New California law offers fresh protection from steep ambulance bills
The law prohibits ambulance companies from balance billing patients, or charging them for any unpaid costs after insurance. Patients can expect to save an average of nearly $1,100 per emergency ambulance ride, experts say.
Local govs need a helping hand from states to build climate resiliency
North Carolina offers technical assistance to help local leaders assess their communities’ climate vulnerabilities and develop sustainable solutions.
‘I felt so naughty’: New open carry alcohol laws boost downtowns
Some places see promise in areas allowing visitors to shop, sip and stroll.
What to watch for in Tuesday’s high-stakes elections
Abortion rights are playing a pivotal role in elections in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
‘Tripledemic’ dashboards set health agencies up for flu season
COVID, influenza and RSV—oh my! Fall and winter bring an increase in respiratory illnesses, so state health departments are revamping their COVID dashboards for enhanced insights into their communities’ health.
House proposes slashing $4B from the EPA
The GOP funding cuts, passed along party lines, would significantly impact state and local efforts to improve drinking water and reduce water pollution. Additional cuts would severely hamper environmental justice projects.
Who should have land-use authority in green energy projects?
Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation that would shift some land-use authorities to the state to streamline renewable energy developments. But local governments and residents fear their voices will get left behind in the race to build green infrastructure.
‘Worse than people can imagine’: Medicaid ‘unwinding’ breeds chaos in states
States have terminated Medicaid coverage for more than 10 million Americans since March, leaving families and individuals scrambling to seek alternative health insurance plans or apply for coverage renewals.
Investing in public benefit navigators is a crucial step toward equity
COMMENTARY | A public-private partnership in Philadelphia is helping residents overcome the barriers to accessing the public benefits and tax credits they’re entitled to.
Access to public records is 'deteriorating terribly'
In a time when trust in state and local government is under siege, public access to information is particularly vital.
Why some schools are halting Halloween celebrations
Concerns that some students may feel excluded from Halloween celebrations has prompted some districts to move celebrations outside of school hours.
After hottest summer on record, local governments are underreporting heat deaths
Bexar County’s medical examiner blames lack of data for the decision not to list heat as a cause on any summer deaths.
Western states look to these lands for new affordable housing
State-owned trust lands were created to support schools and other community benefits.
Politicians love to cite crime data. It’s often wrong.
Only 71% of U.S. law enforcement agencies submitted 2022 crime data to the FBI.
Communities look to end prison-to-homelessness pipeline
Incarceration and homelessness are inextricably linked, each cycling into the other. As the housing crisis drags on, state and local governments are looking to prevent former inmates from becoming homeless in the first place.
Hear that? It’s the sound of leaf blower bans.
As restrictions spread, neighborhoods are getting quieter—and cleaner.
Number of uninsured drivers in one state plummets with new verification system, automatic fines
Arkansas’ enforcement mechanism is one of the strictest in the U.S., constantly checking insurance status in real time. Many other states only check once a month.
Report: Abortions up nationwide post-Dobbs, soared in some states
Despite some states' attempts to restrict abortion access, the number of abortions have increased nationwide since Roe v. Wade was overturned. Some observers say the rise in patients seeking abortions could put a strain on clinics with limited resources and staff.
Cops want guns off the streets. But are buyback programs the way?
Some observers say buyback programs are ineffective at best and can sometimes detract from other violence prevention efforts.
Farm groups, weather and climate watchers pitch state funding for network of weather stations
The Nebraska Mesonet system, once the envy of the nation, has fallen on hard times because of uncertain funding/
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