morning cram [double vision edition]

From NPR: An epic battle between the two biggest smartphone makers begins Monday in a federal district court in San Jose, Calif., where computing giant Apple is asking for more than $2.5 billion from rival phone maker Samsung for patent violations.

From Kentucky: Registration will begin Friday for classes at a new performing arts school in McCracken County. The Kentucky Judicial Branch will shut down for first of three furlough days this week. Advocates of a statewide smoking ban are taking their issue on a five day tour before this weekend's Fancy Farm political picnic. Kentucky agriculture is still reeling from a one-two punch of heat and dry conditions. One of Governor Beshear’s top economic advisors said Kentucky’s coal industry should probably brace itself for a bad year. Land Between the Lakes wildlife management workers say extra water is keeping their captive animals cool.

From Illinois: The Illinois Department of Corrections has begun checking prison guards for contraband as they leave work. Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed new laws over the weekend aimed at protecting the elderly by increasing caregiver oversight and making it easier for authorities to respond to cases of abuse or neglect. 

From Tennessee: The Tennessee Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities hopes to become the first accredited state system focused on disabilities.