Tax ruling avoids loss of millions
The Alabama Supreme Court's decision in a corporate tax case has allowed the state to avoid the prospect of losing millions of dollars in revenue. [Montgomery Advertiser]
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Archive of Stateline.org RSS - State by State Roundup on Wednesday September 24, 2008
Tax ruling avoids loss of millions
The Alabama Supreme Court's decision in a corporate tax case has allowed the state to avoid the prospect of losing millions of dollars in revenue. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
Public schools to get $3M in escrow
Montgomery Public Schools will receive $3 million in taxes that have been in escrow since a dispute over a December 2007 audit. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
McCain posts large lead over Obama in state poll
A statewide poll shows Republican John McCain with a big lead over Democrat Barack Obama in Alabama. But as the election draws near, many voters are undecided about their choice. [Montgomery Advertiser] Read More
AAA reports decline in gas prices
If you need gas, there's good news - prices at the pumps are still declining across Alabama. [Tuscaloosa News (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Obama camp quiet since Palin was chosen
Hardly a day went by this summer in Alaska without Barack Obama's campaign producing a news release or calling reporters. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Palin courts cameras, but dodges questions
NEW YORK — For better or for worse, each of the four candidates comprising the Democratic and Republican tickets made headlines Tuesday. But one of them, Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, did so without uttering a word to the voters or the press. [Politico] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
State football playoffs await weekend outcomes
Tie-breakers? More like brain-busters. Take off a shoe and slam the heel of it into your skull three times fast. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Troopers seek man in beating death of Whittier toddler
More than a year after a 2-year-old girl was beaten to death in Whittier, investigators have filed charges against her mother's former boyfriend. Now he's nowhere to be found. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Palin defended bridge to 'spinmeisters'
Sarah Palin supported the "bridge to nowhere" long after it had become an icon of wasteful federal spending. [Politico] Read More
Lawmaker's son does not get indicted in Palin e-mail hacking
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A federal grand jury ended its session Tuesday without indicting a Democratic state lawmaker's son in an investigation of someone hacking Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's personal e-mail. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Palin uses U.N. session to bolster her resume
NEW YORK -- During her first national-television interview as the Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin admitted she had never met a foreign head of state before. On Tuesday, she met two of them. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
Palin sits down with 2 foreign leaders
NEW YORK -- Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin made her diplomatic debut Tuesday, meeting with two heads of state who traveled to New York for the opening of the U.N. General Assembly. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
For Palin in New York, a predebate introduction to motorcade diplomacy
Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska met her first head of state on Tuesday as she crisscrossed New York City receiving foreign policy tutorials in advance of her debate next week with Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. [The New York Times] Read More
State lawmakers warn of $1 billion deficit
The state budget is careening toward another big deficit, and the Legislature's top budget officials want the governor to call a special session to minimize the harm they see coming. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Strongin no longer GOP spokeswoman
After a short stint, Camilla Strongin is no longer the spokesperson of the Arizona Republican Party. [Arizona Capitol Times] Read More
Plan for speed cameras on state roads advances
A state official's decision Tuesday to let a contract award take effect means Arizona will launch its groundbreaking photo speed-enforcement program on Friday, the Arizona Department of Public Safety said. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Young voters, solidly behind Obama, registering in droves
A new national poll says young adults age 18 to 29 overwhelmingly prefer Sen. Barack Obama over Sen. John McCain in the race for the White House. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Regents guideline: Raise UA tuition as much as $726
Tuition for in-state residents attending the University of Arizona could rise by up to $726 next year — pushing the annual bill to more than $6,000 — under proposed guidelines the regents will consider this week. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson) (registration)] Read More
Mexico to step up U.S. border searches
Mexico's government plans to search 10 percent of all vehicles entering the country from the United States in an effort to curb arms smuggling, the attorney general said Tuesday. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
GOP leaders want special session
The top budget officials in the House and the Senate said a special legislative session is needed quickly to dig Arizona out of a deepening financial hole. [Arizona Daily Star (Tucson) (registration)] Read More
ASU hits an enrollment record this fall
Arizona State University's enrollment has hit a record 67,082 students this fall, up 4 percent from last year. Figures for individual campuses are expected this week. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
Western states' plan aims to cut greenhouse gas
A coalition of Western states and four Canadian provinces released on Tuesday the most far-reaching plan yet for cutting emissions of the greenhouse gases that are warming the globe. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Poll shows Obama leading in Florida — but not by much
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is slightly ahead of Republican Rival John McCain in Florida, 47-45 percent, according to a Mason-Dixon poll released Tuesday. [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
Florida Hispanics sticking with GOP
As Democrat Barack Obama headlines a rally Wednesday during his second campaign swing through Florida in as many weeks, he faces a challenge in the diverse battleground state: winning over Hispanics. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Largest Ark. payday lender says it will shut down
Advance America, the largest payday loan provider in Arkansas, said Tuesday it will shut down its stores in the state because of the attorney general's threat of lawsuits over its high-interest loans. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
Curbs on underage drinking proposed
If a legislative task force has its way, Mike's Hard Lemonade and other "alcopops" will be pulled off grocery and convenience store shelves as part of an effort to curb underage drinking. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
Ark. officials talk with districts after elections
State education officials say they will talk with nine school districts whose voters recently rejected millage increases this month to discuss how the votes may affect state funding for school building improvements. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
Group seeks further study on Ark. power plant
An environmental group suggested Tuesday that the state deny an air-quality permit for a proposed $1.5 billion coal-fired power plant in southwest Arkansas, at least until further study is done on controlling the pollution it would produce. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
Arkansas to keep girls from Alamo compound for now
Six girls taken from the Tony Alamo Christian Ministries compound in Fouke will remain in state custody for the near future, an official said Tuesday. [The Daily Citizen (Searcy)] Read More
Governor appoints candidate's wife to fill vacant JP spot
Gov. Mike Beebe confirmed a new justice of the peace for Washington County Tuesday. Nancy Firmin will fill the vacancy in District 7, which is in Fayetteville, for the remaining three months of the term left open by Ken Kieklak, who moved out of the district. [Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (Little Rock)] Read More
Court filing stirs debate over whether state constitution bans casinos
Lt. Gov. Bill Halter's response to a legal challenge of his ballot proposal for a state-run lottery for college scholarships has stirred debate over another thorny gambling issue in Arkansas: Whether the state constitution bans casino gambling. [Arkansas News Bureau] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Children seized in Ark. raid to stay with state
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Six girls removed from an evangelical compound as part of an investigation into the possible sexual abuse of minors will remain in state custody for the near future, a state official said Tuesday. [USA Today] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Budget signed, Schwarzenegger sets sights on redistricting, other changes
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger preferred to sign the state's $103.4 billion budget Tuesday in his office with officials from Placerville and other cities – and not one legislator. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
California considers selling ads on signs used for Amber Alerts
In a state that has restricted cellphone use by drivers and appears poised to bar motorists from text messaging, the Schwarzenegger administration is considering a plan that could create a new distraction: advertisements on freeway signs used for Amber Alerts and other emergencies. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
California voters face another measure requiring consent for minors' abortions
Californians might have a sense of deja vu when they vote in November on Proposition 4, a ballot measure that would require doctors to notify a parent or other adult family member before an abortion is performed on a minor. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Two California economic forecasts see gloomy 2009
The state's economy is halfway through a recession that won't begin easing until sometime next year, according to the latest forecast from the University of the Pacific. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
What took so long- Budget battle reflects Schwarzenegger's weak ties to Legislature
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't known for mincing words. But earlier this month, as California's budget stalemate inched from serious problem toward full-blown crisis, he gave an interview to a German publication that was surprising in its candor — and certainly didn't help his cause. [The Mercury News (San Jose) (registration)] Read More
Homeless register to vote in San Jose
At the San Jose homeless shelter, most of those lined up outside Tuesday came for the usual: a warm meal, a blanket or a cot for the night. But a few stopped by for something else — to register to vote. [The Mercury News (San Jose) (registration)] Read More
2008 ballot watch - Proposition 1A: High-speed rail bonds
After a dozen years of study and a variety of political delays in the Legislature, voters will be asked to provide nearly $10 billion in bonds to begin building a high-speed rail system that could ultimately reach from Sacramento to San Diego. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
UCLA economists issue gloomy California forecast
Housing prices will hit bottom some time next year, but the California economy will be in distress for months to come, according to a closely followed UCLA economic report scheduled to be released today. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
No quick return for California workers cut in July
Although the fiscal fight is over, state workers who lost their jobs during California's budget battle probably won't be rehired any time soon, a state official said Tuesday. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Details from the new budget
Here are some of the highlights of the overdue state budget Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Tuesday. [The Sacramento Bee (registration)] Read More
States, provinces have plan to cut emissions
A coalition of Western states and Canadian provinces unveiled a far-reaching plan on Tuesday that would ratchet back greenhouse gas emissions from a broad expanse of North America and could serve as a model for future federal action. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Arnold Schwarzenegger signs $145-billion California budget
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the state's tardiest budget on record Tuesday after eliminating $510 million in spending, including financial aid for elderly renters and homeowners and a program he championed to lower prescription drug prices for low-income Californians. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Budget is signed following long delay
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger ended a record 85-day budget deadlock yesterday, signing a $144.5 billion plan that freezes spending at last year's level but continues a decade-long string of deficits. [The San Diego Union-Tribune] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Western Climate Initiative unveils plan for capping emissions
Utah and other members of the Western Climate Initiative on Tuesday announced support of an emissions-trading plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in the West. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
California budget is signed, 85 days late and despised
LOS ANGELES — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday signed California's budget, a document that was 85 days late and among state lawmakers, perhaps the most universally despised budget in the nation. [The New York Times] Read More
Western states' plan aims to cut greenhouse gas
A coalition of Western states and four Canadian provinces released on Tuesday the most far-reaching plan yet for cutting emissions of the greenhouse gases that are warming the globe. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Officials say disruption, not Obama T-shirt, earned boy suspension
AURORA — School officials said Tuesday that it was the disruption that an 11-year-old's anti-Barack Obama T-shirt sparked — not its political content — that got him suspended from school last week. [Rocky Mountain News (Denver)] Read More
State OKs protection of wildlife from drills
The Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission on Tuesday adopted rules to protect wildlife from drilling operations — one of the most contentious pieces of the commission's nine-month overhaul of state regulations. [The Denver Post] Read More
FasTracks options -- Pay more or get less, board is told
To raise the full $7.9 billion needed to build all FasTracks rail lines by 2017, RTD would need to tack between 0.2 and 0.3 percentage points more to the 1 percent sales-and-use tax it already collects in metro Denver. [The Denver Post] Read More
Homeland Security grants rise
Colorado is receiving more than $20 million in federal Homeland Security grants this year, a slight increase over last year's funding level, Gov. Bill Ritter announced Tuesday. [The Denver Post] Read More
Property-tax credit gets scrutinized
The oil and gas industry's property-tax credit that Amendment 58 would eliminate is either an archaic, unfair break for a $23 billion industry or a way for local communities to share in the wealth. It depends on which side of the ballot measure — designed to raise an estimated $300 million a year for the state — you stand. [The Denver Post] Read More
GOP's mail-vote edge shrinks
Colorado Republicans have nearly a 30,000-voter edge in requests for mail-in ballots, but strategists on both sides of the aisle say that may not be enough to overcome the Democrats' historically strong get-out-the-vote efforts on Election Day. [The Denver Post] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Western Climate Initiative unveils plan for capping emissions
Utah and other members of the Western Climate Initiative on Tuesday announced support of an emissions-trading plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in the West. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
State in hot water, Rell warns
Gov. M. Jodi Rell says the state's revenue picture is ugly, and some tough budget cuts will be necessary in the coming months. [New Haven Register (registration)] Read More
Ticket fixers caught
Two workers in the Office of the Tax Collector and Collections Receivable departments remain under investigation after an audit revealed they had erased $3,200 of their own parking tickets, city officials said. [New Haven Register (registration)] Read More
RIPTA Meeting On Cutbacks Disrupted
Providence (AP) - A group of college students loudly protesting proposed bus service cuts forced the cancellation of a state transit authority board meeting. [The Day (New London)] Read More
Survey -- Doctors Dissatisfied With Practice Environment In State
Almost one in three Connecticut physicians are thinking about changing jobs or moving out of state because they are sick and tired of practicing medicine here [The Hartford Courant (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Candidates talk business
WILMINGTON, Del. - With an easy gubernatorial primary victory behind him, Republican Bill Lee showed Tuesday that his pre-primary absence at candidate forums was not an effort to dodge tough questions. It was, as he had said, political strategy. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Debate focuses on impact of Lt. Gov.
