Cities' New Unanimity: The Need for Police Reform
COMMENTARY | In a major turnaround, there's broad agreement and public support in cities across America to change policing.
Libraries Begin Partial Reopening as Covid-19 Cases Surge
Most libraries are implementing phased reopening plans, beginning with contactless pickup of materials that undergo a quarantine period for safety.
Fire Departments Anticipate Busy Fourth of July as Fireworks Sales Skyrocket
In a normal year, fire safety officials encourage people to attend public fireworks displays instead of attempting to create them at home. But most fireworks shows are canceled this year because of coronavirus.
How Local Governments Navigate Covid-19 Budget Shortfalls
COMMENTARY | Local governments can counter new budget challenges by finding sources of untapped revenue.
Uncovering the 'Next Normal:' A Survey for Local Government Officials on the Effects of Covid-19
A new survey is asking local government workers and officials about how the pandemic has affected services, technology, team dynamics and more.
As Coronavirus Spreads, So Do Mandatory Mask Policies
More state and local leaders are passing mandatory mask policies—including California on Thursday—to help slow the spread of coronavirus, which is rising in some places as restrictions are loosened.
Coronavirus Sparks New Debate Over City's Fireworks Ban
City officials in Bismarck, North Dakota may ask voters whether they'd like to repeal a ban on home fireworks within the city limits, a proposal the mayor said was partially motivated by his desire to provide families with more activities to do together at home.
A Dip in the Public Pool This Summer? Local Leaders Weigh What’s Possible
Some states are giving the go-ahead for municipalities to open pools, but that doesn’t mean local governments will have the staff or financial resources to do so.
A City Looks to Expand Its Virus Tracing Workforce in Distressed Neighborhoods
Chicago is one of the latest jurisdictions around the U.S. seeking to beef up its contact tracing program. Experts say it’s a key step towards reopening the economy.
Sending Support: Battling Isolation, Seniors Find Comfort in Pen Pals
Senior centers, nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the country have launched pen-pal programs to help older adults battle social isolation created by the coronavirus.
D.C.'s Transit System Won't Fully Restart Service Until Next Spring
A phased recovery plan for the Metro system in the Washington, D.C. area doesn't envision a quick return to normal levels of service. Across the country, transit agencies are figuring out how to balance safety and service.
With Traditional Rites of Passage on Hold, High School Principals Find New Ways to Honor Graduating Seniors
Prom and graduation are canceled because of coronavirus, but high school principals across the country are working to make sure that seniors still feel special.
Hoping to Spark Joy, Firefighters Conduct Birthday Drive-Bys
Across the country, fire departments are lighting up their trucks to drive through the neighborhoods of kids who can't have birthday parties because of Covid-19.
Across the Country, Local Officials Hope New Rules Will Help Parks Reopen Safely
Dozens of municipalities are reopening park facilities, but requiring that visitors wear masks and adhere to social distancing to continue to fight the spread of Covid-19.
Canceled Fundraisers, Fewer Volunteers: Small Fire Departments Face Their Own Coronavirus Challenges
Staffing shortages, fundraising difficulties and a lack of personal protective equipment have forced rural and volunteer-driven fire departments to adapt quickly.
Amid Crisis, Mayors Can Build a Workforce for the Second Machine Age
COMMENTARY | The economic fallout of Covid-19 combined with growing automation is poised to transform millions of jobs nationwide. Mayors should start developing plans to create a more adaptable workforce for a rapidly changing economy.
Travelers Ignoring Mandatory Quarantine Orders? One Mayor Thinks You're a 'Covidiot.'
Kauai Mayor Derek Kawakami debuted the term after three people disregarded Hawaii's mandatory 14-day self-quarantine for travelers. Two more people have been arrested since.
Stay-At-Home Orders Can Be Dangerous for Victims of Domestic Violence. But Help Is Still Available.
Roughly half of agencies providing help to victims of domestic violence are closed during the coronavirus outbreak, but many have transitioned to virtual or phone services.
'It Can Happen to Anybody': When Coronavirus Spreads at a Local Health Department
Six employees at the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department tested positive for coronavirus. All were key to the department's pandemic response plan, leaving officials scrambling to find replacements.
Buddying Up For Quarantine: Animal Shelters Report Adoption Spikes Amid Pandemic Shutdowns
Requests to foster and adopt animals have skyrocketed across the country as Americans hunker down at home. But leaders at some animal shelters say they haven't seen the same boom, while all worry about future funding.
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