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The Missouri County voted to boost the pay for some positions within the county’s highway department in an attempt to lure new workers. The county has more than 60 open positions.
The new law decreases the number of ballot drop boxes available, tightens the ballot application deadline, includes voter ID requirements and bans the handing out of water to voters.
Former L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell, regarding his appointment by Mayor Karen Bass to lead the Los Angeles Police Department. McDonnell will replace Chief Michel Moore, who retired earlier this year. (Associated Press — Oct. 4, 2024)
Voters will weigh in on at least 18 ballot measures raising taxes to pay for transportation improvements. Transportation infrastructure is becoming more expensive to build.
Struggling with addiction, PTSD and other service-related traumas, far too many of them run afoul of the law. States could do more to help those at risk.
Future in Context
A look at Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s innovative approach to tackling homelessness, budget challenges and systemic inequality. Crowley is among those recognized as this year's Public Officials of the Year.
The virus that could mutate into the next human pandemic has been found in herds in at least 14 states. Without sufficient testing, we need to be careful about moving cows from one location to another.
Jane Newhouse, of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, Mass., regarding 2-year-old beaver Nibi. The fate of the beaver has ended up in court, with a hearing set for Friday, Oct. 4, to determine whether Nibi gets to stay with the rescuers or if she must be released into the wild as winter approaches. The case has garnered significant attention from the public and even lawmakers — Gov. Maura Healey even pledged to make sure Nibi is protected. (Associated Press — Oct. 3, 2024)
Several chamber leaders lost their seats in primaries this year, a sign of the difficulty they've had dealing with their own parties at the Capitol. Also, in a surprise, it looks like San Francisco Mayor London Breed will win another term.
Historic rainfall that devastated the Southeast was generated by conditions that still exist. What lessons can local governments in other parts of the country take from Helene?
Too many contracts go to larger, more-established companies. But it’s younger, smaller businesses that often are better at leveraging new technologies and efficiencies. We need to avoid “vendor lock-in.”
By one estimate, only 10 percent of homeless citizens end up casting votes. There are many steps states can take to lower barriers to participation.
The Santa Fe School Board unveiled a plan that will provide teachers with artificial intelligence tools to help in the classroom, in some cases allowing students to use AI on assignments as a “co-pilot to enhance human creativity.”
The S.S. United States, which has been docked in South Philadelphia since the mid-1990s, will soon be retired and sunk into the Gulf of Mexico to act as the world’s largest artificial reef.
Jason Hollifield, Duke Energy storm director for the Carolinas on the impact of Helene on the electrical grid. (Duke Energy — Sept. 29, 2024)
Rob Lloyd has been widely recognized for his work upgrading IT systems in one tech capital, San Jose. He’s starting to do the same in Seattle.
Longshoremen are striking for better wages, but they also say they're fighting to protect jobs against automation. U.S. ports tend to be less automated than some large ports in other countries.
More than 6,200 National Guard troops from a dozen states are responding to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has left millions without power and at least 121 dead.
Ryan Buchanan, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, regarding a U.S. Justice Department finding that prison officials across the state are “deliberately indifferent” to unchecked deadly violence, widespread drug use, extortion and sexual abuse. (Associated Press — Oct. 1, 2024)
Dozens of jurisdictions are seeking damages from fossil fuel companies. Jeffrey B. Simon, an attorney representing Multnohmah County, Ore., talks about the ways science and precedent will influence the success of their cases.
Future in Context
As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, a longtime broadcast journalist and historian calls for addressing economic inequities, corporate monopolies and restoring effective governance to grow stronger.
West Virginia had no private school choice options at all before Patricia Rucker made vouchers universal. Nearly a dozen states have followed suit.
G.T. Bynum has attracted the largest employers ever to land in Tulsa while dramatically expanding its parks. He’s also helped the city confront its racist past.
We are proud to honor an outstanding class of elected officials and government leaders.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley convinced the legislature to allow localities to raise taxes. That helped his county address longstanding pension debt.
The Republican has rewritten the tax code, streamlined agencies and upended the state’s approach on issues ranging from abortion to education.
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