The ability of the lieutenant governor to have an impact on the state was the focus of many questions Tuesday night for two of the candidates running for the state's second-highest office. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
Patients' money, checks stolen
Cash and Social Security checks belonging to patients at the Delaware Psychiatric Center were stolen from the trunk of a state vehicle during a deposit run to a local bank earlier this month, according to officials responsible for the trouble-plagued facility. [The News Journal (New Castle-Wilmington)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Gas-price inquiries continue
With gasoline outages diminishing and prices heading downward, Florida investigators await final documentation from 20 oil-industry companies to conclude price-gouging inquiries. [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
Another recount on the way for Palm Beach County
A Tallahassee judge Wednesday cleared the way for yet another recount in Palm Beach County's ballot-counting fiasco [The Sun-Sentinel (South Florida)] Read More
Poll shows Obama leading in Florida — but not by much
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is slightly ahead of Republican Rival John McCain in Florida, 47-45 percent, according to a Mason-Dixon poll released Tuesday. [Tallahassee Democrat] Read More
Some drivers using Florida's Turnpike experience expensive toll glitch
Toll booths along Florida's Turnpike and Alligator Alley will soon begin receiving new axle-counting equipment to keep sensors from overcharging motorists. [The Sun-Sentinel (South Florida)] Read More
Florida Hispanics sticking with GOP
As Democrat Barack Obama headlines a rally Wednesday during his second campaign swing through Florida in as many weeks, he faces a challenge in the diverse battleground state: winning over Hispanics. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Rising health-care costs hit Orlando
Orlando-area employers experienced some of the biggest increases in health-care costs in the nation this year, according to an annual study released Tuesday by Hewitt Associates. [The Orlando Sentinel (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Florida universities decide to admit Clayton students
Gov. Sonny Perdue's plea to Florida's 11 public universities has been heard. The schools have decided they will, after all, admit Clayton County students. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Pinellas is backdrop as Obama prepares for debate
CLEARWATER, Fla. — He gushed about the Tampa Bay weather, waxed poetic about Guinness beer and deftly avoided an argument over whether the Rays are superior to his beloved White Sox. [St. Petersburg Times] Read More
Supreme Court issues stay of execution for Davis
JACKSON, Ga. — The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday issued a stay of execution for Troy Anthony Davis less than two hours before he was to be put to death by lethal injection. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Officials examine voter ID numbers
State officials are trying to determine why there are more voter identification cards being issued in Richmond County than in nearly every other county in the state. [The Augusta Chronicle] Read More
Senate panel hears more-guns-in-public debate
Gun-control advocates, religious leaders and government officials urged a key Senate panel Tuesday to not let more Georgians carry firearms into places of worship, schools, municipal buildings and mental hospitals. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Davis being prepared for execution
JACKSON, Ga. — With less than four hours left before his scheduled execution, convicted cop killer Troy Anthony Davis said his good-byes to about 25 visitors Tuesday afternoon and began the final preparations for his lethal injection scheduled for 7 p.m. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
18,000 cast ballots in Georgia
For thousands of Georgians, early voting presents the opportunity to cast a ballot and avoid the long lines of Election Day. [The Augusta Chronicle] Read More
Georgia biotech firms growing with help of federal grants
MedShape Solutions, a startup biotech firm, is developing a device for reconstructive surgery on the rotator cuff. Not just for pitchers like John Smoltz, but for seniors with similar shoulder problems. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
Florida universities decide to admit Clayton students
Gov. Sonny Perdue's plea to Florida's 11 public universities has been heard. The schools have decided they will, after all, admit Clayton County students. [The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Southeast drivers still scrambling to find gas
More than a week after Hurricane Ike's strike, drivers across the Southeast are still bouncing between dry pumps and shuttered stations in a frustrating hunt for a fill-up — and they're starting to get angry. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
Hawaii postpones $625M bond sale amid Wall Street turmoil
Wall Street woes are affecting the state of Hawai'i's finances, or at least its ability to finance public works projects it wants to help boost the local economy. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
Lingle and unions talk budget
Gov. Linda Lingle finished a week's worth of meetings with the heads of Hawaii public sector unions yesterday, but without getting agreement on forestalling talk of wage increases. In reaction to the latest state budget projection of a $903 million deficit by mid-2011, Lingle called for public workers to scale back wage demands. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Court rejects Stop Rail Now's appeal
The state appeals court this afternoon rejected a request to place on the Nov. 4 general election ballot a question about whether the city should be banned from building a train or rail transit system. [Honolulu Star-Bulletin] Read More
Lingle to campaign for ticket in 6 states
Gov. Linda Lingle said yesterday she would campaign in six states on the Mainland for the GOP presidential ticket of U.S. Sen. John McCain and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
State hosts island healthcare gathering
Leaders of U.S. Pacific and Caribbean island territories will be gathering in Hawai'i next week to discuss how to improve healthcare. [The Honolulu Advertiser] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Agency to reconsider taking gray wolves off endangered species list
HELENA, Mont. — The federal agency that removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list in March has changed its mind and is asking a federal judge to vacate the decision. [The New York Times] Read More
Idaho State prepares contingency budget plans
POCATELLO, Idaho -- Idaho State University is preparing to scale back on planned construction in case Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter decides to cut spending from the state's general fund. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Idaho schools awarded fresh fruit, veggie grants
Thirty elementary schools across the state have been awarded grants to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to students. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
Gas prices in Idaho fall to near the U.S. average
Idaho gasoline costs have fallen within a penny of the national average, despite recent volatility in crude oil markets, industry experts said Tuesday. [The Idaho Statesman (Boise)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Blagojevich allies pass ethics proposal of their own
A day after the Legislature forced a major new campaign fundraising restriction on him, Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich Tuesday threw a counterpunch: a new ethics bill that would nix lawmakers' second jobs and make it more difficult for them to raise their own pay. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Lawmakers vote to reverse budget cuts
Faced with potential voter backlash in November, Illinois senators Tuesday approved bills to reverse budget cuts that threatened to close state parks and historic sites and cause hundreds of state workers to be laid off. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Illinois expects Obama to make a big impact
CHICAGO — Catherine Haskins is 36 and has never bothered to vote in a presidential election. She says that will change Nov. 4 when she votes for Barack Obama. [USA Today] Read More
183rd prepares for new mission
The last F-16 assigned to Springfield's 183rd Tactical Fighter Wing thundered into a blue sky Tuesday morning, then circled back over Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. As Lt. Col. John Patterson flew low over the runways, he rocked the fighter's wings to say goodbye. Then the F-16 Falcon disappeared in the distance. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Mayor Daley defends brother, blasts McCain ad
Mayor Richard Daley teed off Tuesday on Republican presidential candidate John McCain for including Daley's brother in a negative ad about Barack Obama's Chicago political roots. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Just 1 Illinois high school dropout costs $221,000
Taxpayers lose $221,000 over the course of a lifetime for each Illinois student who drops out of school, according to a new analysis released Wednesday. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
Campaigns squabble over significance of Obama's 'present' votes as Illinois senator
Call it the presidential campaign's present tense. Partisans for Barack Obama and John McCain are going back and forth over how much to make of the 129 times that Obama voted "present" on legislation when he was in the Illinois Senate. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Edward revises Plainfield hospital proposal - again
Edward Hospital has once again modified its proposal for a Plainfield hospital that has struggled to gain support from the state. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
3 more Illinois counties declared disaster areas
Governor Rod Blagojevich has declared three more Illinois counties state disaster areas after severe flooding this month. [Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Far fewer West Nile cases this year
The high season for West Nile virus is nearly over, and the disease seems to have taken an extended summer vacation. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House approves hotel tax rate hike for East Peoria, Morton
East Peoria and Morton on Tuesday won the go-ahead they need from state government to boost their local hotel tax rates, and elected officials from both communities soon could vote on whether to do that. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Senate approves ethics reforms
A day after targeting Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois Senate reversed course Tuesday and overwhelmingly approved his broad ethics package despite opposition from reform advocates who predicted doom for the measure. [The State Journal-Register (Springfield)] Read More
Senate sends $220 million economic-assistance bill to governor
Chicago area mass transit, state parks and social services would get more than $220 million to prop up their budgets under legislation sent Tuesday to Gov. Rod Blagojevich. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Illinois Senate approves Blagojevich-endorsed package that restricts lawmakers
Less than 24 hours after approving major ethics legislation aimed at Gov. Rod Blagojevich, the Illinois Senate on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a package backed by the governor that would put some of the same restrictions on lawmakers. [Chicago Tribune (registration)] Read More
Candidates tap-dance on taxes, transportation
JASPER, Ind. -- Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels and Democratic challenger Jill Long Thompson clashed over taxes, transportation and a slew of other topics Tuesday night during the second of three gubernatorial debates. [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
Elders' lawyers slam planned Ind. Medicaid changes
Advocates for the infirm and nursing homes say the state is rushing Medicaid changes that would leave some patients with no means to pay for care and some nursing homes forced to close their doors because of money given to family members or charities years ago. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
More Indiana National Guard troops deployed
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- About 170 Indiana National Guard soldiers are headed to Iraq, where they will train Iraqi police. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Jobs, economy dominate Round 2 of gubernatorial debates
JASPER, Ind. -- Stark differences were outlined Tuesday night during the second of three debates among the three candidates for governor. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Obama at work to flip Indiana for Democrats
Democrats typically skip right over reliably Republican Indiana when plotting presidential campaign strategy. Not Barack Obama. [The Indianapolis Star] Read More
Bush declares region disaster area
President Bush declared a disaster area across three Northwest Indiana counties Tuesday, and homeowners, renters and business owners can start applying today for FEMA assistance. [Northwest Indiana Times (Munster)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
Florida Hispanics sticking with GOP
As Democrat Barack Obama headlines a rally Wednesday during his second campaign swing through Florida in as many weeks, he faces a challenge in the diverse battleground state: winning over Hispanics. [The Miami Herald (registration)] Read More
Group targets Democrats; donors remain anonymous
Radio ads with a velvety sarcasm are criticizing Democrats for everything from their flood response to support of union-backed legislation. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
