What happened on Sunday, 18 May 2025
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The House adopted the conference committee report on Senate File 2298 (housing) on May 17, 2025. The conference reduced the House target from $75 million to $15 million and spread funding across challenge programs, workforce homeownership, infrastructure grants, first-time homebuyer grants and FHPAP; the measure passed 108-26.
Savannah-Chatham County, School Districts, Georgia
Chester Ellis offered brief congratulatory and blessing remarks; the remarks were ceremonial and contained no substantive policy discussion or actions.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
After extended debate on school calendars, discipline and literacy, the House passed the education policy package (Senate File 1740 with House substitute language) 131–3.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Legislators amend campaign finance law to bar foreign nationals from influencing ballot measures.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House on May 17 adopted the conference committee report on House File 2446, a bipartisan agriculture budget bill that maintains funding for the Board of Animal Health, adds local food purchasing assistance, and includes fee increases for grain licenses and food handling. The measure passed 130-4.
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Minnesota legislature moves to amend constitution for regulated sports betting by tribes and tracks.
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Minnesota proposes a constitutional amendment to eliminate slavery as criminal punishment in 2026.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
Council members discussed prospective Main Street property sales and redevelopment plans, constraints imposed by railroad right-of-way rules, and received an update that the new Farmers Market has expanded vendor participation and attendance.
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Legislature appropriates $5 million for Grand Marais wastewater treatment improvements.
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Legislature allocates funds to enhance Grand Marais's aging wastewater treatment infrastructure.
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Legislature appropriates funds for the design and construction of a new bridge in St. Paul.
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Legislature allocates state funds for replacing Kellogg Boulevard bridge near RiverCentre in St. Paul
Senate Bills, Introduced Bills, 2025 Bills, Minnesota Legislation Bills, Minnesota
Minnesota appropriates $954,000 annually for the Slow the Spread program to control spongy moths.
Events, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Florida
City employees conducted a hurricane debris drill that simulated crushed cars and scattered belongings so crews could practice clearing streets, protecting access for emergency vehicles and handling distressed residents; participants were observed, evaluated and will receive critiques and ongoing training.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
House File 3228, carrying workers' compensation updates recommended by the Workers' Compensation Advisory Council, was repassed as amended by the Senate; House roll call recorded 134–0.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
During first-reading budget discussion, an alderman urged restoration of firefighter and police shift schedules and elimination of mandatory 'Kelly' days that force staff to take unpaid/forced days off to control overtime costs.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Legislation seeks to restore citizen oversight to Minnesota Pollution Control Agency decisions.
Dublin City (Regular School District), School Districts, Ohio
In a recent episode of the district program "Dublin in the Know," host John Marshaussen said Dublin City Schools honored students who have chosen military service and described it as one of the district's four pathways to success.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
Council approved hiring Smelter architectural firm to design a new police department and animal-control facility. The animal shelter project is intended as a joint city–county effort and will draw on installments of a donor bequest.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Pollution Control Agency promotes tailored environmental standards across Minnesota's diverse areas.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
House File 2130, which lengthens certain driver's license revocations and adjusts DWI interlock program language, was repassed by the House after conference committee amendments and a roll-call vote.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
Two public commenters said roughly 85% of staff were placed on administrative leave and that 25 Sacramento-based programs are being defunded, warning of impacts on mentors and young men of color.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
Brown, Jake & McDaniels presented the FY 2024 audit to council, reporting an unmodified (clean) opinion on the city and school financial statements and no findings in internal control or federal program testing.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Legislature enacts Consumer Choice of Fuel Act modifying fuel selection and regulatory authority.
Lebanon County, Pennsylvania
Everlasting Rock Ministries told Lebanon County commissioners it seeks to build 36 rental units and nine townhouses on 3.7 acres in Fredericksburg but said the project is contingent on securing water; commissioners suggested follow-up briefings and noted funding and procurement constraints.
