News
California’s history of gun restrictions started in 1967, when 30 members of the Black Panther Party marched into the Capitol with loaded handguns, shotguns and rifles. Today, gun control has turned into a legal battle.
Agrivoltaics — putting solar panels on farmland — lead to astonishing productivity gains and improved energy efficiency. Except when they don’t.
Kolina Koltai, a vaccine misinformation researcher at the University of Washington, regarding the large proportion of Americans who are not planning on getting the coronavirus vaccine and the many reasons why they are declining it. Experts are worried that there will be too many people who don’t get the vaccine for the nation to reach herd immunity. (NPR — April 7, 2021)
The amount of money that was hidden somewhere in Maine by a couple to celebrate the state’s 200 years of statehood. The money is the reward to an elaborate treasure hunt that includes solving a secret, a riddle and a puzzle, and encourages residents to explore the state.
Rick Caruso, a Los Angeles developer, is now accepting Bitcoin for retail and apartment rent payments at several of his properties. Caruso is also developing a shoppers reward program that uses blockchain technology.
A variety of public-private partnerships will fund broadband expansion to East Cleveland, one of the least connected cities in the nation. Households will get 4G service with 50 mbps download speeds for just $15 a month.
A bill that would have required voter identification when applying for mail-in ballots has been revised to just online applications. The bill’s author is adamant about the role ID would have in tightening election security.
President George Washington was the first to issue proclamations or executive orders. Their use peaked under Franklin Roosevelt, but they have been used fewer times in recent presidencies. Will Biden reverse the trend?
Maryland is leading the way, but its new levy faces plenty of pushback in the courts and Congress. States that want to follow suit should act quickly to craft viable uniform model legislation.
Idaho state Rep. Sage Dixon, regarding the state’s decision to approve legislation that would give lawmakers veto power over the federal government and federal court decisions. Several lawmakers predict court challenges to the legislation if it becomes law. (Associated Press — April 6, 2021)
The number of Americans in 36 states who signed up for federally sponsored health-care plans between Feb. 15 and March 31 under the Special Enrollment Period that was reopened by the Biden administration.
Legislation modeled after California’s law, which was enacted last year and requires disclosures from companies that would collect and sell user data, has received bipartisan support from state legislators.
At least 60 law enforcement agencies across the state likely used the controversial facial recognition app that mines photos from social media users without their consent. In total, the app was used up to 5,000 times.
Though the idea of vaccine passports has attracted criticism, the state of New York has taken the plunge as the first state in the U.S. to create one, saying it will help facilitate economic activity. Here’s how it works.
The economy has proven to be more resilient than could have been imagined a year ago. Making future growth more equitable is a priority without obvious solutions.
Tennessee, in the state’s request that the U.S. Supreme Court reinstate a 48-hour waiting period for abortions. (Reuters — April 5, 2021)
The number of new coronavirus cases reported in Michigan on Sunday and Monday, making it one of the worst affected states for new cases and hospitalizations.
State Sen. Pat Spearman’s proposed legislation would create an Emerging Technologies Task Force that would focus on bringing new blockchain technology, robotics and artificial intelligence businesses to the state.
The California city has proposed a ban on paid travel for city employees to states with restrictive voting laws. The city already prohibits paid travel to states that restrict LGBTQ rights and abortion access.
Gov. David Ige has said the technology is being tested but will not be ready for at least four weeks. The state is slowly beginning to consider lifting some of its other travel restrictions.
The federal stimulus package provides $195 billion in aid to states but forbids them from using that money to pay for tax cuts. The law's language is broad enough to look like preemption.
Even with $30.5 billion to help it dig out of a huge financial hole, public transit's future remains unsettled as commuters and workers change their work patterns. Will ridership return to normal?
The American Rescue Plan includes almost $40 billion for community colleges, four-year schools and universities. It’s less than the sector says it needs, but there are options with how the funds can be used.
The American Rescue Plan can help local leaders do a lot more than cover budget shortfalls. The funds offer a chance for them to address equity issues, engage residents and create the future they want to see.
Partisan lawmakers are moving to block cities and counties from managing their own police budgets and redirecting funding as they see fit. Decisions about public safety are best made close to home.
Matthew Behrs, a Trump supporter, regarding President Biden’s immigration policies and the sharply increasing number of unaccompanied migrant children arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border. Overall, about 40 percent of adult Americans disapprove of Biden’s response to the southern border situation. (Associated Press — April 5, 2021)
The estimated number of Republicans who believe that the riot at the U.S. Capitol was largely non-violent or was by left-wing activists “trying to make Trump look bad,” according to a new poll. Only three in 10 Republicans agree that former President Trump has some responsibility for the attack.
Scammers are advertising and selling coronavirus vaccine cards on social media, e-commerce websites and blogs. Officials are warning residents of the continued disinformation efforts.
Thousands of state residents needed to reapply for unemployment benefits after their one-year mark, once again overwhelming the state’s system, leaving claimants without answers or benefits.
As the auto industry begins transitioning towards all-electric vehicles, some carmakers are trying to develop low-emission synthetic fuel for internal combustion engines in the meantime. But fuel alternatives are costly.
Most Read
