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Archive of Stateline.org RSS - State by State Roundup on Friday May 09, 2008
Senate blocks grocery tax bill
Democrats in the Alabama Senate fell one vote short Thursday of bringing up a bill that would remove the state sales tax from groceries by no longer allowing Alabamians to deduct the federal income taxes they pay from their state income taxes. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
State enacts new graduation rules more stringent for some students, looser for others.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama students automatically will be placed on a more rigorous graduation track when they enter high school under a plan the state Board of Education approved Thursday. [The Birmingham News] Read More
Appeals court rules against peanut farmers
RICHMOND, Va. -- Peanut farmers in seven states whose crops were devastated by the 2002 drought are entitled to only a little more than half the $30 million in insurance payments ordered by a lower court, a federal appeals panel ruled Thursday. [The Macon Telegraph] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Facing prison, Kohring blames government but says his conscience is clear
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Facing a prison sentence of 3 1/2 years, a former Alaska lawmaker said he's broke and has lost respect for the U.S. government, but that his conscience is clear. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
Palin support for Juneau access road fading
Gov. Sarah Palin, who supported the Juneau access road in her campaign for governor in 2006, is now backing away from that support. [The Juneau Empire (registration)] Read More
Kohring sentenced to 3 1/2 years
A federal judge sentenced former Wasilla state Rep. Vic Kohring to 3.5 years in prison Thursday for taking bribes in a scheme to keep Alaska oil taxes down. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Two state senators call for review of Department of Corrections
Two Anchorage lawmakers say the Legislature needs to audit the state's Department of Corrections. [Fairbanks Daily News-Miner] Read More
State Health commissioner resigns
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Karleen Jackson has resigned. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
States rebuff plan to put Italian waste in Utah
BOISE, Idaho -- Eight Western states including Wyoming Thursday rejected a company's plan to ship tons of radioactive Italian waste to Utah by declaring that rules don't allow for foreign loads. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Attorneys general defend Texas
ST. GEORGE, Utah -- The attorneys general for Utah and Arizona agreed Thursday that Texas was right in its removal of hundreds of FLDS children from the Yearning for Zion Ranch near Eldorado, Texas, more than a month ago. [Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Polygamy town hall -- A.G. says Texas-like raid on sects not the answer
ST. GEORGE, Utah -- Attorney General Mark Shurtleff called a raid on a polygamous sect's ranch in Texas no surprise given the group's resistant, secretive practices but said Thursday he would never authorize such a move in Utah. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Land auction raises concerns
An Arizona land auction for a Pinnacle Peak resort site has neighbors worried that development would reduce access to an adjacent hiking trail. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Redistricting advocates drop initiative
Two former lawmakers have scrapped plans to ask voters to revamp how the state's congressional and legislative districts are crafted. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson) (registration)] Read More
Arizona abortion providers might increase
A panel of the state Board of Nursing is recommending that nurse practitioners be allowed to perform first-trimester abortions in Arizona. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson) (registration)] Read More
6 inmates injured in fights are airlifted for medical aid
SIERRA VISTA, Ariz. - Six prisoners were airlifted for medical treatment after being injured in fights at the state prison in Douglas. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson) (registration)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Competing House bills use databases to check workers' legal status
WASHINGTON -- With little prospect of overhauling the nation's immigration laws before the presidential election, members of Congress are attempting to address the issue in a more piecemeal fashion. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Feds getting involved in polygamy cases
WASHINGTON -- A Justice Department prosecutor has been assigned to review how the federal government can help state and local law enforcement with polygamy cases, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid told Utah Attorney General Mark Shurtleff and Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard in a letter this week. [Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
6 independents qualify for ballot; 1 comes up short
Six independent candidates for the state House of Representatives have qualified for the Nov. 4 ballot by submitting a petition with enough signatures of Arkansas' registered voters, but a seventh failed to do so, the secretary of state's office said Wednesday. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
King Commmission co-chair supports director, concerned about commission's direction
The co-chairman of the troubled Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commission on Thursday defended the executive director, who has been linked to an insurance fraud ring, but said he is concerned about the commission and its future. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Lawmakers tell Ark. MLK panel they're tired of controversy
Legislators on Thursday told the Martin Luther King Commission -- which has been beset by public infighting over its appointments and finances -- that they've grown tired of the controversy surrounding the panel. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
211 information and referral system launched in Arkansas
LOWELL, Ark. - Arkansas became the 17th state this week to have a simple, three-digit number that connects residents to community services and volunteer opportunities. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
Home sales fall 23 percent in March, prices up
The number of homes sold in Arkansas in March fell 22.8 percent compared to the same month last year, while the average price of homes sold rose 3.2 percent, the Arkansas Realtors Association reported Thursday. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Independent candidates certified for November ballot
Arkansas Secretary of State Charlie Daniels on Thursday certified six independent candidates for the Nov. 4 general election ballot. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Surgeon general discusses state of health care in Ark.
