NC Legislature passes ban on Internet sweepstakes (Associated Press)
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Legislature voted Wednesday to attempt to make clear again that a 2006 ban on video poker also applies to computer-based sweepstakes games found at businesses inside strip malls and old storefronts statewide.
In an 86-27 vote that gave final passage to the […]
Lawmakers wrap up marathon (Charlotte Observer)
After N.C. House and Senate finish crammed session at 5:30 a.m. Saturday, both parties claim victories.
RALEIGH — After all the bills, motions and votes of this legislative session, it’s time for N.C. legislators to go home and explain themselves.
Democrats, who were the majority, will talk about saving teacher jobs in […]
Legislators pass DNA database expansion bill (WRAL.com)
RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina General Assembly on Saturday approved a bill letting investigators collect DNA samples from suspects when they are charged with certain crimes.
House Bill 1403, sponsored by Rep. Wil Neumann, R-Gaston; Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Cumberland; Sen. Dan Clodfelter, D-Mecklenburg; and Sen. Josh Stein, D-Wake, requires […]
Charlotte wins $25 million to build streetcar line (Charlotte Observer)
Federal grant will help complete planned system’s first leg, from transit center uptown to Presbyterian Hospital
More than 70 years after streetcars last ran in Charlotte, the city learned Thursday it won a $25 million federal grant that will bring them back by 2014.
The Federal Transit Administration […]
Virginia DOT Reduces Payments to Counties for Road Maintenance (AASHTO)
Virginia officials have eliminated much of the state’s funding for regional secondary-road programs because of a budget crunch. Dozens of road improvements and repairs across the state will grind to a halt by July and August as the new fiscal year begins.
In Northern Virginia, […]
Indiana’s bad bridges focus of a new campaign for more transportation spending (News and Tribune)
Indiana’s bad bridges focus of a new campaign for more transportation spending
There are more than 4,000 deficient or obsolete bridges in the state
INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana’s deteriorating bridges and roads are the focus of a new media campaign designed […]
Gephardt: Medical research can help fuel U.S. economy (Winston Salem Journal) (mentions Metro Mayors)
Medical innovation — fostered with public financing and lighter regulatory burdens — should be “a cornerstone” of the economic recovery, former U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt told a group North Carolina mayors and biotechnology executives yesterday.
In fact, the health sector is the only […]
The House and Senate came to an agreement on the budget over the weekend (see article link below). While the final language has not yet been released, I am hearing that the Mobility Fund was included in the budget, but without the supplemental Powell Bill and Interstate Maintenance money. While just rumor at this point, […]
Federal agencies team up on livability project (The Hill)
Two federal agencies will spend a total of $75 million on a joint project to integrate transportation and housing initiatives.
The Transportation and Housing and Urban Development departments will spend $35 million and $40 million, respectively, as part of the livable, sustainable communities project aiming […]
Greenville News editorial: S.C. needs to fund road upgrades (S.C. Greenville Online)
At perhaps the worst possible time, improving and maintaining South Carolina’s disproportionately high volume of state-maintained roads is emerging as a top priority for the state. Lawmakers and other state leaders need to work diligently toward finding a solution — our state’s economic strength […]
