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Judge Overrules Chatham County Data Center Moratorium, Allowing Project to Proceed

Judge Overrules Chatham County Data Center Moratorium, Allowing Project to Proceed

Judge Overrules Chatham County Data Center Moratorium, Allowing Project to Proceed

Marquette City Commission Candidates Address Housing and Economic Issues at Forum

Marquette City Commission Candidates Address Housing and Economic Issues at Forum

The League of Women Voters of Marquette County hosted a candidate forum for the Marquette City Commission, featuring six of the seven candidates running for three available seats: Margaret Brumm, Mark Curran, Kevin Clegg, Ross Johnson, Marcella Krupski, and Paul Schloegel. The candidates discussed critical issues facing Marquette, including housing affordability, economic development in a tourism-dependent economy, and city finances. Ross Johnson emphasized transparency and accountability, while Kevin Clegg highlighted his experience on the planning commission and the need for affordable living. Mark Curran, a local landlord, focused on housing solutions, and Paul Schloegel, the current mayor, stressed financial solvency and infrastructure. Marcella Krupski advocated for sustainable tourism and addressing housing for workers, and Margaret Brumm focused on community engagement and bringing back high-wage jobs.

San Antonio City Council Approves Property Tax Increase Amidst Budget Adjustments

San Antonio City Council Approves Property Tax Increase Amidst Budget Adjustments

The San Antonio City Council has approved a 3.9% property tax increase, the first since 1992, to address a budget deficit. This decision comes as the city faces softening property values and rising inflation. Bexar County, in contrast, opted to use reserve funds to avoid a tax rate hike. The city's $4.4 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which is 8.6% larger than the previous year, includes significant investments, particularly a $2.5 billion redevelopment of the San Antonio International Airport. This airport project alone accounts for 6.3% of the budget's growth. Other changes include increased fees for various city services, such as park pavilion rentals, development permits, and library services for non-residents. The budget also saw cuts, with 100 city staff positions eliminated, 39 of which were from the San Antonio Public Library system, despite a 4% overall increase in the library's budget.

Pocatello City Council Denies AI Data Center Permit for Second Time

Pocatello City Council Denies AI Data Center Permit for Second Time

The Pocatello City Council has again denied Lex Developments a conditional use permit for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) data center project. This marks the second time the council has rejected the proposal. Following the denial, a 12-month waiting period has been imposed, meaning Lex Developments cannot reapply for the permit until this period has elapsed. The decision was made during a recent council meeting, where the project's implications and community feedback were likely considered. This repeated denial indicates significant local opposition or concerns regarding the proposed data center, preventing its development in the immediate future within Pocatello. The specific reasons for the denial were not detailed in the provided information, but the consistent rejection suggests unresolved issues with the project's plans or its perceived impact on the community.

Ohio Communities to Vote on Data Center Bans in November Election

Ohio Communities to Vote on Data Center Bans in November Election

Voters in 18 Ohio municipalities and townships will decide on the future of data centers in their communities during the upcoming November election. These ballot initiatives stem from growing local opposition to the construction of large data centers, driven by concerns over energy consumption, environmental impact, and perceived lack of local control. Nine of these petitions, in cities like Conneaut, Defiance, and Piqua, aim to ban data centers that consume over 25 megawatts of energy per month. Conserve Ohio, an advocacy group, is organizing these efforts and also pursuing a statewide petition for the 2027 ballot after missing a signature deadline for the current election cycle. Local organizers, such as Alisha Lange in Piqua, became politically active due to health issues linked to a battery plant and are now leading efforts against data centers, including recall petitions for local officials and changes to city agreements.

Prince George's County Council Debates Proposed $1.4 Billion Sphere Entertainment Venue Amid Public Concerns

Prince George's County Council Debates Proposed $1.4 Billion Sphere Entertainment Venue Amid Public Concerns

The Prince George’s County Council in Maryland recently held a listening session regarding a proposed $1.4 billion Sphere entertainment venue at National Harbor. Sphere Entertainment plans to construct a 6,000-seat facility on a 15-acre site north of MGM National Harbor, featuring a 16K high-definition display screen, immersive sound, and an exterior LED display. The company aims to begin site work in December and open by spring 2030, with plans for concerts, films, and other events. Paul Macchia, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Social Impact for Sphere Entertainment, projected the venue would generate an estimated $1.3 billion annually in economic activity for Prince George’s County and $1.5 billion across Maryland, along with over $60 million in additional county tax revenue. However, residents and council legislative staff raised concerns about labor protections, traffic congestion, taxpayer costs, and the overall net fiscal benefit to the county.