On Wednesday the University of Central Arkansas and Arkansas Business hosted a symposium titled "Benefiting Arkansas: Health Issues for Employers" at Reynolds Performance Hall. [The Log Cabin Democrat (Conway) (registration)] Read More
Senate to meet June 12 to hear case of disputed election
The state Senate has scheduled a historic meeting June 12 to decide whether a senator who won a disputed election can keep his seat. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Schwarzenegger, automakers agree to pursue emissions control
In their first face-to-face meeting, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and automakers Thursday agreed to explore new cooperative approaches to reducing greenhouse gas emissions even as they duel in court and in Congress over just how far the state can go. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
GOP lawmakers offer ideas for tackling deficit
With Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger set to unveil his revised budget next week, Republican legislators on Thursday announced a series of proposals they said would save money and help the state run more efficiently. [The Mercury News (San Jose) (registration)] Read More
Debate on analyzing 'cold hit' DNA matches swirls in case before California Supreme Court
One of the key issues in a case argued Thursday before the California Supreme Court is how to describe the significance of a "cold hit," when a criminal suspect is first identified through a DNA database search. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
California tax proposals target beer-loving, pornography-watching yacht owners
As state leaders hunt for politically palatable solutions to the swelling budget shortfall, some Democrats are proposing unorthodox ways to generate cash. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
California picks 12 counties to share $750 million in jail funds
Twelve California counties, including Yolo, are in line to receive a combined $750 million in jail construction funds under recommendations released Thursday by the state Corrections Standards Authority. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
'Conservation on a staggering scale' at Tejon
A vast mountainous region glimpsed by generations of Californians mainly through bug-pocked windshields on Interstate 5 was preserved Thursday in what conservationists say is the largest, most ecologically crucial acquisition of public land in state history. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Perata drops 'Dump Denham' campaign
After millions of dollars raised and spent and a long trail of acrimonious campaigning, Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, said Wednesday he is dropping his bid to recall Sen. Jeff Denham, saying he worried it would get in the way of fixing the state's precarious fiscal condition. [Contra Costa Times (registration)] Read More
Denham says he'll keep campaigning
State Sen. Jeff Denham said Thursday he intends to campaign through Election Day despite Senate leader Don Perata's decision to drop his bid to recall the Merced lawmaker. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
Senate Democrat Jack Scott named to lead California community colleges
A former college president-turned-lawmaker has been named the next chancellor of California's community college system, making him think twice about his role in crafting the education budget. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
Calif. students plead not guilty in major drug bust
SAN DIEGO - The suspected leader of a drug trafficking ring was among seven students who pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges stemming from an undercover operation at San Diego State University that netted more than 100 arrests. [USA Today] Read More
Calif. Senate votes to end Bay-Delta Authority
The California Senate has voted to end state participation in the program created eight years ago to rescue the delta from collapse and resolve persistent water disputes. [Contra Costa Times (registration)] Read More
Big MTBE settlement to benefit California
Chevron Corp. and other big oil companies have agreed to pay $422 million to settle a major lawsuit over the gasoline additive MTBE, and much of the money will go to plaintiffs in California. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Auburn dam may be dealt death blow
A long-stalled Auburn dam on the American River has suffered many defeats. But the next could be truly fatal. The State Water Resources Control Board plans to revoke the water rights held by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the project. The unfinished dam, in other words, would no longer have any water to hold back. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
Megan's Law website helps nabs sex offender
California's Megan's Law website is being credited with helping to capture a registered sex offender who approached a 15-year-old girl near her Riverside home. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Group sues over order to stop feeding the homeless at Doheny State Beach
Members of a charity group threatened with arrest while trying to feed homeless people at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point have filed a federal lawsuit against state parks officials, claiming interference with their constitutional rights. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Behind college raid, rising drug use on campus
LOS ANGELES - The arrest this week of 96 suspects on drug-related charges, including 75 students, after a six-month sting operation at San Diego State University is shining a fresh spotlight on the issue of growing substance abuse at America's colleges and universities. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Legislature: Disabled win hearts, votes
