27 minutes
Utah’s richest woman, Gail Miller, told of how long ago, her late husband Larry H. Miller would stash money in the pocket of a suit coat that he rarely wore as a fund for “special needs.” It was early on, when the Miller family’s business was still young. Back then, Gail Miller said she and […]
Utah’s richest woman, Gail Miller, told of how long ago, her late husband Larry H. Miller would stash money in the pocket of a suit coat that he rarely wore as a fund for “special needs.” It was early on, when the Miller family’s business was still young. Back then, Gail Miller said she and […]
30 minutes
WASHINGTON — U.S. lawmakers who oversee armed services policy split along party lines Thursday when examining the deployments of the National Guard to cities across the country under what President Donald Trump describes as a crime-fighting strategy. Members of the Senate Committee on the Armed Services questioned for nearly two-and-a-half hours high-level Department of Defense […]
WASHINGTON — U.S. lawmakers who oversee armed services policy split along party lines Thursday when examining the deployments of the National Guard to cities across the country under what President Donald Trump describes as a crime-fighting strategy. Members of the Senate Committee on the Armed Services questioned for nearly two-and-a-half hours high-level Department of Defense […]
30 minutes
Four of the world’s biggest oil and gas companies have spent the last 25 years deceptively portraying themselves as leaders in addressing climate change while simultaneously expanding fossil fuel production and failing to meaningfully rein in their planet-heating emissions, according to a report released Thursday that examined over 300 of the companies’ climate-related advertisements from […]
Four of the world’s biggest oil and gas companies have spent the last 25 years deceptively portraying themselves as leaders in addressing climate change while simultaneously expanding fossil fuel production and failing to meaningfully rein in their planet-heating emissions, according to a report released Thursday that examined over 300 of the companies’ climate-related advertisements from […]
31 minutes
WASHINGTON — U.S. lawmakers who oversee armed services policy split along party lines Thursday when examining the deployments of the National Guard to cities across the country under what President Donald Trump describes as a crime-fighting strategy. Members of the Senate Committee on the Armed Services questioned for nearly two-and-a-half hours high-level Department of Defense […]
WASHINGTON — U.S. lawmakers who oversee armed services policy split along party lines Thursday when examining the deployments of the National Guard to cities across the country under what President Donald Trump describes as a crime-fighting strategy. Members of the Senate Committee on the Armed Services questioned for nearly two-and-a-half hours high-level Department of Defense […]
32 minutes
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate in long-anticipated votes failed to advance legislation Thursday that would have addressed the rising cost of health insurance, leaving lawmakers deadlocked on how to curb a surge in premiums expected next year. Senators voted 51-48 on a Republican bill co-sponsored by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo […]
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate in long-anticipated votes failed to advance legislation Thursday that would have addressed the rising cost of health insurance, leaving lawmakers deadlocked on how to curb a surge in premiums expected next year. Senators voted 51-48 on a Republican bill co-sponsored by Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy and Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo […]
32 minutes
September unemployment rates rose in 25 states and fell in 21 compared with last year, the government reported Dec. 11 in a shutdown-delayed analysis. The largest increase compared with September 2024 was in Oregon, where the rate rose from 4.2% to 5.2%, followed by the District of Columbia, increasing from 5.3% to 6.2% and Delaware, […]
September unemployment rates rose in 25 states and fell in 21 compared with last year, the government reported Dec. 11 in a shutdown-delayed analysis. The largest increase compared with September 2024 was in Oregon, where the rate rose from 4.2% to 5.2%, followed by the District of Columbia, increasing from 5.3% to 6.2% and Delaware, […]
33 minutes
WASHINGTON — The 12-member council tasked with overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency abruptly canceled the Thursday meeting where members were supposed to debate and vote on their recommendations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, one of the co-chairs, left a U.S. House committee hearing early to attend the meeting, which was scheduled to begin in […]
WASHINGTON — The 12-member council tasked with overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency abruptly canceled the Thursday meeting where members were supposed to debate and vote on their recommendations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, one of the co-chairs, left a U.S. House committee hearing early to attend the meeting, which was scheduled to begin in […]
33 minutes
