What happened on Sunday, 16 March 2025
Manchester School District, School Districts, New Hampshire
On March 19 the Committee on Student Conduct approved the minutes from its Feb. 19 meeting and later voted to adjourn. Both motions passed by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
A program representative for California Volunteers joined College Corps fellows at a San Jose service project to assemble activity bags for students and encouraged volunteers to register at the web address provided during remarks.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
A staff member announced that the state of California is recruiting paid community support workers who will receive a $10,000 payment; hiring in the speaker’s area starts today and interested people were directed to California Volunteers’ website.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
A Senate committee gave House Bill 191 a favorable recommendation to create two permanent wildfire funds administered by the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department; the committee also heard questions about eligibility, federal land fires and how reimbursements will be tracked.
Bernalillo County, New Mexico
An unnamed District 4 representative asked the state legislature to allocate funds for upgrades to Raymond G. Sanchez and Paradise Hills community centers, saying the centers serve wide age ranges and the Paradise Hills site is the county's busiest.
Manchester School District, School Districts, New Hampshire
Parkside Middle School Principal Scott Schuchsta and assistant principals told the Committee on Student Conduct on March 19 that the school is pursuing a targeted attendance plan to raise the share of students attending at least 90% of school days.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
The council reviewed February jail figures, discussed probation holds and pretrial custody patterns, heard concerns about attorney shortages and truancy-related juvenile cases, and asked staff to assemble booking-origin data for further review.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
The Senate Health and Public Affairs Committee heard testimony on House Bill 129, which would shorten the probationary period for classified New Mexico state employees from one year to 180 days and clarify that probation does not restart on lateral classified moves unless there is a break in service.
Manchester School District, School Districts, New Hampshire
Jewett Elementary told the Committee on Student Conduct that a schoolwide behavior plan using consistent language, incentives and tiered supports coincided with a large decrease in office referrals this year. Staff described classroom documentation, a color-coded reward system and tier 2 interventions as next steps.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Sawyer County Health and Human Services presented emergency-department data showing the largest increase in overdoses among 18- to 24-year-olds and outlined plans for targeted education and prevention work in schools and the community.
RSU 04, School Districts, Maine
The RSU 04 school board voted to place a question on the April 8 referendum asking voters to authorize closure of Sabatus Primary School. At a March 19 public hearing, administrators and residents discussed how students and services would be redistributed, projected savings and outstanding facility and transportation concerns.
Sawyer County, Wisconsin
Sawyer County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council heard public comment alleging large Native American overrepresentation in the county jail, agreed to return a memorandum of understanding with the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe to next month's agenda, and voted to form executive and data subcommittees to produce a strategic plan and bylaw revisions.
Michigan City, LaPorte County, Indiana
City officials and local officials reviewed how a proposed state wheel tax tied to road grants could require Michigan City to adopt a local wheel/excise surtax to remain eligible for Community Crossings Matching Grants and warned of possible double taxation if county and city both enact the levy before a June 30 cutoff.
Coral Springs, Broward County, Florida
At its March 17 meeting the Coral Springs City Commission unanimously approved an interlocal agreement with Parkland for fire/EMS services, confirmed several committee appointments, and adopted two resolutions opposing state proposals affecting property-tax replacement and community redevelopment agencies.
Socorro City, El Paso County, Texas
A resident said the Bracero labor camp site in Socorro City has been designated a national historic landmark and a bilingual plaque will be unveiled tomorrow at 6 p.m. at the Rio Vista Community Center; speakers described plans to rehabilitate adobe buildings into a community hub and museum.
Walnut Grove, Walton County, Georgia
Walnut Grove City Council voted unanimously to accept a $4.055 million bid from IHC Construction Services LLC for the LAS sewer plant expansion and approved sending the notice of award and contract documents to attorneys for review. Council members and staff noted a financing shortfall of roughly $697,000 and discussed next steps for contracting.
Mercer Island School District, School Districts, Washington
Public commenters spoke in favor of the April bond measure, urged protection of librarians and nurses, voiced support for the superintendent, and raised concerns about district spending priorities and special-education rhetoric.
