Baltimore smoke-shop crackdown advances as zoning and enforcement split
Baltimore MD – City leaders are moving two smoke-shop measures forward: a zoning bill for new locations and a separate enforcement push for repeat violators.
Public Policy
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Chicago Public Schools starts next budget cycle with a $732.5 million gap
Chicago Public Schools has opened its 2026-27 budget process with a $732.5 million deficit, raising early staffing and program pressure at schools citywide.
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Newark votes today for mayor and council in election that will shape city policy
Newark voters head to the polls today for mayor, council seats and ward races that could affect city budgets, housing, transit and services.
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Columbus weighs recycled wastewater for data centers as utility demand rises
Columbus officials are exploring reclaimed wastewater for data-center cooling as the city plans for rising water demand and major utility investments.
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Chicago SNAP cutoffs begin May 1 as new work rules affect some households
Some Chicago-area SNAP households face benefit cutoffs after May 1 under new work-reporting rules, with county help, pantry resources, and school support available.
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Minnesota ruling leaves Lester Prairie families with school uncertainty
A federal judge declined to restore school-protection limits on immigration agents, leaving Minnesota districts and Lester Prairie families waiting for the next court step.
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Fairbanks charter fight heads to court after state board approval
Fairbanks AK – The school district is moving to challenge Pearl Creek STEAM’s approval in court, with enrollment, building use, and costs now in play.
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Beloit candidates face June 1 filing deadline for 2026 local races
Beloit, KS municipal candidates in Mitchell County must file by noon Monday, June 1, 2026, with county and state calendars both confirming the deadline.
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Huntsville approves $348,874 study of passenger rail links
Huntsville approved a $348,874 study of possible passenger rail links, but the work is planning only and does not commit the city to service.
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Houston budget proposal adds a $5 trash fee before June 3 vote
Houston’s proposed FY 2027 budget would add a $5 monthly trash fee, with council set to vote June 3 after reviewing a city study.
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Spokane voters will decide a transit-tax renewal on Aug. 4
Spokane Transit has advanced a 0.2% sales-and-use tax renewal to the Aug. 4 primary ballot, with Spokane City Council already backing it.
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Wichita Falls council to review voucher plan May 19 as wait list stays long
Wichita Falls City Council will hold a May 19 hearing on housing voucher rules while the wait list remains open and the posted wait time is about 24 months.
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Pittsburgh asks residents and workers how safe its streets feel
Pittsburgh has opened a survey through Aug. 7 asking residents and workers how they travel, where they feel unsafe, and what street changes to prioritize.
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Memphis launches 38109 survey on community benefits around xAI facilities
Memphis has opened a survey for residents near xAI facilities in 38109, inviting feedback on neighborhood impacts and possible reinvestment.
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Port Jefferson NY budget fight heads into an extra April 24 meeting
Port Jefferson trustees added an April 24 special meeting as they kept working on the tentative FY 2026/2027 budget and a still-steep proposed tax hike.
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St. Louis water bills could rise under new city rate proposal
St. Louis MO – City leaders are proposing another water-rate increase that could add about $7 to $9 a month for average households if approved.
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Albuquerque council changes renter cooling rules after April 20 vote
Albuquerque NM – City Council approved changes to the renter cooling ordinance on April 20, altering the final rules landlords will have to follow.
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Albuquerque Council approved a new renter cooling season before May 1
Albuquerque City Council gave final approval to a revised rental cooling rule on April 20, setting a May 1 to Sept. 30 season before summer.
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Seattle and King County press KCRHA for fixes after audit exposes financial-control failures
Seattle WA – Leaders are demanding a fast written response from KCRHA after a forensic audit found cash-reconciliation gaps, overspending, and weak controls.
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Seattle’s homelessness authority audit is forcing a new fight over regional control and oversight
Seattle WA – A state audit has put fresh pressure on KCRHA, raising questions about spending controls, shelter contracts, and whether Seattle should rethink the regional model.
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Honolulu Salary Commission Approves New Pay Levels for Top City Officials
Honolulu HI – The Salary Commission unanimously approved new pay levels for top city officials on April 22, tying the move to fiscal year 2026-2027.
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Greensboro’s Housing First Plus rollout is taking shape — and landlords are being asked to help
Greensboro NC – The city is moving Housing First Plus from announcement to action, with a landlord meeting and funding workshop aimed at building permanent-housing capacity.
