2/15: VA education groups against charter school plan

VIRGINIA: Education groups are against Virginia's charter school plan

State education groups are voicing opposition to Gov. Bob McDonnell's plan to boost charter schools. Virginia's school boards, superintendents and teacher groups say the measure is unconstitutional because it takes away local school divisions' decision-making power.

They also say it's wrong to potentially divert public funds to create new schools during Virginia's massive budget shortfalls.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Gubernatorial candidates lend their campaigns $5 million

ARKANSAS: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries may build wind turbine plant in Arkansas

FLORIDA: U.S. Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart won't seek re-election

GEORGIA: 191 schools to be investigated for cheating on CRCT tests

KENTUCKY: State Senate approves taking in nuclear waste from other states

LOUISIANA: Gov. Jindal to present budget today

MISSISSIPPI: Senate approves one tuition price for in-state, out-of-state college students

NORTH CAROLINA: Lawmakers prepare new clean-government changes

SOUTH CAROLINA: Legislators look at saving millions through funds

TENNESSEE: TVA faces uncertain future as power sales fall

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