Stateline Headlines

Per Capita, New Anti-Terror Funds Still Favor Wyoming

The federal government is targeting more homeland security funds to high-risk urban areas this year, but more anti-terrorism money still is being spent to protect each resident in the most sparsely populated states than in populous ones. New Yorkers gained funding, but residents in Wyoming once again top a list of anti-terrorism grants ranked on a per capita basis, according to a report from the Congressional Research Service. Stateline.org also has included a state-by-state ranking of 2005 per capita security funding.

On the Record: Wyoming Chief of Homeland Security

No state gets more federal money per resident to fight terrorism than Wyoming, a high plains state with three times more cattle than people. That distinction has the state in the forefront of a national dispute over whether billions of federal homeland security dollars are being targeted at the greatest risks. For Wyomings view of anti-terrorism spending, Stateline.org spoke with Joe Moore, head of the states Office of Homeland Security since its inception in March 2003.

America Under Fire: Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on their role in Americas war with Terrorism. In this installment, Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum gives his views.

Privacy Issue Draws Intense Interest In Wisconsin

Both political parties in Wisconsin are eager to ease citizen worries about the invasion of privacy, a popular issue these days. Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson has a 14-member task force at work to develop a comprehensive plan for the security of personal information. Meanwhile, Democrats in the legislature are pushing an ambitious package of proposals to restrict the release of personal information.

Online test boosts out-of-state demand for concealed-gun permits

Concealed handgun law could get Louisiana attorney general's scrutiny

Governors Spearhead War Relief Effort

Governors of the other 49 states joined with New York Gov. George Pataki Monday to create a relief fund for victims of the attack on the World Trade Center and provide equipment and supplies for the recovery effort, the National Governors Association announced. Those wishing to donate are being encouraged by governors to send money to the New York State World Trade Center Relief Fund, P.O. Box 5028, Albany, New York 12205. The hotline number for the fund is 1-800-801-8092.

Burlington considers new options for gun control

Snow Puts Strain on State and Local Budgets

TODAY'S TAKE: The heavy snowfall that has blanketed much of the mid-Atlantic region in recent days already has exhausted an entire winter's worth of state and local cleanup budgets in some places.

Thousands of Utahns face Defense Department furloughs

Terror Insurance: A New, Risky Business

Book lovers understand that the J. Willard Marriott Library and its three million-volume collection at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City are, in a sense, priceless.

Oklahoma can count on our help

Turf battle threatens safety investigation at West

Feds vs. feds over Texas blast

Tornadoes level homes in Okla., 1 dead

Tornado-ravaged Texas town to start recovery

Texas tornado victims vow to rebuild

West blast probe hasn't ruled out foul play

At least 6 confirmed dead in Texas tornado

House tentatively backs drone surveillance measure

After plant explosion, Texas remains wary of regulation

Gov. Haslam signs bill allowing armed personnel in schools

Police are heroes on our streets

SD governor urges recognition of military service

Super tornadoes rare, but possible, in SC

Don’t come yet, Okla. says, but SC personnel ready to help

SC National Guard scrambles to handle big disasters

S.C. Guard trains across state in disaster response

House bill would scrutinize SC police drones

South Carolina Anti-Terror Bill Broader Than Most

Should South Carolina suffer a terrorist threat or attack, the nation may get to evaluate the power of state legislation to protect residents from physical, financial or psychological harm.

Govs' Anger With Feds Boils Over

CHARLESTON, S.C. - As they approach crucial November elections, governors from both parties blame the Republican-led Congress and White House for a widening chasm between the federal government and the states.

In Case of Attack, Who Would Run the Legislature?

An obscure Cold War statute would allow South Carolina legislators to designate successors in case lawmakers were wiped out in an attack on the United States. Problem is no one now serving in the General Assembly has submitted a list of emergency successors. At least three other states have similar succession laws on the books.

R.I. Senate passes school safety bills, including measures to keep safety plans, discussions secret

Head of FBI Boston, in RI for ceremony, declines comment on reports of Tsarnaev note

Is Rhode Island only state where campus police are unarmed? No, says PolitiFact R.I.

