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Shane Gero, a scientist and explorer with National Geographic. Gero said that whales share certain fundamental characteristics with humans, including being parts of families, having individual identities and being curious, especially when young. (Bioneers – May 16, 2023)
As Mississippi's schools chief, Carey Wright lifted test scores faster than any other state in the nation. Now she needs to show results in Maryland.
In the midst of a “skills tsunami,” agencies and their workers understand the problems better than central HR offices do. And workforce planning should focus on local labor markets.
A Shasta County supervisor was nearly recalled and the county’s longtime elections chief stepped down last month, with stress from death threats causing her heart problems.
Justices found that a federal statute that bans bribery does not apply to “gratuities” paid to elected officials for past acts. The case pertained to a former mayor but has implications for charges against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
A federal judge has ordered the state to release unrepresented defendants, with about 2,500 now out of custody as a result. The state is now hiring more attorneys rather than relying on contracts with private defenders.
Hospitals stuck with unpaid bills will sometimes sell to debt collectors at a discount. The county’s investment could erase 100 times as much in medical debt.
Susan Kent, a former Minnesota state senator. She is part of a group called Majority in the Middle that is calling for greater partisanship in the Legislature, arguing among other things that more work should be done in committees and there should be fewer omnibus bills. At the end of this year’s session, majority Democrats combined all remaining bills into one and pushed it through both chambers without debate. (MinnPost – June 21, 2024)
A dozen states have joined a compact to give physician assistants a universal license. It's not a complete solution for the shortage of primary-care doctors, but it should help.
The liberal/moderate/conservative labels we give ourselves reveal little about what Americans actually want out of policy and government. More progress can be made at the community level, where tribal labels are less relevant.
A recently-expanded law covers more than 12,000 miles of road that account for 60 percent of all miles driven in the state. As part of its climate strategy, Minnesota hopes to reduce driving 20 percent by 2050.
A new poll found that roughly three-quarters of registered voters would like to see term limits enacted or shortened for county supervisors, district attorneys and sheriffs.
Nebraska’s Jump Start Scholarships program offers up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement along with signing bonuses for high school graduates to pursue degrees.
The city’s approach to cybersecurity risks is at best “informal,” according to Denver’s auditor. Mandatory training is often skipped and oversight of some facilities is lax.
Shari Stuart, a North Carolina resident who wore a mask as protection against COVID-19. After the state House passed a bill restricting mask-wearing in public, a move several other states have made, a man confronted her and insisted what she was doing is illegal. Stuart has breast cancer and a weakened immune system. (Washington Post – June 24, 2024)
The approximate total value of grants to arts organizations that were vetoed...
The concept of having most needs met within walking distance remains beguiling as an urbanist vision, but it hasn’t gotten very far in the U.S.
Despite reserves bulging and revenues receding, many lawmakers remain reluctant to spend savings.
Construction of nuclear plants is often only feasible thanks to public subsidies that mitigate risk. Then that risk gets shifted back onto government.
State and local economic development organizations can ease barriers to defense contracting for local businesses, benefiting both companies and communities.
North Texas settlements from the 19th century have been threatened for decades by urban development. A group of university professors and students are working to preserve what’s left.
Last year’s contest for Allegheny County, Pa. executive drew $1 million in funds from secretive groups that skirted disclosure requirements.
Prices increased last year in 97 of the nation’s 100 largest markets. Home insurance costs are soaring and rent is increasingly unaffordable, contributing to growth in homelessness.
Michigan is betting its future on a sought-after natural resource — people — guided by one person in particular. Hilary Doe, the first state chief growth officer anywhere, discusses what’s next.
Political independents — those who don’t vote consistently for one party or the other — have views that align with their lived experience. Democrats and Republicans? They just follow the party line.
Arkansas gave a significant pay boost to new hires, making it easier for rural districts to attract talent. This has caused resentment among experienced teachers who now feel unrewarded for their long service.
Michael Genest, former finance director for the state. Genest notes that past ballot initiatives have limited the state’s fiscal choices, including limits on property taxes and guarantees for school funding. (KFF Health News – June 20, 2024)
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