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Star of Stage and Senate

Music and politics can go hand in hand. When Florida Senator Jeff Clemens (D) isn't working on legislative issues in Tallahassee, he's playing drums in a nationally touring U2 tribute band called U2 by UV. He and his bandmates work out note-for-note re-creations of the famous Irish rock band's biggest hits. "Obviously. my responsibility to my constituents is king." he told SouthFlorida.com. But for 12 years as part of U2 by UV, the appeal of the spotlight has been hard to resist. "It's a hoot to pretend you're someone else for a couple of hours."

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Consistent College Credits for All

Students in Washington who lobbied the Legislature about the way colleges award Advanced Placement credits got a treat in May. They were invited to witness the signing ceremony of a new law requiring the state's public colleges and universities to come up with consistent standards when awarding college credits for AP exam scores of 3 or higher. The law, which went into effect th is summer, means institutions no longer can use their own standards for awarding credit. Some had required higher scores than others. Washington is the 23rd state to adopt a uniform AP credit standard.

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Saving Time and Money?

If a petition drive and potential 2018 ballot proposal succeed. Michigan lawmakers could start meeting part-time with less pay. The "Clean Michigan Government" proposal would amend the state constitution to limit the Legislature's sessions to 90 consecutive days and cut legislator pay to match that of teachers. The Detroit News reports. Supporters, including House Speaker Tom Leonard (R), say the idea will save money and allow a greater variety of people to run for office because they won't have to give up their careers. Critics say legislators will have less time to work with constituents, giving more power to the executive branch. Nine other states have some form of a full-time legislature.

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Brew-haha Over Cold Beer

Only certa in retailers are allowed to sell cold beer in Indiana-and the state's liquor store industry wants to keep it that way, the South Bend Tribune reports. When a convenience store owner found a loophole and began selling chilled suds, instead of the usual lukewarm stuff. he set off a battle that lawmakers settled by passing a measure to stop his sales, well, cold. The resulting "populist uproar." as the paper put it, led leaders to form a commission...