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News

The post-pandemic pattern of rural growth continues, following years of decline. Two-thirds of the nation's rural growth is taking place in the South.
An environmental law has been a powerful tool for people seeking to block construction. Lawmakers may be poised to change it.
With federal cuts coming, states, cities and counties need to step up their understanding of the programs they run and the priorities they hope to preserve.
Only 22 states meet recommended security standards. But some states have come up with new approaches on their own.
Its electoral system, bolstered by strong economic and social institutions, enables lawmakers to vote their consciences in bipartisan coalitions.
Republican Spencer Cox said he hopes the president’s gamble on tariffs will pay off but acknowledged they’re causing short-term pain.
A hundred days into the job, Daniel Lurie has been aggressive about stepping up services and addressing downtown woes. He’s won over some critics but the city faces major challenges including a billion-dollar budget shortfall.
The share of Kentucky’s economy that is made up of imports. That’s the highest percentage of any state...
Missouri state Sen. Rick Brattin. The Republican was speaking in favor of a measure that would overturn a ballot initiative approved by voters to create a paid sick leave mandate. The measure passed with 57 percent support, but Brattin said “the problem with direct democracy” is that most voters don’t run small businesses so don’t understand how the mandate would hurt employers. (Missouri Independent)
The Texas House has approved a $1 billion school voucher program. It’s the latest victory for a school choice movement that’s been on a roll in state legislatures.
With bipartisan support, the legislature has passed one of the nation's most expansive bills offering protection to abuse survivors convicted or accused of a crime connected to their abuse. Other states may follow.
As momentum builds in Washington to refresh the program, attention needs to be paid to key leverage points. Along with public officials, philanthropy, investors and coalitions have important roles to play.
64%
The drop in U.S.-bound ocean freight bookings. Bookings for U.S. imports collapsed by nearly two-thirds the week of April 1-8, when the U.S. imposed a new tariff regime...
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, referring to Andrew Cuomo. De Blasio was once an aide to Cuomo but the two Democrats feuded openly while de Blasio was mayor and Cuomo was governor of New York. Cuomo is leading in the polls in this year’s race for mayor, ahead of the June Democratic primary. (NY1)
Legislators have agreed to a plan to lift the cap and want to spend $870 million more on special education programs.
Rather than limiting curfews to downtown, police could give teens a half-hour to disperse from any part of the city at any time.
A working group of mayors believes climate resilience and economic security go hand in hand.
It’s appealing to say that disaster relief should be left to states and localities. The less appealing reality is that they aren’t up to the job.
850
The number of vacant state jobs that would be eliminated under a budget proposal from the North Carolina Senate...
Andrea Jakious, a teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary School in Eagle, Idaho. Idaho’s West Ada School District has been mired in controversy in recent weeks for firing a teacher who displayed a sign that said, “everyone is welcome here.” The district claimed it was contentious because it displayed hands with different skin tones. At its first public meeting since the controversy broke out, the school board heard plenty of complaints, but members said they were trying to keep politics out of classrooms. (Idaho Statesman)
The proposal would create a state-appointed board to oversee the local school board on budgets, contracts, property and policy. It could also allow those board members and district officials to be replaced.
Any future income tax increases would require supermajority votes. If the state House approves it, the amendment would go to voters for final approval.
The construction industry is short by nearly a half-million workers. More states could emulate Wisconsin's growing apprentice program.
Congress and some red states are pushing for work requirements but most recipients already work. Medicaid and other state programs typically don’t offer job assistance or training.
The state Senate passed a bill that falls short of proposals put forward by Gov. Mike Braun, but the Republican signaled he's open to signing it.
The projected deficit for the Los Angeles Unified School District in 2028. Spending has risen dramatically over the past dozen years, despite a sizable drop in student enrollment...
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry. Speaking to legislators, the Republican was referring to both trial attorneys and the insurance industry. Dealing with insurance and finding ways to bring down premium prices will be a key concern during this year’s legislative session, which began Monday. (Louisiana Illuminator)
Last year, 6.2 million fewer Democrats showed up to vote than in 2020. Nine hundred thousand stayed home in Los Angeles and Cook counties alone.
After a long economic slump, the post-industrial New England city is encouraging development, filling vacant properties and zoning for more housing.
Shortages are so bad in some counties that defendants have had to be released because they can’t be tried in a timely manner.