0:00
News Story
- Budget
- Business of Government
- Economy
- Education
- Energy and Environment
- Federal Impact
- Gambling
- Health
- Homeland Security
- Tax
- Transportation
Editor’s Picks From Around the Web
MI: Michigan House passes sweeping roads plan raising gas tax, fees
A plan passed by the Michigan House includes a gas tax hike, a 40 percent increase in registration fees and a -million shift of money from the state’s general fund to Michigan’s roads.
US: States, companies prepare lawsuits against president’s climate policy
As many as 25 states will join some of the nation’s most influential business groups in legal action to block President Barack Obama’s climate change regulations.
FL: Florida sheriffs, police oppose open carry proposal
Groups representing Florida law enforcement say a legislative proposal to allow anyone with a concealed weapons permit to openly carry their guns would restrict the ability of officers to ensure public safety.
OK: Oklahoma issuing record number of emergency teaching certificates
The number of emergency teaching certificates issued by Oklahoma’s Board of Education will likely approach 1,000 for the year.
LA: Does cap on film tax credits endanger Louisiana’s status as ‘Hollywood South?’
Louisiana lawmakers have placed a $180 million cap on entertainment industry tax breaks, which opponents warn could shut down movie shoots, television shows and other productions around the state.
MN: Minnesota municipal liquor stores see record sales
Minnesota’s municipal liquor operations reported a 19th consecutive year of record sales, totaling $335.6 million in 2014, an increase of $2.8 million from 2013.
US: Health care premiums to rise around much of the country
Premiums are expected to rise in many parts of the country as a new sign-up season under President Barack Obama’s health care law starts Nov. 1, but prices will vary from state to state.
ME: Maine spends millions on lottery ads
Maine’s lottery has more than tripled its advertising budget to $3.5 million a year since 2003, invested in sophisticated market research and installed flat-screen TVs in stores to better target customers.
IL: Moody’s downgrades rating on $26.8 billion in Illinois bonds
The Moody’s credit rating agency lowered the bond rating to Baa1 from A3, pointing to Illinois’ weakening financial position in 2015 and an ongoing budget stalemate.
TX: Lawsuit aims to prevent licensing of Texas detention centers
A coalition of immigrants’ rights and civil liberties groups have filed suit claiming Texas hastily created a new type of state license that might allow two detention centers for unauthorized immigrants to remain open despite a federal judge’s ruling.
Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics.