Stateline Headlines

Bible Belt States Looking To Lotteries Despite Traditional Qualms

For as long as anyone in statehouses around the Bible Belt can remember, the region's opposition to state-sanctioned gambling has been rooted in one unshakeable stricture: gambling is a sin. Now state leaders--and ultimately voters--must make a choice between a new economic logic and an old moral certainty historically used to defeat gambling measures. stateline.org examines an issue high on the agenda in Alabama, the Carolinas and Tennessee.

Deal Ends Political Row That Tied Alabama Senate in Knots

Alabama's state senate reconvenes today after settling a rancorous parliamentary dispute that paralyzed the lawmakers for a month. The dispute stemmed from a power struggle between Democratic Gov. Don Siegelman and Republican Lt. Gov. Steve Windom. In this special report from Montgomery, Ala., stateline.org looks at what the fight was all about and the deal that ended it.

Alabama Legislature Finishes Up, Connecticut Sets Special Session

As the summer heats up, two more legislatures -- Alabama and Connecticut -- finished their 1999 sessions, leaving just 15 still at work. Alabama lawmakers agreed to let the voters decide if the state should sponsor a lottery and finally approved legislation that requires all drivers to have auto liability insurance. Two hundred more teachers will staff the state's public schools and at least $20 million will go back home with lawmakers for new or fatter special projects. For the fifth year in a row Connecticut has balanced their budget, cut taxes and created surpluses -- some of which will be returned to taxpayers as rebates

Alabama, Tennessee In Special Session, Massachusetts Budget Okayed

Alabama and Tennessee legislators are in special session dealing with tax issues, while Massachusetts lawmakers cleared the way for adjournment by finally passing a budget. For more information, click on

Alabama State of State Address 2000

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Feb. 1 - Following is the full text of Gov. Don Siegelman's 2000 State of the State Address: Tonight I have a message for the families of Alabama: I remain committed to changing education in Alabama forever. If anyone thinks I have been deterred, let me put it the way my mother would have

Debate Continues Over Abortion Waiting Periods

Four state legislatures are debating whether to follow the lead of 14 states that impose a waiting period on women who want an abortion, but pro-choice opponents blocked the measure in Colorado, Iowa and Virginia this year. States where controversial legislation remains an issue are Alabama, Alaska, Delaware and Minnesota.

Constitutional Reform Struggles For Life In Alabama

When the year 2000 comes to a close, the state of Alabama can count on basking in at least two distinctions: (1) The University of Alabama football team will be in the nation's top 10 - or at least its top 20; (2) The Alabama state constitution will be by far the oldest state constitution in the nation. Few Alabamans would begrudge the Crimson Tide its place among the gridiron elite. But a number of the state's intellectual leaders are complaining that the antiquated, obese constitution is a fatal drag on the state's economic and social progress.

UPDATE: More States Decriminalize Safe Baby Abandonment

In February, Stateline.org reported that seven states were considering abandoned baby laws; that number has now climbed to at least 23. Since mid-April alone, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, and West Virginia have enacted abandoned baby or "safe haven" laws, often in response to tragic stories of infants left in dumpsters, alleyways, shallow graves, public restrooms or parking lots. For an in-depth report on this policy trend, click on

Four States Share Bonus For Curbing Out-of-Wedlock Births

Four states and the District of Columbia have bucked the national trend and are reporting dips in their rates of births to unmarried mothers, the Department of Health and Human Services reported Friday. While the percentage of out-of-wedlock births in the nation as a whole climbed slightly over the two years from 1997 to 1998, it fell in Alabama, Arizona, Illinois, Michigan and the District of Columbia.

Alabama Voters To Decide Fate Of Miscegenation Ban

On Nov. 7, Alabama voters will decide whether to remove language in the state's constitution that bans mixed marriages. Attorney General Bill Pryor is keen to erase the anti-miscegenation provision -- other state politicians shrug the provision isn't enforceable anyway.

Alabama State of the State Address 2001

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - Feb. 6 - Following is the full text of Gov. Don Siegelman's 2001 State of the State Address: Ladies and gentleman, thank you. Lieutenant Governor Windom, Speaker Hammett, President Pro Tem Barron, Speaker Pro Tem Newton, Members of the Judiciary, Constitutional Officers, Members of the House

State Lawmakers Hold Largest Meeting Ever

SAN ANTONIO, Texas Dear World, lets have peace, kindness and freedom forever and ever. Well, delivering on that prayer might be a lot to hope for, but state lawmakers are here at the annual meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures exchanging ideas on how to do a better job of governing.

