Lawmakers advance new business surtax aimed at funding NJ Transit
A NJ Transit train arrives at the Hamilton train station. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo | New Jersey Monitor) NJ Transit is one step closer to a dedicated funding source after…
Rural identity emerging as key factor in politics
Academics have highlighted a rural identity in politics. (Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Most observers link identity politics with Democrats, as underrepresented groups have used their common fate as a vehicle for…
City Council should use its leverage on police contract to end MPD ‘coaching’ secrecy
Minneapolis City Hall. Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer. As reported by the Reformer’s Deena Winter, the proposed MPD contract would make Minneapolis law enforcement among the highest paid in the…
While FL politicians push expensive fossil fuels, utilities are building lots of solar farms
Solar farms like this one in Clay County are popping up in rural parts of the state. Photo via Moss Construction Quality Journalism for Critical Times I was in the…
Reading skills, wetland, higher education laws going into effect July 1
From reading skills to happy hour, all or parts of nearly 150 laws will take effect July 1 in Indiana. Other key topics include wetlands, higher education oversight and more.…
Rep. Mike Mrowicki: Put away that credit card, governor
This commentary is by Rep. Mike Mrowicki. He represents the Windham-4 district (Putney and Dummerston) in the Vermont House. He serves on the Government Operations Committee. Living off your credit…
State budget loaded with earmarks nears deadline for action by Missouri Gov. Mike Parson
House Budget Chair Cody Smith, R-Carthage, summarizes his budget proposal to reporters Thursday, March 14 (Annelise Hanshaw/Missouri Independent). For years, state Sen. Mike Moon has railed against the unfairness of…
Southern Vermont swift-water rescue team honored for flood response
Eric Wilson, left, Drew Hazelton and Tyler Boucher, pictured here at their Brattleboro station on June 21, were among seven Rescue Inc. volunteers who were honored for their response during…
Investigation finds Wisconsin school failed to comply with seclusion and restraint policies
Weston Elementary School. (Photo courtesy Candice Corey) A recent investigation found a Wisconsin school failed to comply with several seclusion and restraint policies, including ensuring sufficient training, properly documenting seclusion…
Undecided voters are the prize for both Biden and Trump in presidential debate
President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump will get a crucial opportunity to reach undecided voters and set the terms for the 2024 presidential campaign at Thursday night’s debate…