Public health, explained: Sign up to receive Healthbeat’s free Atlanta newsletter here. After two congressional proposals to alleviate the rising costs of Affordable Care Act health insurance plans failed to pass Thursday, many Georgians could see their rates more than double for next year. At issue are tax credits that lowered the cost of ACA plans that are set to expire Dec. 31. The credits were enacted as part of a Covid relief package in 2021. Unless Congress takes action to extend the credits, premiums for Georgians will, on average, more than double, a recent Georgia Health Initiative analysis found. The enrollment deadline is Monday for coverage to begin Jan. 1. The GHI analysis predicts that the higher costs would prompt about 340,000 of the 1.5 million Georgians who are enrolled in the ACA to go without insurance next year. The analysis is based on data showing how many people enrolled after the premium tax credits took effect. Congress is set to recess for the holidays next week. On Thursday, a Democratic proposal to extend the subsidies and a Republican proposal to provide enrollees with additional funds for health care costs instead both failed on 51-48 votes in the U.S. Senate. The exact amount of the rate increases will vary based on several factors, but on average, premiums in Georgia will more than double, from an average of $69 per month this year to $148 per month in 2026, according to the GHI report. Many will likely “buy down” to lower-coverage plans that may have lower premiums, but higher out-of-pocket costs, the analysis said. How will higher costs impact health care in Georgia? People who make more than 400% of the poverty level (about $62,600 for a single person, or $128,600 for a family of four) will see the biggest increases if Congress doesn’t act, said Louise Norris, health policy analyst for Healthinsurance.org. “All of a sudden they’re faced with full-price premiums, which are really high, depending on how old you are, and where you live,” Norris said. People making less than 400% of the federal poverty level will also see increases, she said. Many people will opt to go without insurance, which will increase health care costs across the board, Norris said. Employer-sponsored plans and Medicare plans have also set higher premiums for next year. “When you increase the uninsured rate, you do drive up costs for everyone who still has insurance,” Norris said. Anna Adams, senior vice president of government relations at the Georgia Hospital Association, said, “Hospitals will continue to provide high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, but the loss of coverage for many of those patients will have a substantial impact on hospitals’ ability to stretch already scarce resources.” Many patients without insurance will turn to emergency room care, Norris said, for which they won’t be able to pay. That will cause hospitals to raise rates, which will drive up premiums for everyone. Who is eligible for Affordable Care Act insurance and where to find plans in Ga. U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present immigrants who are not incarcerated can enroll in the plans. About 1.5 million Georgians, or around 13% of the population, currently use the plans. Most of those enrolled do not have access to insurance through their employers. To compare plans and enroll, visit GeorgiaAccess.gov. In the past, Georgians purchased their insurance through a federal website called the Marketplace. The state established its own portal last year. What happens if Congress doesn’t extend the tax credits by the Monday deadline? The rates listed on GeorgiaAccess are the rates that will take effect if Congress does not act, Norris said. She advises selecting a plan by Monday’s deadline. “You can base your decision on those numbers. Pick a plan, but then don’t just tune out completely. Make sure you still keep an ear to whether or not anything is changing,” she said. Congress could still renew the subsidies or agree to another plan to lower costs even after the deadline, retroactively. What happens if you miss the Monday deadline to enroll? Those who have health insurance through Georgia Access will be re-enrolled in the same plan or the most similar plan available for next year. Aetna will not be offering ACA insurance in 2026, so those customers will be shifted to another company, said Bryce Rawson, a spokesperson for the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire. Those who don’t already have health insurance and miss the Monday deadline can enroll until Jan. 15. But coverage wouldn’t start until Feb. 1. What options are available for those who cannot afford health insurance? Here are some resources available in Georgia for uninsured people. Many charity and low-cost clinics across the state operate on a sliding scale for low-income and uninsured people. Here are some directories to help find one near you. For DeKalb and Fulton residents, Grady Health offers financial assistance, often called a “Grady card,” for inpatient and outpatient care. For residents of other counties, Grady provides financial assistance for emergency services. Contact your health system or doctor and explain the situation. Hospitals are often able to write off debt, provide lower bills, or set up a payment plan. Just ask. Make sure you are being charged the lower “self-pay” rate rather than the insurance rate. Local public health departments offer an array of low-cost services, including vaccinations, many routine screenings like mammograms, and sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment services. Eligibility for Medicaid varies. Typically, people who are eligible for the ACA are not eligible for Medicaid. Those who are eligible include: Children from low-income families Adults 19-64 with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level ($15,650) who work, volunteer, study, caregive or complete another qualifying activity for 80 hours per month. People with certain medical conditions or who are aged, blind, or disabled. Pregnant and post-partum women with low incomes. Parents of children under age 19 who earn very low incomes Rebecca Grapevine is a reporter covering public health in Atlanta for Healthbeat. Contact Rebecca at rgrapevine@healthbeat.org.