Advocates for the developmentally disabled were stunned and saddened when Rep. Michael Garcia resigned suddenly Feb. 1. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Urban districts cue DPS about shared schools
Separate programs or schools will probably share buildings in Denver by 2009, a change that has advantages but also could pose difficulties. [The Denver Post] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Colorado AG praises Facebook safeguards
Facebook will put in new safeguards to protect children from online predators and inappropriate content. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Waste panel votes to ban EnergySolutions' import of Italian N-waste
BOISE, Idaho - Eight Western states on Thursday derailed EnergySolutions' plans to import nuclear cleanup waste from Italy and bury some of it at the company's Utah landfill. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Democrats plan special session
Democratic lawmakers said they are committed to calling the state legislature back in for a special session this spring, citing their desire to extend a critical source of revenue for cities and towns. [The Day (New London)] Read More
Rell - Low-interest loans OK'd for Norwich fire victims
NORWICH, Conn. - Gov. M. Jodi Rell says victims of the April 26 fire that destroyed a Norwich apartment complex can apply for low-interest federal loans. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Courtney will decide presidential pick in June
WASHINGTON - Connecticut Rep. Joe Courtney, a Democratic superdelegate, said Wednesday that he'll decide shortly after primary season ends June 3 whether to support Illinois Sen. Barack Obama or New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as his party's presidential nominee. [The Day (New London)] Read More
Demonstration permits issued for Cheney visit
NEW LONDON, Conn. - Supporters and opponents of the war in Iraq have been granted permits to demonstrate during Vice President Dick Cheney's visit to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy's commencement. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Yale fires back at South Korean university over fake degree
NEW HAVEN, Conn. - Details of a sex scandal involving a top South Korean official and an art history professor, who lied about having a Yale degree, will be used by the Ivy League school to defend itself against a federal lawsuit filed by the South Korean university that hired the professor. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Special session expected on conveyance tax
Cities and towns have nothing to fear. That was the word from the state Capitol on Thursday as Democratic lawmakers and Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell said they expect the legislature to convene a special session so that municipalities can continue receiving $40 million from an extension of the tax on real estate sales. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Legislature left nursing-home reforms on table
For months, state Sen. Edith Prague rallied support for nursing-home reforms from Democratic leaders and advocates for the elderly, telling anyone who would listen that "this is the year" for improvements to minimum-staffing requirements and stronger oversight of the industry. [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Governor hopefuls urge investigations
Three major-party gubernatorial candidates called Thursday for an aggressive investigation into the causes of cancer that occurs in some Delaware communities above the state average. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Bill would restrict eminent domain
WILMINGTON, Del. - The latest eminent domain reform bill in the state legislative pipeline would bring riverfront development "to a screeching halt" if passed, Mayor James M. Baker said Thursday. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Wind farm bill to ease burden on customers tabled
A legislative move to keep Delmarva Power from having its customers foot the bill for the Bluewater wind farm fight fizzled Thursday, at least temporarily. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Delawareans' lives change as gas prices soar
She's canceled her summer vacation, consolidated her shopping trips, even bought a smaller car. Still, Suzanne Lubin is paying more for gasoline. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Crist has a $2.4-billion change of heart
Gov. Charlie Crist said "God bless Gov. Chiles" as the 2008 Legislature drew to a close last week, thankful for $2.4-billion in reserves made possible by the late Lawton Chiles. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
What's the word on FCAT? Central Florida students post mixed writing results
Central Florida's older students posted higher scores on the state's annual writing exam this year, but local fourth-graders did not punctuate, spell, organize or write as well as last year, according to 2008 FCAT results released Thursday. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Results mixed for Citizens' loan program
The 13 insurers that took advantage of a low-cost loan program to pump up capital and write thousands of new policies are still sitting on millions of unused dollars. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Republican Hispanic Conference to court Hispanic vote in Orlando
Florida's Republicans will gather Saturday in Orlando to shore up support among Hispanics as the presidential election nears -- part of a long-term strategy to earn the community's votes for good. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Democrats tout shift in Hispanic voting
Hispanic voters registered as Democrats have overtaken Hispanic Republicans in Florida, signaling a trend that, if it continues, could have far-reaching implications for the 2008 election and U.S. foreign policy. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Prevent blindness, save the manatee - and give to Family First?