Lawyer for widow of Marathon bombing suspect aims to help her navigate the system

URI to move graduation inside for security reasons

Criminal defense attorney joins legal team of bombing suspect's widow Russell

Rendell and Gingrich square off over Benghazi and IRS probes

After Sandy, Some Homeowners Spared from Costly Hurricane Deductibles

Governor Tom Corbett added Pennsylvania to the growing list of states — including Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey and New York — where governors and insurance regulators have told insurers to spare homeowners from the costly deductibles after the superstorm whirled across the East Coast, causing heavy wind and flood damage to property and leaving millions without power.

States Strive to Protect E-Gov Gains Post-9-11

For states in the vanguard of e-government the delivery of government services via the Internet -- post 9/11 security concerns are posing new challenges at a time when the fiscal squeeze felt by most of the states is affecting information technology budgets.

Governors Launch Anti-Terror Network

Declaring that direction of future national homeland security efforts "has to come from the governors," a leading member of the National Governors' Association has announced plans for a multistate interagency anti-terror information network. Its purpose: To help officials operate more effectively across all levels of government and the private sector to prevent or respond to terrorist activity.

Pennsylvania, Washington Take Different Paths To E-Government

Microsoft and Pennsylvania. Bill Gates and Gov. Tom Ridge. Their state web site development partnership is stirring up controversy in the Keystone State. Should states partner with private Internet companies to develop their web sites? Or should they follow the example of Gates' home state, Washington, and go it alone?

Pennsylvania Ordeal Raises New Questions About States' Info-Gathering

TODAY'S TAKE: Relatively little is known about state governments' homeland security operations, but a scandal in Pennsylvania is focusing new attention on how much information is being collected -- and about whom.

Oklahoma Tops in Disaster Declarations, Ninth in Disaster Grants

Oklahoma ranks behind eight states in the amount of federal money received to help clean up debris and patch public infrastructure since 1998. Who’s number one?

Oklahoma tornado leaves misery and relief in its twisted path

Amid Oklahoma tornado devastation, hunt for survivors persists

California emergency teams head to Oklahoma

Tornado cleanup requires caution and eye towards safety to eliminate post-disaster injuries

Oklahoma tornadoes -- Legislature advances emergency aid bill

Oklahoma tornadoes -- State attorney general advises donors to be aware in helping with relief effort

Oklahoma tornadoes -- Rescue teams continue search for victims

Oklahoma’s Emergency Chief Has Weathered 36 Disasters

The head of Oklahoma’s disaster relief efforts, who will lead the recovery from Monday’s tornado, is the longest-serving state emergency management chief.

Crews dig through night after deadly Okla. twister

Oklahomans ride out killer tornado inside movie theater

Oklahoma tornadoes take toll on animals

Oklahoma tornado 'in the same league' as worst twister in history

'Our hearts are broken,' Oklahoma governor says of trapped kids

After tornado, Obama offers support to Oklahoma governor

Oklahoma tornado 'was a monster'

Huge tornado levels Oklahoma City suburb, killing scores

Oklahoma tornadoes -- Carney residents describe damage as 'unreal'

Relatives arrive at hospital in frantic searches for loved ones in Oklahoma

At least 51 die in Oklahoma tornado, official says

Oklahoma tornadoes -- Rare term used in Monday's storms

Oklahoma devastated by second round of twisters

Vast Oklahoma tornado kills at least 91

Red Cross response to Oklahoma tornado outbreak

Ohio House wants faster benefit-claim answers for veterans

Ohio congress members Tim Ryan and Mike Turner draft bills to address military sexual assault

Ohio Governor Declines Federal Disaster Aid

TODAY'S TAKE: While the governors of Indiana and Kentucky accepted federal disaster relief after devastating tornadoes, Ohio Governor John Kasich declined, saying his state could handle the recovery on its own.

America Under Fire: North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. From time to time, Stateline.org will publish the reflections of governors on their role in Americas war with Terrorism. North Dakotas John Hoeven, a 44-year-old Republican, reflects on what governing has been like in recent weeks.

Security aid rises for state

Gun control law sparks protest outside Capitol

Sheriffs: Cuomo asked for silence

File form, or waive right to gun privacy

Deadline for gun opt-out form arrives Wednesday

Report: Sandy Inundated East Coast With Sewage

Hurricane Sandy’s floodwaters last October inundated East Coast with sewage. Researchers have now estimated how much flowed from crippled treatment plants.

