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Autism bill goes to Gov. Rod Blagojevich It would mandate insurance coverage of $36,000 a year
Nov 21, 2008 — Chicago Tribune
Rod Blagojevich's office said he plans to sign, insurance companies would be required to cover treatment until a patient turns 21. Years of speech and occupational therapy helped Noah learn to communicate verbally and through a letter board to spell out words.
Deductibles march higher for employer-provided health insurance
Nov 20, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
Lisa Girion Employers are dramatically shifting healthcare costs onto workers, so much so that the average annual deductible for an individual surpassed $1,000 for the first time this year, according to a new study. But it's not thinking 10 years down the road." There is mounting evidence that people are skipping checkups, tests and other medical care to cut their own expenses. At the same time, he didn't want high deductibles to discourage employees from getting preventive care.
Paterson makes small dent in lowering deficit
Nov 20, 2008 — Newsday
He made the trip with business executives, labor leaders, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) and Sen. Skelos wasn't formally invited on the Washington trip, though Paterson said Tuesday that all leaders were welcome. Fifty-one percent of the registered voters surveyed Tuesday said Paterson was doing an "excellent" or "good" job, down from 57 percent last month.
Health care reform pressed
Nov 19, 2008 — The Fayetteville Observer
But also, I believe, an opportunity." The challenge, she said, is health care reform in a time of economic crisis. One-half of all personal bankruptcies can be traced to health costs. The AARP says Medicare and Medicaid aren't the root of the problem.
Paterson tables budget deficit talks until next month
Nov 19, 2008 — Newsday
James T. Madore and Melissa Mansfield Nov. 19, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- ALBANY -- Gov. Tax collections from capital gains and year-end bonuses paid to investment bankers generate 20 percent of state revenue. David A. Paterson and lawmakers to agree on a second round of cuts to this year's state budget.
Senate Democrats go easy on Lieberman
Nov 19, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) of a committee chairmanship. The liberals, and some senators, had wanted to punish Lieberman for campaigning on behalf of John McCain, the Republican presidential nominee. When Lieberman faced a challenge from the antiwar left in 2006, Obama campaigned on his behalf during the primary.
News-Topic, Lenoir, N.C., Edward Terry column
Nov 18, 2008 — News-Topic
Fishing's a recreational activity -- considered by some as a sport. No one knows better than people in Caldwell County. That's why the recent accomplishments of local leaders is so uplifting. The pressures of the global economy cost Caldwell County much of the job security it had enjoyed for the better part of a century.
Political temperature may be just right for healthcare overhaul
Nov 18, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
And businesses see new urgency in addressing the nation's healthcare crisis as they struggle to pay costs for medical benefits while sales plummet and profit margins shrivel. Healthcare providers are struggling to cover increasing costs with government and private insurance reimbursement schemes that are not keeping pace. Len Nichols, an economist who directs the health policy program at the New America Foundation, thinks Obama cannot wait to act on healthcare.
When one job, one pay isn't enough
Nov 18, 2008 — The Washington Times
Haefner said, "Definitely hiring has slowed down." For Tina Owens, the lapse in hiring nationwide is a reality. She works full time at the Carroll County Digestive Disease Center and part time at the Westminster YMCA. Ms. Walker said she hopes to go to school to become a nurse sometime soon. Ms.
Obama and Daley political allies now, but they're hardly cronies
Nov 17, 2008 — Chicago Tribune
The Chicago mayor offered no assistance to Obama in 2000 when he ran unsuccessfully for Congress. James DeLeo of Chicago, who served with Obama and is close to Daley. Still, Obama wasn't afraid to oppose the interests of a powerful Daley family member. The mayor gains a sympathetic ear to Chicago and its needs.
Mayors seek bailout funding
Nov 15, 2008 — CNN
The mayors - Michael Nutter of Philadelphia, Shirley Franklin of Atlanta and Phil Gordon of Phoenix - made their request in a letter to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson. The three mayors proposed providing loans to help cities pay pension costs. Nutter said he met with Phillip Swagel, Treasury's assistant secretary for economic policy.
Mexico Crash Inquiry Points to Pilot Error in Turbulence
Nov 15, 2008 — New York Times
Just before the crash, the Learjet was 4.15 nautical miles behind the jumbo jet. The flight’s voice recorder showed that the crew felt the turbulence just before the pilot lost control. They were both certified to fly the Learjet model.
