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Wisconsin state Senate President Chris Kapenga, regarding two bills that would make it a crime to be naked in public for any reason and for a child to attend any event where people don’t have clothes on. The bills were introduced after a photograph circulated earlier this year of a child at Madison’s annual naked bike ride. (Associated Press — Oct. 5, 2023)
While Congress has temporarily averted a government closure, the next 45 days provide uncertainty and opportunity to prepare for future fiscal turmoil.
The pandemic offered Americans a rare glimpse of a world where vaccines could be distributed efficiently and access was relatively simple. Now we’re back to our old, too often clunky system.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas wants to increase the amount of power it can quickly access in the case of extreme demand. It specifically is looking toward a decommissioned coal-fired power plant near San Antonio.
The state’s public pension system had its worst investment performance in more than a decade, losing 1.55 percent of its value in 2022. To recoup its funds, the agency may have to make changes that could strain government employers.
The agency’s staff has had to investigate and correct almost 19,000 errors in court records transmitted to the DMV since four counties began piloting the eCourts system. DMV Commissioner Wayne Goodwin is worried about the Oct. 9 rollout.
Glenmore Blackwood, the father of a Morgan State University student, regarding the shooting on campus during the school’s homecoming week celebration on Tuesday evening. Five people were wounded, none critically. The shooting occurred shortly after the coronation of Mister and Miss Morgan State as students were heading to a campus ball. (NPR — Oct. 4, 2023)
Following Ken Paxton's acquittal on corruption charges, the attorney general is seeking revenge against House members who voted to impeach him. He'll likely claim some victories but not change the overall balance of power within that body.
Future in Context
Human-centered design can go a long way toward fixing some of society’s biggest problems, including missteps in trying to make things better by applying technology alone.
When a wildfire or storm strikes, the elderly die at twice or three times the rate of other age groups. There’s much that could be done to make them less vulnerable.
The upstate New York city is now offering free, high-speed and secure Internet service for hundreds of low-income residents. The city used $3.5 million in federal funding to develop the wireless network in many of the city’s least connected areas.
A survey of voters in five of the Bay Area counties found that just 56 percent say commuter rail is important for the California region and must be maintained even if it costs taxpayers more money.
The city’s pilot program will start this month to help day workers register for work, receive skills training and help ensure that workers get paid accurately by contractors when the job is finished.
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, complaining about China buying up American farmland, which is just one of several recent incidents that show growing tensions between the U.S. and China, several of which have been panda-related. The National Zoo’s three giant pandas are set to return to China in early December with no public signs that the 50-year-old exchange agreement will be renewed or continued. Beijing currently lends out 65 pandas to 19 countries through “cooperative research programs.” If the National Zoo’s pandas do return to China in December, the only giant pandas left in America will be those at the Atlanta Zoo, and their loan agreement expires late next year. (Associated Press — Oct. 3, 2023)
The time at which a nationwide test of the emergency alert system will occur on...
Gwinnett County, Ga., has proposed a transit plan with big investments in microtransit and a new rapid bus service. Leaders hope it will appeal to voters, who have defeated at least four transit referendums in the last five decades.
Under increased scrutiny and even attack, election workers are leaving their jobs in record numbers. For those who stay, resources are being offered to help preserve their mental wellness.
A hefty nationwide increase in premiums for public employers to provide their workers and retirees with health coverage will outstrip most governments’ revenue growth. It’s time to address and attack root causes.
The California governor vetoed a labor bill that would have made workers eligible for unemployment payments after two weeks on strike. Newsom said the bill would put more strain on the already stressed system.
Sami Graham, a former chief of staff to Mayor Dave Bronson, and Daniel Smith denied allegations that they coordinated with Mark Dahl on false city policy to challenge the November election results.
Researchers found about 20 different species of wildlife across the city through the use of camera traps. For many animals, cities with lots of green spaces are havens from the urban heat island effect.
The Pottsville Parking Authority will issue virtual parking permits in 2024 for eight municipal lots across the city. The permits will be available for purchase starting in mid-December.
U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman, regarding his triggering of a fire alarm in a congressional office building on Saturday afternoon ahead of a spending bill vote. Republicans allege that Bowman was trying to delay the vote and have called for him to be punished, while Democrats insist that Bowman was simply trying to open a closed door that was usually open. (NPR — Oct. 1, 2023)
Are we really as divided as we’re being told we are? A new paper from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace takes up that question. Its answer may surprise you.
Many of our land-use policies have their roots in housing discrimination, and they continue to stand in the way of affordable and equitable housing. These policies need to change. Restricting single-family zoning is a place to start.
The court said it will rule on how the First Amendment applies to social media and whether Texas and Florida are allowed to impose fines on Facebook, YouTube and other platforms for allegedly discriminating against conservatives.
The legislation, which goes into effect Sunday, Oct. 1, will implement a three-day waiting period for firearm purchases and makes it easier for victims of gun violence and their families to sue gun manufacturers and dealers.
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