What happened on Sunday, 11 May 2025
Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York
The Tama Brenda Planning Board approved a sauna, spa and electrical-service upgrade at 33 Grinnell Street, conditioning final sign-off on updated landscape plans, equipment cut sheets and septic-location details.
Berklee School of Music Commencement Speeches, American History Famous Speeches
Rapper Andre 3000, speaking at a Berklee commencement ceremony, told graduates to preserve the original feeling that drew them to music, rely on attentive listening developed through sampling culture, and resist critics while staying creatively bold.
Department of Homeland Security
Madison Sheehan, deputy director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said DHS will use Section 287(g) agreements to deputize state and local law enforcement, enforce REAL ID starting May 7 and roll out a CBP app offering assistance and stipends for voluntary return to home countries.
Will County, Illinois
The county finance director reported through March 31 on selected sales taxes (not all county taxes), stating that some lines are under budget due to timing but overall collections exceed conservative budget assumptions; the county’s cash reserves were reported at about 13% as of February with a target of returning to 25% by November 30.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
After public comment and debate, the Charter Revision Commission voted to remove recently added language requiring RTM confirmation for appointments to boards and commissions and to return most appointment authority to the prior charter process.
Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York
The board closed the public hearing for a proposed rebuild of a front porch at 41 Violet Hill Road and re-calendared the application for June while the applicant obtains a DEC jurisdictional determination (JD) and related agency correspondence.
Millersville University, Other State Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania
Millersville University held its 170th commencement, where President Daniel A. Wubah conferred master's and baccalaureate degrees, keynote speaker Dr. Melvin R. Allen urged graduates to pursue empathy and problem solving, and student leaders announced the senior class gift.
Berklee School of Music Commencement Speeches, American History Famous Speeches
At Berklee School of Music's commencement for the class of 2025, a guest commencement speaker urged graduates to use art as a form of medicine, urged honesty in their work, and reflected on personal struggles with anxiety and bullying that led them to music.
Millersville University, Other State Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania
University leaders, faculty and alumni celebrated the Class of 2025 at Millersville University's commencement at the Winter Center, with degree conferrals, a student gift announcement and an address stressing resilience and service.
University of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
UC officials and partners detailed how proposed federal reconciliation measures could reduce Medi‑Cal supplemental payments, threaten Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) funding and jeopardize access in California; they urged lawmakers to protect Medicaid financing.
GADSDEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, School Districts, New Mexico
District administration proposed adding two no-student staff days — Monday, Feb. 16 (Presidents' Day) and Monday, April 6 (post-Easter) — to give staff planning/wellness time and to adjust the current extended-hours calendar. The proposal will be brought as an action item at the next board meeting; no vote occurred at the work session.
GADSDEN INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, School Districts, New Mexico
At a Gadsden Independent Schools work session, outside financial adviser Terry Dean and district staff reviewed why the district’s emergency reserves grew, how reserves are used for projects and operations, and the risks of proposed state or federal cuts. No formal action was taken; staff agreed to provide more detail to the board.
Other Public Meetings, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma County, Oklahoma
Earnest Partners and the retirement systems investment consultant reported mixed returns, drivers of recent volatility and recommended tactical moves including raising $15 million from a large-cap index fund and shifting an international manager into a lower-fee vehicle.
Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York
The Tama Brenda Planning Board granted site-plan and special-use permit approval for a one-story sunroom and mudroom addition, replacement metal roof and new wooden storm windows at 11 Jones Street, subject to minor plan-stamping tasks before final sign-off.
Will County, Illinois
The executive committee approved a resolution endorsing dissolution of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and transfer of assets/liabilities to the City of Joliet; the project would use CDBG, ARPA and other grants to fund infrastructure upgrades estimated at $14 million.
Pickens County, School Districts, Georgia
Chief finance officer Amy Smith presented the district's monthly financial report showing no district debt, capital outlay collections for a high school project and an audit nearing final review; the board approved the meeting agenda and the consent agenda by voice vote.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The Fairfield Building Committee approved Gilbane pay applications and several consultant invoices, including a Gilbane pay application totaling $1,364,977.26, SaveMore invoice for $950 and Colliers invoice for $14,814.80.
University of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
Several University of California employees and alumni used the Investment Committee public comment period on May 13 to press the regents for higher pay, staffing protections and stronger on‑site security at UC hospitals and regional operations.
Plano, Collin County, Texas
The Plano Police Department announced a free RAD self-defense class for women 15 and older beginning June 16; registration is available at share.plano.gov/rad.
Pickens County, School Districts, Georgia
Pickens County Board of Education held a recognition program honoring student academic, arts, CTAE and athletic achievements, district teachers of the year finalists, retirees and support staff praised after an outstanding bus fleet inspection.
