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President Biden claims that rail travel is “environmentally, a lifesaver” and has proposed giving Amtrak $80 billion over eight years to support it as a green travel option. But is it really green if trains still run on diesel?
Wisconsin state Sen. Andrew Jacque, regarding Gov. Tony Evers’ decision to veto a bill that would have allowed paddlewheel devices in raffles. It is Evers’ second veto of such a bill, which he deems unconstitutional because of the devices’ similarities to roulette, which is banned in the state because of the threat it poses to gambling rights given to the state’s Native American tribes. (Associated Press — May 21, 2021)
The amount that former hotelier and political appointee Gordon Sondland is suing former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for in an attempt to cover the costs of his legal fees for the 2019 impeachment proceedings, for which he was a key witness.
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They need to leverage public spending and build partnerships to create and nurture sustainable-wage employment and training for local residents, particularly those from underserved communities.
As the economy reopens, there’s increased demand for Uber and Lyft, which are still short on riders. That may push some riders back to transit, but systems are still well under capacity.
A new book the author calls “an owner’s manual for American citizens” recovers a lost language that Americans need to talk with each other about things that matter.
Digital equity advocates, state broadband offices and local government staffers are encouraged by the president’s emphasis on their work, but what do they need at the federal level to fully solve this challenge?
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An online lending platform called Kabbage sent 378 pandemic loans worth $7 million to fake companies (mostly farms) with names like “Deely Nuts” and “Beefy King.”
A new Information Technology and Innovation Foundation report argues that any U.S. infrastructure plan should bank on digital infrastructure because it offers the greatest long-term social and economic gains.
With most of the state gripped by extreme dryness, some conditions are better, some worse, than the last record-breaking drought. Over-pumping of wells hasn’t stopped. But urban residents haven’t lapsed back into water-wasting lifestyles.
The state lost millions of dollars to fraud last year, as criminals took advantage of the sharp increase in pandemic-related unemployment. Now, officials are seeing another spike in fraudulent claims, but this time they’re better prepared.
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony regarding a proposal to create a consumer-owned utility out of the state’s two major electric companies. Many residents support the idea, but some critique the plan as a “government takeover.”
Gov. John Bel Edwards isn’t ready to end additional federal payments before studying its impact. The state is heavily dependent upon tourism jobs, which have not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels.
The City Council has approved Mayor Eric Garcetti’s funding plan, which includes a 3 percent increase in spending for the LAPD. The city will also increase funds for homelessness initiatives, child care and business support.
Isi Baehr-Breen, the deputy communications director for Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar, regarding a Facebook ad Omar’s office says badly misstates a tweet she sent. Facebook has not yet removed the ad but told Omar’s office that it would be eligible for a fact check. (The Hill — May 20, 2021)
The proportion of federal correctional officer jobs that are vacant, which means other prison workers, like teachers, cooks and nurses, have to guard inmates.
America doesn’t hear about ‘shovel-ready’ or ‘New Deal’ work projects anymore because the Biden administration knows infrastructure spending doesn’t generate jobs in the short term. But it does create long-term economic development.
The pandemic and all the frustrations it's brought to parents have increased support for charter schools and vouchers. States that had resisted such ideas have ambitious new programs.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority will have a budget deficit of $1.5 billion by 2024 if ridership does not return to pre-pandemic levels. But many regular users have said they won’t be riding the subway post-pandemic.
State lawmakers are considering reforms to a power sharing program that would reduce bill credits for residents in the program and add net energy metering. Industry leaders are deeply divided on the package.
Gov. Mike DeWine has signed a law that will create the Ohio Residential Broadband Expansion Grant Program in hopes of improving Internet access for residents and decreasing the digital divide.
Health officials are warning of the significant, negative impacts that online life has had on youth mental health, but AI-based trainings and online therapy could ensure that health services are reachable wherever the child is.
Kristin White, a workplace safety attorney in Cleveland, Ohio, regarding the fact that businesses can legally request their workers to show proof of vaccination but many don’t because they don’t realize they’re allowed to do so. As mask mandates have begun to lift across the nation, some workers are worried about the risks that a trust-based system could bring. (Associated Press — May 20, 2021)
The number of House Republicans who voted to approve an independent investigation of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, going against party leaders’ attempts to block it.
The pandemic has significantly increased the number of students who don’t attend class. Solutions aren’t easy, but school districts can recover the chronically absent by digging deeper into data.
In 1972, the city and King County were determined to build a giant multipurpose, domed stadium in Seattle’s International District. Just as determined to stop it were the Asian Americans who lived there.
A new state board in New Hampshire offers a speedy, non-judicial way to challenge onerous local land-use decisions. It’s a way to prevent a hot housing market from overheating.
A recent survey found that two out of three state residents agree businesses should be able to check for proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test before allowing customers to enter. About half of state residents are vaccinated.
Butte-Silver Bow officials are considering construction of a five-acre utility-scale battery energy storage facility on an open 200-acre plot of land which could help to fill energy gaps. But many residents are opposed.
An Antrim County judge rejected a lawsuit that claimed the vote tabulators used in the 2020 election were faulty and would switch votes from Donald Trump to Joe Biden. An audit already determined the counts were fair.
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