State Curbs on Pre-paid Funerals Under Scrutiny

Paying for a funeral is the third largest cost most Americans face, after buying a house or an automobile. The average funeral, including a casket and vault, runs about $6,000. Forty-eight of the 50 states regulate the funeral industry -- the exceptions are Alabama and New Mexico. But a recent investigation in Minnesota suggests that the regulations often do not go far enough.

State Revenue Report Finds Everything Slowing

State tax revenue growth last quarter was the weakest in eight years and the economic slowdown, which had been concentrated in the Midwest and the Southeast, has spread to nearly the entire country, according to a report published Wednesday by the Nelson A. Rockefeller Institute of Government. "The trend now is toward slowing growth. The fear is that this continues and we start seeing negative growth," says Nicholas Jenny, a fiscal analyst at Rockefeller and one of the report's authors.

Alabama State of the State Address 2002

Following is the full text of Gov. Don Siegelman's annual State of the State Address, delivered January 8 in Alabama's Old House Chamber. Three years ago, I promised to make Alabama the Education State. Since I took the oath of office, I have spent every day fighting to improve our schools. And I will not stop fight

State Officials Uneasy With Bush's Welfare Changes

Alabama, Michigan and the District of Columbia split $75 million in extra federal welfare funds last year for achieving the largest decreases in out-of-wedlock births and abortion rates between 1996 and 1999. But the program that brought this windfall may soon disappear because President George W. Bush's welfare reform reauthorization plan does away with bonuses to states that do the best job of reducing illegitimacy and medically terminated pregnancies.

Census Bureau Reports on States Tax Burden

If you live in one of these five states -- Connecticut, Hawaii, Delaware, Minnesota and Massachusetts you can boast, or complain, that you shoulder the heaviest tax burden in the nation.

Death Penalty Rulings Raise Issues For Lawmakers

The Colorado Legislature will convene in special session July 8 in order to bring state law into line with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down the authority of judges to impose sentencing in death penalty cases. At least four other states directly affected by the decision may have to hold special sessions as well.

Southern Governors Talk Conservation

More than a football field lost to the ocean every half-hour. Twenty-one thousand football fields lost each year. Such is the situation along Louisianas gulf coast, where rising seas and ongoing erosion are destroying wetlands and imperiling roads, towns and wildlife, according to the states governor, Mike Foster (R).

Southern Governors to Coordinate Emergency Response

With the nation approaching the first anniversary of last Septembers terrorist attacks, governors from across the South have unveiled a plan to link their health and emergency agencies to better coordinate response and relief efforts.

South Lags in Industry Research

The New South looks uncomfortably like the Old South, as industry research in the region - a key component of economic and wage growth - lags behind the rest of the country, a new report shows.

Gubernatorial Candidates, Alabama-Kentucky

A comprehensive list of gubernatorial candidates in Alabama through Kentucky.

'Choose Life' Car Tags Spark Debate

Legislators in seven states Alabama, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and South Carolina have authorized specialty license plates bearing the slogan "Choose Life," an action that has sparked controversy and several lawsuits. Though supporters say "Choose Life" is not a political message and is intended to promote adoption, the plates have been challenged by abortion rights groups whove gone to court to try to block them.

State-Tax Systems Need Fix, Report Finds

Like a Model T in the Daytona 500, many state tax systems are too dated and inefficient to enable state governments to run effectively in a 21st-century economy. That's the conclusion of "The Way We Tax: A 50-State Report" by Governing magazine, an ambitious study undertaken with the support of the Pew Center on the States (parent body that funds Stateline.org).

Alabama State of the State Address 2003

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - March 4 - Following is the text of Gov. Bob Riley's 2003 state of the state address: Mr. Speaker, Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests. I am honored to be in this chamber tonight -- addressing my fellow citizens who

Conservatives Urge Spending Restraint

A leading conservative economist is lashing out at the Republican governors of Alabama, Nevada and Ohio for raising taxes, accusing them of "acting like Democrats without the charisma or the heart."

