Challenges In The News 10/16/08

soreivArnold: No budget, no laws. Last week, Schearzenegger signed an executive order eliminating more than 10,000 temporary, part-time and contract positions and cutting pay for thousands of state workers to the federal minimum wage of $6.55 an hour. His order is being challenged by the state controller and California’s largest state employees union, but illustrates the level of tension in Sacramento over the lack of a budget compromise. Officials say they have already secured most of the funds and that meeting budget needs was never in doubt. Still, this previously unknown – and rather unusual – last-minute GOP fundraising headache underscores the challenges facing both parties: A souring economy, complex campaign finance rules and the candidates’ talk of reform has discouraged participation by corporations and the lobbyists who advocate for them.

“It’s a challenge for midsize cities to raise this kind of money for conventions like these,” said Jeff Larson, a GOP political consultant who chairs the Twin Cities convention host committee.

One of the biggest challenges for psychologists this year has been pre-competition anxiety. The phrase, “You’ll disappoint 1.3 billion people,” has been commonly heard in the lead-up to the Games. And some athletes view even a silver medal as a failure.

She decided to challenge the practice.

Embattled National deputy leader Bill English says he will "never" challenge John Key for the party leadership.

WATKINS GLEN, N.Y. - Dale Earnhardt Jr. has been involved in some unexpected extra work this summer trying to locate a sponsor for his No. 88 Nationwide Series team and driver Brad Keselowski. Earlier this summer the team's current sponsor, the Navy, announced it would not be returning next season. "It is a challenge. I wasn't anticipating facing this challenge this season," Earnhardt Jr. said.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- Canadian researchers call Beijing's heat, humidity and poor air quality a formidable challenge for asthmatics.

Britain's archers will have their work cut out if they are to mount a serious challenge to the Korean colossi, says Eddie Butler

Opponents of a state decision to allow 6.1 billion gallons of water a year to be pumped from three rural Nevada valleys and piped to Las Vegas went to court Friday to challenge the decision.

Michael Phelps eyeing a record eight gold medals in Beijing. Michael Phelps opens his quest for an unprecedented eight Olympic gold medals today in an event which might turn out to be his toughest challenge.

Warriors' coach Ivan Cleary is well aware of the challenge his side faces in tonight's NRL match at Mount Smart Stadium. The Warriors play the fifth-placed Brisbane Broncos, needing a win to stay in top eight contention.