University of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
Pharmacy leaders described the 340B outpatient drug discount program, how UCHealth uses it to expand pharmacy access and community services, and warned that federal policy changes or executive actions could materially reduce the program's savings; UCHealth reported robust internal controls and HRSA audits.
Lynn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
District leaders presented the fiscal‑year 2026 budget context, reporting a roughly $29.5 million increase in state education funding but noting major offsets (health insurance, pensions, and special‑education costs) that limit available discretionary funds; the committee voted unanimously to set a June 12 public hearing on the budget.
Lynn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
Principal and city officials outlined enrollment, staffing, partnerships and a tight summer construction schedule for the new City Arts and Sciences Academy (Casa); officials warned the Phase 1 buildout timeline is condensed and flagged potential procurement and waiver steps for larger capital work.
Lynn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
After a year of field testing two high‑quality science programs, district reviewers recommended the free, open‑source Open SciEd curriculum for grades 3–5 and outlined supply needs, professional development and sequencing with social‑studies rollout.
Lynn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
District curriculum staff described pilots and planned rollouts for K–8 social studies, including Children Discovering Justice for K–2, Investing in History pilots for grades 3–7, and the Democratic Knowledge Project for grade 8, with emphasis on teacher professional development and open‑source materials.
Richland County, Wisconsin
Committee reported $502,636.77 in monthly bills including a $46,850 Westbrook bridge inspection reimbursed by the state and a first payment to Larson Construction for the campus bridge. The committee approved forwarding $38,964.74 in culvert reimbursements from townships to the county board.
Lynn Public Schools, School Boards, Massachusetts
Teachers, union leaders and classroom staff told the Lynn School Committee that recent notices of position eliminations were delayed, caused stress and could hamper recruitment; speakers asked for clearer, earlier communication from district leaders.
Richland County, Wisconsin
The Community and Health Services Standing Committee elected Miss Kramer as vice chair by voice vote after nominations. No roll-call tally was recorded in the transcript.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
At its May meeting the Fairfield Fire Commission presented a chief’s award to Lieutenant Jeffrey Edmonson and a life‑saving recognition to three civilians who used CPR and an AED to revive a man at a January high school basketball game.
University of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
The University of California’s investments leadership reported steady fiscal‑year performance and outlined portfolio positioning and risks at the Investment Committee meeting on May 13.
Robla Elementary, School Districts, California
After several public commenters criticized the district’s procurement process for Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP/ACES) funds, the board amended a recommendation to include six newly proposed providers alongside current vendors and asked for presentations and community review; motion carried unanimously.
University of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
Executive Vice President David Rubin briefed the University of California Health Services Committee on a systemwide strategic plan that prioritizes federal/state engagement, ambulatory access, data-driven care and a new office of strategic partnerships while absorbing a budget reduction of about 6%.
Will County, Illinois
The Finance Committee appropriated Citgo grant funds for sheriff’s equipment and later clarified the appropriation was for a drone; staff said they will provide more detail on the specific equipment purchased.
University of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
Students, staff and community members told the University of California Investment Committee on May 13 that the university should divest from companies they said supply weapons used in Gaza and other conflicts.
Richland County, Wisconsin
Richland County said statewide inspections of 6‑to‑20‑foot water‑crossing structures have already led to five township road closures. County staff said inspections will continue and cost‑share repairs with townships could create a significant reimbursement burden next year.
Richland County, Wisconsin
Richland County public health described a successful 140 review to maintain level 2 status, ongoing immunization clinics, increased TB screening and lead- and rabies-related follow-up work. Staff noted environmental health home visits, radon kit distribution, and a pilot lead-in-water testing project for day-care facilities.
Will County, Illinois
The Finance Committee voted to approve a commitment of $75,000 for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension, amending an initial $50,000 budgeted allocation and authorizing the use of contingency funds to cover the $25,000 difference.
Will County, Illinois
The committee voted to allocate $250,000 from the county's opioid settlement funds to Stepping Stones to help cover construction costs for a women‑and‑children residential treatment program; committee members said the project aligns with the intended use of the settlement funds.
Richland County, Wisconsin
County public works staff told the committee one of two 43‑year‑old boilers has failed and is beyond repair. Staff said contractors gave a verbal not‑to‑exceed estimate and will seek additional bids and follow procurement rules before requesting funding.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The commission approved revisions to a previously approved application at 227 Main Street including a native-gravel driveway (instead of asphalt), reclaimed cobblestone in stone dust between drives, a reclaimed cobblestone curb and a revised steel railing profile.
Richland County, Wisconsin
Richland County's child and youth services unit reported 253 CPS reports in 2024, 408 alleged victims, 71 screened in for investigations, and 75 child-welfare reports with 63 screened in. The county reported zero licensed foster homes and continued reliance on kinship placements.