Alabama Tax Plan Faces Long Odds

Alabama voters go to the polls Tuesday Sept. 9 to decide the fate of Republican Gov. Bob Rileys proposal to raise state taxes by $1.2 billion in order to close a looming budget gap and fund new education programs. Opponents of the plan outnumbered backers by a better than two-to-one margin in a recent poll, but Riley is mounting a campaign-style effort this weekend to try to turn the tide.

Governors Reflect On Alabama Tax Plan's Rejection

When Alabama voters soundly rejected Gov. Bob Rileys (R) tax plan two weeks ago, many analysts said it would have a chilling effect on other states considering tax increases. But some participants in the Southern Governors Associations (SGA) annual meeting here said that conclusion is misleading.

Southern Governors Oppose Federal Plan To Upgrade Grid

With an abundance of cheap, reliable electricity at their fingertips, governors from across the South are against federal plans to spread the costs of transmission grid upgrades among all the states. They say the proposal represents an assault on the South's economy, which depends on low cost energy to attract big manufacturers.

Five States Freeze CHIP Enrollment

Several cash-strapped states are opting to freeze enrollment in their childrens health insurance program (CHIP). Theyve turned to this measure as a way to stretch funds rather than tighten eligibility or cut back services for those who are already enrolled.

Alabama State of the State Address 2004

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 3 - The following is the full text of Alabama Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2004 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Speaker Hammett, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, members of the Legislature, distinguished guests and the citizens of Alabama. Tonight we have the unique,

Southeastern States Struggle with Teacher-Quality Rules

Southeastern states are lowering the bar for teacher qualifications and using federal rules under the No Child Left Behind Act as a maximum standard rather than a minimum, according to a report released today . The Southeast Center for Teacher Quality concludes that some states are focusing only on what teachers know and not how well they convey that knowledge to students.

Eight States Raised Taxes in 2004

Only eight states had to resort to hiking taxes in 2004 to balance their books, a sign that states fiscal squeeze may finally be over, researchers said in a new report released Monday.

Despite Federal Chill, States Keen to Trade with Cuba

In Havana, Cuba, this week, state officials from Louisiana, Maine, Alabama are helping U.S. companies negotiate cash-only contracts for sales of agricultural and health-related goods under the narrow confines of U.S. restrictions. The state effort is in sharp contrast with the federal effort to isolate the communist island nation.

Alabama State of the State Address 2005

Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Speaker Hammett, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, Members of the Legislature, distinguished guests, fellow Alabamians: Before I deliver the State of the State Address, I want to recognize my wife Patsy for all she's done for me, our family and the people of this state. We're all fort

Winter Heating Prices Scare States

Sticker shock at the gas pump isn't the only energy problem confronting states after Hurricane Katrina. The fear of a natural gas spike is spurring officials to seek more money to help low-income residents pay for heating this winter, while others are encouraging energy efficiency, and in the case of Connecticut, challenging the way that utilities charge customers.

Emergency! Declarations Help States Cope

If it seems as if the whole country is in a "state of emergency," that's because most of it is. And that's before Hurricane Rita makes landfall.

Alabama State of the State Address 2006

MONTGOMERY, Ala., Jan. 10 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2006 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Baxley, Speaker Hammett, Senator Barron, Representative Newton, Members of the Legislature and my fellow Alabamians: When I came before you three years ago, I promised that if

Report: States tax low-income families

The state income-tax burden faced by poor families has declined in the past 15 years, but some low-income families still incurred substantial state income-tax bills in 2005, according to a Feb. 22 report by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a Washington D.C. group that focuses on policies affecting the poor. The report includes a state-by-state analysis.

More states sanction deadly force

A year-old Florida law sanctioning the use of deadly force against muggers, carjackers or other assailants outside the home is rapidly being adopted by other states and already is being raised as a defense in at least three shootings in Florida.

States Promote Nursing, Protect Moms

Mississippi, the state with the lowest breastfeeding rate in the country, has passed a broad new law allowing mothers to nurse at work and in public. In addition, five other states - Arizona, Kentucky, Kansas, South Carolina and Alabama - passed laws protecting mothers from charges of indecent exposure when they nurse in public places.

Once, Twice, Three Times a Gov?

