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
|
|
|
|
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 |