Topic: Vermont

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Gender pay gap: Top 5 best and worst states

The pay gap between men and women has steadily narrowed during the past few decades. Women earned 77 cents for every dollar men earned in 2011, compared with 59 cents in 1963. Here is a look at states with biggest and smallest gender pay gaps today.
Seven battleground states: Does economy help Obama or Romney?

Seven states have emerged as battlegrounds that may well determine the 2012 presidential election. Here's a look at seven battleground states and how their economic situation is shaping the presidential election:
Can Republicans increase their ranks of governors? Four races to watch.

With only 11 races for governor this year, there’s no big sea change to anticipate. With Republicans hoping to add to the 29 states under their banner, the four races to watch are in Washington, New Hampshire, Montana, and North Carolina.
Election 2012: top seven super PACs

Decoder profiles the seven top super PACs, the organizations that have spent the most trying to influence the elections – and still have the most money in the bank.
Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe

There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.

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Change Agent Alison Smith works to reform campaign finance by using public funds

She helped pass a campaign finance reform law in Maine where candidates qualify for public funds and are beholden only to voters.
Why exotic animal trade grows in Asia

Rising wealth lifts demand for exotic pets and delicacies in Asia. Meanwhile, enforcers are stretched thin.
Stir It Up! Meatless Monday: Balsamic glazed carrots and edamame grilled cheese

Carrots and edamame in a grilled cheese sandwich – why not?
A bit late, winter grips Midwest and Northeast

Snowplow drivers were out in force overnight in Chicago, where temperatures plummeted. The storm could drop up to a foot of snow on parts of Ohio along Lake Erie before moving east.
Horizons Visiting the US? Forgot your passport? Try your iPad.

Is an iPad enough to get you across the US border? Martin Reisch says yes. Officials aren't so sure.
Minimum wage milestone: Why Washington State surpassed $9 an hour

Minimum wage laws raised the wage floor in eight states as of Jan. 1. Washington now tops all states, at $9.04 an hour. Economic effects of raising the minimum wage are in hot dispute.
For some making minimum wage, the new year holds modest promise

For middle-class workers, the new year could mean the loss of the payroll tax cut. But for workers far down the pay scale, a Jan. 1 rise in the minimum wage in eight states offers some hope.
Snowstorm US: blizzard heads north, but Southwest still digging out

Snowstorm watchers say the snowstorm that hit the southwestern US will lose some steam as it leaves the region, but travel is still difficult in Kansas and the Texas Panhandle.
Keystone XL pipeline: a jobs coup for Republicans in tax deal?

A congressional deal to preserve a payroll tax cut, approved by the Senate Saturday, contains a provision designed to force President Obama's hand on the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline.
Confusion reigns over medical marijuana as states and Feds clash

Sixteen states allow medical marijuana for patients with prescriptions. But the Feds have lately cracked down on what they say are abuses by the burgeoning industry. Will 'pot wars' ensue?
Mitt Romney vs. Newt Gingrich: Why delegate count will be close through April

If Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney are still leading in January, expect a close, three-lap primary race. Gingrich will likely win the first lap. But Romney will likely rebound in the second.
State, local policies emerge on illegal immigrants

More illegal immigrants moving beyond the border states to follow jobs and a lack of federal immigration reform has some states and communities coming up with their own enforcement policies – written or not.
Proposal to make Chicago a state shows Illinois divide

Whether it's the state's shaky finances, its recent tax hike or strict gun laws, downstate Illinois knows it can always vent its frustration by blaming Chicago.
Eat more kale: A David vs. Golaith fight with Chick-fil-A?

Eat more kale? Chick-fil-A says it owns the "eat mor chikin" phrase. A Vermont man says no one is going to confuse kale with chicken.
Seven days left: Is super committee ball now in Democrats' court?

Following a GOP proposal on the deficit-cutting 'super committee' to raise tax revenues, Republicans say it's the Democrats' turn to show they're serious by making cuts in entitlement spending.
Penn State lesson: what to do if you suspect sexual abuse of a child

Whether or not Mike McQueary told police of the alleged sexual assault of a young boy, the Penn State scandal raises the issue of how to handle such cases. Every US state has its own laws.
October Nor'easter threatens to knock out power with heavy snow

A Nor'easter threatens to dump a foot of snow on parts of New England Saturday and Sunday. The October snowfall record of 7.5 inches was set in 1979.
Invasive plants: Where does one gardener begin?

A Vermont gardener decides what she can do about invasive or potentially invasive plants in her state.
Ben & Jerry's new flavor: Did it go too far?

Ben & Jerry's flavor boycotted by some supermarkets. Moms organizations says name of Ben & Jerry's ice cream inappropriate for children.
Grace Potter, of Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, promotes fair trade

Grace Potter and musician Michael Franti will be performing live from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday on Green Mountain Coffee's Facebook page.
Herman Cain's 9-9-9 plan: What would your sales tax be?

Herman Cain has vaulted into the top tier of GOP presidential candidates with his 9-9-9 tax plan, which would create a new 9 percent federal sales tax. But consumers would have to pay that sales tax on top of existing state and local sales taxes. Here are figures from the nonpartisan Tax Foundation that look at the total sales taxes in every state, adding up the state sales tax, a statewide average of the various local sales-tax rates, and the 9-9-9 federal sales tax.
MLK Memorial: From China, with love?

MLK Memorial plans have been dogged by controversy over links to China. The MLK Memorial was built by a Chinese sculptor from Chinese granite. But backers are pleased with the result.
Does open-carry gun ban make California safer?

California Gov. Jerry Brown cited concerns of law enforcement in signing a bill to ban open carry in the state. But critics say there's little evidence that stronger gun control leads to lower crime.
Economic recovery 'close to faltering,' Ben Bernanke tells Congress

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke offers sobering data to Congress about the weak economic recovery and gives little hope of an imminent turnaround.
Did Florida just quash a possible Chris Christie campaign?

By holding its presidential primary on Jan. 31, Florida bumps the whole nominating calendar forward. That means anyone still contemplating a 2012 bid (maybe Chris Christie or Sarah Palin) has a lot less time to pull together a credible campaign.