Hickory school merger vote: what Catawba County’s decision means for families now
Hickory NC – Catawba County approved a plan to merge local school systems, but state approval is still required and major details remain in transition.
Local Headlines
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Fremont’s $51 million Central Park Community Center is now under construction. Here’s what it replaces, what it adds, and when it could open
Fremont CA – The city has started building a new Central Park Community Center, with a 2028 opening target, more flexible space, and a replacement for aging facilities.
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Fort Worth’s $845 million bond is on the ballot now: what early voters should know before May 2
Fort Worth TX – Early voting is open on a six-proposition, $845 million bond package that would fund streets, parks, libraries, housing support and more.
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Fort Wayne’s $91 million utility construction plan is moving ahead, starting with Belmont drainage and lead-line work
Fort Wayne IN – The city says more than $91 million in utility work is planned for 2026, with Belmont stormwater fixes and lead-line replacement among the first visible projects.
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Sunrise says property taxes fund core city services as Florida’s tax debate heats up
Sunrise FL – The city says property-tax revenue helps pay for police, fire rescue, parks, roads, and other daily services as Tallahassee revisits local tax policy.
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Auburn may expand its housing density bonus into residential zones. Here’s what changes and when to weigh in
Auburn WA – The city is reviewing a housing code change that could extend its density bonus into RC, R-1 and R-2 zones, with comments due May 4.
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Romulus ICE fight shifts to water service as residents press GLWA
Romulus MI – The dispute over a proposed ICE detention site is now moving into water and sewer service, adding GLWA to the city’s zoning and court fight.
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Las Vegas 911 surcharge is now in effect as officials move toward a new unified dispatch center
Las Vegas NV – A new countywide 911 surcharge took effect April 1, and officials say it will help fund emergency communications upgrades and a joint dispatch center.
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Kansas City’s Royals stadium plan moved from proposal to site announcement — what happens next
Kansas City MO – The Royals named a Crown Center-area site on April 22, but the project still needs financing, zoning, infrastructure, and public approvals.
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Jersey City opens public comment on its 2026 federal housing and services spending plan
Jersey City NJ – The city has opened a 30-day comment period on its 2026 HUD spending plan, giving residents and nonprofits a chance to weigh in before May 25.
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Jacksonville residents could face higher JEA costs as the utility weighs rate changes and a capacity-fee review
Jacksonville FL – JEA’s April 14 workshop and a City Council probe over capacity fees could affect household bills, connection costs, and future infrastructure funding.
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Irving’s May 2 ballot no longer includes a DART exit vote as early voting opens for mayor and council races
Irving TX – Early voting is underway for the May 2 city election, but the DART withdrawal question was canceled in February and is not on the ballot.
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Birmingham downzoned parts of east Birmingham on April 21. What Airport Hills, East Birmingham, East Lake and Woodlawn should know now
Birmingham AL – The City Council approved east-side rezoning tied to the Eastern Framework Plan, changing rules in parts of Airport Hills, East Birmingham, East Lake and Woodlawn.
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Fremont’s draft 2026-27 action plan puts $2.2 million in federal housing and services funds on the table
Fremont CA – The city’s draft 2026-27 action plan would direct about $2.2 million in federal housing and community funds, and residents can weigh in before May 12.
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Fort Worth voters are already voting on an $845 million bond package — here’s what’s on the ballot and why it matters
Fort Worth TX – Early voting is underway on an $845 million bond package and charter changes. Here’s what the ballot funds, what may change, and why it matters.
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Fort Wayne launches new downtown plan after council approval
Fort Wayne IN – City Council approved a contract for a new downtown plan, starting a long-range update that could shape zoning, streets, and investment.
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Fontana planning panel backs easier downtown dining and parking rules as the city pushes its core redevelopment
Fontana CA – The Planning Commission backed downtown zoning changes that could ease parking rules and formalize outdoor dining, but the City Council still must approve them.
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Fayetteville pauses data center zoning work, opening the door to a moratorium debate
Fayetteville NC – City Council has slowed work on a data center zoning ordinance and is now weighing whether a moratorium should be studied next.
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Belfry commuters face months of Pikeville bypass detours as rockfall project closes key stretch
Belfry KY – A Pikeville bypass closure started Monday and will change daily drives for Belfry residents heading into town for work, school, errands, and appointments.
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Clarksburg street closures keep shifting as downtown utility work nears its finish
Clarksburg WV – Traffic alerts are still changing in North View, Stealey, and downtown as utility work nears completion, but paving and lane shifts continue.
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Grundy-area taxpayers can now see Buchanan County’s proposed FY27 budget. Here’s what stands out.
Grundy VA – Buchanan County has posted its proposed FY 2026-2027 budget, showing major school, capital, flood, and opioid settlement spending before adoption.
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Chicago Public Schools says May 1 will be a full school day: what families need to know now
Chicago IL – CPS says May 1 is a regular instructional day with normal transportation and activities, plus limited civic-event options for some students.