The Legislature, Day 28 - Updated

Amid the buzz surrounding MIA Delegate Ron Thompson, the 2007 legislative session continues.

The Associated Press covered today's rally against the pending racetrack table games bill. About 50 people showed up for the event, compared to the hundreds who gathered last week in support of the measure. The respective turnouts may not indicate the bill's fate, however. MetroNews also has a story, with audio.

Both AP and the Charleston Daily Mail examine efforts targeting the hiring of illegal workers.

And the AP and The Charleston Gazette each relays a request from the State Police for help with protecting children from sexual predators prowling the Internet.

(Anybody else see a pattern here...?)

UPDATE: The AP's Tom Breen explores Gov. Joe Manchin's $4.5 million plan to expand the ranks of public defenders, as a cheaper alternative to private lawyers appointed by the courts to represent the poor in criminal cases.