OPINION What line? Can't see one from back here
Nov 15, 2008 — The Fayetteville Observer
Look at a state map showing the biggest cities and the nearest interstate highways, existing or planned. See who's connected and who's isolated. From conception to completion, Fayetteville waited more than 30 years for its first loop, the Martin Luther King Jr. It waited 30 years for the first leg of the next one: the Outer Loop, made possible in part by federal funding.
Winston-Salem Journal, N.C., Fran Daniel column Gas prices under $2
Nov 15, 2008 — Winston-Salem Journal
Everything is being put on hold because of the economic downturn. Two months ago, he said, it hurt to put gas in his F-150 Ford truck.
At economic summit, China carries the big stick
Nov 14, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman declined to comment. The booming growth has come mostly from the nation's trade surplus and inflows of foreign investment. As in prior world summits, China is expected to coalesce with other emerging countries such as India and Brazil.
Clyde approves flooding plan
Nov 14, 2008 — The Mountaineer
If you don't have plans, it is hard to get grants." The master plan has several specific projects for Clyde identified. These projects help improve water quality, mitigate flooding and minimize possible property damage in the event of flooding. One of these projects is along Glance Street.
CTA board approves fare raises Even with dropping fuel costs, other problems make increases necessary, officials say
Nov 14, 2008 — Chicago Tribune
Even with the increased prices, the agency is not promising it won't need more help next year.
Developer proposes 6-block makeover downtown
Nov 14, 2008 — The Fayetteville Observer
Leaders in the 1990s considered putting a minor league baseball stadium and the Crown Coliseum downtown. He thinks the community and the city would support it if Burgess gives local developers and landowners an opportunity to participate. In Peters' previous job as the economic development recruiter for Findlay, Ohio, Burgess unveiled a similar proposal to be built on a 45-acre tire dump along a river.
Congress isn't waiting for Obama
Nov 13, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
Committee chairmen are unveiling legislation to expand health insurance coverage and curb global warming. Baucus also has proposed taxing some health benefits, an idea that Obama dismissed when Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) proposed it during the campaign.
Payday lenders slapped with Ohio law
Nov 13, 2008 — CNN
Payday loans work this way: A borrower goes to a check-cashing company and writes a check. There also have been 702 applications from lenders interested in offering loans under the Small Loan Act. The Ohio Mortgage Loan Act governs lenders who make unsecured loans and loans secured by real estate or other personal property.
U.S. Shifts Focus in Credit Bailout to the Consumer
Nov 13, 2008 — New York Times
Paulson is running short of money and time. Financing costs for automobile lenders are even higher. The Treasury would contribute 5 percent to 10 percent of the money to finance the lending.
Obama win triggers run on guns Buyers said to fear crackdown on their rights, civil unrest
Nov 12, 2008 — Chicago Tribune
Others fear the loss of their right to own handguns. It started with assault rifles, but at this point people are buying ammunition, high-capacity magazines, Glocks -- it's all flying off the shelf. I don't want to fight them with a handgun if I can get an AK.
Preparing to fight the flu
Nov 12, 2008 — The News Herald (North Carolina)
...six flu shot clinics and given about 1,200 doses, Rust said. "And we still have the flu vaccine. It's not too late," Rust said. The cost of a flu shot at the health department is $31. Medicare part B or Medicaid cover the cost of a flu vaccine shot at the health department. Health Choice insurance for children also covers the cost of a vaccine, Rust said. Most doctor's offices give flu shots, but people should check with their doctor, Rust advised. Blue Ridge...
The Charlotte Observer, N.C., Langston Wertz Jr. column: Garinger breathing the rare air of playoffs
Nov 12, 2008 — The Charlotte Observer
Garinger High was in the N.C. football playoffs, in 1990: "I was at Charlotte Latin teaching P.E. and coaching track," Garinger athletics director Claire Gardin said. "Wow, that was a looonnnggg time ago." "Aw man, I was just finishing Orangeburg-Wilkinson (S.C.) High," Garinger coach Chris Carter said. "I played linebacker and was getting ready (OTCBB:GTRY) to go to Tennessee Tech." Garinger quarterback Marquez Stanley, a four-year starter, was a newborn. Making...
