exemption - but they must apply for the benefit. [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
Ohio Supreme Court sides with GM in suit over work stoppage pay
The Ohio Supreme Court ruled against union employees who sought unemployment pay after a 1998 work stoppage at several General Motors Corp. plants in Ohio. [Toledo Blade] 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
Indictments hit Atoka Tech Center employee
An indictment unsealed Thursday accuses two employees of Kiamichi Technology Center's Atoka campus of using state equipment for political activity. Attorney General Drew Edmondson said the indictment, issued by the state's multicounty grand jury, contained six counts, all felonies. [Shawnee News-Star] Read More
More graduates are staying in state longer, report says
More Oklahomans are staying in the state to work after graduating from college, according to the state regents. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) (registration)] Read More
Report -- Oklahoma making community college transfers easier
Oklahoma is making it easier for students to transfer from community colleges to universities, according to a report by the Southern Regional Education Board. [The Daily Ardmoreite (Ardmore)] 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
Coos Bay dredging plan wins aid
COOS BAY, Ore. -- The Legislature has committed $60 million to the dredging of the Coos Bay channel, attempting to lure one of the world's largest shipping companies to Oregon. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Illegal workers turn to ID theft
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Fictitious Social Security numbers and green cards are cheap and widely available, and getting them is the first step for many undocumented immigrants arriving in Oregon. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
Eulogy for a shining, fallen star
ST. HELENS, Ore. -- When Gov. Ted Kulongoski spoke Thursday at the memorial service for Oregon Air National Guard Maj. Gregory Dean Young, excellence was an appropriate description for a man at the cutting edge of a dangerous and demanding profession. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
State highway workers roll in answer to major accidents
Tom Woodward was putting on his boots at his Beaverton home and was on his way out the door before 6 Thursday morning when he got a page: a crash on U.S. 26 eastbound, west of Oregon 217 in the Cedar Hills area. All lanes closed. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Rabbis visit prisons as a testament to faith
Prisoners representing at least a dozen religions use the library on the fourth floor of the Oregon State Penitentiary. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] 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
State on brink of shutdown
Today stands to be the last day of work before a layoff for thousands of state employees unless the Legislature and Gov. Ed Rendell make serious progress by Monday toward resolving the state budget impasse. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] Read More
State budget feud turning nastier
The political feud between Gov. Ed Rendell and Senate Republicans over a new state budget intensified yesterday as a Senate committee voted to subpoena two top administration officials to find out why the state's five casinos may be shut down Monday morning. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Senate ups ante on Pa. budget
Wielding a power not used for more than a dozen years, a state Senate panel yesterday issued subpoenas ordering two Rendell administration officials to testify about pending worker furloughs that could shut down Pennsylvania's nascent casino industry. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Agencies scramble to alert public about furlough effects
Only days before more than 24,000 state employees could be furloughed because of a state budget impasse, agencies that would be the hardest-hit scrambled Thursday to alert Pennsylvanians to the potential closings of 120 state parks and scores of motor-vehicle licensing centers across the state. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
State legislators still mired in budget disputes
Lawmakers made a modicum of progress toward a state budget agreement during a long day of negotiations that wrapped up at midnight. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Budget standoff stalls van service
Ongoing budget battles in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are hurting the state's residents in more ways than one. Though Pennsylvania's fiscal year ended June 30, the state budget for the coming year has yet to be decided upon. And while representatives are haggling over price, residents of the poorest regions go without transportation. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Guard and Game Commission near Stony Valley deal
FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA - An agreement seems imminent between the Pennsylvania National Guard and state Game Commission that would allow the Guard to use 900 acres in the Stony Valley as a buffer zone for a firing range. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] Read More
House tackles welfare fraud
The state House yesterday amended a bill designed to publicize problems at personal-care homes to include Republican-sponsored measures to combat welfare fraud. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Pa. House sets sights on city's campaign law
In what critics deemed a setback for ethics reform, state House lawmakers quietly gave a nod Tuesday to a measure that would make it harder to monitor how much candidates in Philadelphia raise and spend, while also eliminating the online reports that currently disclose such details. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
State trying new measures to crack down on puppy mills