HUD approves disaster recovery plan
Flood-ravaged Iowa communities took a step toward gaining access to millions in federal community development grants after the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on Tuesday accepted a state proposal on how the money should be spent. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Iowa treasurer says stakes high in federal bailout
Iowa Treasurer Mike Fitzgerald says the state has high financial stakes in the federal government's plan to bailout failing companies. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Assault probe fallout -- U of I fires 2
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Two top University of Iowa officials were fired Tuesday, less than a week after the release of an independent report that was highly critical of their actions after a high-profile sexual assault allegation last fall. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Officials -- AIG investments by state workers are safe
No state employees are expected to lose retirement money because of their investments with struggling insurance and financial services giant AIG, according to state officials. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Report says wages not keeping up with insurance premiums
A report issued today by "Families U.S.A." says wage increases in Iowa continue to lag behind rising insurance premiums. Families U.S.A. executive director, Ron Pollack, talked about the details of the numbers. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Iowa officials begin measuring carbon footprint
URBANDALE, Iowa -- Iowa environmental officials are beginning to measure the affect of greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa have on the environment. [Sioux City Journal] Read More
Third Iowa bar faces loss of liquor license over smoking ban
A Clinton bar faces the revocation of its liquor license for allegedly failing to comply with Iowa's public smoking ban, becoming the third Iowa bar to face such a penalty for smoking violations. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Justices -- Pierce can go to France
Basketball player Pierre Pierce won a round in the Iowa Supreme Court on Tuesday, but the Iowa attorney general's office is still fighting to keep him in the United States while he's on probation. [The Des Moines Register] Read More
Vision Iowa dispute may affect Great Places cash
The board that granted Mason City a "Great Place" designation in 2006 is concerned about the City Council's reluctance to follow through on the $9 million Vision Iowa contract. [Globe Gazette (Mason City)] Read More
Court rejects 'Terror in the Woods' appeal
The Iowa Supreme Court has rejected an appeal of three ordinance violations issued to the operator of Terror in the Woods in September 2007, saying "substantial justice" was granted. [Quad-City Times] Read More
Local man named state's top Guard recruiter
Sgt. 1st Class Sean Eckhardt's office looks out over Davenport's busy Brady Street. But the Iowa National Guard recruiter doesn't spend a lot of time sitting at his desk. His duties as senior recruiter take him to North and West high schools, where he talks to teenagers about joining the National Guard and taking on the challenge of protecting their communities and the greater world. [Quad-City Times] Read More
DNR has grants available for can and bottle redemption centers
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is taking applications for grants that should help make independent bottle and can redemption centers easier for the public to use. D-N-R spokesman Bill Blum says the deadline for the grants is October 3rd. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Pierce cleared to play ball in France
It appears former Iowa basketball player Pierre Pierce is free to pursue his desire to play pro ball in Europe. [Radio Iowa] Read More
Pierre Pierce allowed to travel to France
The Iowa attorney general is asking the state Supreme Court to reconsider a ruling that allows former Iowa basketball player Pierre Pierce to leave the state to play professional basketball in France. [Quad-City Times] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Kelsey Smith's parents seek law change on cell phone companies' cooperation
Edwin Hall was sentenced this month to life in prison for killing Kelsey Smith, but one mystery remained: [Kansas City Star (registration)] Read More
All-day kindergarten proves popular
Enrollment in all-day kindergarten programs is booming in Kansas. [Wichita Eagle (registration)] Read More
NASA climate expert warns Kansans of dire consequences of global warming
One day after a scientist told Kansas leaders not to worry about global warming, one of the leading experts on climate change stated Tuesday that if carbon dioxide emissions continue to increase it will eventually mean the end of life. [The Lawrence Journal-World] Read More
Kan. governor in Chesterfield for Obama
Every day, Stephanie Jackson drives from North Richmond to the South Side, where she works and her four daughters attend school. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Illegal drug sales blocked
More than 4,000 illegal attempts to purchase cold medicines from pharmacies have been blocked in recent months because of a new electronic tracking system, Gov. Steve Beshear announced yesterday. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Education commissioner Draud suffers mild stroke
State Education Commissioner Jon Draud is recovering at his home in Northern Kentucky after suffering a mild stroke that has affected his ability to walk. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Beshear to allow early sale of winter gasoline
Gov. Steve Beshear has issued an executive order that will allow wholesalers to immediately begin distributing gasoline that usually is sold only during the fall and winter months in Kentucky. Beshear said the move will expand the state's supply of gasoline. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
State's campuses get passing grades on green issues
Kentucky's greenest campuses are at Berea College and the University of Louisville, judging from the College Sustainability Report Card 2009. The report, released Wednesday, gave Berea a B overall and U of L a B-minus. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Program to help public, state keep tabs on crime
Crime victims will get more information about their offenders, the public can use an enhanced Web site to track sex offenders, and pharmacies can crack down on those seeking ingredients for methamphetamine, under a new state technology program. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
Accounting requested for walking horse funds
Kentucky regulators have asked a walking horse group to show that members who received money from a state fund have not violated a federal law ensuring that horses aren't mistreated. [Lexington Herald-Leader] Read More
16 Ky. seniors may win scholarships
Sixteen Kentucky high school seniors are among more than 1,600 semifinalists nationwide in the 45th annual Achievement Scholarship competition that recognizes academically talented black students. [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
Delays, overruns snarl bridges plan
Mention the $4.1 billion plan for two new bridges and a reworked Spaghetti Junction to people in the Louisville area and you're likely to hear variations on, "I won't live long enough to see it." [The Courier-Journal (Louisville)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
Jindal wants storm aid, fast
WASHINGTON — Gov. Bobby Jindal urged Congress on Tuesday to quickly approve at least some of his multimillion-dollar request for new hurricane recovery money. [The News Star (Monroe)] Read More
LaBruzzo -- Sterilization plan fights poverty
Worried that welfare costs are rising as the number of taxpayers declines, state Rep. John LaBruzzo, R-Metairie, said Tuesday he is studying a plan to pay poor women $1,000 to have their Fallopian tubes tied. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Court rules Libertarians must be on Nov. 4 ballot
Louisiana officials must add the Libertarian Party's presidential and vice presidential candidates to the Nov. 4 ballot, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Ethics Board appointee named after rejection
Gov. Bobby Jindal on Tuesday replaced one of his recent state Ethics Board appointees who quit before taking office. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Storms hit food banks
The two hurricanes earlier this month severely stretched the resources of area food banks. Food and supplies, most of which came from private donations, were taxed by the thousands of residents left without power, grocery stores without goods and a stumbling state disaster food stamp program, members of the Louisiana Food Bank Association said Tuesday. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
Jindal visits D.C. to seek disaster aid
WASHINGTON — Gov. Bobby Jindal was on his old stomping grounds Tuesday when he visited the U.S. House of Representatives during a trip seeking at least $1 billion in hurricane recovery aid for Louisiana, where storm damage is estimated at $20 billion. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
La. campuses light green
LSU and Tulane University rank at the national average with "C+" grades on their "green" campus report cards for 2009. [The Advocate (Baton Rouge)] Read More
LABI gives top rating to two local lawmakers
Sen. Ann Duplessis, D-New Orleans, and Rep. Nita Hutter, R-Chalmette, scored the highest among New Orleans area lawmakers in rankings from the state's largest business lobby covering votes in the two special sessions and one general session held this year. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
Landrieu, Kennedy agree to 4 debates
Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu and Republican state Treasurer John Kennedy have agreed to four debates during a three-week window next month. Two of the match-ups will be broadcast statewide. [The Times-Picayune (New Orleans)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Texas, Louisiana press for aid
State and local officials from Texas and Louisiana told Washington lawmakers the credit crisis will make it more difficult to get loans for hurricane-cleanup efforts. They said it is critical that cities get a quick, direct infusion of federal funds. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Web site tracks state spending
The state of Maine paid more money in overtime than it did in salary in 2007 to a nurse at the Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center in Bangor. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
State expects a big presence of absentee voters
State election officials this week are mailing out 378,000 absentee ballots to town and city clerks around Maine, as the candidates and political parties enter the final, most critical stretch of their campaigns. [Portland Press Herald] Read More
Study urges state to help working poor survive
It's no surprise to learn that times are tough for low-income working families in Maine — and likely will get tougher. [Bangor Daily News] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Death penalty commission wraps up hearings, prepares report
Kimberly Armstrong's son was murdered almost four years ago. But as she took her seat in front of Maryland's capital punishment commission this week, she didn't testify in favor of the death penalty. Instead, she asked the commission to spare the lives of those who are on death row. [Capital News Service] Read More
State economy slumping
Maryland's economy has softened in several categories, as foreclosures, welfare receipts, and unemployment claims have all increased in the past year, according to a pending state report. [Capital News Service] Read More
Maryland feels pinch of thinning federal dollars
BALTIMORE — Where Anthony Hurt once saw rubble and litter, he now sees a bright mural. From his second-story window, the view of drugs and decay has given way to sunflowers and trees. [USA Today] Read More
Maryland to fill gap in federal veterans' services
BOONSBORO, Md. - Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown said Tuesday that Maryland is committed to improving the mental health and other services available to the state's veterans through a new initiative created to supplement the efforts of the federal government. [Capital News Service] Read More
Two groups call for an increase in the state's minimum wage
A report to be released today calls for the state to raise its minimum wage to $7.15 immediately and to $8.15 in July 2009, when the next national increase takes effect. [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Md., Va., D.C. face budget upheaval
Virginia officials said yesterday that the state budget shortfall may be as wide as $3 billion over two years, triple what they estimated a month ago, while District officials said they are facing a gap of $131 million after years of surpluses. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Del. Taylor arrested on DUI charge
Del. Herman L. Taylor Jr. (D-Dist. 14) was handcuffed and arrested in the parking lot of a Silver Spring 7-Eleven in May on alcohol-related charges, according to a police report and his attorney, who says the legislator is "absolutely, unequivocally innocent." [The Gazette (Gaithersburg)] Read More
Missing DNA samples blamed on clerical errors
State officials said they are unable to locate DNA samples for more than 2,000 convicted felons that should have been logged into the Maryland State Police database, but they played down the significance of the issue, discovered during a routine checkup as officials process unprecedented numbers of samples. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Ad campaign targets uninsured residents