Public health, explained: Sign up to receive Healthbeat’s free Atlanta newsletter here. After two congressional proposals to alleviate the rising costs of Affordable Care Act health insurance plans failed to pass Thursday, many Georgians could see their rates more than double for next year. At issue are tax credits that lowered the cost of ACA plans that are set to expire Dec. 31. The credits were enacted as part of a Covid relief package in 2021. Unless Congress takes action to extend the credits, premiums for Georgians will, on average, more than double, a recent Georgia Health Initiative analysis found. The enrollment deadline is Monday for coverage to begin Jan. 1. The GHI analysis predicts that the higher costs would prompt about 340,000 of the 1.5 million Georgians who are enrolled in the ACA to go without insurance next year. The analysis is based on data showing how many people enrolled after the premium tax credits took effect. Congress is set to recess for the holidays next week. On Thursday, a Democratic proposal to extend the subsidies and a Republican proposal to provide enrollees with additional funds for health care costs instead both failed on 51-48 votes in the U.S. Senate. The exact amount of the rate increases will vary based on several factors, but on average, premiums in Georgia will more than double, from an average of $69 per month this year to $148 per month in 2026, according to the GHI report. Many will likely “buy down” to lower-coverage plans that may have lower premiums, but higher out-of-pocket costs, the analysis said. How will higher costs impact health care in Georgia? People who make more than 400% of the poverty level (about $62,600 for a single person, or $128,600 for a family of four) will see the biggest increases if Congress doesn’t act, said Louise Norris, health policy analyst for Healthinsurance.org. “All of a sudden they’re faced with full-price premiums, which are really high, depending on how old you are, and where you live,” Norris said. People making less than 400% of the federal poverty level will also see increases, she said. Many people will opt to go without insurance, which will increase health care costs across the board, Norris said. Employer-sponsored plans and Medicare plans have also set higher premiums for next year. “When you increase the uninsured rate, you do drive up costs for everyone who still has insurance,” Norris said. Anna Adams, senior vice president of government relations at the Georgia Hospital Association, said, “Hospitals will continue to provide high-quality care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay, but the loss of coverage for many of those patients will have a substantial impact on hospitals’ ability to stretch already scarce resources.” Many patients without insurance will turn to emergency room care, Norris said, for which they won’t be able to pay. That will cause hospitals to raise rates, which will drive up premiums for everyone. Who is eligible for Affordable Care Act insurance and where to find plans in Ga. U.S. citizens, nationals, or lawfully present immigrants who are not incarcerated can enroll in the plans. About 1.5 million Georgians, or around 13% of the population, currently use the plans. Most of those enrolled do not have access to insurance through their employers. To compare plans and enroll, visit GeorgiaAccess.gov. In the past, Georgians purchased their insurance through a federal website called the Marketplace. The state established its own portal last year. What happens if Congress doesn’t extend the tax credits by the Monday deadline? The rates listed on GeorgiaAccess are the rates that will take effect if Congress does not act, Norris said. She advises selecting a plan by Monday’s deadline. “You can base your decision on those numbers. Pick a plan, but then don’t just tune out completely. Make sure you still keep an ear to whether or not anything is changing,” she said. Congress could still renew the subsidies or agree to another plan to lower costs even after the deadline, retroactively. What happens if you miss the Monday deadline to enroll? Those who have health insurance through Georgia Access will be re-enrolled in the same plan or the most similar plan available for next year. Aetna will not be offering ACA insurance in 2026, so those customers will be shifted to another company, said Bryce Rawson, a spokesperson for the Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire. Those who don’t already have health insurance and miss the Monday deadline can enroll until Jan. 15. But coverage wouldn’t start until Feb. 1. What options are available for those who cannot afford health insurance? Here are some resources available in Georgia for uninsured people. Many charity and low-cost clinics across the state operate on a sliding scale for low-income and uninsured people. Here are some directories to help find one near you. For DeKalb and Fulton residents, Grady Health offers financial assistance, often called a “Grady card,” for inpatient and outpatient care. For residents of other counties, Grady provides financial assistance for emergency services. Contact your health system or doctor and explain the situation. Hospitals are often able to write off debt, provide lower bills, or set up a payment plan. Just ask. Make sure you are being charged the lower “self-pay” rate rather than the insurance rate. Local public health departments offer an array of low-cost services, including vaccinations, many routine screenings like mammograms, and sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment services. Eligibility for Medicaid varies. Typically, people who are eligible for the ACA are not eligible for Medicaid. Those who are eligible include: Children from low-income families Adults 19-64 with incomes up to 100% of the federal poverty level ($15,650) who work, volunteer, study, caregive or complete another qualifying activity for 80 hours per month. People with certain medical conditions or who are aged, blind, or disabled. Pregnant and post-partum women with low incomes. Parents of children under age 19 who earn very low incomes Rebecca Grapevine is a reporter covering public health in Atlanta for Healthbeat. Contact Rebecca at rgrapevine@healthbeat.org.