Catoosa County, School Districts, Georgia
In a board presentation, the superintendent of Catoosa County Public Schools highlighted a 90.81% four‑year graduation rate, facility expansions at Boynton Elementary, expanded career and dual‑enrollment pathways, new LEAP language program for English learners, and ongoing investments in safety, mental health and technology.
Socorro City, El Paso County, Texas
Socorro City and federal partners unveiled a bilingual federal plaque after Rio Vista Farm received National Historic Landmark status; organizers said the site will become a community hub and the nomination highlights Bracero worker history.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
Senate Bill 247 requires the Public Education Department to publish demographically disaggregated summative assessment results on a website in a user‑friendly format; sponsor said the reporting covers science, math and language arts assessments.
Socorro City, El Paso County, Texas
Socorro City, the National Park Service and Latinos in Heritage Conservation marked the National Historic Landmark designation of the former Rio Vista Bracero Reception Center with the unveiling of the first federal plaque issued in both English and Spanish; officials said the site is slated for revitalization and a future Bracero History Museum.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
The Senate passed Senate Bill 377 to create a New Mexico United specialty license plate, with proceeds directed to the state tourism department’s campaign; vote was 37‑2.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
A New Mexico Senate committee heard testimony on a proposal to shorten the state employee probationary period from one year to six months, with witnesses and senators debating impacts on training, benefits access and the termination process.
Events, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida
Local entrepreneurs who completed the mayor's Jumpstart Academy received $5,000 grants and free one-year memberships to the Chamber of Commerce of the Palm Beaches after weekly sessions held over more than two months, organizers said.
Coral Springs, Broward County, Florida
The Coral Springs City Commission approved a $50,000 building exterior improvement grant for a Perf Opco LLC (doing business as Perfumania) storefront at Coral Square Mall after questions about equity and program capacity left one commissioner opposed.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
Senate Bill 122, with a floor amendment that removed a committee change, was passed to expand the state’s prescription drug donation program and broaden redistribution channels and eligible recipients, supporters said.
Mercer Island School District, School Districts, Washington
Superintendent told the board staff are preparing a resolution for reductions in force; he said the district will try to limit RIFs but is examining changes to nursing and librarian staffing, instructional coaches and certain administrative models.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
After a failed first vote and a successful motion to reconsider, the Senate approved House Bill 161 to expand free state park day‑use passes and an unlimited camping pass to all honorably discharged veterans and certain active/reserve duty members; questions on administration, eligibility and utilization were raised during floor debate.
Mercer Island School District, School Districts, Washington
Trust and transparency concerns surfaced as the board considered rules for official individual-board social media accounts, including whether accounts should avoid stating a predetermined stance on agendas coming before the board.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
Senators passed House Bill 175 to broaden eligible projects under the Forest and Watershed Restoration Act, allowing projects that create or maintain buffer zones and treat private lands when they provide greater fire‑reduction or watershed benefits to the state; sponsors and colleagues called it a life‑safety measure.
Events, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida
Jocelyn Ribeiro, an urban farmer from Port St. Lucie, brought live quails and several preparations of quail eggs to the West Palm Beach Green Market, where shoppers handled the birds and sampled products. Ribeiro sells raw, hard‑boiled and pickled eggs and offers information about raising quail.
Mercer Island School District, School Districts, Washington
Board discussed a proposed policy to govern naming of district facilities and structures, with members split on whether to adopt broad policy now or use a reactive process. Staff will draft an accompanying procedure and return the policy for a second reading.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
Senators approved House Bill 308 with an emergency clause to exempt two conservancy districts from consolidated local election rules and restore district-specific election procedures; sponsors said the change corrects a mismatch between conservancy voter pools and precinct-based election administration.
Savannah-Chatham County, School Districts, Georgia
At a meeting, speakers praised recent finishing work on a Bloomingdale building, calling it a visible sign of community support and investment; funding amounts and formal actions were not specified in the transcript.
Mercer Island School District, School Districts, Washington
District board members and staff held an informational session for prospective candidates covering eligibility, disclosure rules, filing dates, board governance and expected time commitments.
Walnut Grove, Walton County, Georgia
Councilmembers announced a citywide recycling day on Earth Day (April 22, 2025) in partnership with Walnut Grove Elementary and local organizations, part of a 'Going Green in the Grove' initiative prompted by third-grade student letters.
