What happened on Sunday, 12 January 2025
Senate, Introduced, 2025 Bills, Virginia Legislation Bills, Virginia
New Virginia bill imposes penalties for obstructing access to health care facilities.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Joe Dishaw pitched a large fall haunted-house and carnival plan for Ted Williams Camp, proposing permanent-style animatronic shelters, new wiring and cleared parking areas. Park commissioners said they will not approve tree removal and flagged conservation, permitting and electric-permit hurdles.
Humboldt County, California
Supervisors approved changes to how the clerk posts at-large vacancies and directed staff to return with proposals to reform the Aviation Advisory Committee, Fish and Game Advisory Committee, Human Rights Commission and to disband an inactive Project Trellis subcommittee.
Palm Beach County, Florida
The Planning Commission voted to initiate a resiliency element to consolidate county climate adaptation and mitigation policies; motion passed with two dissenting votes.
Senate, Introduced, 2025 Bills, Virginia Legislation Bills, Virginia
Virginia's DMAS seeks changes to allow consumer-directed services under Medicaid waivers.
RSU 52/MSAD 52, School Districts, Maine
Quick reference: motions and formal votes taken at the MSAD 52 board meeting, including consent agenda approval, a failed second reading on policy JIE and the authorization of reserve funds for the wastewater project.
New Hanover County, North Carolina
The New Hanover County Planning Board on Jan. 9 held a preliminary forum for two linked special use permit applications in Porters Neck proposing a mixed‑use multifamily building (62 units plus 1,800 sq. ft. of commercial) and an additional‑dwelling allowance for 242 row‑style homes, a combined 304 units that drew public questions about traffic, stormwater and school capacity.
Center Grove Community School Corp, School Boards, Indiana
The board authorized administration to acquire or purchase four sewer easements north of the main campus to allow Greenwood to upgrade sewer lines; district leaders said the city required the easements and that Lennar’s nearby subdivision is a partner in the work.
Health Care, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
At its first meeting, the Vermont House Health Care Committee oriented new and returning members on procedures, committee liaisons and upcoming introductory sessions on Medicaid and insurance, and the committee chair urged punctuality and respectful witness handling.
House, Introduced, 2025 Bills, Virginia Legislation Bills, Virginia
Virginia introduces House Bill 2562 to amend abortion laws regarding nonviable pregnancies.
Education, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
Agency officials and regional participants described rising behavioral acuity among younger students, mismatched tiers of support, staffing shortages and long wait lists for therapeutic placements; the agency said coding inconsistencies prevent quantifying total mental‑health costs without new data collection
Franklin City, Williamson County, Tennessee
City officials said Liberty Park will receive a $7 million upgrade paid from parkland dedication fees; City Hall staff are moving temporarily to the First Bank building while the hall is demolished and rebuilt; the board is considering initiating an annexation plan-of-services study for land along East U.S. 96.
Palm Beach County, Florida
The Planning Commission voted to initiate a dedicated resiliency element in the comprehensive plan, a staff‑led effort to consolidate climate adaptation, mitigation, sustainable development, equity and regional coordination; initiation passed with two dissenting votes.
Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish County, Washington
The draft 2025–2031 Stormwater Comprehensive Plan update outlines Ecology permit-driven requirements, climate-resilience goals and prioritized capital projects; staff plans to hold a public hearing and present a rate-adoption vote on Feb. 6.
Town of Stratford, Fairfield, Connecticut
The Stratford Historic District Commission unanimously approved a certificate of appropriateness Jan. 9 allowing the owner of 78 White Street to replace siding, windows, the front door and the roof after halting unpermitted work and submitting revised plans aligning with the commission's recommendations.
RSU 52/MSAD 52, School Districts, Maine
A parent urged the board to revisit facility‑use rules that require custodian presence for outside groups, and the Plant/Transportation/Building Committee reported ongoing capital‑project planning including boilers, fuel‑tank relocation and ventilation upgrades.
Northampton Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
Superintendent Bonner said the district will produce three budget scenarios for FY26 (target 4% increase, level services, and a 'dream' budget). Finance staff said a recent $40,000 appropriation for Bridge Street School positions will be added to the recurring base used to calculate next year's budget.
Tehachapi Unified, School Districts, California
Board members met in closed session on Jan. 9 to consider a salary range to include in the superintendent job description after consultant input; no salary decision was made and a formal vote is scheduled for the next regular meeting.
Sedgwick County, Kansas
Sedgwick County held a swearing-in ceremony on a snowy Sunday in January, formally installing Jeff Lubas as commissioner for District 2 and Stephanie Wise as commissioner for District 3 and swearing in Kelly Arnold as county clerk and Brandy Bailey as county treasurer.