A Tampa group that promotes healthy families would be the first of its kind allowed to ask Florida drivers to donate money under a little-noticed bill headed to the governor. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Cash-strapped Florida gives $9.1M to Orlando military training facilities
Despite Florida's economic funk and billions of dollars in recent budget cuts, the Legislature has cleared the way for Orlando's military training facilities to receive an unprecedented $9.1 million, local officials said Thursday. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Obama vows to seat Florida delegates, plans stop in Maitland
WASHINGTON - Barack Obama, growing confident he will be the Democratic presidential nominee, promised a group of uncommitted superdelegates Thursday that Florida's delegation will be counted at the party's national convention this summer. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
Obama's showing reshapes dispute over delegates
Tuesday's primaries may not have settled the Democratic nomination, but they may have settled the problem of whether to seat delegates from Michigan and Florida at this summer's convention. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
FDLE unveils terror-alert system
A man walks into a scuba shop and asks to buy a dozen diver propulsion vehicles without saying what they're for, or apparently knowing much about the sport of diving. [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Regents pick new leader
The Iowa state Board of Regents has filled its top staff position with a public administrator from Florida, the board announced Thursday. [Iowa City Press-Citizen] Read More
Delegation calls for DNC to count Florida's primary votes
Members of Florida's Democratic congressional delegation, along with Sen. Hillary Clinton, Thursday called on the Democratic National Party to end the punishment of the state's presidential selectors.' [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
Fla. Dems ask national party to seat presidential delegation
Florida's Democratic congressional delegation called on the national party Thursday to seat the state's delegation based on its January primary, and the state party is growing more hopeful that the campaigns will agree on a plan by the end of the month. [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
First round of FCAT scores released
While some schools were celebrating their results in the first wave of FCAT scores released Thursday, others are feeling troubled. [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
FPL powers up for season with fake hurricane
They've trimmed trees, replaced poles and strengthened electrical systems at hospitals and fire stations. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Florida Democrats angling over delegates
With her chances of winning fading, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton sent Sen. Barack Obama a letter Thursday imploring him to ask the Democratic National Committee to make all of Florida's and Michigan's delegates count toward the presidential nomination. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Obama backs Florida's role in convention
WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama says Florida's delegation will be at the national Democratic Party's convention this summer, ''happy, with their party hats on,'' two uncommitted Florida superdelegates said Thursday. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Feds -- Fla. orange crop forecast for season unchanged in May
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The federal government's prediction for Florida's orange crop this season is unchanged. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Gov. Crist thanks troops at MacDill Air Force Base
TAMPA, Fla. - Gov. Charlie Crist stopped at MacDill Air Force Base Thursday, where he briefly thanked veterans for their service, shook hands with a Norwegian Army general and played coy to a question about his girlfriend. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Appeals court rules against peanut farmers
RICHMOND, Va. -- Peanut farmers in seven states whose crops were devastated by the 2002 drought are entitled to only a little more than half the $30 million in insurance payments ordered by a lower court, a federal appeals panel ruled Thursday. [The Macon Telegraph] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Warrant signed for next Georgia execution
An execution warrant was signed Thursday for death-row inmate Samuel David Crowe, who is now scheduled to be put to death by lethal injection 7 p.m. on May 22. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Appeals court rules against peanut farmers
RICHMOND, Va. -- Peanut farmers in seven states whose crops were devastated by the 2002 drought are entitled to only a little more than half the $30 million in insurance payments ordered by a lower court, a federal appeals panel ruled Thursday. [The Macon Telegraph] Read More
Sen. Isakson says he will bypass Georgia gubernatorial bid
WASHINGTON -- Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson has decided to seek re-election to the Senate in 2010 and will not run for governor, his spokeswoman said Thursday. [The Macon Telegraph] Read More
Another to be put to death