Salem City, Essex County, Massachusetts
The Salem Committee of the Whole forwarded amendments to the city’s accessory dwelling unit ordinance that implement state ADU requirements, clarify utility service rules for detached ADUs, and allow additional ADUs on multi‑unit lots by special permit. The committee voted to send the amended ordinance to the council for second passage.
Hewitt, McLennan County, Texas
City Manager Beau Thomas and city employees described Hewitt as a growing, service-oriented community and urged residents to consider city employment, noting recent wage support and available commercial land.
Senate Bills, Introduced Bills, 2025 Bills, Minnesota Legislation Bills, Minnesota
Minnesota appropriates $954,000 each for 2026 and 2027 to combat spongy moths.
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House Bill 3345 aims to limit consumer choices in motorized equipment purchases.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
The Newport, Tenn., City Council approved a slate of budget amendments, zoning updates, a city street resolution, several procurement contracts and event permits during the meeting, with roll-call votes recorded for each action.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House passed House File 3321, a reviser/vehicle bill intended to carry technical corrections later in the session, by voice and roll-call vote.
Salem City, Essex County, Massachusetts
Salem City’s Committee of the Whole voted May 15 to send a revised ordinance to the full council that expands registration and enforcement for vacant and abandoned properties, including a $300 per‑day fine for failure to maintain a registered property.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Minnesota implements zero-emission vehicle standards based on California's regulatory framework.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
On the consent agenda the Public Service Commission granted Caverton Solar Santa Rosa LLC a waiver of its operational deadline for the Santa Rosa solar project until Nov. 22, 2025. The motion carried unanimously with no public discussion recorded.
Sierra Madre City, Los Angeles County, California
A resident architect urged the city to prioritize water infrastructure and resist overly prescriptive vegetation rules; consultants and staff said the city faces funding limits and recommended whiteboarding priorities tied to data and modeling.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Minnesota repeals certain rules and adopts stricter low-emission vehicle standards from California.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
The Public Service Commission accepted revised tariff pages and a customer notice for nine small water companies owned by Edward Crooks, implementing rates and a switch from quarterly to monthly billing under commission order 91617. Staff and the Office of People's Counsel reviewed and approved the notices.
Sierra Madre City, Los Angeles County, California
Several residents said neighbors and volunteer teams played a key role in protecting properties; city staff said a Fire Safe Council is forming and pursuing 501(c)(3) status to coordinate volunteer mitigation work.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Legislature allocates funds and authorizes bond sale for Randolph Avenue Bridge project.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
The Maryland Public Service Commission on April 30 accepted revised standard offer service (SOS) base rates filed by Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), with an effective date of June 1, 2025.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Commission will assess campus closures and consolidations by December 2026 based on specific factors.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Long-term care facilities must address discrimination against LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV-positive residents.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Minnesota updates statutes mandating LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV cultural competency training for home care staff.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Minnesota clients in home care receive rights on treatment, dignity, and informed consent.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House adopted the conference committee report for Senate File 2370, advancing provisions intended to expand testing capacity, provide expungement measures, allow wholesaler licensing for low‑potency hemp beverages, and direct the Office of Cannabis Management to propose medical‑market streamlining. The final vote was 80-50.
Senate Bills, Introduced Bills, 2025 Bills, Minnesota Legislation Bills, Minnesota
Minnesota amends 2024 tax statutes to lower income tax rates across multiple brackets.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House adopted the conference committee report on Senate File 1959 and repassed the bill as amended, providing increased funding for veterans homes, homelessness services and suicide prevention.
Olathe, School Boards, Kansas
Olathe South High School held its Class of 2025 commencement where student leaders, faculty and administrators delivered remarks and Dr. Brent Yeager, superintendent of Olathe Public Schools, formally conferred diplomas. Principal Sean Dimery told the graduates the class had been offered "in excess of $500,000,000 in scholarship money."
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House concurred with Senate amendments to House File 1290, a transportation bill clarifying signs that mark locations of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The concurrence passed 131-0 and the bill was repassed as amended by the Senate.