Humboldt County, California
The board approved formation of two Permanent Road Divisions (PRD1000 zones) for McKinleyville subdivisions after the auditor-controller opened ballots. Morgan subdivision ballots returned 24 yes / 2 no; Washington Terrace returned 39 yes / 0 no.
Education, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
Agency officials said they reissued the state education profile after regional validation, plan to accelerate state-assessment reporting and will publish source data sets and methodology 'recipe cards' to support legislative and local analysis
Transportation, Executive, Oklahoma
The commission approved a negotiated contractor settlement totaling $946,320.70, authorized multiple engineering contracts and supplements, accepted contract assignments, and heard Director Gatz outline major 2025 projects and a safety campaign focused on seat belts and work zones.
Palm Beach County, Florida
The commission voted 8–4 to deny a future‑land‑use amendment request to change a 5.93‑acre property from Rural Residential 2.5 to Commercial Low after staff found the proposed commercial uses incompatible with adjacent single‑family homes.
Huron City Council, Huron, Erie County, Ohio
At a Jan. 14 work session, Huron City Council members directed staff to prepare legislation to address existing business signage in public rights of way after staff said the city’s code prohibits such signs but lacks a process for handling preexisting encroachments.
Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish County, Washington
Staff presented cost comparisons and financing scenarios for replacing the Recreation Pavilion and recommended community engagement before selecting a final design and funding approach.
RSU 52/MSAD 52, School Districts, Maine
Multiple parents spoke during public comment to request the district require explicit parental opt‑in for the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, expressing concern about sexual‑health questions for middle‑school students and requesting an independent review of survey content.
Franklin City, Williamson County, Tennessee
City of Franklin officials told residents at a town-hall meeting that the city has awarded a contract to rebuild McEwen Drive, funded largely by federal grants, and that construction is tentatively scheduled to begin in March with an expected three-year timeline.
Center Grove Community School Corp, School Boards, Indiana
The board approved a resolution authorizing supplemental payments to bring full-time teachers’ 2024-25 salaries up to at least $50,000, effective with the Jan. 17 payroll; administration estimated about 76 teachers would receive the supplemental payment to reach the minimum and said funds would come from cash balance, not current budget.
Travis County Court, Texas Courts, Judicial, Texas
At a Spanish-language magistrate proceeding in Travis County Court, a magistrate read rights to an accused, set bail amounts for three misdemeanor charges, allowed personal-recognizance release, and issued an emergency protective order for Lucia Martínez through March 14.
Humboldt County, California
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted 5-0 to accept a modified general-plan amendment and start processing a zoning change and conditional-use review that would allow the Yeehaw intentional community near Trinidad to pursue emergency housing permits under revised rules.
Education, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
Good afternoon. Zoe Saunders, secretary of education, told a joint hearing of the House Education Committee and the Senate Education Committee on Jan. 10 that the Agency of Education’s statewide “listen and learn” tour documented consistent themes and will inform an education transformation proposal coming with the governor’s budget.
Northampton Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
After debate about utility and scoring, the committee voted to brief the body on one committee norm at the start of each meeting, with a single member giving a two-sentence reminder and no extended discussion.
Palm Beach County, Florida
The Planning Commission voted 8‑4 to deny a proposed comprehensive plan amendment to reclassify a 5.93‑acre Acreage parcel from Rural Residential 2.5 to Commercial Low, citing incompatibility with the neighborhood plan and proximity to single‑family homes.
Los Angeles County, California
Officials announced in-person local assistance centers at Pasadena City College and UCLA Research Park, encouraged residents to use recovery.lacounty.gov, warned of scams and price gouging, and advised health protections for smoke exposure.
Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish County, Washington
Waste Management apologized for a mailbox mailing error and presented operational updates — including customer tools, contamination and extras fees, and preparations for Washington’s stricter organics rules — to the Mountlake Terrace City Council.
Humboldt County, California
Faced with a presidential proclamation naming Jan. 9, 2025 a day of mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, the board decided county offices will remain open but allowed staff to use paid leave or take the day unpaid for mourning.
Northampton Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
Multiple public commenters, including JFK special-education staff and parents, told the School Committee the middle school is understaffed and that staffing cuts and shortages are harming students' services and safety.
Appropriations, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
The House Appropriations Committee met Friday to begin work on the fiscal 2025 budget adjustment and the FY26 budget, received a Joint Fiscal Office briefing on timeline, revenue forecasts and budget risks, and elected Representative Trevor Squirrel as committee clerk.
