“I’d rather have someone that my principal has vetted, that my principal believes in, that can get the job done.”

Dr. Zsakeba Henderson, March of Dimes’ senior vice president and interim chief medical and health officer, regarding the nation’s maternal and infant health crisis that’s partly due to low accessibility to quality maternity care. A new report found that 36 percent of counties nationwide constitute “maternity care deserts,” in which they have no obstetric hospitals or birth centers and no obstetric providers. The lack of care disproportionately impacts rural communities and people of color. (NPR — Oct. 12, 2022)

Former Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez, in an apology for racist and coarse remarks she made about Councilmember Mike Bonin, who is white, and Bonin’s young Black son. Martinez resigned from her Council position on Monday, Oct. 10. (Associated Press — Oct. 11, 2022)

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, in his state of emergency declaration, regarding the thousands of migrants being sent from southern border states. Their arrival has significantly increased the demand for housing and other assistance. (Associated Press — Oct. 7, 2022)

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell commenting on how tech companies are looking beyond Seattle for new office space, and the pandemic is enabling more employers to allow remote work. Both trends concern the mayor and other government leaders. (GeekWire — Oct. 6, 2022)