Gov. Martin O'Malley and Baltimore health advocates announced the launch yesterday of a $150,000 advertising campaign designed to let uninsured Baltimoreans know that thousands more of them are eligible for Medicaid. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Mixed picture on HSA results
Maryland school officials said yesterday that nearly nine out of 10 students in the current senior class have passed the High School Assessments and predicted that no student will fail to graduate because of the state's requirements. [The Sun (Baltimore)] Read More
Death penalty commission holds last hearing
A former U.S. senator and a New Jersey police chief argued against the death penalty Monday before a commission that is expected to deliver recommendations to lawmakers later this year. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Lower drinking age opposed by experts
With some of the nation's most prominent college leaders suggesting that the nation's drinking age be lowered, a group of researchers and safety experts told Maryland lawmakers yesterday that younger drinkers would bring more accidents and deaths. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Lottery to stop doling out free sports tickets
State Treasurer Timothy P. Cahill is scrapping a multimillion-dollar incentive program that rewarded lottery retailers with free sports tickets, deciding that it had become excessively generous because of the hefty prices tickets command on the resale market. [The Boston Globe (registration)] Read More
Patrick administration unveils development plan
The Patrick administration is creating a $250 million bond fund to finance business development programs that aim to create new jobs and tax revenues capable of repaying the cost of those bonds. [Boston Herald] Read More
Diane Wilkerson will run sticker bid if recount fails to reverse loss
A defiant Dianne Wilkerson said she's prepared to fight on and mount a write-in campaign to keep her state Senate seat if a recount fails to reverse her stinging defeat to Sonia Chang-Diaz. [Boston Herald] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Bill to bar public smoking falls short
A smoking ban for all public places in Michigan came up six votes short of passage in the state House on Tuesday, but advocates say they'll try again -- perhaps as early as today. [The Detroit News] Read More
Senator does 'New Spirit of Detroit'
The restored "Spirit of Detroit" statue was unveiled in Detroit this week, but state Sen. Hansen Clarke, a Detroit Democrat who is an accomplished artist, has his own vision of "The New Spirit of Detroit" -- a large, bald androgynous African-American woman. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
Justice targets 2 probate judges
MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. -- A Michigan Supreme Court justice is calling for a Judicial Tenure Commission investigation into a Macomb probate judge who has come under criticism for her appointments to a conservator agency and her alleged inability to handle cases. [The Detroit News] Read More
State House snuffs out statewide smoking ban
Concerns about the possible impact on Detroit's casinos led to the state House's narrow rejection Tuesday of a bill to ban smoking in all Michigan workplaces. [Detroit Free Press] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Minnesota poor suffer disparity in medical care, study confirms
Doctors are less likely to provide proper medical care to low-income Minnesotans enrolled in state health plans than to patients with private insurance, according to a first-of-its-kind report. [St. Paul Pioneer Press (registration)] Read More
Minnesota agency decides to regulate ballast water dumping in Lake Superior
Large ships will be banned from dumping untreated ballast water into the Duluth-Superior Harbor and other state waters of Lake Superior by 2016, a state agency determined Tuesday evening. [St. Paul Pioneer Press (registration)] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Some 1,000 elevation grants OK'd along Coast
The Mississippi Development Authority says more than 1,000 homeowners whose Gulf Coast homes suffered storm-surge damage during Hurricane Katrina have been approved for elevation grants. [The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson)] Read More
Ole Miss trails only MSU in earmarked good fortune
MEMPHIS, Miss. -- With the nomination of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as Sen. John McCain's Republican running mate, the Gravina Island Bridge has become a national political issue. Of course, that issue has a better-known nickname: The Bridge to Nowhere. "I said thanks but no thanks on that Bridge to Nowhere," Palin often says during campaign speeches. [The Sun Herald (Biloxi)] Read More
Miss. AG warns against selling Salvia
Attorney General Jim Hood is warning business owners to not sell a hallucinogenic plant that was recently outlawed in the state. [The Sun Herald (Biloxi)] Read More
Hosemann overlooks Stennis special election in research
Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann based his recent argument for placing the special U.S. Senate race at the bottom of the ballot on precedent, but his office's research overlooked the last such race, which was at the top of the 1947 general election ballot. [The Daily Journal (Tupelo)] Read More
Debate host, too, has a message of change
OXFORD, Miss. — As the University of Mississippi prepares to hold the first debate of the presidential campaign on campus this Friday, it is also preparing a message for the millions who will be watching: Ole Miss has changed. [The New York Times] Read More
Jeff Guice wins special election for House seat
PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- Republican Jeff Guice has won the Mississippi House District 114 special election with more that 58 percent of the Jackson County vote and more than 77 percent of the Harrison County vote. [The Sun Herald (Biloxi)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Digital billboards spur conflict
Digital billboards — the latest flash point in a decades-long fight between outdoor advertising firms and highway beautification advocates — are making some inroads in the St. Louis area. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Far fewer West Nile cases this year
The high season for West Nile virus is nearly over, and the disease seems to have taken an extended summer vacation. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
MOHELA is behind in making payments under plan
By the end of this month, Missouri's student loan authority will have fallen about $8.5 million behind on payments to the state under a $350 million plan to fund college construction projects. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Hulshof faults selection process for judges
Kenny Hulshof, the Republican candidate for governor, says there is disorder in Missouri's courts because lawyers who represent people with damage claims control the state's process of selecting high court judges. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
Candidates clash over court plan
Missouri's two candidates for governor clashed Tuesday on how the state chooses its top judges. [St. Louis Post-Dispatch] Read More
Drury bans hard alcohol on campus
Drury University is banning hard liquor on campus as part of a crackdown on binge drinking. [Jefferson City News Tribune] Read More
UM losses small, curators hear
Like many investors the past few weeks, the University of Missouri System has not been immune from feeling a financial strain. [Columbia Daily Tribune] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Agency to reconsider taking gray wolves off endangered species list
HELENA, Mont. — The federal agency that removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list in March has changed its mind and is asking a federal judge to vacate the decision. [The New York Times] Read More
Democrats claim 39-point lead in gubernatorial poll
If a new Montana Democratic Party poll is accurate, then Gov. Brian Schweitzer should have no trouble cruising to a second term in November despite his recently much publicized gaff regarding the 2006 election. [Great Falls Tribune] Read More
Brown says Schweitzer should pay up
Gov. Brian Schweitzer should reimburse Montana taxpayers for a July trip to Philadelphia, where he gave his controversial speech suggesting that he tampered with the 2006 election, Republican gubernatorial candidate Roy Brown said Tuesday. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Grimes proposes insurance plan
Republican state auditor candidate Duane Grimes has proposed a five-point plan he says will control "skyrocketing health insurance costs" in Montana, including changes for the popular Insure Montana program for small businesses. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Hardin facility in running for state contract
HARDIN, Mont. -- The state is scheduled to make a decision this week that could finally bring prisoners to the Two Rivers Detention Center. [Billings Gazette] Read More
2 resign from Board of Livestock
Two longtime members of the state Board of Livestock have resigned, saying the board is no longer representing the state's livestock industry. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Candidates tackle outdoor issues at forum
Eleven legislative candidates Tuesday avowed their love of Montana's fishing, hunting and the outdoors, or at least the outdoors, in a forum sponsored by Great Falls area hunters, anglers and wildlife advocates. [Great Falls Tribune] Read More
MSU's $131 million budget goes to regents
The Montana Board of Regents will meet in Butte this week to approve budgets totaling $1.2 billion for all state campuses, including $131.9 million to operate Montana State University this year. [The Bozeman Daily Chronicle] Read More
Asarco, EPA and state agree on E. Helena cleanup
Copper company Asarco LLC has reached an agreement with the state and the Environmental Protection Agency over the cleanup of soil on private property in East Helena that was contaminated by a lead smelter operating in the city for more than a century. [The Bozeman Daily Chronicle] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Western states' plan aims to cut greenhouse gas
A coalition of Western states and four Canadian provinces released on Tuesday the most far-reaching plan yet for cutting emissions of the greenhouse gases that are warming the globe. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Nebraska, Lancaster County property taxes among highest in study
Think your property taxes are high? They are, according to a study released Tuesday based on updated census data. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
With resignations Tuesday, women's commission exists only in law
The last members of the state women's commission handed their resignation letter to Gov. Dave Heineman on Tuesday, ending almost half a century of work on behalf of women. [Lincoln Journal Star] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Nevada Supreme Court -- Property tax cap dies on the vine
In what is expected to be the death blow to the effort to put a measure before voters to cap property tax increases, the Nevada Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a request to disqualify the judge who ruled the measure ineligible for the ballot. [Las Vegas Review-Journal (registration)] Read More
Close Nevada State Prison and save money, director says
Closing the old Nevada State Prison is the most cost-effective way to save money in the state's next two-year budget cycle, according to Director of Corrections Howard Skolnik. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
Retiree health benefits threaten other programs, report says
If Nevada's elected officials don't act quickly to rein in the cost of providing subsidized health care to their retirees, then programs and services from education to public safety will suffer as more money is diverted to a benefit that has disappeared from the private sector, a new Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce study suggests. [Las Vegas Review-Journal (registration)] Read More
Report dissects government spending
$14,000 for cell phones that sat unused. $3,000 for trinkets bearing the names of Las Vegas City Council members. $800 for four 100-pound pigs. That's a handful of the numbers -- some of which are quite large -- thrown around in the "Nevada Piglet Book 2008," which takes readers on a whirlwind tour of some of the greatest complaints about government spending in the past few years. [Las Vegas Review-Journal (registration)] Read More
Low turnout, some anxiety at event over UNLV cuts
UNLV, like the state's other institutions, has already absorbed budget cuts of 8 percent. Gov. Jim Gibbons, responding to a severe economic downturn that has revenues coming up short, has asked state agencies and the university system to prepare for cuts of 14 percent for the 2009-11 budget cycle. [Las Vegas Review-Journal (registration)] Read More
Mandate foe, not medicine's
State Sen. Joe Heck is one of the Legislature's strongest voices on health care, which isn't surprising given that he's a physician. What is surprising, however, is that on some key issues he's an ally of the health insurance industry -- surprising because doctors often view insurance companies like some virulent bacterium. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
It's about making new money for Nevada, splitting it differently, or both
With Barbara Buckley's Monday morning sneak-peak at her push to free the state budget from its feast or famine roulette wheel, weeks of behind-the-scenes maneuvering by state lawmakers began to come to light. Underlying it all is the question of who would have to lose to the house, the statehouse that is. It will be largely up to the public, Buckley, the assembly majority leader, said. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
Oh, we forgot to tell you about Loux meeting?