Los Angeles County, California
Sheriff and city law enforcement reported dozens of arrests including cases tied to drone flights; the district attorney warned of prosecutions for looting, arson and price gouging while officials said ATF-led and regional teams are investigating causes of multiple fires.
RSU 52/MSAD 52, School Districts, Maine
The board authorized up to $400,000 in reserve funding to cover a projected shortfall in the district wastewater improvements project, including an increased contingency required by the DEP.
Fairfax Town, Marin County, California
With resignations in both elected offices, the council voted to appoint interim officers rather than hold a special election and directed staff to open an applications/interview process to meet the state 60‑day requirement.
Northampton Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
The Northampton School Committee approved the Northampton High School (NHS) Program of Study for 2025–26 with an asterisk noting that proposed graduation/attendance language will be reviewed by the rules and policy subcommittee for alignment with district graduation policy IFK.
Palm Beach County, Florida
The Westgate Community Redevelopment Agency requested a text amendment to the comprehensive plan to increase the WCRAO bonus density pool by 3,000 units to support transit‑oriented redevelopment, including a planned 42‑acre redevelopment of the Palm Beach Kennel Club site; the commission recommended approval unanimously.
Los Angeles County, California
Law enforcement described tens of thousands under evacuation orders and warnings, ongoing grid searches that have found remains, a countywide curfew and halted escort services while search-and-rescue and coroner procedures continue.
Fairfax Town, Marin County, California
After community fundraising assurances and debate over surfacing materials, the Fairfax Town Council approved a small enclosed play area for children ages 0–3 at Perry Park. Council instructed staff and proponents to pursue environmentally friendly surface options and pursue fundraising and procurement steps.
Humboldt County, California
Supervisors passed the consent calendar and separate proclamations recognizing National Mentoring Month and Arcata High School’s CIF Division 6-AA state football championship; both proclamations were approved by vote.
Center Grove Community School Corp, School Boards, Indiana
District administration reported completed solar, controls and geothermal work in progress under a guaranteed energy savings project; officials said the measures have begun producing monthly utility savings and that Inflation Reduction Act reimbursements are expected in 2025–2026.
Education, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
At its inaugural meeting the Vermont Senate Education Committee set a preliminary schedule of briefings and multi-day hearings next week to coordinate education finance and student-outcome work with the Finance Committee and state education officials.
Los Angeles County, California
Los Angeles County and City fire leaders reported the Eaton fire at about 14,117 acres (33% contained) and the Palisades incident at about 23,713 acres (14% contained), described large personnel and aircraft deployments and warned that high winds could limit aerial firefighting effectiveness.
Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish County, Washington
The city manager reported a $7,500 Snohomish County contribution to the SCOUT program (bringing total program resources to a little over $12,000), announced a community academy beginning Feb. 26, and noted 270 participants in a city tree survey.
Human Services, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
The House Human Services Committee on Jan. 10 heard testimony from the Department for Children and Families and legislative counsel about how the FY25 budget law (Act 113 of 2024) is being applied to the General Assistance emergency housing program, including eligibility criteria, an 1,100-room cap for parts of the year, an 80-day maximum in a 12-month period and a $10 million appropriation to expand shelter capacity.
Palm Beach County, Florida
The Planning Commission recommended transmitting a text amendment to increase the Westgate CRA bonus density pool by 3,000 units, a move staff and CRA officials said would support long‑range redevelopment including the Palm Beach Kennel Club site.
Muscatine City, Muscatine County, Iowa
A Muscatine Police Department officer proposed a USA Triathlon‑sanctioned sprint triathlon for Aug. 2, 2025 at Deep Lakes Park; organizers seek city public‑works barricades, road sweeping, and other resource support but did not record a formal council vote.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
Organizers at the Koreatown Center for Community Well-being said they need volunteers to sort clothing and hygiene supplies being collected for people affected by recent wildfires and directed volunteers to the center’s website and social channels for more information.
Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs, SENATE, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
Analysts from the Joint Fiscal Office introduced themselves to the Senate Economic Development, Housing & General Affairs Committee on Jan. 10, describing portfolios in tax policy, consumption taxes, energy and education finance and asking for improved coordination on agenda planning and report delivery.
Appropriations, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative , Vermont
The House Appropriations Committee on Jan. 10, 2025 got its first full briefing on the governor’s proposed Budget Adjustment Act, a mid‑year package the administration says would make roughly $197 million available for current and future fiscal needs after July forecast updates.