University of California, Boards and Commissions, Executive, California
Staff and union representatives at Children’s Hospital Oakland told the University of California Investment Committee on May 13 that a planned integration with UCSF would cancel their contracts, reduce take-home pay and threaten patient access.
Richland County, Wisconsin
Richland County's economic support unit reported strong performance within an eight-county consortium: staff handled more calls than expected, met state timeliness standards for application processing, and FoodShare benefits brought close to $4 million to county residents in 2024.
Will County, Illinois
The executive committee approved an amendment to the county purchasing code that permits a local preference credit (up to 3%) for public‑works bids within a 50‑mile radius in Illinois and establishes tie‑handling rules; committee discussion raised concerns about scope and cost impacts.
Will County, Illinois
The Executive Committee approved an amendment to governance rules changing regular meeting start time from 9:00 a.m. back to 9:30 a.m.; the change will be considered at the full board under the required threshold for rules changes.
Richland County, Wisconsin
The county Aging and Disability Resource Center told the committee it handled nearly 15,000 incoming service calls in 2024, delivered 16,768 home meals and provided 7,905 congregate meals, but volunteer shortages have forced more trip denials and limit service expansion.
Richland County, Wisconsin
Behavioral health managers told the Richland County committee that crisis contacts and emergency detentions rose in 2024 and early 2025, that treatment-court participation and other programs continue, and that leadership wants additional adult protective services/crisis staff if trends persist.
Richland County, Wisconsin
HHS presented a 2024 annual report and quarter-one financial summaries, citing surplus driven by Medicaid cost-report reimbursements and a partial tax-levy proration. Managers described the Tyler financial system rollout, planned Thrive IT follow-up, and staffing priorities including public health and adult protective services.
Richland County, Wisconsin
The Richland County child support agency reported first-quarter 2025 results, saying current collections were below benchmark in February and March and arrears collection stood at 72.36% of an 80% target. The director said incarceration, treatment commitments and interstate enforcement delays are the main drivers of the shortfall.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The Fairfield Charter Revision Commission discussed the proposed Chief Operating Officer position at length and voted to keep appointment authority with the First Selectman and retain the draft language making the COO an ex officio, nonvoting participant on boards and commissions.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
Commissioners said negotiations with Local +1 326 are ongoing and that the town’s change of insurance has complicated bargaining timelines.
Robla Elementary, School Districts, California
Robla teachers and the Robla Teachers Association urged the Robla School Board to settle contract negotiations before summer, saying pay and health-benefit contributions lag neighboring districts and threaten retention; union leaders cited district reserves and student achievement declines during public comment.
Will County, Illinois
County detention leaders presented three options for juvenile confinement — continue operating River Valley with repairs, move youth to the county adult detention center with major capital work, or place youth in out‑of‑county facilities — and requested more detailed cost and revenue numbers before the committee decides.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The commission identified and corrected an inconsistency in the draft charter summary: the Flood Prevention, Climate Resilience and Erosion Control Board is a seven‑member body, not five. Commissioners voted to amend the summary to reflect the body text.
Robla Elementary, School Districts, California
New Hope Charter School gave its annual update to the Robla School Board, reported stable enrollment of about 170 students in grades 7–8 and several administrative and compliance milestones, and requested an extension of a 2021 loan for district-owned temporary classrooms while it pursues a permanent facility.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Public Safety and Judiciary Conference Committee on May 10 approved a series of motions by voice vote covering penalty enhancements, funding extensions, data-practices clarifications, corrections policy and policing-technology exceptions.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The Fairfield Building Committee approved AST’s proposals for security devices for Woods, North Stratfield and Osborne Hill, funded from the project physical plant expense line item, totaling $31,803.
Will County, Illinois
Will County staff said six buyouts tied to a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers DuPage River feasibility project are complete and the committee approved purchase of an additional property in Shorewood; two other areas remain under study.
Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York
The board continued the public hearing on the 23 Houston Road solar installation while the applicant works to resolve a notice of violation and an outstanding payment to Hudsonia for a mitigation plan; the board tentatively re-calendared the item for May 19.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
Commissioners and the chief said they are screening candidates for lateral and entry‑level firefighter positions, hope to schedule interviews next week, and praised a recent promotion ceremony at Sacred Heart University Community Theater.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
On May 10 the Public Safety and Judiciary Conference Committee approved multiple Article 13 provisions that update county marriage-record reporting, add reporting for guardian ad litem volunteers, clarify competency attainment board roles for forensic navigators, and change guardianship rules on restrictions and emergency appointment notice.