Two days after becoming the first state to break a seven-month pause in executions, Georgia is moving quickly to put another convicted killer to death later this month. [The Athens Banner-Herald] Read More
Ga Board of Ed approves math waivers
The state Board of Education has approved waivers to allow gifted eighth-graders taking high school math classes this year to have their work count toward graduation. The state already permits middle school students to take high school courses that count toward graduation. Waivers were needed because of the new curriculum and graduation rules. [The Macon Telegraph] Read More
DeKalb legislators to join Dunwoody lawsuit
Members of DeKalb County's state legislative delegation have decided not to file their own complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice about a legislative bill that would give Dunwoody residents the right to vote for incorporation. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Drivers near 'tipping point' as Hawaii gas prices climb
With gas expected to hit $4 a gallon on O'ahu this summer, more and more residents are changing how they get around - filling city buses, sharing rides or even biking to work to lessen their pain at the pump. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Options to gas-tax holiday sought
While gasoline prices continue to set new highs both nationally and locally, members of Hawaii's congressional delegation say Congress should explore options other than a summertime suspension of the federal gasoline tax to try to bring down costs. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Lawmakers OK program to buy foreign medicines
Hawaii residents will be able to buy inexpensive foreign prescription drugs over the Internet under a new state law approved over objections from Gov. Linda Lingle. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Hawaiian Telcom lands new president
Troubled Hawaiian Telcom, the state's largest communications company, selected a top executive from another state utility yesterday to take over as president and chief executive. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
States rebuff plan to put Italian waste in Utah
BOISE, Idaho -- Eight Western states including Wyoming Thursday rejected a company's plan to ship tons of radioactive Italian waste to Utah by declaring that rules don't allow for foreign loads. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
States rebuff plan to put Italian waste in Utah
BOISE, Idaho -- Eight Western states including Wyoming Thursday rejected a company's plan to ship tons of radioactive Italian waste to Utah by declaring that rules don't allow for foreign loads. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Judge sets hearing on wolf injunction
A federal judge in Montana has rejected a request by the government to delay a lawsuit seeking to place the gray wolf back on the endangered-species list, saying that he's "unwilling to risk more deaths." [Billings Gazette] Read More
Canadian company nixes Idaho for ethanol plant
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho -- A Canadian biotechnology company has decided to build a cellulosic ethanol plant in Saskatchewan, rather than southeast Idaho. Iogen Corp. on Wednesday said it has suspended its operations in Idaho. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
'Win-win' situation
In April, the Idaho Water Resource Board announced it had completed its $26 million purchase of the Pristine Springs fish farm operation, a multi-party deal it said would solve surface water mitigation calls and provide the city of Twin Falls a way to solve its arsenic issues. [The Times-News (Twin Falls)] Read More
Waste panel votes to ban EnergySolutions' import of Italian N-waste
BOISE, Idaho - Eight Western states on Thursday derailed EnergySolutions' plans to import nuclear cleanup waste from Italy and bury some of it at the company's Utah landfill. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Mont. judge rejects bid to delay wolf lawsuit
BILLINGS, Mont. - A federal judge in Montana has rejected the government's request to delay a lawsuit seeking to place the gray wolf back on the endangered species list. [USA Today] Read More
Competing House bills use databases to check workers' legal status
WASHINGTON -- With little prospect of overhauling the nation's immigration laws before the presidential election, members of Congress are attempting to address the issue in a more piecemeal fashion. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
'Pay-to-play' ban goes to full Senate but hits a snag
A Senate panel unanimously approved a ban on "pay-to-play" for state contractors Thursday despite a last-minute threat from Senate President Emil Jones to add a provision proponents said would derail the legislation. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
House 'pimping' on pay - Hendon
Saying he's tired of the House "pimping" the Senate, Sen. Rickey Hendon (D-Chicago) said he'll try to change a bill so lawmakers who vote against raises won't get the extra cash. [Chicago Sun-Times] Read More
NIU's Cole Hall to be remodeled
The head of Northern Illinois University said the school has a $7.7 million plan to remodel the lecture hall where five people were slain by a suicidal gunman on Valentine's Day. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Appeal to BP permit in the works?