The Commission on Nuclear Projects meeting to decide the fate of Bob Loux has been rescheduled to Monday. The state Nuclear Projects Agency, which Loux heads, failed to give public notice of the commission's Tuesday meeting three business days beforehand as required. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
Census -- 27% of Nevadans don't speak only English at home
More than one in four Nevadans speak a language other than English at home, according to an estimate released today. [Las Vegas Sun] Read More
State employee is arrested
A state employee was arrested on felony charges of misconduct of a public officer and using personal information for unlawful purposes, the state attorney general announced Tuesday. Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto said Brian Hunt, who worked for the State Department of Information Technology, committed a breach of security. [Las Vegas Review-Journal (registration)] Read More
Prop-13 petition dealt double blow by court
Sharron Angle's property tax-cutting petition suffered a double blow Tuesday as the Nevada Supreme Court rejected two motions filed by attorney Joel Hansen attempting to get it back on the November ballot. And the wording of the order makes it clear the appeal of Senior Judge Charles McGee's order has little chance for success. [Nevada Appeal (Carson City)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Mexico to step up U.S. border searches
Mexico's government plans to search 10 percent of all vehicles entering the country from the United States in an effort to curb arms smuggling, the attorney general said Tuesday. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Lawmakers push for fuel aid
State lawmakers are due to decide today whether to spend millions of state dollars on fuel assistance and weatherizing programs. If passed, the proposal would free up money for low-income residents in advance of the coming winter. [Concord Monitor] Read More
NH insurance chief works to reassure AIG customers
New Hampshire's insurance commissioner is working to reassure residents who are insured by AIG, one of the firms being bailed out by the government. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover) (registration)] Read More
Kenney eyes return to conservative for NH
HUDSON, N. H. -- Republican gubernatorial candidate Joseph Kenney, of Wakefield, claimed Tuesday that Gov. John Lynch is captive to liberal special interests that threaten to turn New Hampshire into another left-leaning New England state. [The Telegraph (Nashua) (registration)] Read More
Wendelboe says she'll run for House speaker
NEW HAMPTON, N.H. -- Long-time Republican legislator Fran Wendelboe says she wants to be speaker of the New Hampshire House. [Concord Monitor] Read More
Lynch: Move quickly on heating aid
Gov. John Lynch yesterday urged lawmakers to act quickly today on a $10 million package to provide heating aid to low-income families. [The Union Leader (Manchester)] Read More
State aims to overhaul mental health system
State officials yesterday unveiled a 10-year plan to overhaul the state's mental health system to improve treatment and keep patients out of hospitals and prisons. [The Union Leader (Manchester)] Read More
Parkway gets green light
NASHUA, N. H. -- Utilizing a new provision to state law that allows board members to vote via telephone, the board of aldermen approved a $37.6 million bond to design and construct the long-debated Broad Street Parkway on Tuesday night. [The Telegraph (Nashua) (registration)] Read More
NH isn't worried about road salt supply
As some states and communities ponder how to find and pay for salt to keep their roads safe this winter, New Hampshire's Transportation Department says it is in good shape. [Foster's Daily Democrat (Dover) (registration)] Read More
Voluntary seat belt use at all-time high
The state says more people are wearing seat belts in New Hampshire than ever before. [Concord Monitor] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
GOP takes on Corzine over economy
Republican state lawmakers Tuesday ganged up on Democratic Gov. Jon S. Corzine for his ideas on how New Jersey might grope its way through the chaos on Wall Street. [Asbury Park Press] Read More
Hearing on toll-hike plan stirs anger and anxiety
There were no flying pig costumes, and catcalls were few and far between. But anxiety and anger were on full display last night as debate opened on a plan to raise tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
State sitting out first emission-credit auction
A regional program designed to curb greenhouse gas emissions gets under way tomorrow with New Jersey, one of the prime advocates of the plan, sitting on the sideline. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
As economy wobbles, N.J. worries
The orders at New Jersey Iron Inc., a steel fabricator in Jackson, are steady enough that the company has spent thousands of dollars replacing aging equipment -- from trucks to copier machines. But these days, the company's economic outlook is growing more uncertain. [Asbury Park Press] Read More
Panel spurns Rx change for teachers
Members of a special health benefits panel rejected a plan yesterday that would have raised prescription drug co-payments in the state-funded plan for 83,000 retired teachers. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Asian swamp eel threatens native N.J. wildlife
In terms of foreign wildlife species invading North America, the Asian swamp eel is about as ugly as it gets. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
High court hears Highlands Act development case
The state Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday over whether the Highlands Act unjustly barred development of a 93-acre lot retroactively without doling out proper compensation to the property owners. [Asbury Park Press] Read More
Top court hears man's plea to get firearms ID card back
Matthew Sweetwood's divorce was contentious. At one point, he and his ex-wife signed domestic violence complaints against each other. A restraining order was issued in 1997 and he had to forfeit five handguns and a firearms identification card to police. He was allowed to sell the guns, but the Millburn police kept the ID card. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
High court case centers on use of inflatable rat
The rat -- it's either a lower life form frequently used to refer to a sneaky or contemptible person or a statement of free speech. Those were the opposing sides of a lofty debate before the state's highest court yesterday centered on a 10-foot, pink-eyed inflatable rodent that appeared at a labor protest in Lawrence Township in 2005. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Troopers can be questioned about sex
A federal judge yesterday ruled the State Police's internal affairs unit can ask about the sexual activities of the seven troopers who have been cleared of allegations of sexually assaulting a college student. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
College aide tells of Bryant 'cover-up'
TRENTON, N.J. -- Wayne Bryant's employment records at the School of Osteopathic Medicine listed him as working three days a week, even though he usually appeared on campus just one morning a week. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Witness tells of falsifying Bryant files
A top administrator at a South Jersey medical school said he was ordered to fabricate records to show that Democratic Sen. Wayne Bryant worked at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey three days a week, even though he never showed up more than once a week. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Crop losses lead to disaster area label for 10 N.J. counties
Ten New Jersey counties with farming operations have been designated primary federal disaster areas because of extensive crop damage following a summer of drought, hail and other severe weather conditions, officials said yesterday. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Emergency drill at Hess refinery
The New Jersey Office of Emergency Management is planning a full-scale emergency response drill at the Hess Corp.'s refinery and terminal in Port Reading today. [The Star-Ledger (Newark)] Read More
Shore evacuation reviewed
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, N.J. -- New Jersey has improved its plans to quickly evacuate large numbers of people from its coast in the event of a hurricane or other emergency, but still has room for improvement. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
N.J. toll-hike hearing draws a divided crowd
On one side were New Jerseyans fed up with taxes and the cost of living in the state. On the other were commuters willing to pay higher tolls in order to ease traffic. [The Philadelphia Inquirer (registration)] Read More
Death penalty commission wraps up hearings, prepares report
Kimberly Armstrong's son was murdered almost four years ago. But as she took her seat in front of Maryland's capital punishment commission this week, she didn't testify in favor of the death penalty. Instead, she asked the commission to spare the lives of those who are on death row. [Capital News Service] Read More
Death penalty commission holds last hearing
A former U.S. senator and a New Jersey police chief argued against the death penalty Monday before a commission that is expected to deliver recommendations to lawmakers later this year. [The Capital (Annapolis)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
S.F. attorney tapped as elections chief
Secretary of State Mary Herrera has hired Gerald Gonzalez, a Santa Fe attorney who has held various local and state government jobs, to head the state Bureau of Elections. [Santa Fe New Mexican (registration)] Read More
Musicians deny playing at Block rally
After two band members said they never played at a campaign rally for Jerome Block Jr., the band leader — who is also the San Miguel County clerk — plans to return $2,500 in public campaign funds that Block says he paid the musicians. [Santa Fe New Mexican (registration)] Read More
Mexico to step up U.S. border searches
Mexico's government plans to search 10 percent of all vehicles entering the country from the United States in an effort to curb arms smuggling, the attorney general said Tuesday. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Western states' plan aims to cut greenhouse gas
A coalition of Western states and four Canadian provinces released on Tuesday the most far-reaching plan yet for cutting emissions of the greenhouse gases that are warming the globe. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Financial data for 3,100 agencies on comptroller's site
Financial data for 3,100 counties, cities, towns, villages, schools and fire districts became available yesterday on the state comptroller's Web site [Newsday] Read More
N.Y. Legislature leads nation in bill introductions
In what one critic called "an absolute indication of legislative failure," more bills were introduced in the New York Legislature this year than any other state, with fewer than 9 percent becoming law, according to a study. [Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)] Read More
Rule changes expand ranks for kids' health insurance
Nearly 10,000 more children in the Capital Region are eligible for state health insurance under expanded income limits. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
State Web site shows local spending
New Yorkers can now review how local governments spent their tax dollars over the past 10 years with a new addition Tuesday to the state Comptroller's Web site. [Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester)] Read More
Palin sits down with 2 foreign leaders
NEW YORK -- Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin made her diplomatic debut Tuesday, meeting with two heads of state who traveled to New York for the opening of the U.N. General Assembly. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
An 'Open Book' on costs
With Wall Street imploding, sales and mortgage tax revenues declining and a $5 billion state budget gap looming next year, localities will be facing some tough times, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli warned on Tuesday. [Times Union (Albany)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
Sewell calls off Perdue event
N.C. Board of Transportation member Louis W. Sewell Jr. on Tuesday canceled a fundraiser for Lt. Gov. Beverly Perdue, hours after Perdue equivocated about whether she would attend. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Stem-cell research is a weapon in governor's race
The campaign for governor is being waged with a wheelchair and dead parents. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Southeast drivers still scrambling to find gas
More than a week after Hurricane Ike's strike, drivers across the Southeast are still bouncing between dry pumps and shuttered stations in a frustrating hunt for a fill-up — and they're starting to get angry. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
Gas prices hit highway budget
With gas hovering around $4 a gallon, North Carolina residents are buying less gasoline and more fuel-efficient cars. [The Winston-Salem Journal (registration)] Read More
I-795 to get $626,000 patch
The state Department of Transportation will spend $626,050 on a short-term fix for crumbling asphalt on Interstate 795 between Wilson and Goldsboro, which began cracking under light traffic months after it opened in 2006. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
Panel -- Child death rate higher in 2007
