State Officials Jump on EPA After Toxic Spill; Alaska’s Texas Influx
Also: New free feature at the Minnesota State Fair and taxi medallion compensation?
Should States and Localities Exert More Control Over Federal Land?
At a Council of State Governments West annual meeting, some lawmakers push ideas to boost local input in federal land management decisions.
North Carolina Stiff Arms EPA; Texas Voter ID Law Shot Down in Appeals Court
Also: Kansas expects “ag-gag” law challenge and Chicago’s new plastic-bag ban energizes market for dog-poop wrappers.
Do Nebraska and Oklahoma Have a Strong Case as They Challenge Colorado's Marijuana Laws?
One legal scholar doesn't think so.
Federal Judge Hands Down Ruling on Virginia’s Confederate Flag License Plates
The state’s chapter of the Sons of Confederate Veterans argued that a ban would violate their First Amendment rights.
USGS Grant to Fund Earthquake Early Warning System Expansion on West Coast
Four universities in California, Oregon and Washington state will get much needed money to improve ShakeAlert technology that’s been under development.
Looming Northeast Corridor Rail Disaster Demands Solutions
The New York City region needs significant transit infrastructure investments to stay competitive. Can “value capture” financing techniques emerge as an alternative to increased taxation?
Looking at Colorado Marijuana-Linked Death, CDC Advises States on Risks From Edibles
Earlier this year, new rules for packaging and labeling went into effect in the Centennial State.
Puerto Rico Debt Default All But Certain, a Rating Agency Warns
Analysts at Moody’s Investors Service also say that investors are set to take a big hit when it comes to recovering what they’re owed.
Feds Increasingly Frustrated With Lack of State Action on Hudson River Tunnels
With the clock ticking down quickly, DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx says: “[W]e need to get down to brass tacks” on such a critical infrastructure project.
States Rethink Laws Denying the Vote to Felons
Election laws disenfranchise 5.9 million felons, but many states are rethinking those rules.
With Puerto Rico on Fiscal Brink, Senators Introduce Chapter 9 Bill to ‘Avert Disaster’
U.S. Sens. Blumenthal and Schumer co-sponsor legislation to expand the bankruptcy code for the commonwealth.
A Guide to Treating Internet Access Like Critical Infrastructure (Because It Is)
High-quality broadband networks are improving state and local economies and services where they’re embraced, per a recent Next Century Cities report.
New Mexico Wants to Connect Disruptive Technologists With Investors
The state’s Economic Development Department aims to foster startups that generate jobs.
On Medicaid Expansion, a Question of Math and Politics
President Barack Obama has vowed to redouble his administration’s efforts to persuade all states to expand Medicaid. But if history is any indication, achieving that goal will take some time.
Mental Illness in County Jails a Top Agenda Item at NACo’s 2015 Conference
County governments continue to struggle with establishing systems of care that cater to the 2 million offenders with mental illness in their collective jails.
Transportation Trumps 'No Taxes' in Many States
“No new taxes?” Many governors broke that pledge to pay for critical transportation needs.
Massachusetts Uses Job Training as a Path to Sobriety
Eleven states are using federal grant money to help people with addictions find a road to sobriety. In Massachusetts, one pathway is through job training.
Texas AG Thinks County Officials Can Avoid Issuing Marriage Licenses to Same-Sex Couples
Exercising religious freedom or discrimination?
State and Local Leaders React to the Supreme Court’s Marriage Equality Ruling
Palm Springs’ mayor: “Looking around me, reading headlines, taking calls from around the nation ... Today, I just feel love.”
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