Inside Politics: Scalia critics say Justice too political last term

Some laws have been challenged in court. A federal judge in Detroit recently enjoined a law that would end payroll deduction as a way for school employees to pay union dues.

The 603 new laws roughly match the number signed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat, at the same point during the 2005-06 legislative sessions.

MISSISSIPPI

Saggy pants banned in Guntown

GUNTOWN — The city of Guntown in north Mississippi has banned saggy pants as part of an overall ordinance on indecency.

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported that the ordinance approved this week by the Board of Aldermen takes effect Aug. 1.

It prohibits anyone from wearing pants or skirts that ride more than three inches below the top of the hips and expose skin or underwear.

Violators can be fined $50 the first time and up to $200 each additional time and be subject to complete up to 40 hours of community service.

Many other Mississippi towns have passed near-identical ordinances.

IOWA

Governor leaves hospital after choking on carrot

DES MOINES — Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad has been released from a California hospital after choking on food during a ceremony for the rededication of the USS Iowa battleship in Los Angeles.

Branstad spokesman Tim Albrecht said Wednesday the governor choked on a carrot at some point during the event and vomited.

He said the governor was taken to a nearby hospital out of an abundance of caution, went through a series of tests and was quickly released after “everything turned out fine.”

He said Mr. Branstad is in good spirits, and “we’re glad he’s OK.”

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