Olathe, School Boards, Kansas
At the Olathe North High School commencement May 17, superintendent Dr. Brent Yeager conferred diplomas on the class of 2025. Student speakers reflected on identity and resilience, the school recognized retirees and 24 countries represented in the class, and administrators said graduates received over $20 million in scholarship offers.
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
The council approved a series of routine ordinances and resolutions, including declaring surplus property (a 2017 Ford F-150 and a Generac generator), naming a parish official to oversee jail construction, confirming CAFA bond approval and establishing a multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation planning committee chaired by Tracy Shalacy.
Olathe, School Boards, Kansas
Olathe East recognized top scholars by GPA and Dr. Brent Yeager formally conferred diplomas as graduates completed requirements approved by the Kansas State Board of Education and Unified School District 233.
Sierra Madre City, Los Angeles County, California
Speakers at Sierra Madre's listening session said alert terminology and mapping were confusing; consultants recommended consistent messaging across jurisdictions and a local campaign to help residents know their evacuation zone.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House adopted the conference committee report on House File 2446, an agriculture omnibus that preserves core programs while trimming overall spending and adding targeted funding for food programs, animal health and soil-health study funding.
Olathe, School Boards, Kansas
Three student speakers at Olathe East's commencement — Hannah Lavender, Adam Hagan and Dylan Gilbo — urged classmates to value small moments, seek community and treat setbacks as part of growth.
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
The Tangipahoa Parish Council adopted a resolution designating Parish President Robbie Miller to act on behalf of the parish for a new jail work-release dormitory construction and related infrastructure upgrades; council members said the vote authorizes starting the procurement process.
Sierra Madre City, Los Angeles County, California
Residents described multiple evacuations, hotel shortages and long reentry timelines; consultants and staff said reentry and sheltering are complex, may take months, and should include plans for pets and vulnerable residents.
Olathe, School Boards, Kansas
Olathe East High School held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2025. Administrators, school board representatives and student speakers led the program; Dr. Brent Yeager formally conferred diplomas under authority delegated by the Kansas State Board of Education and Unified School District 233.
Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana
The Tangipahoa Parish Council adopted TP Resolution 25-13 confirming public approval of bonds to allow the Capital Area Finance Authority to offer a down-payment assistance program, following a CAFA presentation on depleted prior funds and a request to authorize a new $100 million offering.
Sierra Madre City, Los Angeles County, California
City consultants and officials invited residents to a public listening session to gather feedback for an after-action report and an improvement plan tied to the jurisdiction's hazard mitigation planning and future funding eligibility.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
The House Special Committee on Fisheries reported Senate Bill 156 out of committee after adopting a committee substitute that limits Commercial Fishing and Agricultural Bank loans using state funds to loans secured at least in part by a limited‑entry permit and retains the prior schedule for reduced revolving‑loan interest rates.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
Staff engineering investigators reported inspection and oversight irregularities connected to BG&E’s gas system program; the PSC will decide whether to open a separate docket and whether to order an independent audit.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
Senator Kaufman questioned an $85,000 media campaign and broader behavioral health funding during the Department of Health discussion; committee members defended the item as aligned with the statewide suicide prevention plan, and the committee did not reopen the item later.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
Staff told the Maryland Public Service Commission that Washington Gas completed or made progress on its STRIDE 3 infrastructure plan for 2024 and that reconciliation calculations are accurate; the commission noted the 2024 report and accepted 2025 surcharge factors.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
The House Finance Committee heard an extended discussion Sunday on HB 104, a bill to establish an address confidentiality program for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking and for certain peace officers.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
The House Labor and Commerce Committee on May 18 reported House Bill 184 out of committee after discussion about the Alaska Development Authority's role in financing multiunit workforce housing using tax-exempt bonds and long-term loan participations.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
House committee reviews bill addressing discrimination against LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV older adults
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
The committee adopted an amendment that reallocated vehicle‑rental tax receipts and one‑time AHCC funds to northern and central regional highways and aviation allocations, using derelict‑vessel prevention funds for the central region and stating intent to replace one‑time funds with general funds in FY2027.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Minnesota requires cultural competency training on LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV for all care staff.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
Senate Bill 39, removing a payday‑loan exemption from a 36% APR cap in Alaska's small‑lending law, was advanced out of the House Finance Committee after sponsor Senator Dunbar summarized the bill and answered committee questions about market alternatives and past legislative results.
