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Artificial intelligence systems require consistent monitoring and staffing to put in place and to keep them working well. The need for people and more machines to make sure new tools don’t mess up is leading to increased costs for hospitals.
Voters in several states, including deeply red ones, chose to make significant boosts. While the federal minimum remains stuck at $7.25, 10 states now have a wage of $15 or higher and more are headed in that direction.
The state’s troubled home insurance market is certain to command legislative attention this year. The fires in Los Angeles may end up being one of the nation’s most expensive disasters.
Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Robert Califf. Although hospitals are increasing their use of artificial intelligence in directing treatment decisions, early indications are that AI does an inadequate job of predicting outcomes. The need for human oversight means that AI can increase costs rather than lowering them. (KFF Health News – Jan. 10, 2025)
A state Supreme Court justice won a narrow victory in November. Her challenger argues tens of thousands of votes should be thrown out.
Forty million Americans live in food deserts. Can government-owned grocery stores fix this?
Five years after the murder of George Floyd and just ahead of the Trump administration, Minneapolis agreed to enter into a consent decree with the Department of Justice. DOJ cited five others as models for success.
Hot, strong desert air is contributing to the devastating fires in the Los Angeles area. The current winds are much less predictable than previous patterns.
Stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamine now often come laced with deadly amounts of fentanyl. The current wave is driving up mortality among Black and Hispanic Americans particularly.
Capt. Erik Scott, a Los Angeles Fire Department spokesperson. The fires in L.A. have spread rapidly due to embers carried by the Santa Ana winds — dry air that blows in from the desert toward the coast. (L.A. Times – Jan. 9, 2025)
The Yes In My Backyard movement is barely a decade old. But it has set the terms of the debate over state and local housing policy.
The state’s 988 service has a $7 million shortfall and the nation’s fifth highest rate of abandoned calls. The suicide rate in Texas has risen dramatically during this century.
Democrats outperformed Kamala Harris’ showing in three legislative districts but fell short of President Biden’s showing back in 2020.
As Georgia governor, he was a pioneer in efforts to attract foreign investment and promote exports, setting the stage for how U.S. states would help shape the global economy.
Doug Moore. He’s a founding partner of a firm that helps colleges manage logistics when they’re shutting down. Colleges and universities experienced a 15 percent decline in enrollment between 2010 and 2021, with numbers continuing to slow due to a “demographic cliff,” with fewer babies born after the recession that started in 2007. The outlook is not bright, with the number of college-age Americans projected to drop another 15 percent by 2039. (NPR – Jan. 8, 2025)
Last year, about a quarter of all health insurance claims were denied in California. A new law blocks coverage denials made solely through artificial intelligence.
There's turnover in Washington with each new administration. Departing federal workers can bring valuable skills and experience to state and local governments.
Recent laws to improve pension financing should save states tens of billions of dollars over the long term.
Human services officials say more treatment options are needed to place children, but lawmakers are concerned lighter regulations will create more problems.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom. This week, the Democrat is presenting a budget with a small surplus, which he attributed to fiscal discipline in the face of a massive shortfall last year, along with revenues coming in $16.5 billion above projections. California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office paints a less rosy picture, saying the state’s shortfall will be $2 billion next year, followed by about $20 billion the following year. (Associated Press – Jan. 6, 2025)
The city’s planning office won’t approve conversion of single-family properties into multiple units in six neighborhoods. The desire to protect Latino neighborhoods from gentrification runs counter to the city’s housing goals.
Arrests connected to the home-built weapons are growing rapidly in the U.S. and around the world. It’s likely to prove harder for governments and police to keep them out of the hands of criminals and extremists.
Governors, mayors and finance officers are treading water, awaiting the outcome and impact of a new Washington regime’s vows to slash federal spending and taxes. Meanwhile, state and municipal budgeters and debt managers will need to make intelligent guesses and pay more attention to their rainy-day funds.
With 13 states offering coverage, it’s already a $3.9 billion cost. Some state officials say reducing obesity will save programs money in the long run.
The personnel cost has doubled over the last three years. Employees have been granted more sick leave but they seem to be using more due to in-person work requirements.
After years of cuts, the agency’s budget has doubled since 2020. But its new director will face challenges due to policy differences with the incoming Trump administration.
