Technology on Tuesday June 30, 2009

PA: Getting DNA tests may turn easy for inmates
By Bobby Kerlik, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Pennsylvania lawmakers might be asked to allow prisoners better access to genetic tests that could prove their innocence.
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CO: Glitch delays jobless claims in Colorado
By Tom McGhee, The Denver Post
Colorado's computerized system for taking claims from the unemployed has crashed repeatedly in recent days, leaving thousands stuck in telephone hold queues and worried they will not receive their benefits.
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HI: Last warning -- Cell phone ban kicks in tomorrow
By Dan Nakaso, The Honolulu Advertiser
Sixteen-year-old Mikhail Han represents a new generation of O'ahu drivers who — beginning tomorrow — will grow up on an island where holding a cell phone will no longer be allowed behind the wheel.
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IN: Indiana foreclosure hot line is available
By Ed Ernstes, South Bend Tribune
ELKHART, Ind. — The nation's sluggish housing market continues to be crippled by home foreclosures. In fact, Indiana ranks eighth in the country when it comes to foreclosures.
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NE: Nebraska offers geopicting contest
By Nancy Hicks, Lincoln Journal Star
Ross Sukup took a few pictures with his digital Kodak while fishing with a buddy on the backwaters of the Missouri River last summer.
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NV: Nevada jeered, American Samoa cheered for stimulus Web sites
By Timothy Pratt, Las Vegas Sun
Nevada and American Samoa both launched Web sites in the same week of early March to keep track of the massive amounts of money that Congress had just approved under the so-called stimulus act. Unfortunately for the Silver State, a watchdog group compared the two.
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OR: Transparency bill gains approval
By Tracy Loew, Statesman Journal (Salem)
Oregon will be required to post all state revenue and spending details on a central, searchable Web site under a bill unanimously repassed by the House on Monday.
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OR: Time-out on growth of online schools squeaks through
By Betsy Hammond, The Oregonian (Portland)
A temporary moratorium on growth of statewide online schools in Oregon cleared the House by the narrowest possible margin this morning, earning it final legislative approval.
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RI: Amazon cuts its R.I. ties over sales tax
By Steve Peoples and Neil Downing, The Providence Journal
The Internet giant Amazon.com has severed formal ties with all Rhode Island businesses, a move intended to shield the online retailer from the General Assembly's push to tax some online sales as soon as Wednesday.
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RI: Amazon cuts R.I. affiliate ties over taxes
By Bloomberg News, The Boston Globe
SAN FRANCISCO -- Amazon.com Inc., the world's biggest Internet retailer, cut ties with its Rhode Island business affiliates after the state's assembly passed legislation requiring the company to collect taxes.
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US: A green way to dump low-tech electronics
By Leslie Kaufman, The New York Times
Since 2004, 18 states and New York City have approved laws that make manufacturers responsible for recycling electronics, and similar statutes were introduced in 13 other states this year.
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VA: State computer system raises more questions
By Julian Walker, The Roanoke Times
Two of the state's top technology officials are being called to testify before a government panel on open record laws about why aspects of Virginia's plan to privatize its computer systems were discussed behind closed doors.
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VA: Va. lawmakers question system upgrade contract
By Anita Kumar, The Washington Post
Lawmakers are starting to question whether Virginia should renegotiate or cancel a 10-year, $2 billion contract to upgrade the state's computer system, responding to what state officials call years of missed deadlines and poor service by the contractor.
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WA: Wash., feds to discuss Yakima water
By The Associated Press, seattlepi.com
YAKIMA, Wash. -- State and federal officials plan to meet with other stakeholders in the Yakima River basin to talk about how to improve water supplies there.
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WY: No cyber hunting -- New Game and Fish laws take effect Wednesday
By Ben Neary, The Associated Press, Casper Star-Tribune
A new law that bans Wyoming residents from logging onto Web sites and shooting animals with remote-controlled rifles attached to Web cams is among a slate of wildlife regulations set to take effect this week.
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WY: Teton virtual school may open
By Jasa Santos, Casper Star-Tribune
Another online education program is starting up in Wyoming this fall, giving families even more options for educating their students.
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