CFTC wants new regulatory system
Nov 11, 2008 — CNN
Industry lobbyists are seeking to use the overhaul to streamline what they see as overlapping regulators that operate on outdated distinctions among commercial banks, thrifts and investment banks. Other agencies, such as the market watchdog SEC and the CFTC, would see their influence diminished. An SEC spokesman didn't immediately return a telephone call seeking comment on Lukken's remarks.
Gun buyers anticipate stricter laws under Obama
Nov 11, 2008 — Chicago Tribune
Others fear the loss of their right to own handguns. It started with assault rifles, but at this point, people are buying ammunition, high capacity magazines, Glocks -- it's all flying off the shelf. I don't want to fight them with a handgun if I can get an AK.
Outgoing County Council member predicts challenges ahead
Nov 11, 2008 — The Beaufort Gazette
Von Harten did not seek reelection this year. That kills the poor guy." -- A discrepancy between residential development, which doesn't pay for itself, and commercial development, which can. Marines have been training at Parris Island since 1915. -- Replacingaging, overcrowded public facilities, such as the Beaufort County Detention Center and Sheriff's Office.
U.S. increases bailout for struggling AIG
Nov 11, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
He predicted that the additional dollars going to AIG would "lower the bar" for requests for government money from outside the financial industry. The original AIG bailout consisted of an $85-billion emergency line of credit established in September, supplemented by $37.8 billion more early last month. The Fed also will purchase $22.5 billion in residential mortgage-backed securities owned by AIG, and an additional $30 billion in collateralized debt obligations that AIG has insured.
Firms facing tougher climate
Nov 10, 2008 — Los Angeles Times
For the first time in eight years, monthly employment at small businesses has declined, dropping by 25,000 jobs in October, according to the latest ADP Small Business Report. Medium and large businesses continued to post employment declines, which in October outpaced those of small businesses. Eliminating SBA loan fees for small firms was also suggested by a group of small-business leaders in preliminary draft policy recommendations they hope California will adopt to help small firms.
Belk Future still bright in Charlotte
Nov 9, 2008 — The Charlotte Observer
At Belk, what have you seen from the economy; how does Charlotte stack up to other markets you're in? Charlotte has been better than average. The (Bridges of) Mint Hill (shopping mall) project that General Growth proposed has been postponed. And I think the things that have been so attractive about Charlotte the last five years will still be in place.
Business Milestones
Nov 9, 2008 — Winston-Salem Journal
He has worked at Wake Forest since 1997. Mike Easley has named Country Legends WIST 98.3 FM in High Point a recipient of the Governor's Award for Excellence in Workforce Development, Outstanding Employer. The award was given for Country Legends' consistently demonstrating a commitment to regional work-force development.
Check Cashers, Redeemed
Nov 9, 2008 — New York Times
Nix Check Cashing carries a million customers in its database. Nix got into check cashing by accident. Some go to Nix because check cashing is what they know.
Cape Fear Valley won't lose Medicare, Medicaid funding
Nov 8, 2008 — The Fayetteville Observer
..."immediate jeopardy" last month after surgical instruments were improperly sterilized. Under the terms of immediate jeopardy, the hospital was given 21 days to correct sterilization procedures or face losing reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid, which provide about 64 percent of the hospital's income. After a two-day inspection by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, the hospital was removed from immediate jeopardy status as of 5 p.m. Thursday. Mike Nagowski, chief...
EDITORIAL Tough times mean we must dig deeper
Nov 8, 2008 — The Beaufort Gazette
This struggle is the community's struggle, and we all need to help. As of Thursday, the campaign had raised $1,570,611 in gifts and pledges. We're now in a severe economic storm, and the forecast isn't getting better. Unfortunately, as it has become harder for people to help local agencies, the demand for their services has only gone up.
BRIEF Cape Fear Valley awaits decision on funding
Nov 7, 2008 — The Fayetteville Observer
Without it, instruments could potentially be infected with bacteria from the hands of employees, officials have said. The hospital was given 21 days to correct the problem.
Cape Fear Valley will continue to get Medicare payments
Nov 7, 2008 — The Fayetteville Observer
Cape Fear Valley Medical Center will continue to receive Medicare and Medicaid payments, health system officials announced this morning. The hospital had been placed in "immediate jeopardy" status after surgical instruments were improperly sterilized. Immediate Jeopardy status gives hospital officials 21 days to correct the problem before a final ruling is made to either cut Medicare and Medicaid payments or allow the funding to remain. The health system receives about...

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