LOCAL GOVERNANCE

Apr 18 2026ENTERTAINMENT

How one person cut through L. A. 's red tape to save film shoots

Los Angeles once struggled to keep big productions from leaving town. Too many city departments worked separately, each with its own rules and delays. Enter Steve Kang, hired to act like a fast-track fixer. His goal wasn’t to change laws but to connect the dots between agencies. One test came when t

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Apr 09 2026ENVIRONMENT

Why a Plastic Bottle Ban Lacks Bite on Martha’s Vineyard

In 2021, Oak Bluffs residents voted to ban small plastic water bottles under 34 ounces—a move pushed by students worried about plastic waste. Five other towns on Martha’s Vineyard did the same after a campaign called Plastic Free MV urged action against single-use plastics between 2019 and 2022. But

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Feb 18 2026EDUCATION

Springfield Schools: A Shift in Control

In Springfield, big changes are happening in the school system. Eight schools are getting ready to leave the Empowerment Zone and go back to being run by the Springfield School Department. This is a first for the state, and it's a big deal. The schools that are moving are Duggan Academy, Van Sickle

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Feb 14 2026OPINION

Anchorage Assembly: Standing Up for the Community

The Anchorage Assembly has been under fire for taking a stand on federal issues, but critics are missing the point. Local governments have always weighed in on federal policies that impact their communities. It's not about overreach; it's about leadership. For years, cities across the country have

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Jan 15 2026ENVIRONMENT

Building Stronger Communities: A Guide to Bioregional Living

Bioregional living is all about focusing on the area where you live. It's about using local resources, supporting local businesses, and making decisions that benefit your community and the environment. This approach is gaining traction as people seek to reduce their reliance on global systems and bu

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Dec 30 2025POLITICS

Local Police Joining Forces with ICE: A Growing Trend

In a move that has sparked debate, over 1, 250 local police departments across 40 states have teamed up with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This collaboration, known as the 287(g) program, allows local police to assist in immigration enforcement. The program has seen a significant increa

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Dec 14 2025LIFESTYLE

Saratoga's Secret Strength: The Power of Neighborhoods

Saratoga is known for its top-notch schools, lovely parks, and a downtown area that feels like a postcard. But the real magic of this city lies in its neighborhoods. These are the places where Saratoga's true spirit shines. It's not about the buildings or the streets; it's about the people and the b

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Nov 02 2025BUSINESS

West Boylston's Big Changes: Apartments, Burgers, and More

West Boylston is buzzing with new projects. A big apartment complex called Gates Brook Place is coming to town. It will have 80 units, with a quarter set aside for affordable housing. The spot is near West Boylston and Pierce streets. The project will cost over $38. 7 million. The developer, Branded

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Oct 29 2025POLITICS

Minneapolis Needs a Leader Who Cares

Minneapolis is a city full of heart, but it's also a city with struggles. There are people living on the streets, others fighting addiction and mental health battles, and neighborhoods that have been left behind. It's clear that the city needs a leader who understands these issues and is ready to ta

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Oct 29 2025POLITICS

Nassau County's Winning Strategy: A Contrast to NYC's Approach

Nassau County, New York, has been making waves with its recent partnership with federal immigration authorities. This collaboration has led to notable outcomes, with officials reporting a significant drop in crime rates. The county's police force has been working closely with ICE, resulting in the a

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