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UNICEF USA Launches Youth Council Learning Exchange for U.S. City and County Leaders

UNICEF USA Launches Youth Council Learning Exchange for U.S. City and County Leaders

UNICEF USA has initiated a six-month virtual Youth Council Learning Exchange for U.S. city and county staff and officials involved with youth councils. Running from January to June 2027, this peer-learning program aims to strengthen youth participation in local government decision-making. Participants will share experiences, discuss challenges, and develop action plans to enhance youth council initiatives in their communities. The program is designed for local governments at various stages of youth council development, including those establishing new councils, revitalizing inactive ones, or strengthening existing structures. The insights and experiences gathered during the exchange will also contribute to the development of a Youth Council Toolkit, scheduled for release in July 2027.

Patrick Henry Middle School Opens Nominations for 39th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Award

Patrick Henry Middle School Opens Nominations for 39th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Award

Patrick Henry Middle School, in partnership with the Sioux Falls School District and Vern Eide Motorcars, has announced the opening of nominations for the 39th Annual Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year Award. This prestigious annual award aims to recognize and honor excellence in teaching. The Sioux Falls School District highlights that Vern Eide Motorcars' generous support enables the Teacher of the Year to receive a $4,000 award. Key criteria for selection include excellence in teaching and learning, innovation and continuous improvement, and a positive impact on students. Additional areas considered are leadership and collaboration, community and family engagement, student success for all, and professionalism and integrity. Nominations for this year's award are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 4th, 2027.

Representative Mike Levin Advances Bill to Prioritize Removal of Nuclear Waste from High-Risk Sites

Representative Mike Levin Advances Bill to Prioritize Removal of Nuclear Waste from High-Risk Sites

Representative Mike Levin, a Democratic Congressman representing parts of San Diego and Orange County, is actively pushing for the removal of spent nuclear fuel from the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station. He recently discussed his plan, emphasizing that getting this nuclear waste off the coast has been a top priority for him during his eight years in Congress. To address the risks associated with storing spent nuclear fuel at sites like San Onofre, which is located near earthquake faults and a large population center, Representative Levin introduced the 'Spent Fuel Prioritization Act.' This bill, co-authored with Republican Representatives Darrell Issa and Young Kim, aims to move nuclear sites with high seismic hazards, large populations, and national security risks to the top of the list for fuel removal and storage. The bill is currently awaiting consideration in the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Levin is also advocating for the creation of 'Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses' in other stat...

Lancaster City Council Approves Mayor's Request to Exceed Tax Revenue Cap for 2027 Budget

Lancaster City Council Approves Mayor's Request to Exceed Tax Revenue Cap for 2027 Budget

The Lancaster City Council has voted 6-1 to approve a request from Mayor Jaime Arroyo, allowing him to propose a 2027 budget that exceeds the city's current 6% tax revenue growth limit. This decision does not automatically mean a tax increase will occur, but it provides city leaders with greater flexibility in balancing the budget and addressing rising operational costs. According to Lancaster City Council Finance Committee Chair John Hursh, no budget has been passed, and no tax increase has been approved yet. Mayor Arroyo stated that the city is exploring various strategies to continue investing in essential services while maintaining long-term financial health. He emphasized that while a property tax increase is not currently being proposed, city leaders are considering the implications of a slight increase in the earned income tax.

UN Human Rights Forum to Focus on Education for Civic Participation

UN Human Rights Forum to Focus on Education for Civic Participation

The sixth session of the Forum on Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law is scheduled to take place on November 16 and 17, 2026, at the United Nations Office in Geneva. This session, mandated by Human Rights Council resolution 58/8 adopted on April 2, 2025, will center on the theme 'Education for civic participation: empowering future generations, fostering knowledge and critical thinking.' The forum aims to explore how education can play a pivotal role in cultivating active and informed citizens, thereby strengthening democratic processes and upholding the rule of law. Discussions are expected to delve into various aspects of civic education, including curriculum development, teaching methodologies, and the creation of environments that encourage critical thinking and engagement among young people. The event will bring together experts, policymakers, educators, and civil society representatives to share best practices and formulate strategies for enhancing civic participation globally. This initiativ...

Alamogordo City Commission to Address Mayor's Agenda Role and City Manager Complaint

Alamogordo City Commission to Address Mayor's Agenda Role and City Manager Complaint

The Alamogordo City Commission is set to convene to clarify the mayor's authority over meeting agendas and to discuss a closed-door complaint against City Manager Robert Stockwell. Mayor Sharon McDonald has requested a more active role in drafting and finalizing agendas, seeking preliminary drafts and consultation on item modifications. Stockwell, however, argues that this request introduces delays and deviates from past mayoral practices, where mayors occasionally attended agenda review meetings but lacked approval authority. The dispute centers on the interpretation of Rule 5(a) of Resolution 2018-08, which mandates consultation between the city clerk, city manager, and mayor during agenda preparation, but does not specify the extent or timing of the mayor's involvement. The commission will consider whether to amend this rule to explicitly define the mayor's role. Additionally, the commission will enter an executive session to discuss a complaint concerning the City Manager and the Community Development ...

