LOCAL GOVERNMENT

May 12 2026POLITICS

New Local Pay Rule Passes Despite State Objections

The city recently approved a new rule about how much workers must earn in small businesses. Government leaders voted yes even though state officials warned them it could cause legal trouble. Normally, when higher-level leaders say no, cities listen. This time, they didn’t. Not everyone agrees with

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May 11 2026POLITICS

Downtown DeKalb’s New Sip‑and‑Shop Plan: A Mix of Support and Skepticism

"City officials are pushing a new entertainment district that would let people carry one drink in a special cup while walking between shops and restaurants. The idea is to boost foot traffic after dark, making downtown a lively spot for diners, shoppers and moviegoers. A council vote is set for Mond

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May 10 2026POLITICS

Reinventing Anchorage: How Local Leaders Are Tackling Big Challenges

Anchorage stands at a crossroads where tough choices can’t be avoided. Money is tight, families are feeling the pinch, and young adults are deciding if this city is where they’ll build their future. Behind the scenes, over 3, 000 municipal workers – bus drivers, road crews, park rangers – keep the c

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May 09 2026POLITICS

How Onondaga County is working to better connect with residents

The leaders of Onondaga County have spent months talking with people about taxes, housing, and how the government spends money. They’ve made changes like letting more public input shape decisions and forming new groups to advise on housing and transport. They’ve also capped gas tax charges and tight

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May 02 2026POLITICS

A Local Government's Big Move Before a Tax Talk

Just before a heated discussion on property taxes kicks off, a county made a surprising financial decision. Officials agreed to buy the local water system from a nearby river basin. This purchase isn't just about pipes and pumps. It’s a move that could shake up how the county handles its resources a

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May 01 2026POLITICS

City Money Update: Where It Comes From and Where It Goes

At a recent meeting, city finance leaders shared a small rise in first-quarter income tax collections for 2026. The bump was tiny—just half a percent higher than the same time last year, adding $3, 872. Most of that extra cash came from people filing personal tax returns, business estimates, and pay

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Apr 30 2026POLITICS

New Rules Coming for Data Centers in PA Townships

Towamencin Township might soon join other local governments trying to control where massive data centers get built. Unlike small server rooms, today’s data centers are giant warehouses packed with servers that run everything from social media to artificial intelligence. They need tons of electricity

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Apr 27 2026POLITICS

The Ocean Spill That Sparked Earth Day and a Call for Better Local Leaders

On January 28, 1969 an oil rig off Santa Barbara released over three million gallons of crude into the sea. The disaster killed thousands of birds, dolphins and seals and sent shockwaves through the public conscience. People rallied for change, pushing schools to teach about nature and lawmakers to

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Apr 20 2026POLITICS

A Local Leader for Coeur d’Alene Police

The city council is set to decide who will steer the police department next. Two names stand out: Dave Hagar, the interim chief, and Greg Yeager, a deputy from Fort Collins. The mayor backs Hagar, while the city administrator supports Yeager, revealing a split in council opinion. Hagar has been wit

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Apr 19 2026OPINION

Housing Money Matters: Why Colorado Must Keep the Funds

Colorado faces a real housing crisis. People can’t afford to live where they work, and the problem spreads to all ages. Young adults hide in basements, older ones struggle to downsize, and families drive farther for jobs. This hurts local roads and makes it hard for employers to find talent. In 202

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