States May Lose Crucial Flood-Predicting Tools

Due to state, federal and local budget shortages, the U.S. Geological Survey may shut off hundreds of streamflow gauges across the country, increasing danger in flood-prone areas.

New Mexico law sparks push for Guard benefits

Click to enlarge. After attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson vowed his state would do more for its National Guard troops. His efforts to pay the life insurance premiums of guardsmen have inspired similar bills in 35 other state capitals.

New Mexico Law Sparks Push for Guard Benefits

After attending the funeral of a fallen soldier, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson vowed his state would do more for its National Guard troops. His efforts to pay the life insurance premiums of guardsmen have inspired similar bills in 35 other state capitals.

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson on the Issues

SANTA FE, N.M. - In a June 10 interview with Stateline, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson discussed how the immigration issue is playing in this year's race to succeed him. He described the benefit of sending the National Guard to secure the border and discussed his recent trip with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to tour the border area.

Military veterans protest Christie's proposed changes to N.J. civil service system

Obama Sends $50.5 billion Sandy Relief Package to States

Federal aid is finally headed to the Atlantic Coast states, three months after Hurricane Sandy ravaged their shores.

Northeast Governors Outraged About Sandy Aid Delay

Frustration boiled over on Wednesday, the day after the U.S. House, finishing up a compromise to avert the nation’s “fiscal cliff,” scrapped a vote on the $60.4 billion relief plan approved last month by the Senate.

At New Jersey Gas Pumps, Life Returns to Normal

Governor Chris Christie announced Monday the state would end gas rationing in 12 New Jersey counties, signaling major progress made in restoring power and fuel delivery to areas devastated by Hurricane Sandy.

New Jersey Officials: Displaced Sandy Victims May Vote By Email

New Jersey voters displaced by Hurricane Sandy may cast their ballots using fax or email, state officials announced Saturday, prompting concern among some computer security experts.

State Health Officials Trade Ideas on Preparedness

Days before a hijacked plane slammed into the Pentagon, Virginia emergency medical personnel completed massage training. This turned out to be invaluable in caring for rescue workers with aching muscles from heavy lifting, and has emerged as a lesson learned from the terrorist attacks, Virginia Health Commissioner Anne Peterson said.

War Eclipses New Jersey, Virginia Races

September 11 changed America. People talk about a new patriotism and tolerance for one another, a new sense of purpose. This new reality is hardly reflected in the only major U.S. election campaigns this year. In New Jersey and Virginia, both of which were tragically affected by the the terrorist attacks, the candidates for governor are trying to engage distracted voters with traditional politics.

On gun violence, what next?

House votes 312-0 to honor Marathon bombing victims, rebuking Tremblay

Real ID Dropouts Leave Security Holes

Defying Uncle Sam, four states have passed laws refusing to comply with federal rules to make driver's licenses more secure, casting further doubt on the future of the 2005 Real ID Act.

Nevada Guard opens new readiness center in Las Vegas Valley

"Stolen Valor" bill stalls in Assembly

Governor seeks $5 million for drone research effort

State, Local Governments Receive Kudos for Web Sites

Since 1995, Government Technology has singled out state and local governments that host particularly innovative Web sites. North Carolina and Georgia were winners, as was a tiny county in Nevada.

America Under Fire: Nebraska Gov Mike Johanns

When they assumed office, none of the state governors could have anticipated the kinds of problems and challenges theyve faced since September 11. From time to time, Stateline.org is publishing their reflections on the state role in Americas war with terrorism. In this installment, Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns talks about appointing a security task force to help prepare the state for emergencies.

2004 Sessions: Talk, Little Action in Most Legislatures

As many statehouses wind down for the year, Stateline.org takes a look at the major issues dominating the 2004 legislative session. For the first time in four years, states fiscal picture is brightening. Most legislatures opted not to tackle many social issues, such as gay marriage, passing the buck for voters to decide this fall.

Smallpox Vaccination Plan Behind Schedule

President Bushs plan to inoculate 500,000 health care and emergency workers against smallpox is far behind schedule, delayed by state worries about adequate funding and compensation for the vaccines potentially dangerous side effects.

Governors to Bush: Fund Mandates

After a tense weekend marked by partisan politics and power plays, the nation's governors came together Monday and crafted a statement on their priorities for Congress and the Bush administration. It complained of what they say is a proliferation of unfunded mandates.