Hot Off the Trail election blog

The McClatchy Washington Bureau reports the latest from the presidential race. Read

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

On the rocky road to the 2008-09 budget

Why does California seem to struggle with its budget every year? Is state spending really out of line, as Republicans suggest, or are Democrats right when they say we need more revenue? Dan Walters walks us through some key mileposts on the road to this year's state budget stalemate, and offers some key statistics to help you get to the bottom of the debate....(more)

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Court rejects California's Medi-Cal cuts

A federal judge has ordered a temporary halt in the state's 10 percent reduction in Medi-Cal reimbursement rates, improving access to care for 6.5 million low-income patients but throwing a new wrench in already difficult budget negotiations....(more)

State worker accused in data security breach appears in court

The state worker facing five felony counts of stealing confidential documents and unlawfully downloading state personnel data appeared in court Tuesday, showing no emotion and hiding her face with her long brown hair as she told a judge she had no money to hire a defense attorney....(more)

Indian tribes, charities reach deal on bingo fundraisers

California's politically powerful Indian casino tribes and the state's major charities have worked out a "win-win" deal that would allow the charities to expand their bingo operations while preserving the tribes' constitutional monopoly on slot machines....(more)

Dan Walters: This week's pivotal for state Capitol's budget, water battles

This is shaping up as a make-or-break week not only on the long-stalled state budget but on other major issues, such as water bonds, that are tied to the Nov. 4 ballot....(more)

Budget before conventions, governor says

Presidential conventions? Not until California passes a state budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told legislative leaders Tuesday....(more)

Incapacitated inmate's sentence to be reviewed

A convicted murderer left in a persistent vegetative state by a prison beating and whose care and custody have cost the state more than $1 million since December will get a chance to have his life sentence recalled....(more)

The Buzz: Feinstein's broken ankle will keep her from convention

U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein announced Tuesday that she'll be skipping next week's Democratic National Convention in Denver due to a broken ankle....(more)

NATO warns Russia that there's no 'business as usual'

BRUSSELS, Belgium – NATO declared Tuesday that there will be no "business as usual" with Moscow while Russian forces occupied large parts of Georgia, but it took no decisive action to enforce a demand for an immediate Russian withdrawal in line with a French-brokered cease-fire....(more)

Iraqi spokesman blames 'special unit' for chaotic raid in Diyala

BAGHDAD – Iraqi forces raided the provincial government compound in Diyala province in a chaotic operation early Tuesday, killing the governor's secretary and seizing computers and cars before local police engaged them in a two-hour gunbattle, police and local officials said....(more)

Obama, McCain trade campaign jabs

ORLANDO, Fla. – Democrat Barack Obama used his appearance Tuesday at a Veterans of Foreign Wars convention to attack Republican John McCain's critique of him to the same group a day earlier, but he got a cooler reception than the Vietnam veteran....(more)

U.S., allies look at ways to punish Russia over Georgia

WASHINGTON – The United States and its European allies have condemned Russia for its incursion in Georgia, but their options for retaliating against the Kremlin are limited....(more)

Russians briefly shut down Georgia seaport

POTI, Georgia – Russian forces briefly seized Georgia's main seaport early Tuesday and carted away more than 20 Georgian soldiers in a raid that paralyzed one of Georgia's key commercial hubs for several hours, port officials said....(more)

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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

• California Senate considers bill to protect animal researchers

• Democratic assemblywoman banished from Capitol for withholding budget vote

• Valley growers upset as bill excludes nuts, dried fruits

• Dan Walters: Solar power tax break has a ray of irony

• California Assembly rejects two bills on chemical bans

• Obama reaches out to women; McCain criticizes him on Iraq

• The Buzz: Budget delay heads toward record territory

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Monday, August 18, 2008

• Lobbying flurry kills chemical bans

• Assembly votes down budget plan

• Some question if computer is to blame in California minimum wage standoff

• Dan Walters: Fewer flights slow airport expansions

• COBOL just keeps going, say advocates

• The Buzz: Borders prove befuddling at governors conference

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Sunday, August 17, 2008

• Budget plan dies in Assembly

• Slumping California Lottery searches for a winning hand

• Schwarzenegger injures knee in gym workout

• Dan Walters: Boosting sales tax might hurt state

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