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Editor’s Picks From Around the Web
NJ: Marijuana still basis for probable cause in New Jersey
Even though a 2010 law legalized marijuana in New Jersey, a state appellate court ruled the smell of the burning drug is still cause for a warrantless search.
MD: Maryland school district ditches high school final exams
Montgomery County Public Schools, Maryland’s largest school system, will scrap high school final exams next school year, amid growing concern about too much testing and the toll it takes on instructional time.
FL: Florida taxi companies sue state over Uber, Lyft
Taxi companies in Tallahassee and Fort Lauderdale have sued the state of Florida, arguing the ride-hailing companies should be subject to additional regulations. A similar lawsuit was successful in California.
NY: New York City mayor goes all-in on free preschool
In New York City, some 65,000 children have enrolled in Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio’s new universal preschool program.
WY: How does Wyoming spend $9.3 billion every two years?
Despite Wyoming’s small population, it has a relatively robust state government that spends $9.3 billion in state and federal dollars every two years.
TX: Fracking boom on University of Texas lands linked to spills, air pollution
The hydraulic fracturing boom on land the University of Texas owns in West Texas has polluted soil, groundwater and air, according to a new report. The study calls on the university to either prohibit fracking on its lands or write stronger environmental protections into its lease agreements with oil and gas companies.
LA: Unlikely statewide issue in Louisiana governor’s race: Baton Rouge traffic
Traffic gridlock in Baton Rouge has suddenly morphed into a statewide issue, with every contender for governor of Louisiana rolling out a plan and some even bickering over how to repair a problem exit on Interstate 10.
CO: Colorado critics of Iran nuclear deal push divestiture measure for 2016 ballot
Critics of the Iran deal announced an effort to block any investment of Colorado state dollars in corporations that do business with state sponsors of terrorism. The divestiture push is part of a national “Defund Iran” effort that is starting in five states.
IL, MO: Insurance mergers would hurt competition in Missouri and Illinois, doctors’ group says
An American Medical Association report said Aetna’s purchase of Humana and Anthem’s agreement to buy Cigna would hurt competition in commercial health plans in as many as 17 states, including Missouri and Illinois.
PA: Lawmakers consider stopgap measure as Pennsylvania enters third month without budget
Pennsylvania lawmakers said they will attempt to pass a measure to fund the state’s government for several months. Pennsylvania has been without a spending plan since Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the Republican-proposed budget in June.
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