Marysville Exempted Village, School Districts, Ohio
Ceremony speakers said 73 students met the district's valedictorian standard (4.1 GPA after seven semesters); presenters also explained Ohio honors diploma requirements (GPA 3.5, ACT 27 or SAT 1210).
Marysville Exempted Village, School Districts, Ohio
At commencement, the district recognized students who completed associate degrees through an 11‑year partnership with Columbus State Community College; a named speaker listed graduates who received CSCC degrees.
Marysville Exempted Village, School Districts, Ohio
At the Marysville Schools commencement, principals certified that 391 candidates met Ohio Department of Education and Board of Education requirements; Board President Bill Keck formally accepted the class of 2025.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
New Minnesota law enhances client rights in home care services for LGBTQIA2S+ and HIV communities.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Minnesota enacts bill enhancing rights and protections for long-term care service recipients.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
The Maryland Public Service Commission on May 7, 2025 voted to suspend the broker license of Charity Plus Power Inc., authorize a claim on the company's surety bond for a $100 outstanding assessment and direct staff to contact the company to complete formal cancellation steps.
Introduced, House , 2025 Bills , Maine Legislation Bills, Maine
Minnesota allocates funds for designing and constructing roundabouts on Trunk Highway 24.
Cheatham County, Tennessee
At its May meeting the commission approved multiple budget amendments, a Corps of Engineers contract for sheriff patrols at Cheatham Dam, surplus equipment disposals, and a one-year freeze on volunteer fire contracts.
Cheatham County, Tennessee
The commission voted to send a proposed bus garage project to bid and unanimously approved a resolution asking the state to release BEP funding numbers earlier; the county's schools also described food distribution, graduation plans and a phased reopening strategy.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
Summary of formal actions recorded at the Maryland Public Service Commission administrative meeting on April 23, including approvals of operational-deadline extensions, tariff supplements, and cancellations of operating authority.
Cheatham County, Tennessee
The commission approved a $1.1 million amendment for the highway department, adopting a late amendment that split funds between hot mix paving and a highway garage project after members questioned how much of the department's fund balance should be applied.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
The Maryland Public Service Commission on April 23 took under advisement a Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. proposal to change how it recovers unexpectedly large PJM capacity-auction costs for standard-offer service, after commissioners and advocates pressed for more information and raised concerns about rate shock and pending FERC action.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
The House Finance Committee voted to move Senate Bill 132, an omnibus insurance bill, out of committee with individual recommendations after staff presented a revised fiscal note showing a $470,400 positive change to the general fund revenue line dated May 17, 2025.
California Volunteers, Agencies under Office of the Governor, Executive, California
Josh Friday of the Governor's Office of Service and Community warned that the termination of nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grant funding will affect schools, food banks, shelters, clinics and other nonprofits across California, even as the state continues recruiting for the California Service Corps and recovery efforts.
Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland
The Maryland Public Service Commission deferred a staff-recommended approval of Agway Energy Services LLC's request to cancel its electric and gas supplier licenses after the Office of People's Counsel urged the commission to require the company to maintain its licenses and bonds for three years to protect former customers.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
Representative H. Johnson objected when the committee adopted Senate public safety items that would not fund a trooper post on the Parks Highway; the motion to adopt the Senate version nevertheless passed.
United Nations, Federal
World Food Programme, FAO and UNICEF briefed reporters on the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, saying 295 million people in 53 countries faced high levels of acute hunger in 2024, funding is falling and child malnutrition is worsening.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
The conference committee voted to adopt the Senate recommendation setting the Alaska Permanent Fund dividend at $1,000 per person; some members objected to the reduction from the House figure.
