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The new program aims to close health-care gaps when people are released and tackle addiction problems.
Absenteeism rates in K-12 schools are falling but remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Motto of a solar-powered city-owned liquor store in Morris, Minn., a conservative prairie community of 5,206 residents that has gone all in on wind and solar power, composting, electric school buses and geothermal heating. Its residents cite rural self-sufficiency, high energy and fuel costs, saving tax dollars and eliminating inefficiency and waste. The town had gone far beyond energy independence to make many times the energy it needs for itself, selling the bulk of the renewable power for a profit. Thirteen other towns in Minnesota are at various stages of adapting projects modeled on Morris' efforts. (Wall Street Journal — July 3, 2024)
After years of rapid growth, states are starting to see revenue declines. Tax cuts red states enacted could become more costly in future years, while some blue states are debating tax increases.
“YIGBY” is a hot trend, but there are better uses for some faith-based organizations’ surplus real estate.
Poor planning, bad timing and political considerations all make overruns practically a given.
Seventeen vehicles were set on fire in May. The city’s fleet of police cars may not be fully replenished due to supply chain delays and a narrow ordering window.
State lawmakers will likely place two bonds, one for climate change impacts and one for school repairs – each worth $10 billion – on the November ballot. The bonds will require a two-thirds approval from both chambers to reach the ballot.
A 2023 study found that 90 percent of the state’s beaches tested positive for unsafe levels of fecal bacteria for at least one day. Fecal contamination can come from urban runoff, sewage overflows and factory farms.
A tweet from Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales. His office sent letters warning more than 120 federal agencies operating in Indiana not to provide voter registration services without the state’s approval. In May, Morales joined eight other Republican secretaries of state in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case challenging the order. (News from the States — July 3, 2024)
Workforce shortages are affecting many areas of government, but public finance is particularly hard hit. Shortages of accountants are a severe problem, with too few candidates replacing aging employees.
Fireworks consumption skyrocketed during the pandemic as public displays were canceled and Americans were stuck at home. Now the big pyrotechnic shows are back, and sales have plummeted to pre-pandemic levels.
Slow rollout of the federal program has frustrated lawmakers, especially those in Michigan, which received $110 million through fiscal year 2026 for EV expansion but has funded no new power stations.
In a June poll, 84 percent of registered Nevada voters supported implementing voter ID rules. Some studies indicate ID requirements impede access, but evidence is mixed.
Gov. Greg Abbott and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick want $5 billion more to expand a low-interest loan program for natural gas power plant construction “as soon as possible.”
Miami resident Alfredo Rodriguez, whose apartment has flooded five times since he moved in a year ago. Some are calling record rainfall in Florida a "1,000-year event," meaning that the likelihood of rainfall at levels now being seen is one in 1,000. (Miami Herald — June 15, 2024)
Frank White was a Hall of Fame second baseman for the Royals. As county executive, he persuaded voters that sales taxes for a new stadium were a bad idea.
Struggling downtowns can embrace a new role as knowledge centers of a changed economy.
Future in Context
State lawmakers are working to define key terms and address risks as AI gets integrated into everyday life. California state Sen. Thomas Umberg talks about balancing regulation and innovation.
Homeowners are being squeezed out of affordable coverage. Sustainable intergovernmental partnerships with the insurance industry offer a solution. And there may be a role for state and local pension funds.
A study found that students across Texas who were taught by uncertified teachers lost the equivalent of about four months of learning in reading and three months in math. The state is becoming more reliant on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies.
Since 2010, 149 rural hospitals across the U.S. have either closed or stopped providing in-patient care. Often, communities are left with the empty husk of a hospital, but some communities have found ways to repurpose the buildings.
At least four cities across the state are replacing traditional Fourth of July firework displays with laser and drone shows.
Richard Burke, a member of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission, who voted along with three fellow Republican commissioners to continue an investigation into Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek’s since-abandoned plans to give her wife an expanded policy role in her administration. The probe won't be further pursued because the commission deadlocked 4-4 on the question. None of the commissioners said they saw proof that Kotek did anything wrong, but those who voted to investigate Kotek further said they wanted to provide Oregonians with more certainty. (Oregon Capital Chronicle — June 28, 2024)
Cash comprised 16 percent of payments during a month-long survey in 2023, compared to 31 percent seven years prior. But cash still remains pervasive among lower-income and older consumers.
Vaccine hesitancy has spread from COVID-19 to traditional childhood immunizations. Parents who don't want their children vaccinated have increasing political support.
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