Will County, Illinois
County staff told the Finance Committee that the renewable natural gas (RNG) facility ran well in February and April but lost significant production in March after two identical compressors failed; staff said spare-part purchases and monitoring changes are planned to reduce future outages.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
Commissioners discussed an on-site storage container used by a restaurant at the Southport train station and asked town agencies and the property manager to propose removal or alternative storage plans; the commission noted potential violation and jurisdictional complexity involving state-owned property and the Parking Authority.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The commission approved an application to replace existing steel driveway edging with 3-inch nominal bluestone at 298 Harbor Road after the applicant explained drainage and durability concerns with the steel edge.
Millersville University, Other State Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania
Millersville University held its 170th annual commencement at the Winter Center, where university leaders conferred master’s and baccalaureate degrees, recognized students earning university honors, and heard remarks from President Daniel Wuba and alumna Deborah Woolworth.
Will County, Illinois
County officials and staff debated a proposal to eliminate the county board public hearing for zoning and land‑use matters and rely on the Planning and Zoning Commission record; no vote was taken and the item was scheduled for deeper training and review.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The committee weighed three approaches to ceiling tile punch‑list work, discussed targeted Humaguard replacement in sagging areas and agreed to further walkthroughs; temporary dehumidification and coordination with Armstrong/BL were flagged as necessary to protect warranties.
Financial Services: House Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation
Lawmakers and witnesses at a House Financial Services Subcommittee hearing on bank mergers and de novo formation urged faster, clearer merger-review timelines and lower upfront capital burdens for new banks, citing a sharp decline in new charters since Dodd‑Frank and operational harms from lengthy reviews.
God and Country Podcast with Uriah Kennedy and Ingrid Bettridge, Citizen Journalism , 2024 -2025 Utah Citizen Journalism, Elections, Utah
At a public meeting, an unidentified commenter said they were inspired by parents who attended school board meetings to oppose mask requirements and who later were charged criminally; the commenter also thanked podcast hosts covering the issue. No specific board, charges, or statutes were named in the remarks.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
Because the applicant for 176 Main Street did not provide complete submission materials the commission took no action and did not vote; staff will check submission deadlines before pursuing enforcement.
Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York
The planning board announced the town successfully defended two legal challenges to its grant of preliminary approval for the Alderkill Conservation Subdivision; the board said the decision allows the project to proceed to final subdivision approval and preserve about 45 acres of open space.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
Commissioners debated whether to enshrine ‘removal without cause’ for appointed officials or to require defined terms; the CRC left baseline language in place while clarifying the draft remains subject to employment agreements and collective bargaining where applicable.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The commission approved plans to replace an existing deck with a covered porch, add bluestone patio and walks, an outdoor fieldstone fireplace, a low fieldstone retaining wall and lighting at 860 People Avenue after the applicant described materials and setbacks.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
Fire Chief Kieran Dunn told the commission the department began using the First Due records management system May 1 for incident reporting, scheduling and inspections, with some reports still being configured.
Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York
The board closed public comment on Wildflower Montessori’s site-plan and special-use permit at 7085–7091 Route 9 but kept the item as old business while the applicant works with DOT on traffic/driveway details, reconciles plan sheets and addresses minor edits requested by county and town reviewers.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
Contract and construction managers reported progress at three school sites and warned that lead times from ArmorTech and utility approvals could push critical deliveries into mid-July, tightening the schedule for August openings.
Rhinebeck, Dutchess County, New York
The board continued the public hearing on the proposed abandonment and restoration of a micro-hydro installation on Mill Road and directed immediate temporary stabilization measures, asked applicant Joel Hern to retain an independent consultant (CPL) for expedited review, and re-calendared the hearing for June 2.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The commission heard an application to install a 48-kilowatt propane standby generator, discussed siting, screening and weekly exercise programming, and later approved the application by voice vote.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The commission approved materials for a Town of Fairfield intersection project to replace ADA ramps and add a channelized island at Station Street and Peaport Avenue, recommending the town consider Morin Brick’s "College Blend" and asking staff to note the recommendation.
Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
The Fairfield Historic District Commission approved plans to remove aging playground equipment at Fairfield Country Day School’s East Campus and to install new play structures, a poured rubber surface, stone curbing and a pebbled-asphalt walkway after the applicant described materials and siting.
St. Albans, Kanawha County, West Virginia
A brief community announcement promoted Yac Fest (a two-day outdoor festival of kayaks, music, food and vendors) in St. Albans in June; specific dates and organizer contact details were not specified in the transcript.
Events, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida
WPB TV reporter Cheryl Khan reported that Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is asking volunteers to foster cats and dogs to reduce stress on animals in kennels and meet demand during a surge of more than 200 kittens in care.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
Divya Esperanto Seagales, a recent Cal State Long Beach graduate and Long Beach Public Service Corps fellow, described experiencing homelessness and food insecurity before joining the fellowship and encouraged others to apply.