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Mitchell Rutherford, a high school biology teacher in Tucson, Ariz. Rutherford explained that students’ cellphone use in his class was so pervasive that it distracted him to the point of being a bad husband and suffering mental health challenges. Numerous states and school districts have implemented policies to restrict or ban cellphone use during the school day due to concerns about students becoming distracted, anxious or depressed. (NPR – Dec. 3, 2024)
In Connecticut, 40 percent say they’re either struggling or just getting by financially.
With a fifth of the nation’s office space sitting empty, cities from Atlanta and Seattle are easing or ending regulations to make conversions more affordable and therefore more likely.
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Wednesday in a case contending the ban violates the Equal Protection clause. If the Court upholds the law, Congress could pass a national ban.
’Tis the season: State politicians love to proclaim temporary tax respites, but they rarely achieve their stated objective of boosting economic activity. Poor timing, poor design — or just a bad idea?
Public health experts emphasize the importance of clear and consistent messaging. They may not get that with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as federal health secretary.
Thanks to new funding from the state, county diversion programs for juveniles have increased dramatically. A new report finds that they’re successful more than 80 percent of the time.
Far more seniors live by themselves and can only leave their homes with difficulty than live in nursing homes, yet they receive less policy attention. That can lead to bad health outcomes.
Evidence is growing that participation in art has public health benefits. Rhinelander, Wis., is using it as a remedy for social isolation.
Jared Polis, the Democratic governor of Colorado, reacting to President Biden’s Sunday night pardon of his son Hunter. Polis said that he could understand Biden’s desire as a father to protect his son, but argued that this decision could be used as precedent by future presidents and will tarnish Biden’s legacy. (X – Dec. 1, 2024)
Solar farms are being shut off, losing more than twice as much potential power than in 2021. The surplus would be worse if utilities weren’t paying other states to take some of the excess.
After tearing down high-rises and building more townhomes, the city is trying a mixed-used approach that blends towers with other amenities.
Trump will take a largely deregulatory approach to tech, while aiming to aggressively pursue foreign cyber threat actors.
Wildfires will continue to rage out of control unless federal forest managers learn from Western states how to properly steward public lands and contain their fires.
Democrat Andy Kim. The New Jersey congressman won a Senate seat last month. He argues that for his party to regain power, it must convince voters it’s working for their interests. Kim twice carried a district that voted for Donald Trump and was able to present himself as an anti-establishment candidate this year, running for a seat vacated by Democrat Bob Menendez, who was convicted on corruption charges. (Philadelphia Inquirer – Nov. 26, 2024)
Gov. Kim Reynolds praises districts that have already restricted phones but says a statewide ban will be a 2025 priority. Such policies around the country have run into problems with courts.
Big city transit systems receive more than half their operational funds from the state. That’s a far higher percentage than Boston, Chicago or New York.
The approach, mostly adopted in Central Florida municipalities, allows prosecutors to waive court sentences in exchange for homeless people getting treatment, housing and jobs.
Voters in a former Democratic stronghold in Minnesota complain that both the national party and Minnesota Democrats have swung too far to the left on spending and cultural issues.
The Salt Lake City Public Library's in-house social workers and suite of other services help the unhoused find their way.
School districts bear significant financial costs: Security, communications, legal work and heightened staff turnover related to conflict all come with price tags. The money could be better spent elsewhere.
Ohio would be the fourth state to require proof of citizenship under a legislative proposal. The bill would also require monthly maintenance of voter rolls.
A collaboration between a foundation and private-sector partners to build a successful streetcar system in Detroit demonstrates the potential for community growth and prosperity.
Lauren Book, a former Florida state senator, announcing her intention to run again. Book has served as the Democratic leader in the state Senate but had to leave office a few weeks ago due to term limits. She intends to run either in 2026 or 2028 to represent a neighboring district. (South Florida Sun Sentinel – Nov. 26, 2024)
The county has spent billions on homeless programs only to see problems worsen. A proposal from two county supervisors would create a new department to consolidate and oversee services.
Trump and GOP members of Congress are eager to roll back portions of the Obama-era health insurance law. Changes to Medicaid coverage and some patient protections seem likely.
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