Supreme Court ruling broadens cities power to seize homes
In a 5-4 decision the U S Supreme Court upheld cities broad power to bulldoze homes for private development to raise tax revenue. New London Connecticut faced eight years of legal battles over Pfizer Inc plans a 90 acre research center that would uproot dozens of residences. Local leaders like Ernest Hewett defended the move amid criticism from opponents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
New London
Hewett
U.S. Supreme Court
Sandra Day O’connor
Perry pushes school finance plan on tour across Texas
Gov Rick Perry unveils a plan to ease property taxes with seven billion in homeowner relief and five billion in new school funding over two years during a three day statewide tour. In Austin the Ways and Means Committee weighs a separate tax bill with the governor absent and critics noting the absence of plans for discussion.
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Irving
Rick Perry
Panetee
Austin
Perry
Jim Keffer
Eastland
House
Ways and Means
Court Rulings Strike Law On State Paid Legal Aid
A court struck down a statute that barred state financed legal assistance for poor defendants who plead guilty yet seek appellate review. The decision also held individual farmers cannot sue the federal government to compel enforcement of water contracts formed by irrigation districts.
AG opinion says public Texas Hold Em tournaments illegal
Attorney General finds public poker events in bars violate anti gambling laws if players risk money or items of value for a prize. Private play is allowed if all players have equal chances and no house take. Public venues with alcohol licenses are forbidden. Public knowledge attributes include District Attorney John Smith and Texas statutes on gambling.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Texas
John Smith
Chinese state firm bids $18.5 billion for Unocal
China’s CNOOC Ltd, the third largest oil producer, offers 18.5 billion for Unocal, signaling a major state-led push to expand abroad. Chevron, which previously offered to acquire Unocal, weighs the CNOOC proposal while maintaining its board recommendation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Beijing
China
Unocal Corp
Ting
Cnooc Ltd
Unocal
U.S
CNOOC
Chevron
Peter Pea
China National Offshore Oil Corporation
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Supreme Court
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Ernest Hewett
Pfizer Inc
New London, Conn
Thomas Merrill
Columbia Law
Mark Sterkeljodessa
Jessica Johnson
Dallas
Johnna Gohwert
Goliad
High Sky Children’s Ranch Inc
Johnson
Gohwert
John Ben Shepperd
UTPB
THE
Associated Press
Em AG