State officials are adding more dog kennel inspectors and posting inspection records online in an effort to strengthen what some have criticized as lax oversight of canine breeders. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Program targets aggressive drivers
This week, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation announced the start of Smooth Operator, a program designed to target and teach aggressive drivers. [The Patriot-News (Harrisburg)] 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
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
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
Bill eliminating minimum drug sentences vetoed
Rhode Island?s mandatory minimum sentences for drug charges will remain on the books, at least for now. Governor Carcieri has vetoed a bill that would have eliminated the minimum sentences. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
Polygraph tests, prizes not state's business
Fishing tournaments sometimes go to great lengths to distinguish between a "fish tale" and a true big fish. In some cases, state Rep. Jon D. Brien claims, those measures are so drastic that they may mean the true winner of a tournament doesn't get the prize. Brien, D-Woonsocket, sponsored a bill to place restrictions on tournaments' use of polygraph tests. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
91 education bills pass muster as expected aid drops
By the end of the General Assembly?s legislative session, lawmakers had approved 91 education bills, among them changes to school-construction regulations, an increase in the age when students can drop out of school, and a requirement that high schools provide healthful snack and drink machines. [The Providence Journal (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
E-mails offer glimpse of Ravenel's world
Weeks before state Treasurer Thomas Ravenel was indicted on a federal cocaine charge, his supporters were encouraging him to run for the U.S. Senate, an Associated Press review of e-mail records shows. [The Post and Courier (Charleston)] Read More
Richardson -- Democrat with conservative views
He likely won't say anything that will instantly pop up on a Web site as the campaign slogan of the month. But New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, a Democratic presidential contender, believes voters will be able to look past the glitz and glamor of his party's top-tier candidates and see his vision for America's future when he spends Saturday campaigning across the Upstate. [Spartanburg Herald-Journal (registration)] Read More
Hearing this morning for Ravenel
An arraignment hearing for suspended state treasurer Thomas Ravenel and Mount Pleasant resident Michael L. Miller is scheduled at 11 a.m. today in federal court in Columbia, but Ravenel is not expected to be there because of his admission into an Arizona drug rehabilitation center. [The Greenville News] Read More
Indicted Ravenel had eye on bid for Senate
Weeks before South Carolina's state treasurer was indicted on a federal cocaine charge, his supporters were encouraging him to run for the U.S. Senate, an Associated Press review of e-mail records shows. [The Augusta Chronicle] 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
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
Death-penalty opponents hope for last-minute stay of execution
RAPID CITY, S.D. - Death-penalty opponents are holding to slim hope that Gov. Mike Rounds might issue another last-minute stay of execution for Elijah Page next week. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Court -- Official cannot take property
A Lawrence County man cannot claim property taken from another man for failing to pay his taxes, the South Dakota Supreme Court ruled unanimously Thursday. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
SD state lawmaker running for Tim Johnson's U.S. Senate seat
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - A state representative from Canton, Joel Dykstra, on Thursday became the second Republican to step forward in the race for his party's 2008 U.S. Senate nomination. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Nonprofits to be rewarded investing in communities
The U.S. Treasury Department will award $3.6 million to 19 nonprofit organizations from throughout the nation. The announcement is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday at Crazy Horse Memorial. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Advocate's death leaves little hope of Page appeal
Some who oppose the death penalty still hold out hope that convicted murderer Elijah Page, 25, will change his mind and appeal his execution, set to take place next week. But at least one death penalty opponent fears the recent death of Pam Guettler of Spearfish - long the public face of compassion for Page - only will reinforce Page's will to die. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Former credit union official loses lawsuit
A former Sioux Falls credit union official cannot continue a lawsuit over the loss of his job after making allegations that his boss was taking out loans in other people's names to finance a gambling problem, the state Supreme Court ruled Thursday. [Argus Leader (Sioux 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
AG -- Schools cannot drug test all extracurricular activities
Schools cannot randomly test for drug use by all students who participate in extracurricular activities, the state attorney general wrote in a recent opinion. [Knoxville News Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Drought prompts governor to seek disaster relief for state's farmers
Crop and livestock losses caused by this year?s drought has prompted the governor to ask for federal emergency farm relief for the second time this year. [Knoxville News Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Stanley endorses Smith for GOP leadership
Hamilton County resident Robin Smith on Thursday picked up a critical endorsement in her effort to become the new leader of the Tennessee Republican Party when her only rival announced he is backing her. [Chattanooga Times Free Press (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
