Free Republic

<p>SACRAMENTO - Embattled Gov. Gray Davis signed an overdue state budget today that heavily relies on borrowing $10.7 billion to close a deficit of as much as $38.2 billion.</p> <p>Davis, however, said the spending plan ``offers no reason to celebrate.'' Indeed, the budget reduces health care benefits to the poor, slows highway projects and assumes state workers will take a $1 billion pay cut.</p>

VERNON, Conn. - The book Kelly Woodward recently returned to the Vernon Public Library was overdue — by about 94 years. It was due back on May 3, 1909. At the 1909 rate of 2 cents per day, the late fine would have amounted to $685. But the library directors decided to waive the penalty. Woodward said she found the 1904 edition of "100 Choice Selections No. 4" edited by Phineas Garrett in her parents' attic. The book is a collection of plays, prose, and poetry. She brought it back to the library in March. Library spokeswoman Denise Stankovics said...