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FL: Governor moves ahead with plan to pick new Florida Supreme Court justices
Republican Gov. Rick Scott started what will be a closely watched process to replace three Florida Supreme Court justices who will retire in January, with the appointments possibly leading to a major ideological shift on the court.
CA: California tells NRA to stop selling insurance policy
The California Department of Insurance says the National Rifle Association doesn’t have a license to sell its “Self-Defense Insurance Policy,” which is held by 2,400 Californians, in the state. The policy covers some legal costs from criminal cases or lawsuits that arise when a gun is used.
WI: Wisconsin city’s health officials feared public learning of ‘messed up’ lead program
Four months before widespread problems with Milwaukee’s lead poisoning prevention program burst into the open in Wisconsin, then-Health Commissioner Bevan Baker was warned by a staffer that they would face serious consequences if the public learned just how deep the troubles ran.
ME: Maine governor says he’ll deny applicants until Medicaid expansion is funded
Republican Gov. Paul LePage said he’ll continue denying applications under a voter-approved Medicaid expansion until lawmakers provide funding under his terms.
TN: Tennessee’s prescription pill addiction is getting better, but fentanyl looms large
Although fatal opioid overdoses continue to rise throughout the state, deaths attributed specifically to prescription painkillers dropped for the first time in five years. The 12 percent decrease in 2017 is a rare sign of progress in a state ravaged by addiction.
NC: North Carolina supporters kick off $5 million campaign for a victims’ rights amendment
In what could be North Carolina’s most expensive single campaign of the fall, former Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican, helped kick off the effort to pass a constitutional amendment designed to ensure the rights of crime victims. It would guarantee crime victims’ rights, including the right to “reasonable and timely” notice of criminal proceedings and to be present at any proceeding.
WA: Take 2 for Washington state: Carbon fee on fall ballot
Voters in Washington state will be asked this fall to do what state and federal leaders have been reluctant to: charge a direct fee on carbon pollution to fight climate change.
TX: Texas education workgroup changes tack on ‘heroic’ Alamo defenders
A Texas education board workgroup that had recommended not describing Alamo defenders as “heroic” in seventh-grade social studies curriculum standards changed course Tuesday after public backlash.
NJ: New Jersey lawmakers seek to exempt drivers from out-of-state tickets
Some state lawmakers in New Jersey are seeking ways to exempt Garden State drivers from out-of-state tickets issued by automated speed enforcement cameras.
NM: Residents of New Mexico compound face federal charges
Five residents of a ramshackle desert compound in New Mexico were indicted by a federal grand jury on firearms and conspiracy charges. Prosecutors say the group was preparing for violent attacks on government, military, educational and financial institutions at the time of their arrests last month.
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