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Methadone is an effective treatment but too often state rules and health-care providers’ practices create barriers to successful outcomes. More sensible approaches are needed.
The Democrat is expected to announce a run for a third term in the coming weeks. In the meantime, he is devoting much of his energy to attacks on the administration in Washington.
$20
The minimum hourly wage sought by home health-care workers lobbying in Nevada. Two years ago, home health-care workers convinced legislators to set their minimum wage at $16 an hour...
Eric Lundberg, a pastor in Pierce County, Wash. He was testifying against a bill that would amend a “parents’ bill of rights” passed by voters last November, which requires schools to notify parents about mental health and medical decisions, as well as gender-related counseling. Sponsors said the bill is necessary to clear up confusion about implementing the ballot measure. (The Center Square)
The City Council wants to shift funds toward projects that have been stalled for years or even decades. Sacramento has seen 300 traffic deaths over the past eight years.
The state faces a severe shortfall, but a proposed package would raise or shift $1 billion in taxes to secure funding for various projects.
Too often people think of jury service as a hassle and a financial burden, rather than an empowering way to participate in justice. Some courts are trying to fix that and, in the process, make it easier to diversify their jury pools.
The storm damaged about 20 percent of western North Carolina’s child-care centers. Early childhood education is often neglected in disaster recovery plans and efforts.
In a switch from its previous approach, the chamber has passed a series of bills that will reduce barriers to construction and limit localities’ ability to set limits.
It’s not only about the research funding that has made America a world leader in innovation. Community and technical colleges are crucial to meeting our workforce needs.
Next month, voters will replace ex-Mayor Sheng Thao, who was recalled and then indicted. The two leading candidates both accuse the other of ties to Thao.
Frank Chopp, the longest-serving speaker in Washington state history. Chopp died on Saturday at 71. After serving as speaker for nearly 20 years, the Democrat stepped aside from that role in 2019. Chopp, who was known for his work on housing issues, made the comment last year in announcing he would not seek another term in the state House. (Washington State Standard)
124
The number of years a lightbulb has been illuminating a firehouse in Livermore, Calif. The Centennial Bulb, which earned that nickname in 2001 ...
The Maryland legislature is considering dozens of proposals to make energy cheaper, more reliable and more abundant. Meanwhile, residents’ utility costs are rising.
Downsizing the Department of Education won’t fix what's wrong with our schools. We should mobilize state and local leaders to tackle its problems. Nobody is better qualified to lead such an effort than Lamar Alexander.
If Congress reduces matching funds for the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act, many states would suddenly face $2 billion shortfalls apiece.
50%
The increase in firearm deaths among children and teens between 2019 and 2023. Firearms have been the leading cause of deaths for American youth for three years running, followed by vehicle accidents. Black children were more than eight times as likely to die due to weapons than white kids; firearms have been the leading cause of death for Black youth since 2015.
Gwinnett County, Ga., resident Lisa Hall. Her husband died two years ago after she couldn’t get through to 911 operators for more than five minutes, emblematic of problems with 911 delays in the Atlanta area. Many agencies have since made significant improvements. Atlanta and Gwinnett and Fulton counties have all made substantial strides, with nearly all emergency calls now answered within 20 seconds. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
With the federal law eroded by court decisions, about a half-dozen states want to enshrine protections for non-white voters. But it’s a tough sell even in Democratic states.
The Legislature once gave Gov. Ron DeSantis nearly everything he wanted, but now are pushing back in areas such as immigration and spending.
A record amount of electricity came from renewable sources in 2024, with both red and blue states leading the way.
Most students in Delano, Calif., are low-income and many are English learners. A slew of support programs has raised test scores and sent them on paths to scholarships and top universities.
The two legislative chambers have passed a bill that would ban diversity efforts and faculty strikes. Critics say the bill's limits on discussions about “controversial beliefs” will stifle academic freedom.
It’s not just about the services government employees provide to residents of their states and communities. There are long-term costs for taxpayers and the economy.
The state’s four largest counties would not receive funding for three years. Its sponsor says rural areas need more help, but business groups point out those counties are key to Iowa’s economy.
The amount of funding the Trump administration has stripped from the University of Pennsylvania for allowing Lia Thomas, a transgender athlete, to compete on its women’s swimming team. The White House made an announcement on social media, but Penn said it has received no official notice, pointing out that it has followed NCAA guidelines.
Kansas state Rep. Susan Humphries. The Republican lawmaker from Wichita was speaking in favor of a proposal, placed by legislators on the ballot next year, to change the state’s method of selecting judges from gubernatorial appointment to direct elections. Democratic governors have appointed a majority of current justices. Gov. Laura Kelly and other Democrats say judicial elections are a recipe for dark money and more partisanship. (New York Times — March 20, 2025)
Criminal justice experts say understaffing and trauma can contribute to prison violence. Mental health support and a sense of community may help.
Local governments and manufacturers need to embrace standardized firefighting equipment. Otherwise, it’s going to cost too much and isn’t going to be available when we need it.
The House and Senate passed competing bills that would end the income tax and increase gas taxes. Many differences must still be reconciled to make one version into law.