Among the fresh faces running in the nation's 36 gubernatorial races this year are three who have seen it all before - because they used to be governors. Former Govs. Tony Knowles (D) of Alaska, Don Siegelman (D) of Alabama and William Weld (R) of Massachusetts are seeking second shots at their old jobs. Since 1977, 16 of 45 former state chief executives who have attempted gubernatorial comebacks have regained their seats.

Results of June 6 State Primaries

Four Republican state senators who voted against South Dakota's strict new abortion ban were ousted in Tuesday's primary; several incumbent state legislators in Alabama, Iowa and Montana also got the boot. In governor races, California state treasurer Phil Angelides won the Democratic nomination and will face Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). In Alabama, Gov. Bob Riley beat back a GOP primary challenge from former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, known for refusing to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the state courthouse. Here is a sampling of local news coverage of the results in races for state offices in the June 6 primaries.

Lieutenant Governor: Not Quite a Fifth Wheel

Lieutenant governors occupy a position in state government that is little understood or appreciated by most voters. But history shows the job has often served as a political steppingstone - and that lesson is being borne out in this year's midterm election.

States Expand Fetal Homicide Laws

A wave of new state fetal homicide laws recognizing a fetus "of any gestational age" as a person and potential crime victim has abortion rights advocates worried the statutes could undermine a woman's right to end her pregnancy. Among the 37 states with laws making death of a fetus a separate crime, language giving legal status to a fetus at the earliest stages of pregnancy is proliferating.

Battles for gavels kick off 2007 sessions

The newly elected Democratic majority in the Pennyslvania House chose a speaker from the minority party for the first time in state history. Majority Republicans in the Tennessee Senate banded together to oust their Democratic leader, a 36-year veteran and the longest-serving presiding officer in the nation. Those are just two of the bruising leadership battles fought as all 50 state legislatures launch their lawmaking sessions.

Legislators Barring Electronic Distractions

Since 1997, when North Dakota state senators pioneered a ban on the use of electronic devices when their august body was open for business, the parliamentary rules of more and more legislatures require cell phones, computers and other high-tech distractions to be turned off or left at the door. Maine's House of Representatives is the latest to join the legislative rebellion against the myriad intrusions of the Digital Age.

Alabama State of the State Address 2007

MONTGOMERY, Ala., March 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2007 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, esteemed judges, members of the Legislature and my fellow Alabamians: As a governor, you have the pleasure and h

States Try GPS to Protect Social Workers

Last year, a Kentucky social worker was murdered in the line of duty. Although fatalities are rare, this case and others like it are a call to arms for state child-welfare agencies already battling high worker-turnover rates and a nationwide shortage of skilled new social workers. Two states are equipping their frontline caseworkers with Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking devices to boost worker safety and efficiency.

Crist ponders pardon for rocker

A rock and roll bad boy might receive a posthumous pardon from Florida's governor. Maryland's governor hangs a "For Sale" sign on his private home - but it's no real estate bargain. And Ohio lawmakers get a dubious distinction. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Copper Thefts Trigger Widespread Crackdown

Copper is a hot commodity these days, leading 20 states this year to enact laws to protect homeowners and businesses from criminals stealing gutters, cables and other scrap metals.

Home Insurance Woes Mount in Coastal States

As private home insurers raise rates or pull out completely along the Gulf Coast and in other storm-prone areas of the country, states are scrambling to respond.

Drought pushes states to find new fixes

As states across the country struggle to find new solutions to water shortages in the continuing drought, governors of three Southern states - locked in a battle over a Georgia lake - turned to Washington, D.C., in search of a truce. Other states' policymakers also are responding to parched conditions.

Report: States gaming NCLB system

On paper, Alabama last year showed remarkable gains in improving its schools. But a new report claims that Alabama - and a number of states - are manipulating statistics to make their schools appear better than they really are.

Police join feds to tackle immigration

A program that allows local and state police to work hand-in-hand with federal immigration agents is skyrocketing in popularity. There are 34 programs in 15 states and another 77 programs are pending. But critics question whether it could hamper police officers' ability to do their core duties.

WORTH NOTING: Ala. Attorney General Sings With a Legend

Alabama's top law enforcer sings with "The Man in Black." North Carolina Gov. Mike Easley (D) recommends regifting Christmas cards. And a freshman lawmaker takes the slow road to Denver. In case you missed any of those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

A Tale of Two Comebacks

Not long ago, the approval ratings of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Alabama Gov. Bob Riley were in the dumps. Both managed to climb back to popularity. Their stories hold lessons for other politicians.