2025 Legislature Alaska, Alaska
The Alaska conference committee approved an amendment authorizing a draw from the Constitutional Budget Reserve to cover FY25 shortfalls and, if that fails, contingency authority to use up to $100 million from AIDEA and then the Higher Education Investment Fund.
Senate Bills, Introduced Bills, 2025 Bills, Minnesota Legislation Bills, Minnesota
Minnesota Senate bill aims to enhance consumer protection for seniors and disabled insurance claims.
Tipton City, Tipton County, Indiana
At a special session, the Tipton Common Council approved Ordinance 2025-06 on second and final reading to designate Star Financial Bank as the city's depository; the move passed by voice vote after a brief discussion and was followed by adjournment.
God and Country Podcast with Uriah Kennedy and Ingrid Bettridge, Citizen Journalism , 2024 -2025 Utah Citizen Journalism, Elections, Utah
A meeting attendee defended the caucus process, saying dedicated delegates — about 4,000 statewide, the attendee said — spend hours researching candidates and meeting them in person, though the attendee acknowledged delegates do not perfectly mirror the statewide voter base.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Senate approved House File 2563, the four‑fund Legacy appropriation bill, after debate about transparency and project prioritization. Passage was 37–30. Critics raised concerns about large land acquisitions, diminished local tax base (PILT), and priority project lists and caps that could limit funding for festivals and community events.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House on Sunday adopted the conference committee report on Senate File 2298 and repassed the bill as amended by the conference committee; the roll call showed 108 ayes and 26 nays.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
At one meeting the council approved second readings of three ordinances (budget amendment, rezoning, overlay districts), adopted a city street, moved multiple first readings, authorized road-maintenance and equipment contracts, and approved several departmental purchases; planning and procurement follow-up was assigned as needed.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
Council approved hiring the recommended architecture firm to design a new police department building and a joint animal-control facility on newly acquired land; staff said a private $1 million bequest (paid in installments) will help fund the shelter and that county partners are involved.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
Council voted to adopt Hampton Way (to be renamed Hampton Street) into the city-maintained street system so adjacent parcels held by hotels can front a city street and allow a lot-redraw that developers say will make a key Cosby Highway parcel developable.
Newport, Cocke County, Tennessee
City auditors presented an unmodified (clean) opinion for fiscal year 2024, reporting no material weaknesses or compliance findings and noting roughly $1.1 million in general-fund growth; council heard the report and had no follow-up findings.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Senate adopted the conference committee report on House File 2432, the judiciary and public-safety omnibus, after a close 34–33 vote. Debate focused on funding choices for police training and victim services, and an eleventh‑hour provision to phase out Stillwater Prison that drew sustained criticism for process and oversight.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota House passed House File 2433, a K‑12 education finance bill, 93–41 after hours of debate over indexing the school funding formula to inflation, allocations for the Read/REED Act, and a contested provision that would end unemployment insurance eligibility for hourly school workers after summer 2028.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Minnesota Senate on a roll call adopted the conference committee report on House File 2446, the state government appropriation bill for agriculture, preserving a mix of farmer supports and new or expanded food‑access programs that backfill a federal cut and adjust several licensing fees.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The Legacy Finance Conference Committee on May 18 approved a conference committee spreadsheet reconciling House and Senate positions on Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage, Clean Water, Parks and Trails and Arts and Cultural Heritage funds, after members debated whether named projects should remain as priority applicants.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
On May 16 the House handled messages from the Senate, adopted noncontroversial motions and set the next adjournment date; representatives moved routine business and adjourned until the scheduled time.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
The House suspended rules to take up and pass House File 1143, which uses one‑time funds to reimburse school districts for unemployment costs for hourly school workers for two summers; the motion passed and the bill passed on third reading.
2025 Legislature MN, Minnesota
House File 2433 passed the House 93–41 after partisan debate over funding choices, mandate relief and a temporary repeal provision for unemployment insurance for hourly school workers; sponsors said the bill provides targeted flexibility while critics said it shifts costs and leaves gaps.