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Municipal Elections in Basalt, Carbondale, and Parachute Conclude with New Leadership

Municipal Elections in Basalt, Carbondale, and Parachute Conclude with New Leadership

The towns of Basalt, Carbondale, and Parachute in Colorado held municipal elections on April 7, 2026. In Basalt, three town council members were elected: Greg Shaffran, Elyse Hottel, and Angela Anderson. Carbondale elected Erica Sparhawk as mayor and three trustees: Kade Gianinetti, Colin Laird, and Chris Hassig. In Parachute, Tom Rugaard was elected mayor, with David Blair and Artemio Baltazar securing town council seats. These elections are significant for local governance, with each position holding a four-year term. The results are pending official certification.
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Kansas City Residents Vote to Renew 1% Earnings Tax for Five More Years

Kansas City Residents Vote to Renew 1% Earnings Tax for Five More Years

Residents of Kansas City, Missouri, have voted to renew a longstanding 1% earnings tax for another five years. The tax, which has been in place for 63 years, was approved by 75.45% of voters in the recent municipal election. The earnings tax is applied to the wages and salaries of employees who work and/or live in Kansas City and generates nearly half of the city's general fund annually. In 2025, the city collected an estimated $351 million from the tax, which funds essential public services such as road maintenance, police, and fire departments.
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Sangamon County Board Approves Controversial Data Center Project Amid Public Opposition

Sangamon County Board Approves Controversial Data Center Project Amid Public Opposition

Sangamon County Board Approves Controversial Data Center Project Amid Public Opposition
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Global Partners Launches First EV Charging Station in Maine

Global Partners Launches First EV Charging Station in Maine

Global Partners has opened its first electric vehicle charging station in Maine at an Alltown convenience store in Orono. This DC fast-charging site is part of the company's broader initiative to expand diverse fueling options across the Northeast. Supported by the Efficiency Maine Trust's DCFC Maine Destinations program, the project received nearly $300,000 in funding to cover installation costs. The new station aims to provide fast and reliable charging for local drivers and travelers, aligning with Maine's climate and clean energy goals.
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Congressman Raul Ruiz Allocates Federal Funds for Holtville and Imperial Development Projects

Congressman Raul Ruiz Allocates Federal Funds for Holtville and Imperial Development Projects

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz visited Imperial County to present federal funding for development projects in Holtville and Imperial. On April 7, Ruiz participated in ceremonies to present a $2 million check for Holtville's new Public Safety Facility and a $1.5 million check for Imperial's Community Park Project. The Public Safety Facility in Holtville will house the Sheriff's Office substation and the Fire Department, with construction divided into phases due to funding constraints. The total project cost is estimated at $14.15 million, with $7 million already secured. In Imperial, the Community Park Project will span 143 acres and include various recreational facilities. The park's design process is expected to take about a year, with further funding to be sought thereafter.
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Michigan Department of Transportation Allocates $51 Million for EV Charger Expansion

Michigan Department of Transportation Allocates $51 Million for EV Charger Expansion

The Michigan Department of Transportation has announced the availability of $51 million in National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) funds to enhance the state's EV charging infrastructure. This initiative aims to strategically expand fast charging stations, close existing gaps in Michigan's EV network, and support economic development. The plan includes placing chargers every 60 miles along major highways and travel corridors, with over 80 charging sites already identified through previous funding rounds. The focus is on fast chargers, which can deliver a significant charge in a short time, supporting long-distance EV travel.
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Franklin County Prepares for Key Legislative Races in 2026 Primary Election

Franklin County Prepares for Key Legislative Races in 2026 Primary Election

Franklin County voters are gearing up for several significant races in the upcoming 2026 primary election. The ballot will feature key legislative contests, including those for the Ohio Senate and House of Representatives. Notably, the primaries may effectively decide the winners due to gerrymandering and the political leanings of the districts. The elections are drawing attention as they could bring new political figures into office, with several incumbents running for higher positions, creating opportunities for fresh candidates.
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Electric Vehicles Offer Solution for Solar Energy Stability in Tropical Cities

Electric Vehicles Offer Solution for Solar Energy Stability in Tropical Cities

Researchers have proposed using electric vehicles (EVs) to stabilize power grids in tropical cities during solar energy fluctuations caused by thunderstorms. The study, led by civil engineer Markus Schläpfer, suggests that EV batteries can serve as temporary energy sources when solar generation is disrupted. This approach could reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades in dense urban areas. By connecting EVs to the grid, cities can balance energy supply and demand more efficiently, ensuring reliability during short-lived power interruptions. The research highlights the potential of integrating EVs into urban energy systems to enhance sustainability.
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Federal Funds Enable Expansion of EV Charging Stations Across Michigan

Federal Funds Enable Expansion of EV Charging Stations Across Michigan

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) has announced the allocation of federal funds to establish eight new electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across Michigan. This initiative is part of a broader effort under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program, which is managed by the Federal Highway Administration. The state has received a total of $106 million, with $51 million now available for spending. The new charging stations will be strategically placed in locations such as Macomb County, Grosse Pointe, Troy, and Midtown Detroit. These installations are expected to fill critical gaps in Michigan's EV charging network, supporting the state's transition to cleaner transportation solutions. The project involves collaboration with local governments, tribal nations, utilities, and industry partners to ensure alignment with statewide priorities.
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Bangor City Council Moves to Temporarily Halt Data Center Construction Amid Legislative Considerations

Bangor City Council Moves to Temporarily Halt Data Center Construction Amid Legislative Considerations

Bangor city councilors are expediting an ordinance to impose a six-month moratorium on the construction of data centers within the city. This pause is intended to allow time for adjustments to the Land Development Code, addressing the unique infrastructure demands and environmental impacts associated with data centers. The council is set to vote on this measure on April 13. This local initiative coincides with a broader state-level legislative effort in Maine to implement a longer, 18-month freeze on large data centers, which would be the first of its kind in the U.S. The state-level moratorium, if enacted, would affect planned data center projects in Jay, Sanford, and Loring. The urgency of the local ordinance is driven by a sudden increase in development pressure from data centers, which are known for high electricity and water usage, as well as potential pollution and land use concerns.
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Floating Pool Project in East River to Undergo Test Run Amid Safety Concerns

Floating Pool Project in East River to Undergo Test Run Amid Safety Concerns

The long-awaited + POOL project, a floating pool concept in New York City's East River, is set to undergo a 'dry' test run this summer. The initiative, which began in 2010, aims to create a swimmable area filled with filtered river water. The test will address safety and cleanliness concerns raised by the Health Department, which has delayed the project due to bureaucratic setbacks. The pilot pool, a smaller version of the final design, will be deployed near Pier 35 and the Manhattan Bridge. Weekly water quality tests will be conducted throughout the summer to ensure the pool's safety before its anticipated opening next year.
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PHOTO ESSAY: In a corner of Appalachia, soaring utility costs are surpassing rents and mortgages

PHOTO ESSAY: In a corner of Appalachia, soaring utility costs are surpassing rents and mortgages

Appalachia residents face a crisis: utility bills now exceed rent & mortgage payments, straining households in the region.