North Carolina's child death rate rose more than 2 percent last year, inching up from a historic low in 2006, mostly because of a rise in infant deaths, according to data released Tuesday. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
AG -- Basnight appointee meets law's requirements
CHARLOTTE, N.C. - The state attorney general's office said Tuesday the appointment of a real estate lawyer to the North Carolina Appraisal Board does not violate a state law that requires the seat be filled by someone not involved in the profession. [The News & Record (Greensboro)] Read More
Perdue won't participate in UNC-TV debate
Two candidates will stand on the stage in the latest debate for North Carolina governor. But one won't be Beverly Perdue for a change. [Star-News (Wilmington, N.C.)] Read More
Jim Johnson, former state legislator, dies at age 73
CONCORD, N.C. - Jim Johnson, a former state lawmaker and state Senate candidate this November, has died. He was 73. [The News & Record (Greensboro)] Read More
Child mortality rate in North Carolina increased slightly in 2007
A slightly higher number of North Carolina children died last year than in 2006, led by a spike in birth-related fatalities that drove the state's overall child death rate up nearly 5 percent. [The News & Observer (Raleigh) (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Coastal storm forecast to batter Southeast coast
RALEIGH, N.C. — Forecasters posted gale warnings for the Southeast coast because of a storm system threatening to bring stiff winds and heavy seas later this week. [USA Today] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
NDSU breaks 13,000 mark
North Dakota State University charged past several milestones Tuesday. [The Forum (Fargo) (registration)] Read More
N.D. Legislature may include worker tally in budgets
Future North Dakota state agency spending bills may include how many employees are authorized to work in each department, state lawmakers say. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
National money problems not affecting Bank of North Dakota
The banking industry's financial woes have not affected the Bank of North Dakota, which expects to post a record $57 million profit this year, its president told state legislators. [The Bismarck Tribune] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Process irritates committee member
Ten years of property tax breaks were approved Tuesday for a planned five-story retail and housing complex to serve North Dakota State University's growth in downtown Fargo. [The Forum (Fargo) (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
AG candidates fight public relations battle
Republican state attorney general hopeful Mike Crites on Tuesday blasted his Democratic opponent in the November election, state Treasurer Richard Cordray, for spending 20 percent of his office's payroll on public relations personnel. [The Plain Dealer (Cleveland)] Read More
Ohio attorney general hopeful says foe wasted state funds
Republican attorney general candidate Mike Crites yesterday accused his Democratic opponent, Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray, of spending $1.8 million a year in taxpayer funds to promote himself. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Payday loan industry's anti-ban petitions fall short
The payday loan industry has struck out in its initial bid to repeal Ohio's new law cracking down on how much interest it can charge customers. [The Cincinnati Enquirer] Read More
Gaming groups face off on Ohio casino issue
Two competing gambling forces will do battle over a proposed ballot issue asking voters to approve a single $600 million casino resort in southwest Ohio. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Official -- Thousands of casino signatures not valid
Nearly 5,000 signatures collected in support of building a casino in southwest Ohio are invalid because they were fraudulently collected, elections officials said Tuesday. [Toledo Blade] Read More
Elections hiring criticized
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner wants the Summit County Board of Elections to authorize someone other than itself to hire and fire employees below the level of directors. [The Beacon Journal (Akron)(registration)] Read More
Erosion along Route 99 focus of ODOT meeting
MONROEVILLE, Ohio -- The Ohio Department of Transportation's proposed alternatives for stabilizing an eroding Huron River cliff that could undermine State Rt. 99 near here, or rerouting the road to avoid the problem, will be the subject of a meeting tomorrow evening. [Toledo Blade] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Suggestions could help Oklahoma's uninsured
A House task force will hear suggestions next month from its advisory committee members on how to make health insurance more accessible and affordable in Oklahoma. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) (registration)] Read More
Gov. Henry signs "Pickens Pledge"
Gov. Brad Henry has officially endorsed T. Boone Pickens' plan to reduce America's dependence on foreign oil. [Tulsa Today] Read More
Oklahoma's eateries thriving despite smoking ban
State smoking restrictions at about 7,000 Oklahoma restaurants have not caused adverse effects on their revenues or their ability to recruit employees, the state Health Department reports. [The Oklahoman (Oklahoma City) (registration)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Mexico to step up U.S. border searches
Mexico's government plans to search 10 percent of all vehicles entering the country from the United States in an effort to curb arms smuggling, the attorney general said Tuesday. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Bill Sizemore's latest measure again takes on Oregon-employee unions
When Oregon voters see their Nov. 4 ballot, Measure 64 will look familiar. This will be the third vote in 10 years on Bill Sizemore's proposal to prohibit the use of public resources for political purposes. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Panel will consider DHS budget gap
How the Department of Human Services proposes to close a projected budget gap of $140.8 million will be reviewed by lawmakers on Thursday. [Statesman Journal (Salem)] Read More
What are Oregon's teens told about sex?
All the grown-ups politically or morally scandalized by 17-year-old Bristol Palin's pregnancy should sit in on a high-school health class. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Oregon couple marches to draw attention to child abuse
An Oregon couple trying to remove the statute of limitations for the crime of 'child sex abuse,' are walking across the state to generate interest and support for their cause. [Oregon Public Broadcasting] Read More
Soldier set to rotate home in weeks killed in Afghanistan
Two National Guard soldiers with ties to Oregon were killed in Afghanistan last week, officials confirmed Tuesday. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
Senate passes package that puts timber payments back in play
WASHINGTON -- With time running out for economically distressed rural communities in Oregon and across the nation, the Senate emphatically approved legislation Tuesday that would funnel $3.3 billion in federal aid to local governments for schools, police and other crucial public functions. [The Oregonian (Portland)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Western states' plan aims to cut greenhouse gas
A coalition of Western states and four Canadian provinces released on Tuesday the most far-reaching plan yet for cutting emissions of the greenhouse gases that are warming the globe. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Turnpike lease lacks support, Teamsters told
House Transportation Chairman Joe Markosek on Tuesday outlined a grim outlook for Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal to privatize the Pennsylvania Turnpike. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
Corbett raises twice as much campaign cash as Morganelli
Republican Tom Corbett raised more than twice as much over the summer as Democratic challenger John Morganelli in their race for state attorney general, new reports show. [The Morning Call] Read More
Treasurer's race pits bond lawyer against venture capitalist
A bond lawyer and a venture capitalist are competing for the open seat of state treasurer -- and with it the power to manage billions of taxpayer dollars -- in the Nov. 4 election. [The Morning Call] Read More
2nd legislator pushing for officials' checks
A Washington County legislator has introduced a bill requiring Pennsylvania's registered athletic officials to undergo criminal background checks, the second such proposal floated in the General Assembly in the past week. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
High-speed pursuit bad idea, experts say
The decision by state police to pursue an 11-year-old boy at speeds up to 85 miles per hour Sunday was a bad one, experts say. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
State reviewing utilities' response to power outages
Now that electricity has finally been restored to the last of at least 130,000 homes that lost power due to a violent wind storm Sept. 14, the state Public Utility Commission will review how Duquesne Light, Allegheny Power, Penn Power and Penelec performed during the massive outage. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette] Read More
Nader feels 'vindicated' about being on Pa. ballot
National polls suggest that Ralph Nader won't win the White House again this year, but the activist lawyer has scored a victory of sorts in one battleground state. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
Pets take the bite out of dorm life
Kristina Durkoske figures Vinny is about as perfect a roommate as anyone could hope for. He's cheerful and adaptable, likes her friends and is respectful of the other dormitory residents. And when Durkoske is stressed, he does what he can to help. [USA Today] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
State on the wrong track, says poll
Wracked by skyrocketing unemployment, staggering budget deficits and watching more and more of their neighbors' homes going into foreclosure each day, 70 percent of Rhode Islanders think the state has gotten off on the wrong track according to a new Brown University poll. [The Pawtucket Times] Read More
Rhode Island students score poorly on state's first science test
More than 75 percent of Rhode Island students are failing to grasp key scientific concepts that educators say they should be learning. Just 24 percent scored proficient or better on the first state test in science — a far lower proficiency rate than on similar tests in reading, writing and math. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
Summit looks at RIPTA finances
The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority is calculating when it will run out of cash and have to shut down the state's bus system if no new money is found, its board chairman told a group of transit supporters yesterday. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
Carcieri -- Rhode Island must get its full share from Twin River
A day after a national credit-rating firm warned of a "high probability of bankruptcy" for the owners of the Twin River slot parlor, Governor Carcieri said he would oppose any "bailout" bid that involved lowering the state's potential $254-million share of the video-slot revenue at the refurbished dog track. [The Providence Journal (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Young voters in S.C. hope to sway election
Farris Johnson and Rachel Easterbrook, both 16, aren't old enough to cast a vote in November for U.S. Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois. [The State (Columbia)] Read More
SC gov calls for more accountable bill handling
Gov. Mark Sanford is trying to stir public support for legislation that would force legislators to have their names tied to recorded votes more often. [Spartanburg Herald-Journal (registration)] Read More
SC agency proposes mercury levels for power plant
CHARLESTON, S.C. - State environmental officials are recommending that a coal-fired power plant proposed for the Pee Dee be limited in the amount of mercury it can release into the air. [Spartanburg Herald-Journal (registration)] Read More
Agencies adopting Silver Alert system
Some South Carolina police agencies are adopting a Silver Alert system to locate seniors with dementia who wander away. [The Post and Courier (Charleston)] Read More
A question of $80.5 million
The question was simple but politically loaded: How much would it cost if every school in Charleston County decided to become a charter school? The answer: $80.5 million. [The Post and Courier (Charleston)] Read More
Lawmakers focus on water, energy sources
BLUFFTON, S.C. -- While only 1 percent of the water that state residents use comes from rivers and lakes, controlling who gets that precious resource still is critical, according to state Sen. Danny Verdin, who hosted a public meeting Tuesday on water and energy needs. [The Gazette (Beaufort)] Read More
Motorists warned against panic buying as gas supplies tighten up
Gasoline supplies tightened up Tuesday, following a couple of days when gasoline was available at most locations in South Carolina, according to the executive director of the South Carolina Petroleum Marketers Association. [The Greenville News] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Laptops fueling research, writing
Student research and writing are on the rise in the state's laptop initiative, but test scores aren't seeing the same benefit, Education Department officials told legislators Tuesday. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Voters approve casino proposal