Landfill radiation issue examined
One Rutherford County resident called state presentations Thursday about slightly radioactive materials going to Middle Point Landfill a "dog and pony show," while a local official termed it "informative." [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Random student drug tests put in doubt
A new state attorney general's opinion could jeopardize random drug-testing programs at several Midstate high schools, including those in Wilson County. The opinion, issued this week, states that Tennessee school districts cannot randomly test students for drugs just because they participate in extracurricular activities. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] 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
Border sheriffs feel snubbed on security funds
HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas - Running for re-election, Gov. Rick Perry repeatedly praised border-county sheriffs and their deputies for being "on the front lines" of a violent battle to keep criminals out of Texas. But a year later, those on the front line feel as if they're on the back burner. [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
Ex-state Sen. Nixon in trouble with the law again
Ten years after serving jail time for soliciting sex from an undercover police officer, former state Sen. Drew Nixon faces new charges of official oppression in connection with an East Texas election, the Texas Attorney General's office said. [The Houston Chronicle (registration)] Read More
Cities fight GP tax gains
A new interpretation of state sales tax laws has Grand Prairie poised to reap millions of dollars in revenue at the expense of other Texas cities. [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
Cabela's misses job targets for second year
BUDA, Texas - For the second year in a row, the Cabela's outdoors store that opened to great fanfare in Buda in 2005 has missed employment targets set by its government subsidy contracts. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
Rainfall pushes state to the brink
The interminable low pressure system that has produced 44 consecutive days of rain has saturated Texas rivers, reservoirs and lakes and placed many areas literally an inch away from catastrophe, state officials warned Thursday. [The Dallas Morning News (registration)] Read More
Texas Education Agency reviewing complaint on Marble Falls school construction manager contract
MARBLE FALLS, Texas - With millions of dollars at stake, Marble Falls trustees skipped over the company that had supervised its past construction projects in favor of a company that has a close relationship with the district's architect. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
Critical ed agency report cites wrong man
An internal report that raised questions about contracting practices at the Texas Education Agency when released last week misquoted a woman saying she negotiated a pair of $100,000 contracts with a high-ranking official at the agency who is her friend, an agency spokeswoman said Thursday. [The Austin American-Statesman (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
Perry taps Spurs owner to chair state parks panel
San Antonio Spurs owner Peter Holt was named by Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday as chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission. [The Houston Chronicle (registration)] 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
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
Ex-senator charged with abuse of office
A former state senator from East Texas has been charged with two counts of election oppression before the 2006 elections, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
Officials - 1,000 Texas homes lost to flooding
Floodwaters across the state have severely damaged or destroyed 1,000 homes, and that number is likely to rise, state officials said Thursday. [The Dallas Morning News (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
Lawmakers set for China trip
A delegation of Utah lawmakers leave Saturday for China, a trip they promise will pay off in the long term even as the price of the journey climbs. [Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Jeffs' appeal is denied
The Utah Supreme Court has shot down a request by attorneys for polygamist leader Warren Jeffs to weigh in on issues regarding his request for a change of trial venue and his being bound over on criminal charges. [Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Utah sets new all-time heat record
A day after breaking a state record for heat, Southern Utah roasted again Thursday as temperatures easily topped 100 degrees and forecasters predicted no immediate relief. [The Daily Herald (Provo)] 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 asks court to throw out Yoh case
State prosecutors are asking a judge to throw out arguments that could overturn the conviction of a man found guilty of murder. [Burlington Free Press] 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
9/11 expert will steer Tech fund
BLACKSBURG, Va. - Three months after the April 16 shootings, Kenneth Feinberg, the man who helped regulate compensation to victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, will do the same with the more than $7.1 million in donations amassed in the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund. [The Roanoke Times] Read More
Senate race defies labels
Depending on who's talking, state Sen. Jeannemarie Devolites Davis is either running a smart campaign that takes nothing for granted or she's scared to death that her bluer-than-ever Fairfax County district is disinclined to pick a Republican this year. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Information statute now shields ID of state's executioners
Executioners can carry out Virginia's death penalty without fear of their identities becoming public, thanks to changes in Virginia's Freedom of Information Act. [The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk) (registration)] Read More