Environmental groups may appeal BP Whiting's new air permit, a move that could compel the refinery to stop the weeklong construction efforts of its $3.8 billion expansion. [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
Forby -- Governor had talked about moving state jobs out of Springfield
State Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, whose district could get the nearly 150 Illinois Department of Transportation jobs that Gov. Rod Blagojevich's administration wants to move out of Springfield, said Thursday that Blagojevich told him in the past he wanted to move state jobs out of the capital city. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Harper 4-year plan rejected
Efforts to offer bachelor's degrees in two program areas at Harper College hit another political roadblock Thursday at the Illinois Capitol. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Will the capital city be able to gamble on racing?
Harness racing up to nine months a year at the Illinois State Fairgrounds could help raise money for fairground improvements and the Sangamon County emergency dispatch system, according to Rep. Raymond Poe. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
State audit questions bridge inspections
More than 1,700 Illinois bridges were overdue for federally required inspections and, in some cases, the state transportation department was more than a year delinquent in checking the structures, auditors said Thursday. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Governor against plan to stop prison closing
Gov. Rod Blagojevich Thursday panned a plan aimed at stopping him from closing the state prison in Pontiac. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Soldiers could get break on vehicle fees
Soldiers stationed overseas may soon get a break on their vehicle registration fees if a proposal that passed the Illinois House Wednesday makes it into law. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Republicans propose moratorium on closing Illinois prisons
Republican lawmakers are proposing a ban on closing any Illinois prisons until a study is done on the needs of the state corrections system. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Union -- Mandatory overtime hurts services at 24-hour state facilities
Mandatory overtime is jeopardizing services at 24-hour state facilities, a labor union representing state employees claimed in a report released Thursday. Jessica Becket believes the extended hours contributed to her accident. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Emissions testing sites reshuffled in Metro East
Metro East drivers will have to go to different vehicle emissions testing centers than before under a new arrangement by the state that closed five area testing sites. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Ill. senators get personal in dispute over pay raises
Democrats got personal Thursday in their dispute over legislative raises, with one state senator calling a colleague "filthy rich" and accusing House members of being hypocritical. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Pay raise feud gets personal
The debate in the General Assembly over pay raises for lawmakers got personal Thursday, with a Senate Democrat chastising another for her wealth and blaming state representatives for using the Senate to get their money. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Union for state workers wants mandatory overtime eliminated
It's not every day organized labor asks management for less overtime, but that's what the largest union representing state employees is doing as it negotiates a new contract with the Blagojevich administration. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Rezko lender tries to force bankruptcy over $18 million
A Wilmette businessman who testified last week against political fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko at his federal corruption trial sought Thursday to force Rezko's bankruptcy over his failure to repay more than $18 million. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
'Pay to play' ban advances, faces uncertain Senate future
Legislation to combat "pay to play" politics in Illinois advanced to the Senate floor Thursday, where it faces an uncertain future because of what the Senate president calls a "gaping loophole." [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Appeal to BP permit in the works?
Environmental groups may appeal BP Whiting's new air permit, a move that could compel the refinery to stop the weeklong construction efforts of its $3.8 billion expansion. [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
Booksellers agree with suit challenging new legislation
"I just thought it was stupid." That was the reaction of Sarah Bird, co-owner of the Griffon Bookstore in downtown South Bend, when she first heard of a new law that will require retailers of sexually explicit materials to register with the state and pay a fee. [South Bend Tribune] Read More
State high court asked to review Pelley case
The office of Attorney General Steve Carter has asked the Indiana Supreme Court to review Jeffrey Pelley's quadruple murder case. [South Bend Tribune] Read More
High court asked to reinstate quadruple murder conviction
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The state has asked the Indiana Supreme Court to reinstate the conviction of a man accused of killing his minister father, stepmother and two stepsisters so he could attend high school prom events in 1989. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Frankfort celebrates National Guard's return
The soldiers did their jobs, rain or shine. So Frankfort citizens made sure they came out to welcome the soldiers home, rain or shine. [Journal and Courier (Lafayette)] Read More
Conviction upheld in toddler's death
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Thursday affirmed the battery conviction and sentence of Kwasi Barnes, who was found guilty in 2007 of a Class A felony in the death of a 15-month-old girl. [South Bend Tribune] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
