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Stresses on urban communities continue to affect housing, food security, child services, homelessness, business development and crime. Coverage includes stories about new solutions to how cities are run, how they develop as urban centers and about the people who live there.
Polarized politics has changed the dynamics of legislation and policymaking at the state and local level. Political parties with supermajorities are increasingly in control in many states and cities. These stories explain what that means for legislators, governors and mayors and how politicians can navigate this new political landscape.
State and local governments face a tight labor market and a competitive disadvantage with the private sector. But salaries aren’t the only issue, with cities, counties and states all grappling with training, retention, remote work and increased union activity.
This coverage will look at how public leaders establish new policies in a range of crucial areas of government – health, education, public safety, for example – and how these policies impact people’s lives through better services, effective regulations and new programs. This will include stories examining how state and local government approaches policymaking around emerging areas, including artificial intelligence.
Fiscal and ridership changes are impacting transportation policies at the state and local levels. These articles focus on innovative and successful transit planning, funding and upkeep for intercity and commuter rail, electric vehicles, mass transit and more.
Historic rainfall that devastated the Southeast was generated by conditions that still exist. What lessons can local governments in other parts of the country take from Helene?
Too many contracts go to larger, more-established companies. But it’s younger, smaller businesses that often are better at leveraging new technologies and efficiencies. We need to avoid “vendor lock-in.”
  • Jane Newhouse, of Newhouse Wildlife Rescue in Chelmsford, Mass., regarding 2-year-old beaver Nibi. The fate of the beaver has ended up in court, with a hearing set for Friday, Oct. 4, to determine whether Nibi gets to stay with the rescuers or if she must be released into the wild as winter approaches. The case has garnered significant attention from the public and even lawmakers — Gov. Maura Healey even pledged to make sure Nibi is protected. (Associated Press — Oct. 3, 2024)