Federal Grant Requirements Make it Hard for Rural Communities to Prepare for Climate Change
A 2023 study from Headwaters Economics shows that qualifications from federal grant programs disproportionately hurt under-resourced rural areas.
States Scramble to Replace Ripped-Off SNAP Benefits
Food stamp cards don’t have the technological or consumer protections of credit and debit cards.
A New Strategy for Western States to Adapt to Long-term Drought: Customized Water Pricing
Even after January’s storms, California faces a water-scarce future. An economist and an engineer propose a way to test higher water prices as a conservation strategy without hurting low-income users.
State & Local Roundup: Republicans Moving to Fund Public School Alternatives
Plus: Court staffing crisis leaves divorce trials suspended; toxic train derailment; a state’s $3.5 billion accounting error; Oregon liquor officials accused of hoarding fancy bourbon; and more news you can use from around the country.
Public School Enrollment Dropped by 1.2M During the Pandemic
COMMENTARY | An expert discusses where the students went and why it matters.
Republicans in Congress Move to Block Washington, D.C.'s Local Criminal Code Rewrite
The disagreement over changes to the district's sentencing guidelines reflects a nationwide debate. And while the move by House lawmakers to override D.C.'s authority has little chance of final approval, it has still upset local officials.
SNAP Emergency Allotments Scheduled to Terminate in March
According to hunger relief experts, amending the 2023 Farm Bill is the only sustainable way to shield rural households from increased food insecurity long-term.
Bias Trainings for Police Don't Change Behavior
"Our findings suggest that diversity training as it is currently practiced is unlikely to change police behavior."
Why Two States Remain Holdouts on Distracted Driving Laws
Missouri and Montana are the only states without distracted driving laws for all drivers. With traffic fatalities rising, lawmakers are eyeing bills that would crack down on texting while driving.
Neighborhood 'Walkability' May Boost Exercise, Lower BMI
People who live in walkable neighborhoods are more likely to exercise and have lower BMIs. But the finding differs by race and ethnicity.
Ranking the Best and Worst City Flags
For the first time in nearly 20 years, a group of flag enthusiasts has released survey results grading the municipal banners, many of which have undergone recent redesigns.
Minnesota to Require 100% Carbon-free Electricity by 2040
Utilities can use a mix of solar, wind, hydropower, nuclear, hydrogen power, and biomass—energy obtained from burning wood and trash—to meet the 2040 goal.
End Nears for Covid Public Health Emergency
But expansions of key safety net programs that involve states are no longer tied to the directive and are already set to wind down.
Texas Governor Hires 'Border Czar' to Accelerate Wall Construction
Mike Banks, a recently retired Border Patrol agent, will work with the Texas National Guard and state troopers to find ways to deter people from crossing the border illegally.
A New Bill in Washington State Seeks to Reduce Unneeded Packaging
Laws requiring companies to cover the costs of recycling services are gaining momentum in the U.S. Washington is one of the latest states to consider a strategy that is popular in Europe.
Pain of Police Killings Traumatizes Black People and Communities Across US
COMMENTARY | Evidence shows that many Black Americans experience police killings of other Black people as traumatic events, and that this trauma diminishes the ability of Black communities to thrive.
2022’s Billion-Dollar Disasters: Climate Change Helped Make It US’s 3rd Most Expensive Year on Record
Climate change seems to be making natural disasters more expensive.
How One US City is Beginning a Truth and Reconciliation Program
The Minneapolis initiative is focused on addressing harms that drive racial disparities. Route Fifty spoke with program manager Malaysia Abdi about the work now underway.
Miami's Mayor Un(block)chained
Francis Suarez, the city's cool, crypto-friendly mayor has presidential dreams. But is he paying enough attention to the homefront?
Dollar Stores Are the Fastest Growing Food Stores in the U.S.
Dollar stores are now the fastest-growing food retailers in the contiguous United States—and have doubled their share in rural areas, according to a new study.
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