8/31: VA group opposes immigration powers for state troopers

Richmond Times-Dispatch: Virginia group opposes immigration powers for state troopers

Members of VA-SCOPE say they think that expanding state and local enforcement to include the enforcement of civil violations of federal immigration law is bad public policy that would undermine immigrants' trust of law enforcement. The group is urging Gov. Bob McDonnell not to pursue civil immigration-enforcement powers for Virginia State Police.

"It remains our fundamental and firmly held belief that state and local law enforcement of civil violations of federal immigration law is bad public policy under any circumstance," the group wrote, urging Gov. McDonnell not to negotiate or sign a statewide agreement.

Also in the South:

GULF OIL SPILL: Millions of birds at risk as fall migration to Gulf Coast nears

ALABAMA: Only six of 18 Southern governors attend convention

ARKANSAS: State lawmakers rescind recommendation to boost school funding

FLORIDA: More public schools in Florida are requiring uniforms

GEORGIA: Audit of Georgia sex offender registry shows many errors

KENTUCKY: State to get grant to increase computer access at libraries

LOUISIANA: Bashing oil industry is tricky politics in Gulf states

MISSISSIPPI: Editorial: Could Mississippi be biomass headquarters?

NORTH CAROLINA: New NC regulations OK dogs and cats (?) on restaurant patios

SOUTH CAROLINA: "Southern Fried Fuel" program to recycle used cooking oil into biodiesel

TENNESSEE: State lottery scholarship program prepares for cuts

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