Voters turned out in record numbers to approve a plan for a proposed casino and resort in Lyon County, Iowa, on Tuesday. [Argus Leader (Sioux Falls)] Read More
Water hearing scheduled
Proposed changes to surface water quality standards will be outlined by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources at a Wednesday meeting on the Digital Dakota Network. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
Kids Voting kickoff planned
Kids Voting South Dakota plans an election season kickoff celebration at Mount Rushmore. Secretary of State Chris Nelson will give the keynote address in a program that will stress the importance of voting and being active participants in the electoral process. [Rapid City Journal] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Chattanooga -- $80 million in state grants now flowing to VW project
About $80 million in state grant money was approved today to go toward the Volkswagon assembly plant project. [Chattanooga Times Free Press (registration)] Read More
Lawmaker's son does not get indicted in Palin e-mail hacking
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. -- A federal grand jury ended its session Tuesday without indicting a Democratic state lawmaker's son in an investigation of someone hacking Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's personal e-mail. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Promoted THP captain faces investigation
Two weeks after promoting an officer to head the Memphis District, the Tennessee Highway Patrol leadership has placed him on administrative leave, relieving him of his commander responsibilities while conducting an internal investigation into alleged wrongdoing. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Judge rejects suit to restore felon voting rights
A federal judge in Nashville has rejected all but one portion of a suit that could have restored the voting rights of thousands of convicted felons in time for the Nov. 4 election. [The Tennessean (Nashville)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Southeast drivers still scrambling to find gas
More than a week after Hurricane Ike's strike, drivers across the Southeast are still bouncing between dry pumps and shuttered stations in a frustrating hunt for a fill-up — and they're starting to get angry. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Texans seek aid in Congress as Ike cost estimates soar
Texas suffered damage from Hurricane Ike estimated by government officials and private insurers on Tuesday to range from $27 billion to $52 billion. [The Houston Chronicle (registration)] Read More
Hundreds of thousands may stay without water for a while
A quarter of a million people in the Houston region were without running water Tuesday, according to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, which regulates more than 2,500 public water systems in the 10-county region hammered by Hurricane Ike. [The Houston Chronicle (registration)] Read More
Committee recommends removal of "strengths and weaknesses" from science curriculum
The Texas Education Agency on Tuesday released to the public an early recommendation for the state's new science curriculum that would excise ideas "based upon purported forces outside of nature" from what Texas students are taught in biology classes. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
Officials-- It could be November before all traffic lights restored
With darkened intersections leading to traffic snarls on freeways and city streets, officials are searching for at least some relief by putting more officers on traffic-directing duty and reopening high-occupancy vehicle lanes. [The Houston Chronicle (registration)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
With more young people on list for flu shots, state stocks up
The state ordered more than twice as many doses of flu vaccine for uninsured and underinsured children this year to meet what it hopes will be stronger demand now that the federal government has recommended all children get the shots. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
Mexico to step up U.S. border searches
Mexico's government plans to search 10 percent of all vehicles entering the country from the United States in an effort to curb arms smuggling, the attorney general said Tuesday. [The San Antonio Express-News (registration)] Read More
Universities look to new media as a way to target prospective students
Faced with an increasingly competitive college market, higher education officials are pulling out all the stops when it comes to recruitment. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
Devastating deja vu for town hit by Hurricanes Rita and Ike
SABINE PASS, Texas — Fred Forsythe finally is out of the FEMA trailer he's called home since Hurricane Rita ripped apart his own place three years ago. [USA Today] Read More
Ike-battered Galveston allows residents to return
GALVESTON, Texas — Many residents who fled this storm-ravaged island waited in their cars early Wednesday for permission to return and see for themselves what Hurricane Ike had done to their homes. [USA Today] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
$12.5 million awarded to train engineering teachers
The University of Texas has been awarded $12.5 million by the National Science Foundation for a program intended to prepare high school engineering educators. [The Austin American-Statesman (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Texas issues another 5 indictments against FLDS
EL DORADO, Texas -- Five more indictments have been handed down against three people in the ongoing criminal probe into the Utah-based Fundamentalist LDS Church. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Texas, Louisiana press for aid
State and local officials from Texas and Louisiana told Washington lawmakers the credit crisis will make it more difficult to get loans for hurricane-cleanup efforts. They said it is critical that cities get a quick, direct infusion of federal funds. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
Southeast drivers still scrambling to find gas
More than a week after Hurricane Ike's strike, drivers across the Southeast are still bouncing between dry pumps and shuttered stations in a frustrating hunt for a fill-up — and they're starting to get angry. [The Charlotte Observer (registration)] Read More
Shortfall could hit some state agencies harder than others
Some state agencies could face a bigger budget cut than others, as lawmakers grapple with a $272 million revenue shortfall during the special session that begins Thursday. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Medicaid funds on chopping block
For Medicaid, it's a double whammy. With the economy foundering and unemployment ticking up, about 8,300 more Utahns have turned to Medicaid for health insurance since August 2007. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Texas issues another 5 indictments against FLDS
EL DORADO, Texas -- Five more indictments have been handed down against three people in the ongoing criminal probe into the Utah-based Fundamentalist LDS Church. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Department of Commerce warns Utahns to protect selves
The Utah Department of Commerce warns Utahns to be on the lookout for scams during these times of economic upheaval. Executive Director Francine Giani announced Tuesday that residents can go to the Division of Securities or the Division of Real Estate within the Department of Commerce to see if an investment or real estate deal is legitimate. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Guv appoints new judges
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. on Tuesday appointed new judges to the Utah Court of Appeals and the state's 6th District Court. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Utah Supreme Court: A 30-year-old lawsuit over $134 ends
After more than three decades, one of Utah's longest-running civil lawsuits appears to be at an end. On Tuesday, the state Supreme Court ruled that Richard and Nancy Madsen, who made advance payments to a mortgage company to cover taxes and insurance, are not entitled to interest on that money. [The Salt Lake Tribune] Read More
Parties push get-out-vote efforts in Utah
You may soon be getting an absentee ballot application in the mail — but you don't have to apply for an absentee ballot. Even if you do, you don't have to use it if you change your mind and decide to later vote in person. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
3rd District judge to join Court of Appeals
The 3rd District's top judge has been tapped to fill a spot on the Utah Court of Appeals. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Western Climate Initiative unveils plan for capping emissions
Utah and other members of the Western Climate Initiative on Tuesday announced support of an emissions-trading plan to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in the West. [The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
School kicks off statewide contest on global warming
NORTHFIELD, Vt. — The local junior/senior high school here Tuesday became the first Vermont school to enter a competition to see how much it can reduce its contribution to global warming. [Rutland Herald] Read More
Vermont songwriter pens pro-Obama tune
BROOKFIELD, Vt. — Bobby Gosh was hanging out in a Denver hotel room with his wife, Vermont Democratic superdelegate Billi Gosh, when he caught country music star John Rich's song "Raising McCain," on CNN. He knew he had to respond. [Times Argus (Barre/Montpelier)] Read More
State -- Keep sex offender jailed
BENNINGTON, Vt. — In a case that a judge predicted will raise constitutional issues, the state is asking that a Bennington man who pleaded guilty to three counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child be held in prison past his expected release date because he has no place to live. [Rutland Herald] Read More
$9 million grant will go to aid troubled Vermont youth
Vermont received a $9 million federal grant this month that will boost job training and education opportunities for thousands of at-risk youth with emotional and mental problems. [Times Argus (Barre/Montpelier)] Read More
Supreme Court hears hecklers' appeal
Two anti-war demonstrators who heckled a Bush administration official during a 2006 appearance asked Vermont's highest court Tuesday to throw out the criminal charges against them, saying their remarks were free speech protected by the First Amendment. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
State launches contest for schools to save energy
BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — The state of Vermont is offering schools incentives to reduce their carbon footprint this winter. [Burlington Free Press] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Va. facing $3 billion shortfall
The declining economy could force additional Virginia spending cuts of nearly $3 billion, raising the specter of deeper reductions in public services and broader layoffs. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
$2 billion-plus budget gap spells deep cuts for Virginia
Confronted by a weakening state economy, Virginia officials are bracing for drastic government spending cuts in the current two-year state budget that could approach $3 billion [The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk) (registration)] Read More
Kan. governor in Chesterfield for Obama
Every day, Stephanie Jackson drives from North Richmond to the South Side, where she works and her four daughters attend school. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
Va. mulls changes to gifted education
Proposed changes to Virginia's gifted-education regulations have some worried that the state will lose ground on gifted education. [Richmond Times-Dispatch] Read More
Md., Va., D.C. face budget upheaval
Virginia officials said yesterday that the state budget shortfall may be as wide as $3 billion over two years, triple what they estimated a month ago, while District officials said they are facing a gap of $131 million after years of surpluses. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Replacement of Gilmerton Bridge to accelerate as VDOT receives $32 million from feds
The Virginia Department of Transportation said today that it has received an additional $32 million in federal funds and will speed up the replacement of the Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake. [The Virginian-Pilot (Norfolk) (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
I-985 author Tim Eyman warns DOT -- "You better prepare" to open up car-pool lanes
Even before a single vote has been cast on his Initiative 985 to open car-pool lanes during nonpeak hours and make other changes in state transportation policy, Tim Eyman is telling officials they should be getting ready to enforce it. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Democrats sue to make Rossi call himself "Republican" instead of "GOP"
The state Democratic Party filed suit Tuesday in an attempt to force Dino Rossi to list his party preference as "Republican" on the November ballot instead of "GOP Party." [The Seattle Times] Read More
Stem cell scrutiny returns to state gubernatorial campaign
Stem cell research, a hot political topic four years ago, has resurfaced as a source of friction in the governor's race as incumbent Chris Gregoire uses it to rally opposition to rival Dino Rossi. [The News Tribune (Tacoma) (registration)] Read More
WSU sets standards to admit top students
Washington State University is offering guaranteed admission to in-state students who rank in the top 10 percent of their high-school class or who have at least a 3.5 grade-point average at the time of application. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Climate plan proposed for Western states, provinces
