MIAMI – The Florida Supreme Court ruled yesterday Gov. Charlie Crist overstepped his authority when he unilaterally allowed the Seminole Tribe to exclusively offer baccarat and blackjack at casinos.
But the games will go on while the tribe mulls its options during the heavy-betting July 4 weekend.
The ruling means the state will be denied hundreds of millions in future gambling revenues Crist had negotiated in return for allowing the table games.
Associated Press
Va. senator suggests national speed limit
WASHINGTON – An influential Republican senator suggested yesterday Congress might want to consider reimposing a national speed limit to save gasoline and, in turn possibly ease fuel prices.
Sen. John Warner, R-Va., asked Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman to look into what speed limit would provide optimum gasoline efficiency given current technology. Congress in 1974 set a national 55 mph speed limit because of energy shortages caused by the Arab oil embargo. The speed limit was repealed in 1995 when oil dipped to $17 a barrel and gasoline was $1.10 a gallon.
Associated Press
Park told to install more signs near ride
AUSTELL, Ga. – State regulators yesterday told Six Flags Over Georgia itmust increase the size and number of warning signs near a popular roller coaster that hit and killed a teen.
Asia LeeShawn Ferguson IV, 17, of Columbia, S.C., scaled two fences and wandered into a restricted area where he was decapitated by the roller coaster on Saturday, police said. The ride reopened Wednesday. State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said the park must make signs bigger, post more of them and add the words “extreme danger” within 10 days.
Associated Press
Sonar safeguards planned for drills
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii – The Navy admiral commanding international exercises off Hawaii said yesterday the 10 participating nations will take protective measures to ensure their sonar drills don't significantly affect marine mammals.
Each country in the Rim of the Pacific exercises, due to last through July 31, places a top priority on environmental sensitivity, U.S. Third Fleet commander Vice Adm. Samuel Locklear said at a news conference.
Associated Press