Alabama State of the State Address 2008

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 6 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2008 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, fellow citizens and members of the Legislature: As we gather tonight I just want to say that

WORTH NOTING: Phantom voter stalks Ala. State House

An Alabama lawmaker says someone's been using his voting machine. Florida's House Speaker locks the doors and turns off Internet access to make legislators pay attention. And Mayberry's Sheriff Taylor endorses a North Carolina gubernatorial candidate. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

FEMA Change Sends States Searching For Ice

States looking for free ice from FEMA in the aftermath of a hurricane will be out of luck because of the agency's new policy.

States Curb Carbon as Blueprint for Feds

An effort by Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (D) to focus Southern governors on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in their states is the latest example of state-led policies that could be used as models for future federal action.

Southern Govs Speak Via Videotape to Delegates

Sept. 2, 2008, 1:30 p.m. EDTST. PAUL, Minn. - Hurricane Gustav forced some of the biggest stars in the Republican Party to stay at home to help their consitutents battle the storm that many feared would rival Hurricane Katrina of just three years ago. But four of the five affected southern Republican governors addressed the opening session of the 2008 Republican National Convention Monday (Sept. 1) via taped messages. "I'm sure you can understand why Gov. Jindal couldn't participate," first lady Laura Bush said as she introduced the taped messages, referring to Republican Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal as his state was being pounded by Gustav's strong winds and rain. Jindal had been rumored to be, among others, on Republican John McCain's shortlist of possible vice presidential picks before the senator chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin. President Bush had been scheduled to address the delegates Monday but instead went to Texas to monitor the storm. The administration had been widely criticized for its handling of Hurricane Katrina. Some Republicans, notably Texas Gov. Rick Perry, stressed that the GOP was ready. "You're seeing Republican governors ... doing a fabulous job of taking care of the citizens. That's what we do," he said via videotape.Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Hurricane Gustav The first lady also noted the governors of the affected states "happen to be Republicans," which drew a thunderous applause from the delegates at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. Florida Charlie Crist, another Republican governor who also was seen as a possible VP candidate, took a less partisan approach in his remarks, remembering his experience during last month's Tropical Storm Fay: "As I traveled our state in the days following Fay's landfall, I was reminded again of the resilience and strength of our people. The kindness they extend to one another. Neighbor helping neighbor. Asking not what party you are, but instead how you can help." Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour also gave videotaped messages. Governor Jindal said Monday that seven states are helping Louisiana to shelter more than 29,000 citizens at 107 shelters. Texas has offered to shelter several thousand patients, Oklahoma has agreed to accept 4,000 general evacuees, and 150 medical patients from southwest Louisiana hospitals are expected to arrive at the Oklahoma Air National Guard Base at Will Rogers Airport in Oklahoma City today. The state Republican chairmen from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas formed a working group "to regularly brief their delegates and convention planners, provide access to timely information and assistance, and give input on appropriate steps that can be taken from Minnesota." The McCain 2008 campaign also agreed to charter a DC-9 to transport delegates who wished to return to home to their states.AFTER THE JUMP: More video footage of the governors on Hurricane Gustav. - Pamela M. Prah Comments

Grand Old Party-Poopers

What VIPs are sending regrets to John McCain's convention bash?

WORTH NOTING: Idaho kids get a new state history book

Idaho's first lady publishes "Ida Visits the Capitol." Wine drinkers have mixed feelings about a syrah named Palin. And Marylanders are urged to take a walk after eating the state cake. In case you missed those stories this week, "Worth Noting" fills you in.

Ala. Seeks Civil Rights Tourism, Racial Accord

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - As Americans send the country's first black president to the White House, a growing tourism program in Alabama embraces the state's role in the civil rights struggle and salutes the heroes who helped pave the way for Barack Obama's Election Day victory.

Nasty Judicial Races Renew Complaints

Another bruising campaign season in judicial elections has spurred calls for reform from advocacy groups, lawyers and others in the legal community, but fierce debate persists over how exactly state judges should be chosen.