A regional initiative announced Tuesday is aimed at reducing greenhouse gases by 15 percent in the West, but it will have to get through the Legislature first. The Western Climate Initiative will require lawmakers to make major policy decisions, including how much violators will pay for pollution allowed under an emissions cap that will be set in 2010 and go into effect in 2012. [The Olympian] Read More
Senate backs state sales-tax deduction
WASHINGTON -- A massive tax-relief bill passed by the U.S. Senate includes several major provisions sought by Northwest lawmakers. The bill would extend a multiyear program that pays rural counties hurt by federal logging cutbacks, and would allow Washington state residents to continue deducting state sales taxes on federal income-tax returns. [The Seattle Times] Read More
State to count cyclists, walkers
Volunteers are needed across the state to help the state Department of Transportation (DOT) tally the number of people who bike and walk to their destinations. The information will be used to set benchmarks and track progress toward the state's goal of encouraging people to get out of their cars. [The Seattle Times] Read More
Democrats sue to keep Rossi a Republican
The state Democratic Party is suing to get a Republican on the ballot. The party sued Secretary of State Sam Reed on Tuesday, saying Dino Rossi should be listed as a Republican, instead of "prefers GOP party," on the November ballot for governor. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
Western states' plan aims to cut greenhouse gas
A coalition of Western states and four Canadian provinces released on Tuesday the most far-reaching plan yet for cutting emissions of the greenhouse gases that are warming the globe. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
W.Va. justices take up employee pension case
West Virginia's Supreme Court will decide whether a former Lincoln County assessor who pleaded guilty in a vote-buying scheme is entitled to a public pension. [The Herald-Dispatch (Huntington)] Read More
W.Va. Halts New Voting Machines
WHEELING. W. Va. -- Ohio and Hancock county officials wanted more voting machines in time for the Nov. 4 general election, but the West Virginia Elections Commission has opted not to certify the new devices. [The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register] Read More
'Mojo' diplomas haven't been big earners
Republican gubernatorial candidate Russ Weeks said Tuesday he's been overwhelmed on the campaign trail by requests for his "University of Mojo" diplomas. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
Tri-State to open more table games
Officials at Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center hope to have blackjack, roulette, craps and other specialized table games up and running Oct. 9. [Charleston Gazette (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Wisconsin's lag in funding higher education increases
Wisconsin has lagged behind every other state but one in providing funding increases for higher education over the past five years, according to a report this week by the Wisconsin Taxpayers Alliance. [Wisconsin State Journal (Madison)] Read More
The next step in Great Lakes protection
With Congressional approval of the Great Lakes Compact out of the way, Governor Doyle says the hard work can begin. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Real estate kickback trial stalls as attorney claims political motivation
The federal trial of a Brookfield real estate agent charged with seeking a $75,000 kickback on the sale of a $30 million state office building stalled again Monday as his attorney argued that the case was brought for political purposes. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Properly funding child care
A new study shows Wisconsin is fairing well when it comes to providing childcare to low-income families. [Wisconsin Radio Network] Read More
Midcareer adults boost enrollment at some technical colleges
Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville is just about bursting at the seams. [Milwaukee Journal Sentinel] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
Falk determined to battle state's alcohol problems
William Herbst got out of the Dane County jail on May 15, 2007, after serving 75 days for his third drunken driving offense. He went to a bar, drank more rum than he can remember, and climbed into his pickup. Next thing he knew he slid off the rainy road somewhere near Cottage Grove. Police found him stuck in the mud and put him right back in jail. [The Capital Times (Madison)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Agency to reconsider taking gray wolves off endangered species list
HELENA, Mont. — The federal agency that removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list in March has changed its mind and is asking a federal judge to vacate the decision. [The New York Times] Read More
Barrasso knocks feds on wolves
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Sen. John Barrasso said the federal government double-crossed the state of Wyoming in deciding to reverse its decision to remove gray wolves from the endangered-species list. [Billings Gazette] Read More
Dream catch -- Natrona coach, legislator snares last Yankee Stadium home run
So, a three-time state champion high school football coach and physical education teacher walks into Yankee Stadium and catches the final home run ball in the stadium's magnificent, 85-year history. He also just happens to be a Wyoming legislator. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
Still at the bottom for campaign disclosure -- for now
The Campaign Finance Disclosure Project has again given Wyoming a failing grade for its campaign disclosure laws and practices. But an online system approved last year by the state Legislature and slated for completion in 2010 will vastly improve public access to campaign information, a spokeswoman for the project said. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
State job growth slows
Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched up in August, and the rate of job growth continued to slow. [Casper Star-Tribune] Read More
States unveil a landmark climate plan for the West
Leaders of Western states delivered a landmark proposal Tuesday to reduce air pollution and blunt the effects of climate change, a plan that comes with a challenging deadline less than four years away. [The Arizona Republic (Phoenix)] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
House Democrats to let ban on drilling expire
Congressional Democrats bowed to political pressure yesterday and agreed to let the ban on offshore oil drilling expire, a decision that would allow exploration just three miles off the Atlantic and Pacific coastlines unless the next president reinstates an executive branch order that prohibits drilling. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Agency to reconsider taking gray wolves off endangered species list
HELENA, Mont. — The federal agency that removed the gray wolf from the endangered species list in March has changed its mind and is asking a federal judge to vacate the decision. [The New York Times] Read More
Second investigator wants confidential probe
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- An investigator for the state Personnel Board now says he wants his investigation on the governor to be confidential. [KTUU.com (Anchorage)] Read More
Palin's preferred inquiry requires utmost secrecy
Of the two Alaska investigations into abuse-of-power allegations against Sarah Palin, the governor has chosen to cooperate with just one: the one that guarantees secrecy. [Anchorage Daily News (registration)] Read More
Palin defended bridge to 'spinmeisters'
Sarah Palin supported the "bridge to nowhere" long after it had become an icon of wasteful federal spending. [Politico] Read More
Palin courts cameras, but dodges questions
NEW YORK — For better or for worse, each of the four candidates comprising the Democratic and Republican tickets made headlines Tuesday. But one of them, Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, did so without uttering a word to the voters or the press. [Politico] Read More
Western U.S.-Canada initiative proposes emission-trading plan
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Seven western states and four Canadian provinces on Tuesday proposed a comprehensive program to cut greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, manufacturers and vehicles. [Helena Independent Record] Read More
Pets take the bite out of dorm life
Kristina Durkoske figures Vinny is about as perfect a roommate as anyone could hope for. He's cheerful and adaptable, likes her friends and is respectful of the other dormitory residents. And when Durkoske is stressed, he does what he can to help. [USA Today] Read More
Bill boosts aid for foster kids
Advocates for children are hailing a bill, passed by Congress with little fanfare, that will help tens of thousands of children in foster care find permanent homes or improve their job prospects. [USA Today] Read More
Western states' plan aims to cut greenhouse gas
A coalition of Western states and four Canadian provinces released on Tuesday the most far-reaching plan yet for cutting emissions of the greenhouse gases that are warming the globe. [Seattle Post-Intelligencer] Read More
Bush to sign Great Lakes ban on water diversions
WASHINGTON -- Ending a decadelong struggle to ensure thirsty states and countries can't raid the Great Lakes, the White House said Tuesday that President Bush will sign the Great Lakes compact to ban water diversions. [The Detroit News] Read More
Lower drinking age opposed by experts
With some of the nation's most prominent college leaders suggesting that the nation's drinking age be lowered, a group of researchers and safety experts told Maryland lawmakers yesterday that younger drinkers would bring more accidents and deaths. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
Texas, Louisiana press for aid
State and local officials from Texas and Louisiana told Washington lawmakers the credit crisis will make it more difficult to get loans for hurricane-cleanup efforts. They said it is critical that cities get a quick, direct infusion of federal funds. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
State on team to cut greenhouse gases
After years watching from the sidelines while industrialized countries around the world tackled globe-warming greenhouse gases, Washington and six other Western states on Tuesday became the first in the U.S. to propose a comprehensive approach to the problem. [The Seattle Times] Read More
'No Child' needs restructuring, study says
If the system mandated by No Child Left Behind to fix thousands of failing schools were subjected to its own rigorous standards, it too could fail. That's the conclusion of the first large study examining whether school-restructuring programs required by the federal No Child Left Behind education act are actually working. [San Francisco Chronicle] Read More
Wine lovers se red over state laws that restrict home delivery of bottles
Alison Light and her husband fell in love with several small California wineries this summer while celebrating their wedding anniversary. But when Ms. Light tried to have bottles shipped to her Norfolk, Mass., home, she was miffed to discover that her state effectively barred most such shipments. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
Palin uses U.N. session to bolster her resume
NEW YORK -- During her first national-television interview as the Republican vice presidential candidate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin admitted she had never met a foreign head of state before. On Tuesday, she met two of them. [The Wall Street Journal (subscription)] Read More
Western states pitch plan to reduce greenhouse emissions
Seven Western states and four Canadian provinces proposed a sweeping regional crackdown on global warming emissions Tuesday in the face of continuing reluctance by the Bush administration and Congress to pass comprehensive climate legislation. [Los Angeles Times (registration)] Read More
Focus less on the S.A.T., study tells colleges
Colleges need to rethink their heavy reliance on students' SAT and ACT scores in deciding who gets in. [The Christian Science Monitor] Read More
Palin sits down with 2 foreign leaders
NEW YORK -- Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin made her diplomatic debut Tuesday, meeting with two heads of state who traveled to New York for the opening of the U.N. General Assembly. [The Washington Post (registration)] Read More
U.S.-Canadian group plans to curb emissions
SAN FRANCISCO — An alliance of seven Western states and four Canadian provinces unveiled a blueprint on Tuesday for the most far-reaching effort in North America to curb emissions linked to climate change. [The New York Times] Read More
Debate host, too, has a message of change
OXFORD, Miss. — As the University of Mississippi prepares to hold the first debate of the presidential campaign on campus this Friday, it is also preparing a message for the millions who will be watching: Ole Miss has changed. [The New York Times] Read More
For Palin in New York, a predebate introduction to motorcade diplomacy
Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska met her first head of state on Tuesday as she crisscrossed New York City receiving foreign policy tutorials in advance of her debate next week with Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. [The New York Times] Read More |
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