Recent articles by Caroline Cournoyer from governing.com http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=116829473 Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's deputy web editor. Helping the Elderly During Disasters http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/homeland-security-disasters/gov-helping-elderly-during-disasters.html As baby boomers age and more older Americans choose to live at home, governments face new challenges trying to plan for and respond to disasters. Parents Owing Child Support Avoid Jail (Not For Free) http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-child-support-delinquents-avoid-jail.html In Virginia, where parents owe more than $2 billion, a program helps solve the underlying issues that keep them from paying up. States Struggle to Identify Disabilities in Older Drivers http://www.governing.com/generations/government-management/gov-states-struggle-to-identify-cognitive-disabilities-in-older-drivers.html Older drivers are keeping their licenses for longer and getting behind the wheel more often than ever before. Should this worry all the other drivers? High School Majors Help Some States Cut Dropout Rate http://www.governing.com/topics/education/gov-high-school-majors-help-reduce-dropout-rates.html Requiring freshman to “specialize” in particular subjects helped Florida significantly increase its graduation rate and decrease its dropout rate. Georgia is hoping for similar results. Governments Discover Need for Mental Health First Aid http://www.governing.com/topics/health-human-services/gov-governments-discover-mental-health-first-aid.html Mental disorders are more common than heart disease and cancer combined -- one reason states and localities are teaching their employees how to recognize the signs of mental health problems and how to help. Incumbent Governors on the Campaign Trail http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-incumbent-governors-on-the-campaign-trail.html At least seven governors are facing reelection this year. Incumbent Governors on the Campaign Trail http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-incumbent-governors-on-the-campaign-trail.html At least seven governors are facing reelection this year. Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed Speaks about Rise of Government Collaboration http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-atlanta-mayor-rise-government-collaboration-one-benefit-great-recession.html Though most public officials focused on only the negative effects of the Great Recession, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed looks to the positive -- the rise of regional government collaboration that has become the norm in many municipalities throughout the state and country. New Indiana Law Gives Residents Right to Resist Police http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/residents-given-right-to-resist-police-under-new-indiana-law.html A new law likely makes Indiana the only state where people are allowed to shoot cops under certain circumstances. The change, police officials say, not only puts officer’s safety at risk but the public’s too. Meth Lab Cleanup Program Contains Costs for Tenn. http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-meth-lab-cleanup-program-contains-costs-for-tennessee.html Meth labs are on the rise again and federal funding can’t keep up. Now states have to pick up the mess -- and the bill. St. Louis Firefighters Vote to Hire Lawyer Regarding Mayor's Pension Bills http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-st-louis-firefighters-vote-to-hire-lawyer-regarding-mayor-pension-bills.html Five trustees voted to hire a lawyer to potentially sue the city if one of Mayor Francis Slay's pension overhaul bills to control and reduce pensions goes into effect. California Elections Expected to be Difficult for Incumbents, Third-Party Candidates http://www.governing.com/news/state/california-elections-difficult-for-incumbents-third-party-candidates.html Incumbents and third-party candidates in California are going to have a tougher time getting re-elected this year thanks to new redistricting lines and new rules. Spring Break! How Cities Prepare for an Increase in Tourists http://www.governing.com/blogs/view/spring-break-how-cities-prepare-increase-tourists.html Fun-loving college students present some public safety challenges for local officials. Arlington, Va., Fire Chief: Cities' Emergency Response Could Suffer Due to Funding Change http://www.governing.com/news/local/gov-arlington-va-fire-chief-cities-emergency-response-could-suffer-funding-change.html Over 120 cities use a Metropolitan Medical Response System to create plans for homeland security threats in their community. Their ability to respond, however, may be inhibited with the loss of direct federal funding. New Tools Estimate Potential Cost Savings for Upgrading Public Safety IT http://www.governing.com/news/state/gov-new-tools-calculate-potential-cost-savings-for-upgrading-public-safety-it.html Last month, IBM released two tools that give police, fire and emergency medical services an estimate of the direct and indirect savings that could come from upgrading their IT infrastructure.