Conway City, Faulkner County, Arkansas
City staff said the community center should open mid‑summer with pools, courts and meeting space; parks leaders reported more than 700 youth soccer signups, numerous tournaments and new turf fields that support year‑round play.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
After extended floor debate and multiple questions from senators, the Senate approved House Judiciary Committee substitute for House Bill 66 to raise the lifetime attorney fee cap and increase discovery cost allowances in the workers' compensation system, with step-up increases and a 2029 advisory review.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
The House Education Committee substitute for House Bill 54 was presented to a Senate committee to add automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to the Emergency Medication in Schools Act. Testimony covered device function, training, estimated costs and phased funding tied to other bills; committee moved a due-pass recommendation.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
The California Service Corps announced it is recruiting 10,000 people for paid positions statewide to address climate change, education, food insecurity and disaster response, and directed interested applicants to californiavolunteers.ca.gov.
Craven County Schools, School Districts, North Carolina
During CTE month at New Bern High School, a 12th-grade student interviewed the school’s EMT and public safety instructor about certifications, ambulance ride time and career pathways for students.
Senate, Legislative, New Mexico
The Senate unanimously passed House Bill 214, which directs the Department of Health to create a voluntary credentialing process so doulas can bill Medicaid; sponsors said the measure grew from a multi-year coalition and aims to expand access to doula care and improve maternal and infant outcomes.
United Nations, Federal
Bridal Aziz Alwasal, chairing the UN Commission on the Status of Women�9 (CSW69), called for accelerated implementation of the Beijing+30 action agenda and highlighted the United Nations�9 Gender Equality Acceleration Plan and the Clarion Core as tools to place gender equality at the centre of sustainable development.
Walnut Grove, Walton County, Georgia
Multiple residents from Emerald Cove urged the council to install speed bumps or other traffic-calming measures on Emerald Drive and nearby streets after near-misses and frequent speeding. Council said it will add the issue to the next work session and invited more neighbors to participate.
Conway City, Faulkner County, Arkansas
The Conway Fire Department reported maintaining a Class 1 ISO rating, a 65% increase in call volume since 2019, delayed apparatus deliveries ordered in 2021, and departmental goals to expand medic staffing and ultimately operate city ambulances.
Torrance City, Los Angeles County, California
City staff told the Torrance City Council that the first six utility boxes—one in each district—will be wrapped with graffiti- and weather-resistant artwork selected by council members; staff did not specify company, cost, or timeline.
United Nations, Federal
Theo James, an ambassador for UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), told meeting attendees that small changes on climate can lead to significant action; no specific policy proposals or votes were recorded.
United Nations, Federal
Artists displayed pieces at a United Nations event reflecting on the Transatlantic slave trade, origins of enslavement and emancipation, and Haiti's role in Caribbean liberation.
United Nations, Federal
A United Nations representative, speaking during an annual Ramadan visit to Bangladesh, said Rohingya refugees want to return to Myanmar and called on the international community to restore humanitarian funding after recent donor cuts that risk food-ration reductions in refugee camps.
Conway City, Faulkner County, Arkansas
City officials reviewed ongoing and upcoming transportation projects including Salem Bridge, Harkrider improvements, multiple roundabouts and long-term bypass concepts, and described utility relocations and funding as key schedule constraints.
Conway City, Faulkner County, Arkansas
Officials said Conway’s community crisis response team (behavioral health unit) is responding to about 13–16 calls per day, the city has added a victim services coordinator with nearly 950 interactions since approval, and police described an aging fleet needing replacement.
Walnut Grove, Walton County, Georgia
Walnut Grove City Council unanimously passed a resolution appointing the city’s public works manager as safety coordinator. The role allows staff to pursue safety training and grant funding for safety equipment.
Conway City, Faulkner County, Arkansas
City officials reported multiple private investments and economic-development prospects in Conway, citing a $40 million project near WestRock Coffee, interest in a convention center and hotel at Lewis Crossing and discussions of projects that could create hundreds of jobs.
Department of Homeland Security
An unidentified Department of Homeland Security staff member (Speaker 1) said the department is naming Todd Lyons as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Madison Sheehan as deputy secretary, and that the appointments will be used to “build on these enforcement operations.”