Outlook bleak for Florida budget

Dire economic circumstances call for severe responses, a fact reflected in contingency plans drawn up by state agencies as Gov. Charlie Crist begins his budget-building process.

Crist asked his agencies to provide requests that included plans for a 10-percent cut. He’s hoping that’s not what’s required when he presents his version of the state’s spending plan in January, but his department heads have painted what it would look like if it were.

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Bush cancels, GOP weighs shorter convention

AP – President Bush, Vice President Cheney and prominent GOP governors are all skipping the Republican National Convention, and the party is considering shortening its big four-day event as Hurricane Gustav approaches the Gulf Coast with potentially deadly strength. 
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Threat letter with powder sent to Gov. Crist

Florida authorities are investigating a threatening letter sent to Gov. Charlie Crist that contained a suspicious but nontoxic white powder.
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Candidates say tough budget choices require some creative thinking

Leon County legislative candidates agreed Wednesday that Florida’s fiscal crisis requires government to make tough choices about budget priorities and look for new revenue sources.
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