Alabama State of the State Address 2009

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Feb. 3 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2009 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Mitchem, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, members of the Legislature and my fellow citizens: First, I know all of us are saddened

Tracking the Recession – Much Ado About a Small Stimulus Pot

After weeks of speculation and intense political pressure, a reluctant Republican South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford on Friday (April 3) became the last governor to formally notify the White House that he plans to accept at least some federal dollars from the stimulus package - but the controversy is far from over.

States Draw Down Rainy Day Funds

Faced with historic revenue drops, lawmakers in states across the country tapped rainy day funds in fiscal years 2009 and 2010 at levels not seen since the recession following the 2001 terrorist attacks. And more seem poised to join them.

State Officials Weigh in on Health Care

TODAY'S TAKE: The deeply partisan debate over health care legislation working its way through Congress is breaking down along similar lines in the states, which will be tasked with carrying out much of the plan.

Republican AGs Probe Health Care Deal

TODAY'S TAKE: The Republican attorneys general of Alabama, Colorado, Michigan, North Dakota, South Carolina, Texas and Washington State are threatening to challenge as unconstitutional a provision written into the U.S. Senate's national health care bill that cuts a special deal for Nebraska.

State Police Not Immune to Budget Cuts

TODAY'S TAKE: State police agencies have been propped up with the help of federal stimulus money, but that doesn't mean they are immune to budget cuts. In Tennessee, 13 small counties soon could have no state troopers at all. Pennsylvania is worried that it will not be able to replace retiring officers.

Alabama State of the State Address 2010

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Jan. 12 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Bob Riley's (R) 2010 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Folsom, Speaker Hammett, Senator Smitherman, Representative Newton, distinguished guests, my fellow public servants and fellow citizens: When I first came to this chamber seve

Summary of the Alabama State of the State Address

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley, a Republican, presented a largely optimistic outlook to legislators in his state of the state speech Jan. 12, proclaiming dire forecasts for the state's budget situation "a crock."

Amid Recall, Four Governors Defend Toyota

TODAY'S TAKE: The governors of Alabama, Indiana, Kentucky and Mississippi - all states that are home to Toyota plants -on Wednesday (Feb. 10) defended the Japanese automaker amid its worldwide recall of millions of cars.

Not Your Grandma's Bingo

It has the drama and suspense of a John Grisham novel: pre-dawn gambling raids by state troopers, rumors of political payoffs, rowdy demonstrations at the State Capitol and a fly-over at this year's Rose Bowl in California with a banner that read, "Impeach Corrupt Alabama Gov. Bob Riley." All this fuss over bingo? While many other cash-strapped states are trying to expand gaming as a way to get more revenue, Alabama's outgoing governor is on a mission to stamp out illegal gambling in the Heart of Dixie.

Alabama Bingo Investigation Intensifies

TODAY'S TAKE: Federal officials are probing corruption in Alabama's bingo battle, yet another twist in the convoluted saga over whether the state should allow electronic bingo machines to raise money for local governments or charities. Agents from the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. Attorney's office and the FBI say they have found "substantial evidence of corruption" around a legislative battle to formally legalize the bingo machines, which look similar to slot machines, according to The New York Times. On April 11, the Birmingham News reported that at least two lawmakers had worn wires as part of the investigation after they had received offers from bingo lobbyists that they considered bribes.

Gulf States Fear Long-Term Fiscal Effects of Oil Disaster

The Gulf Coast states were hopeful that 2010 would be a year of economic revival. Now, one of the worst environmental tragedies in U.S. history is jeopardizing the future of the tourism, fishing and deep-water oil drilling industries. Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida do not have the money to offset the revenue losses and are counting on BP to rescue them.

Did Race to the Top Help or Hurt the Push for a Common Curriculum?

States were working on a common set of education standards before the Obama administration decided to make adoption of them part of Race to the Top. The prospect of winning federal money motivated some states to pass the standards, but the administration's blessing may have turned others away.

Bashing Oil Industry is Tricky Politics in Gulf States

Now that oil has stopped gushing in the Gulf of Mexico, state and local governments are tallying the economic losses they have suffered-and vowing to hold BP accountable. But they are moving carefully, mindful that much of the region's economy depends on the industry they are confronting.

Alabama Republicans Fight Over BP Reimbursement

TODAY'S TAKE: A dispute among top Republicans in Alabama over how the state should recoup tax revenues lost as a result of the BP oil spill is escalating. BP and Governor Bob Riley are blaming Attorney General Troy King for a lawsuit they say is complicating their negotiations over how the state can get its money back.

