Daily Briefing, 9/15/2011

Good morning everyone!  Here is today's Daily Briefing.

The Iron Pigs lost 4-1 to Columbus yesterday, tying the series at 1-1.  Game Three will be tonight at Coca-Cola Park.  Under questioning from Ron Angle, Northampton County Executive John Stoffa said that the county is planning on raising taxes 9.3%, possibly more.  At a Chamber event yesterday, economist Kamran Afshar called for more government spending.  The Chamber also had a press conference with its Hamilton Main Street Program, announcing that $50,000 in state funding to support the program had arrived.  In Easton, the city's Redevelopment Authority is asking for the city for a $65,000 loan so the Authority can purchase a parking lot.  An energy savings plan has been proposed for Gracedale that could save the facility $16.2 million over ten years.  Mikhail Gorbachev will be giving a free lecture at Lafayette on October 19.  Despite attendance difficulties at this year's event, Mayfair will continue next year, with a new Executive Director.

In state-wide news, Pennsylvania lawmakers heard testimony on making English the official language of the state.

In national news, the White House is being accused of rushing a $500 million loan to Solyndra, a solar energy company that went bankrupt after receiving the money.  Foreclosures rose 7% in the month of August compared to July.

We have one Chamber event today: a mixer at Boston's Restaurant in Fogelsville.

That's it for now...wow, busy day!  See you soon!