DOT to continue using Spanish, other languages
The Iowa Department of Transportation plans to keep publishing official notices in Spanish and other languages, despite a recent court ruling upholding the state's English-language law, a spokeswoman said Thursday. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Bill aids counties paying to jail illegal immigrants
WASHINGTON -- Iowa counties would be eligible for additional federal dollars to help pay the costs of jailing illegal immigrants under a bill the House unanimously approved Thursday. [Iowa City Press-Citizen] Read More
Culver signs bill to help students buy textbooks
Gov. Chet Culver has signed a bill intended to make it easier for students to save money on textbooks. [Sioux City Journal] Read More
Facebook agrees to changes to try and stop on-line predators
Another top social networking website has agreed to take steps to protect children from sexual predators and inappropriate content. Bob Brammer, a spokesman for Iowa's Attorney General, says several states have reached an agreement with "Facebook." [Radio Iowa] Read More
Iowa prisons to ban smoking in 2009
Iowa's prisons are going smoke-free, despite an exemption from the state's new statewide smoking ban. [Quad-City Times] Read More
New law targets fans of dogfights
Those who attend and bet on illegal animal fights could now face tougher penalties, thanks to the work of two Davenport lawmakers who want to stop animal abuse. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Regents pick new leader
The Iowa state Board of Regents has filled its top staff position with a public administrator from Florida, the board announced Thursday. [Iowa City Press-Citizen] Read More
Tama casino offers poker to gamblers under age 21
The Meskwaki Indian tribe plans to offer poker to 18- to 21-year-old gamblers next month at its Tama casino, but state regulators said the young players will be barred from slot machines, blackjack and other games. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Hospital group expects Culver to approve bill
The Iowa hospital industry says it is optimistic that Gov. Chet Culver will allow most of the state's hospitals to bypass a public-approval process before they construct new facilities. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Authorities say changes in Amber Alert in the works
Iowa's Amber Alert system is five years old and state officials say changes are planned to make the system more efficient. [Sioux City Journal] Read More
Def Leppard to play Iowa State Fair
Classic rock band Def Leppard plays the Iowa State Fair Grandstand on Aug. 16 in Des Moines, Iowa fair officials announced Thursday. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Board of Regents appoints new director
The Iowa Board of Regents announced the appointment of Robert Donley on Thursday to serve as the board's executive director. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Senator questions printing of DOT notice in Spanish
Senate Republican Leader Ron Wieck of Sioux City says it appears the Iowa Department of Transportation broke the law by having a public hearing notice printed in the Sioux City Journal Thursday in both English and Spanish. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Despite exemption, prisons to ban smoking
NEWTON, Iowa -- Iowa's prisons will become tobacco-free in early January even though state lawmakers exempted the institutions in a new law that bans smoking in most public places. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young users from sexual predators and cyberbullies, attorneys general from several states said Thursday. [CNN.com] Read More
Facebook agrees to shield kids from adult content
Social networking giant Facebook has agreed to better protect children on its Web site, including providing automatic warning messages when a child is in danger of giving personal information to an unknown adult. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Legislature's issues in 2008 mirrored nation's
Kansas lawmakers spent the 2008 session wrestling mightily with problems of national, even global scope, and their failures were nearly as big. [Wichita Eagle (registration)] Read More
Session marked by little progress
State political leaders on Thursday assigned praise and fault for the outcome of the 2008 legislative session the day after House and Senate ended the four-month marathon. [The Topeka Capital-Journal] Read More
Local issues played a role in session
For the second time in as many years, lawmakers said with a unified voice that Kansas hates funeral protests. [The Topeka Capital-Journal] Read More
Opinion of legislative session depends on perspective
If the 2008 legislative session produced unanimity in one area, it was that most everyone was glad when it ended. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Budget includes bonds for pharmacy school
For the Kansas University School of Pharmacy, the Legislature?s final budget bill was just what the doctor ordered. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Unity in priorities benefits Wichita region
Despite a tight budget year, south-central lawmakers secured millions of dollars for local projects -- including a package to encourage future aviation development. [Wichita Eagle (registration)] Read More
Attorneys general reach Facebook agreement
In an attempt to make the Internet safer for children, all but one of the nation's state attorneys general have turned their attention to another popular social networking site. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Facebook reaches agreement on sex predators
Facebook, the world's second-largest social-networking Web site, has reached an agreement with state law enforcement authorities across the country aimed at protecting children from sexual predators. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Facebook safeguards will protect young users
HARTFORD, Conn. - Facebook, the world's second-largest social networking Web site, will add more than 40 safeguards to protect young |
