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The programs depend on temporary sources of funding from Washington and the state that may be drying up. Finding sustainable funds has been a challenge.
The 2023-24 school year saw the highest percentage of kindergarteners exempted from vaccinations, with increases in 40 states and Washington, D.C. In some localities, the so-called health freedom message has led to nonmedical exemption rates as high as 50 percent.
During a confirmation hearing, Eric Scott Turner said his priority as secretary would be increasing the supply of affordable housing and homes in general.
The plan would reduce the state’s $7 billion general fund by $1.1 billion over 10 years. Losses would be partially offset by increases in sales and gas taxes.
Seven employees were fired after accessing tens of thousands of Medicaid and food stamp accounts and stealing at least $270,000.
As 2024 came to a close, the White House and Congress approved big giveaways to two subsets of state and local government employees and pensioners. There could be political backlash, and for equity’s sake there might be a case for some corrective tax policies.
Insurance companies were fleeing fire-prone parts of California even before the disaster in Los Angeles. Policymakers are under pressure to find solutions as the risks grow.
Catastrophes like the L.A. wildfires are going to happen again. There’s no easy way to make sure victims can be made whole.
Lawmakers will devote considerable time this year to perennial concerns such as crime and education.
A federal grand jury has indicted Sheng Thao as part of a sprawling case involving other top Bay Area officials and contractors.
The state withdrew its pioneering clean air regulations for diesel trucks and trains, acknowledging they wouldn’t win federal approval. The state intended to end sales of trucks powered by fossil fuels by 2036.
Gov. Ron DeSantis says sheriffs will have to help the Trump administration carry out its immigration policies or he’ll remove them from office.
Lots of prosecutors, judicial staff and jurors lost their homes. Many others left court because they felt ill from dangerous air.
Lawmakers continue to try to get ahead of the curve on AI and many are eager to curb social media use among the young. Climate remains the top environmental concern but "forever chemicals" are more likely to see bipartisan action.
New York's mayor, embroiled in legal trouble, has no chance at winning a second term. Meanwhile, the two parties argue about whether the legislative year can even begin in Minnesota.
Mayor Michelle Wu has hired more than 300 new City Hall staffers, helping fuel budget growth of 8 percent over the past year. Many of the new positions are in middle and upper management.
California will ultimately get lots of help from Washington but some GOP lawmakers want to tie wildfire assistance to policy strings. Hawaii had to wait more than a year for aid to be approved after the Maui fires.
Grant programs too often send money to areas that already have resources. Federal agencies should work with state and local leaders to identify the place-specific needs of regional economies and develop custom projects.
Between brazen minor offenses like organized shoplifting and a few heavily publicized acts of random violence, it’s little wonder that people are on edge.
Even the most basic computing tasks require electrical power. The level of computing that drives today’s economy is far from basic.
A 2022 law gave staff the ability to unionize. Their new contract will provide a raise of 3 percent in July and additional workplace protections.
States face a tricky year, with their own revenues stalling and federal aid running low.
Karen Bass has come in for criticism over her handling of the fire department’s budget and other issues. Her chances for reelection may depend on the city’s long rebuilding process.
U.S. prisons are dangerous for corrections staff and incarcerated people alike and recidivism rates are high. Can a Scandinavian-inspired culture shift help?
PowerSchool, which has 16,000 customers, is used by more than 50 million students. Hackers gained access to information about them and their parents, receiving ransom to prevent leaks of the stolen data.
It’s just too hard to start a new business. These offices can do a lot to eliminate governmental red tape and remove other barriers to our engines of job creation and economic growth.
Maryland’s Democratic governor has quickly gained a national profile and enjoys strong support at home. But a $3 billion budget shortfall is going to force him to make some unpopular choices.
Before the Goodmans (Oscar and Carolyn) served as mayor, the biggest game in town was college basketball. Thanks to the personal relationships they built, the city now has the NFL and hockey, with baseball soon to follow.
The nation's largest health insurance program is likely to be cut in Congress this year to pay for other priorities. That could have profound ramifications for state budgets and the health-care system.
Voters in several states, including deeply red ones, chose to make significant boosts. While the federal minimum remains stuck at $7.25, 10 states now have a wage of $15 or higher and more are headed in that direction.
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