Cuomo Declines to Back Longtime House Speaker

TRANSITION WATCH: New York's governor-elect sends mixed signals on Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, Alabama legislators promise to focus on ethics and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Pat Quinn Rehires His Old Chief of Staff as an Adviser

TRANSITION WATCH: Jerry Stermer returns three months after he resigned in Illinois, charges of nepotism in South Dakota and other news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Alabama Ethics Law Angers Teachers Union

TRANSITION WATCH: Alabama Republicans restrict payroll deductions used to boost a leading teachers' group, Wisconsin Democrats' last gasp at contracts for public workers fails and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

Texas Again Leads Nation in Executions; Ohio a Distant Second

TODAY'S TAKE: Texas executed more than twice as many inmates in 2010 as the next-closest state, Ohio, according to a new report. Nationally, states executed 46 prisoners this year, a 12-percent decline from last year.

One Last Freebie Splurge in Alabama

A familiar treat for Alabama legislators prior to the effective date of a new ethics law, a fast policy-making start in Kentucky, and more news of the historic shift in power in the states.

States' Unemployment Debit Cards Often Carry Hidden Costs, Fees

If you receive jobless benefits, you can get a free debit card to carry your benefits in some 30 states. Free at first, that is. As time goes on, you could end up paying quite a bit of money for the bargain.

Two New Governors Cause Early Political Stirs

TODAY'S TAKE: New governors in Alabama and Maine have found themselves at the center of controversy days after taking office as a result of widely publicized comments that offended minority groups.

Alabama State of the State Address 2011

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - March 1 - Following is the prepared text of Gov. Robert Bentley's (R) 2011 state of the state address: Lieutenant Governor Ivey, Speaker Hubbard, President Pro Tem Marsh, distinguished guests, my fellow public servants and my fellow Alabamians: It is with great honor and great privilege that

A Health Care Q&A With Alabama Governor Robert Bentley

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - One of two governors to have worked previously as a doctor, Bentley is seeking to pass a Republican alternative to what he sees as a "federal takeover" of health care.

Alabama Parents Go to Court Over Property Tax

EDUCATION BEAT: Alabama school advocates sue the state over funding ... Arizona senators approve drastic cuts to school budget ... New Jersey governor continues to battle teachers' unions, and other education news.

Where Labor is Weak, State Workers Face Huge Cutbacks

As the nation debates collective bargaining in Wisconsin, public workers in Alabama, Texas and many other states are fighting over massive pay cuts, huge increases in health premiums and basic civil service protections.

DROP Pensions: A Sound Investment or a Waste of Taxpayer Money?

In the 1990s, some states began promising lump sum retirement checks to employees they wanted to keep. Some have decided it's a practice they can no longer afford.

California's Brown Shifts Gears in Debate Over Prisons

PUBLIC SAFETY BEAT: Governor Jerry Brown says tax extensions are necessary in California for public safety ... Crime labs close because of Alabama budget cuts ... Michigan reconsiders its sex offender rules, and other public safety news.

Alabama One-Ups Arizona on Immigration

TODAY'S TAKE: The Alabama Legislature has sent Governor Robert Bentley a bill that goes beyond last year's controversial immigration crackdown in Arizona.

Alabama GOP Racks Up Victories

TODAY'S TAKE: In control of the Legislature for the first time since Reconstruction, Alabama Republicans easily pushed through their agenda, including the nation's toughest immigration bill and a requirement that voters show photo identification at the polls.

Alabama Cuts Medicaid Drug Costs by Examining Pharmacy Receipts

Traditionally, states have taken drug makers at their word about how much prescription medications cost. Alabama has found it pays to double-check. Soon, more states will be using the Alabama method.

Judge Won't End Alabama Bingo Trial

TODAY'S TAKE: A federal judge on Thursday (July 28) declined to drop charges against state legislators and other members of Alabama's political establishment in a corruption trial that has gripped the state for weeks.

U.S. Sues Alabama Over Tough Immigration Law

TODAY'S TAKE: "To put it in terms we relate to here in Alabama, you can only have one quarterback in a football game," a federal prosecutor says. "In immigration, the federal government is the quarterback."

Infographic: Southern Strength

Republican dominance in the South started with presidential elections and only later came to statehouses.