Humboldt County, California
Multiple pilots and flight-school operators told supervisors that proposed hangar rent increases (28–35% and $20 electricity fees) would threaten small aviation businesses and training at county airports; they cited broken hangar doors, unusable gates and lack of maintenance.
Shelby County, School Boards, Kentucky
A staff member said schools will open the day after the meeting after roads and sidewalks were cleared, and that the transportation department will contact families about centralized pickup locations where needed.
Muscatine City, Muscatine County, Iowa
The Muscatine Sister Cities Association presented a 2024 summary to the Muscatine City Council, reviewed exchanges and community activities, and asked the council to continue formal cooperation—including signing future sister-city agreements—while thanking the city for support of the group's Friendship Park.
Galesburg CUSD 205, School Boards, Illinois
In a short Friday school video, a Galesburg CUSD 205 staff member recognized a classroom for exceptional I‑Ready growth, planned a class photo, and reminded families that report cards and grades for grades 5–12 are available in Skyward under Portfolio.
Palm Beach County, Florida
Palm Beach County staff asked the Planning Commission to recommend changing the future land use of several county-owned parcels to conservation so the lands remain in their natural state; the commission recommended approval unanimously.
RSU 52/MSAD 52, School Districts, Maine
Superintendent Teresa Gillis presented a district-wide curriculum update outlining teams, timelines and near-term priorities, including active math materials review, three content teams in operation and plans for a multi-year review cycle.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
The Lakeville Park Commission appointed a parks representative to the Clearpond engineering committee, approved a four‑hour Saturday block for NFL Youth flag football and accepted minutes from the Dec. 5 meeting with amendments.
State leaders and commentators said Utah needs to increase electricity generation to support population and economic growth, including data centers and possibly small modular nuclear reactors; policy and regulatory changes were discussed but no specific approvals were announced.
Center Grove Community School Corp, School Boards, Indiana
Center Grove High School presented a pilot Center Grove Virtual Campus aimed at re-engaging students who left the district; the board discussed eligibility, curriculum limits, participation rules for athletics and cocurriculars, and targeted outreach to 132 students who left since 2022.
Center Grove Community School Corp, School Boards, Indiana
The board adopted Board of Finance resolutions and heard an annual fiscal report showing the district earned about 3.4% interest in 2024, held about $15 million in bank balances at year end and maintained roughly $9 million in education/operations fund balances for 2023.
Mountlake Terrace, Snohomish County, Washington
City staff presented a proposed five-year license renewal with Snohomish County Elections to keep a ballot drop box at the civic campus. Staff recommended authorization and said the item will appear on the Feb. 6 consent calendar. City data show the box collected 17,629 ballots in 2024, up from 5,117 in its first year.
Town of Lakeville, Plymouth County, Massachusetts
A vendor tech briefed the Lakeville Park Commission on a revised security-camera quote. The vendor recommended adding a stationary camera focused on the playground area in addition to three stationary units and one pan-tilt unit, and proposed using existing town broadband and on-site storage to avoid recurring cloud fees.
Palm Beach County, Florida
Palm Beach County planning staff recommended — and the Planning Commission unanimously recommended — future‑land‑use and zoning changes to designate about 155 acres of county‑owned natural areas as conservation to preserve them in their natural state.
Center Grove Community School Corp, School Boards, Indiana
During the reorganization the board elected Rob Daniels as president and approved a slate of officers and meeting dates for 2025; the board also recognized outgoing leadership and presented a plaque.
Representative Candice Pierucci described a suite of bills the legislature may consider addressing criminal penalties tied to immigration cases, sanctions for nonprofits that transport undocumented people, E-Verify, jail capacity and emergency funding for English-language learners.
RSU 52/MSAD 52, School Districts, Maine
School Administrative District 52 board debated the second reading of policy JIE (pregnant students) and voted down the proposed wording before approving a motion to send the policy back to the policy subcommittee for redrafting and additional legal review.
Governor Spencer Cox and other statewide officials used inauguration events and early statements to prioritize affordability, support for elderly residents, energy production and public safety; newly sworn Attorney General Derek Brown pledged transparency measures.
Center Grove Community School Corp, School Boards, Indiana
The board approved a strategic-planning survey to gather input from grades 5–12 students, staff, parents and community members; parents will be able to review the questions and opt students out if they choose.
Kenner City, Jefferson Parish, Louisiana
The Kenner City Council approved an ordinance renewing a franchise agreement with Entergy Louisiana LLC on Jan. 9, 2025, while several council members and residents pressed the utility over long‑standing pole removal delays, uneven outage response and coordination problems with other providers.