Kearney Leaders Launch Community Survey on Flock Camera Usage Amidst Public Debate

Kearney Leaders Launch Community Survey on Flock Camera Usage Amidst Public Debate

Kearney, Missouri, city leaders have initiated a community survey to gather resident feedback on the use of Flock automated license plate reader cameras. This move follows a recent community meeting and comes shortly after nearby Excelsior Springs, Missouri, decided to discontinue its use of Flock cameras due to resident concerns. The survey asks residents to select a statement reflecting their stance on the cameras and provides an open-ended question for suggestions on safeguards or restrictions. Currently, Kearney operates 14 Flock cameras across the city, which capture an average of 46,000 license plate reads daily. The city police department has confirmed these figures. Should the Board of Aldermen decide to remove the cameras, a resolution would need to be passed, and the city would still be obligated to pay the remaining balance of its multi-year contract with Flock.

San Juan High School Student Sil Sila Amiry Pursues Medical Dream, Inspired by Father's Hopes

San Juan High School Student Sil Sila Amiry Pursues Medical Dream, Inspired by Father's Hopes

Sil Sila Amiry, a senior at San Juan High School, is actively pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor, a goal she has held since ninth grade and which also carries her father's aspirations. Having arrived in the United States approximately a year and a half ago, Sil Sila faced the challenge of a new learning environment, including learning English and adapting to the American school system. In Afghanistan, she was not permitted to attend school. With support from her math and English teachers, as well as other school staff, she gradually gained confidence. Ewa Firl, parent/family support ambassador at San Juan High School, noted Sil Sila's grit and dedication, describing her as a 'sunshine story' of successful adaptation. Sil Sila is currently taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes to prepare for college and her medical career.

Ferndale High School Teachers Secure Compensation After Classroom Flooding Incident

Ferndale High School Teachers Secure Compensation After Classroom Flooding Incident

Teachers at Ferndale High School in a Detroit suburb successfully advocated for compensation after multiple classrooms were flooded due to the school's dilapidated building. On the eve of professional development week, seven classrooms were found with industrial fans and dehumidifiers, rendering them unsuitable for preparation. Despite an email from the principal stating the classrooms were 'ready for our return,' teachers discovered the spaces were far from functional. This led to a collective action where six teachers marched to the principal's office to demand either paid time for classroom setup or an exemption from professional development sessions. Initially met with a dismissive response, including the principal filming them for TikTok, the teachers' unified front ultimately resulted in the approval of three hours of paid time for classroom setup. This incident highlights ongoing issues with the school's infrastructure, which has experienced three floods in the past nine months, including one where ...

Swampscott Officials Seek Protections for Historic General Glover Farmhouse Amid Apartment Complex Plans

Swampscott Officials Seek Protections for Historic General Glover Farmhouse Amid Apartment Complex Plans

Swampscott town officials are actively pursuing measures to preserve the historic General Glover farmhouse. These efforts are unfolding as plans for a new apartment complex in the area are progressing through various municipal boards. The farmhouse holds significant historical value, and the town is working to ensure its protection amidst new development. The specific nature of the protections being sought and the details of the apartment complex plans are currently under review by local authorities. This initiative reflects a broader commitment within Swampscott to balance modern development with the preservation of its historical landmarks.

Walter Johnson High School to Administer ASL Seal of Biliteracy Exam to Entire Class

Walter Johnson High School to Administer ASL Seal of Biliteracy Exam to Entire Class

In January 2027, Walter Johnson High School (WJ) will administer the American Sign Language (ASL) Seal of Biliteracy exam to an entire class of seniors, marking the second time the school has done so. The ASL Biliteracy test was first adopted in California in 2011, followed by Maryland in 2016, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) in the same year, with MCPS covering the exam costs for seniors. Unlike other world language exams, the ASL test has two parts: a 'receiving' or watching section to assess comprehension, and a signing section where students respond to a prompt from memory. ASL teacher Kiara Campbell has been preparing students for this exam for three years, using 'pop topics' for daily signing practice.

North Miami to Induct Mayor-Elect George Morgan and Re-elected Councilmembers

North Miami to Induct Mayor-Elect George Morgan and Re-elected Councilmembers

North Miami, Florida, is preparing for its 2026 Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, November 17, at 7 p.m. at The NoMi Village, 12351 NW 7th Avenue. The event will welcome Mayor-Elect George Morgan, who will take the ceremonial oath of office. Additionally, re-elected Vice Mayor Kassandra Timothe, MPA, representing District 2, and Councilwoman Mary Estimé-Irvin, representing District 3, will also be sworn in for their new terms. The ceremony is open to the public and will include remarks from the elected officials and a musical performance. This event marks a new chapter in the city's leadership, celebrating both new and continuing public service.