U.Va. worker still seeking salary data from school
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - A longtime University of Virginia employee whose freedom-of-information campaign prompted a change in state law has renewed his effort to obtain salary data from U.Va. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
Residency rules may tighten in Pr. William
Prince William County is moving to enact what legal specialists say are some of the toughest measures in the nation targeting illegal immigrants, including a provision that would direct police to check the residency status of anyone detained for breaking the law -- whether shoplifting, speeding or riding a bicycle without a helmet. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Sept. 11 compensation chief to oversee Virginia Tech payouts
Kenneth R. Feinberg, the Washington lawyer who directed the federal program to compensate relatives of victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, will oversee the distribution of the $7 million that has been donated to Virginia Tech since the campus killings in April, university officials said yesterday. [The New York Times (registration)] Read More
9/11 lawyer to help allocate Va. Tech fund
BLACKSBURG, Va. - A lawyer who ran the Sept. 11 victim compensation program will help Virginia Tech distribute its $7.1 million fund for victims of the mass shootings, university officials said Thursday. [USA Today] Read More
Northern Virginia road authority facing legal challenge
LEESBURG, Va. - An agreement that could raise up to $400 million a year for transportation improvements in northern Virginia is facing a legal challenge from Loudoun County officials. [The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk) (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
State considers what amount is legal for medicinal marijuana
SEATTLE -- This fall, sober public servants will convene meetings across Washington state to answer a pressing question: How much marijuana constitutes a two-month supply? [The Olympian] Read More
Jailed doctor keeps license
For more than 20 years, the state Health Department has been receiving complaints about Howard J. Levine, a Seattle physician who began his medical career as a gynecologist in the 1970s and may end it in a federal prison cell. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
His art sends a clear message -- Don't let go of lifetime dream
Brom Wikstrom, one of the newest members appointed this month to the Washington State Arts Commission, knew all his life he'd be an artist. [The Seattle Times] 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
Parkways chairman says top priority is Tamarack, not Turnpike tolls
BECKLEY, W.Va. -- Some lawmakers fear toll hikes are looming on the West Virginia Turnpike, but the chairman of the highway's governing board says the top priority is moving Tamarack to another agency. [Charleston Daily Mail] Read More
County suing over proposed 25 percent water rate hike
The Kanawha County Commission is suing over West Virginia-American Water's proposal to raise water rates by 25 percent. [Charleston Daily Mail] Read More
Table Games License Fee to Benefit West Virginia Seniors
Two West Virginia gaming centers anted up big checks and the state's largest population base will benefit. [WTRF, CBS7 (Wheeling)] 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 state Legislature puts less focus on abortion debate
The state Legislature has considered fewer bills dealing with abortion laws this session, and legislation has been introduced months later than in the previous session. [The Post-Crescent (Appleton)] Read More
Think tank -- UW, system should split
A conservative Milwaukee-based "free market" think tank recommended today that the UW-Madison should be broken off from the University of Wisconsin System, which should also be reorganized to create clearer lines of management authority. [The Capital Times (Madison)] Read More
Proposal in state Legislature seeks tougher fines for OWIs
A proposal in the state Legislature would as much as quadruple the fines against motorists convicted of drunken driving for the first or second time. [The Post-Crescent (Appleton)] Read More
Residents also irked by action on cable
Some Madison residents who told an advocacy group they supported competition for cable television providers said they're angry the group implied to state lawmakers that they endorsed specific legislation affecting cable TV. [Wisconsin State Journal (Madison)] Read More
Inmate charged after DNA links him to 1997 rape
DNA tied a Missouri prison inmate to an unsolved rape that occurred near the state Capitol nearly 10 years ago, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday. [Wisconsin State Journal (Madison)] Read More
Thistles brushing up against the law
Noxious, purple-topped thistles thrusting up around area highways are a thorny problem state and local governments aren't prepared to tackle. [Janesville Gazette] 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
Railroad seeks land condemnation
The Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad has filed lawsuits against several landowners in northeast Wyoming seeking condemnation of some 1,200 linear acres. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Railroad filing beats change in law
A railroad's lawsuit seeking condemnation of some 1,200 linear acres in northeast Wyoming was filed on June 28, just days before changes to Wyoming's eminent domain laws went into effect on July 1. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Agencies aim to test for asbestos
State and federal regulators have released a plan for testing whether a lot containing asbestos is releasing the cancer-causing substance into the air. [Casper Star-Tribune] 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
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 |
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