LOCAL GOVERNMENT

May 26 2026CRIME

Neighbors take drastic safety steps as gun violence spreads in Seattle

A quiet Seattle neighborhood near Aurora Avenue is changing in unsettling ways. For weeks, local residents have watched crime creep closer to their homes. After another weekend shooting left shell casings scattered across the street, neighbors decided to act without waiting for officials. Now, shak

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May 26 2026POLITICS

Venice and beyond: Right-wing coalition holds strong in mayoral races

Voters in Venice just handed Meloni’s coalition an unexpected win—despite polls earlier this month suggesting the left was ahead. Simone Venturini, the center-right candidate, secured over half the votes with 51%, avoiding a runoff and keeping the city under right-wing leadership for another term. T

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May 20 2026POLITICS

Data Centers, Power and Politics: Virginia’s Growing Debate

Virginia is becoming the world’s hub for data centers, with a concentration so dense that it consumes enough electricity to light almost 900, 000 homes. These facilities promise hefty tax income for counties and a boost to the local workforce, yet they also raise serious questions about energy use a

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May 19 2026BUSINESS

How Sales Tax Money Helps Build Neighborhoods Just Outside Business Zones

In Louisiana, a recent legal opinion opened the door for a unique way to fund neighborhood growth. The state’s top lawyer looked at a plan in Monroe where sales tax money collected near a busy highway could support new homes a short distance away. The area isn’t officially classified as a business h

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May 18 2026OPINION

Florida Projects and Politics: A Fresh Take

In Florida, many local projects have sparked heated debate. One example is a controversial facility that cost millions of dollars and was seen by some as a political stunt. Critics say the money could have been better spent elsewhere, and that it was unlikely to be reimbursed by higher levels of gov

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May 18 2026POLITICS

Parishes Lose Push to Cut Inventory Taxes in Louisiana Primary

Louisiana voters turned down a plan that would have let local governments lower or eliminate taxes on business stock. The measure, called Amendment 4, was one of five items on the ballot and saw a strong majority vote against it. Official counts show that more than two‑thirds of participants said no

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May 17 2026OPINION

Rent Control Isn’t the Fix for Housing Prices

A group of city leaders in Massachusetts has spoken out against a plan that would force every town to follow the same rent‑control rules. The proposal, set for a 2026 vote, would apply one rule to all 351 municipalities. It ignores the unique needs of each community. Worcester, the state’s sec

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May 17 2026POLITICS

Retirement doesn’t slow this finance expert down

Carlos Zamora packed up his decades in global banking last week, but retirement won’t last long. Instead of relaxing, he’s diving into a new challenge: running for Kootenai County Treasurer. The election is just days away, and Zamora will face Teresa Mallery in the Republican primary. Whoever wins t

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May 14 2026POLITICS

Northside Park Gets Green Light for Build

The City of Missoula has finally given the okay to start building a brand-new park near the north side of town. This project has been in the works for a while, with locals keeping an eye on updates. The park is planned to cover a good chunk of land, offering green space and recreational spots for fa

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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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