Federal lawmakers take first steps toward oversight of $50 billion in opioid settlements
The four-page bill lists how states should spend settlement money, but it doesn’t specify consequences for flouting the rules or name who is in charge of monitoring compliance.
A flurry of anti-trans bills kick off many new legislative sessions
Barely into the new year, conservative state legislatures are already taking up anti-LBGTQ bills. Republicans are pushing at least 300 such bills across the country. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Easier said than done: Tips for community relocation amid a changing climate
As eroding coasts and raging wildfires drive people from their homes, a new report offers guidance for community relocation programs.
Can cities clear homeless camps without offering an alternative?
The Supreme Court will hear a case on how far local governments can go to enforce bans on sleeping and camping in public spaces.
Connecting researchers and legislators can lead to policies that reflect scientific evidence
COMMENTARY | Researchers want real-world impact. Lawmakers want programs that work. The public wants to benefit from taxpayer-funded research. Building a bridge from academia to legislatures is key to all three.
FEMA to overhaul its disaster aid system after decades of criticism
The agency will offer upfront cash payments to disaster survivors and slash some of its infamous red tape.
Congress averts shutdown for third time in four months
A short-term spending deal was passed on a bipartisan vote in both the House and Senate. But, as some hoped, it does not provide additional funding for two critical programs helping low-income Americans.
Capturing AI’s potential needs a ‘two-way street’ between the feds and states, cities
A senior White House official said all levels of government need to work together on artificial intelligence to “move faster” to tackle big problems.
When a vendor pays a mayor $13,000, is it a bribe? The U.S. Supreme Court will decide
A former Indiana mayor asked the high court to intervene in his corruption case and resolve a disparity in which “gratuities” from outsiders are considered OK in some courts, but not in others.
Rural employment edges back to pre-pandemic numbers
The number of jobs grew in November 2023, according to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The failed promise of independent election mapmaking
In Washington and other states, independent redistricting commissions have fallen prey to partisanship, just like the legislative bodies they were meant to replace.
A short-term spending deal has been reached that would keep the government open until March
The deal, though, doesn’t include funding for two critical programs for low-income people.
States vie for leadership role on AI
In recent days, governors announced major artificial intelligence initiatives that include creating a subcabinet focused on issues related to the emerging technology, licensing ChatGPT for employee use and unveiling an “AI Moonshot” initiative.
No longer just nice to have: Data literacy essential to digital government
While more data-mature cities are seeing payoffs from upskilling staff, even small gains can make a big difference.
The cost of freeing drinking water from ‘forever chemicals’
The EPA is set to limit PFAS in drinking water to barely detectable levels. Can water utilities meet the standard?
San Antonio plans to tackle violence with a public health approach. Here’s what that looks like.
Several cities use the "beyond-policing" approach that aims to reduce gun-related violence, sexual assaults and other crimes against people.
Child tax credit revived under proposal in Congress
Negotiators in the House and Senate reached a deal on a proposal to restore the popular credit, as well as one that helps build housing for low-income families.
It’s easy to lose sight of the root cause of the housing crisis
It’s not big investors, luxury developers or federal mortgage programs that are most responsible for driving up housing costs.
‘Super mayor’ goes viral amid salary ordinance controversy
Tiffany Henyard, the mayor and supervisor of two suburbs in Illinois, spearheaded a bill reducing a potential successor’s salary if she loses her 2025 reelection bid. It’s the latest in a long line of alleged misdeeds by the charismatic and controversial political figure.
How to prevent America’s aging buildings from collapsing – 4 high-profile disasters send a warning
Policies vary by state, but there are currently few widespread mandated rules for regular, structural inspections of entire existing buildings.
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