US Industrial Policy Shifts from Free-Market Dogma Amidst US-China Economic Tensions

US Industrial Policy Shifts from Free-Market Dogma Amidst US-China Economic Tensions

The United States has moved away from its long-standing free-market dogma to embrace industrial policy and managed trade, a significant shift in its economic approach. This change comes as American leaders are re-evaluating the US-China economic relationship, which has been described as 'badly deteriorated.' Historically, the US had promoted free-market globalization, encouraging developing nations to compete for foreign investment by offering favorable conditions to multinational corporations. However, this perspective is now being challenged, with a growing recognition that robust state intervention is often necessary for economic development. The current US stance views China as a 'treacherous villain' in a 'morality tale' of trade, accusing it of exploiting free-market integration through nonmarket practices to gain control over future technologies and potentially global dominance. This narrative, according to some analyses, serves to unite US social divisions and repair damaged alliances.

Tennessee Officials Approve Plan to Seek Master Developer for Capitol-Adjacent Lots, Including Boring Tunnel Site

Tennessee Officials Approve Plan to Seek Master Developer for Capitol-Adjacent Lots, Including Boring Tunnel Site

Tennessee state officials have approved a waiver to proceed with finding a master developer for approximately 10 acres of parking lots located near the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. This decision, made by the Tennessee State Building Commission, allows the Department of General Services to bypass its standard disclosure process and solicit bids for a master developer. The lots include the site where Elon Musk’s Boring Company is constructing the initial phase of an underground tunnel intended to connect parts of downtown Nashville to the airport using Tesla vehicles. The state aims to transform these parking lots into a mixed-use development featuring housing, hotels, and retail spaces. Additionally, the selected developer will be granted an option to redevelop the James K. Polk building, which currently houses the Tennessee Performing Arts Centers, and construct a new garage for state employees. The agreement will be structured as a land lease, ensuring the state retains ownership of the land. Gove...

U.S. DOT Awards $12 Million to Enhance Regional Air Service Connectivity

U.S. DOT Awards $12 Million to Enhance Regional Air Service Connectivity

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has allocated nearly $12 million in grants to 14 communities across the United States. These funds, distributed through the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP), aim to establish, restore, or bolster regional air services, addressing specific gaps in air connectivity. The grants will support various projects, including the creation of new hub connections, the re-establishment of previously discontinued routes, marketing campaigns to promote air travel, and air service studies. Out of 60 applications received from 32 states and territories, 14 proposals were selected, totaling $11.98 million, significantly less than the almost $49 million collectively sought by eligible applicants. Most of the awards are designed to provide revenue guarantees and marketing support, mitigating financial risks for airlines launching new routes.

U.S. Endowment Awards $1.7 Million Grant to Boost Tribal Forest Product Markets and Reduce Wildfire Risk

U.S. Endowment Awards $1.7 Million Grant to Boost Tribal Forest Product Markets and Reduce Wildfire Risk

Sustainable Northwest (SNW), the Intertribal Timber Council (ITC), and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities have announced a five-year, $1.7 million grant. This funding aims to assist Tribal nations across the United States in developing new markets for underutilized wood products, including small trees, brush, and low-grade logs. These materials often accumulate, increasing wildfire risk, but the grant seeks to transform them into valuable resources. The U.S. Endowment selected this partnership as one of only five projects nationwide. The initiative will focus on building business infrastructure to create stable and expanding markets for small-diameter wood and woody biomass. This aligns with Tribal stewardship principles, which prioritize reducing wildfire risk, restoring wildlife habitats, conserving clean water, supporting cultural forest resources, and fostering Tribal business growth. Tribal forests, spanning 19.3 million acres of trust land, including 10.2 million acres of commercial fore...

US, China agree to extend trade truce by two months, work on bigger deal, Bessent says

US, China agree to extend trade truce by two months, work on bigger deal, Bessent says

By Andrea Shalal WASHINGTON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - The United States and China have agreed to extend by two months a trade truce that was due to expire on November 10, allowing more time to work on a potentially bigger trade deal, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday.

Charlotte City Council Reverses Stance, Approves I-77 South Toll Lanes with $300 Million Community Benefits Deal

Charlotte City Council Reverses Stance, Approves I-77 South Toll Lanes with $300 Million Community Benefits Deal

The Charlotte City Council has voted 7-4 to reverse its previous opposition and rejoin the construction of toll lanes along I-77 South. This decision comes after a heated public debate and includes a memorandum of agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to establish a binding community benefits plan. This plan commits at least $300 million, generated through a public-private partnership, to neighborhoods directly impacted by the construction. Council members supporting the reversal cited the creation of legally binding contracts for community benefits and the threat of nearly $70 million in fines and loss of state and federal funding under a state budget provision passed after the council initially rescinded its support in May. The project had previously faced opposition due to concerns about its impact on historically Black neighborhoods and environmental issues.