33 minutes
Kyriakos Pierrakakis est le ministre grec des Finances et c’est aussi lui qui a été élu, jeudi 11 décembre, président de l’Eurogroupe. L’Eurogroupe est une assemblée informelle qui rassemble notamment les vingt États membres de la zone euro. Et bien que ce ne soit pas officiellement une institution de l'Union européenne, l'assemblée de l'Eurogroupe est l'un des principaux organes décisionnels en matière de politique économique dans la zone euro.
Kyriakos Pierrakakis est le ministre grec des Finances et c’est aussi lui qui a été élu, jeudi 11 décembre, président de l’Eurogroupe. L’Eurogroupe est une assemblée informelle qui rassemble notamment les vingt États membres de la zone euro. Et bien que ce ne soit pas officiellement une institution de l'Union européenne, l'assemblée de l'Eurogroupe est l'un des principaux organes décisionnels en matière de politique économique dans la zone euro.
33 minutes
WASHINGTON — The 12-member council tasked with overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency abruptly canceled the Thursday meeting where members were supposed to debate and vote on their recommendations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, one of the co-chairs, left a U.S. House committee hearing early to attend the meeting, which was scheduled to begin in […]
WASHINGTON — The 12-member council tasked with overhauling the Federal Emergency Management Agency abruptly canceled the Thursday meeting where members were supposed to debate and vote on their recommendations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, one of the co-chairs, left a U.S. House committee hearing early to attend the meeting, which was scheduled to begin in […]
34 minutes
Gov. Greg Gianforte issued Thursday an executive order declaring a flooding disaster in northwestern Montana. “Continued rainfall across northwestern Montana has flooded some of our communities, including the town of Libby,” Gianforte said in a statement. “This order will ensure resources are deployed quickly and effectively to protect Montanans and their property.” In a social […]
34 minutes
Gov. Greg Gianforte issued Thursday an executive order declaring a flooding disaster in northwestern Montana. “Continued rainfall across northwestern Montana has flooded some of our communities, including the town of Libby,” Gianforte said in a statement. “This order will ensure resources are deployed quickly and effectively to protect Montanans and their property.” In a social […]
35 minutes
Prosecutors say BLM OKC executive director Sheri Dickerson deposited more than $3 million in returned bail checks into her personal accounts.
35 minutes
Prosecutors say BLM OKC executive director Sheri Dickerson deposited more than $3 million in returned bail checks into her personal accounts.
36 minutes
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday that would overturn an executive order from President Donald Trump that strips collective bargaining rights for roughly 1 million federal employees. The 231-195 vote was a rare bipartisan pushback against the president. The bill was sponsored by Maine’s Jared Golden, a Democrat, and Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick, […]
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday that would overturn an executive order from President Donald Trump that strips collective bargaining rights for roughly 1 million federal employees. The 231-195 vote was a rare bipartisan pushback against the president. The bill was sponsored by Maine’s Jared Golden, a Democrat, and Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick, […]
36 minutes
Poo anxiety, bashful bowels, shy bowel syndrome: they’re all terms for what’s medically known as parcopresis.
36 minutes
Poo anxiety, bashful bowels, shy bowel syndrome: they’re all terms for what’s medically known as parcopresis.
36 minutes
A unanimous Montana Supreme Court has found that Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen had no basis for rewriting a constitutional initiative ballot statement that would make all district and Supreme Court judges nonpartisan. It ordered the Montana Secretary of State, Christi Jacobsen, to restore Montanans For Fair and Impartial Judges’ language and certify the measure […]
36 minutes
A unanimous Montana Supreme Court has found that Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen had no basis for rewriting a constitutional initiative ballot statement that would make all district and Supreme Court judges nonpartisan. It ordered the Montana Secretary of State, Christi Jacobsen, to restore Montanans For Fair and Impartial Judges’ language and certify the measure […]
37 minutes
On any given day, seventh grade teacher Mary Vang can be found inside her classroom at Fresno’s El Capitan Middle School, walking her students through real-world situations, helping them get a better grasp on the English language. For example, she recently walked 11 of her students through how to respond to different types of questions. […] The post English-learner bootcamps are boosting student scores in this Fresno district. ‘I feel more confident’ appeared first on Fresnoland.
On any given day, seventh grade teacher Mary Vang can be found inside her classroom at Fresno’s El Capitan Middle School, walking her students through real-world situations, helping them get a better grasp on the English language. For example, she recently walked 11 of her students through how to respond to different types of questions. […] The post English-learner bootcamps are boosting student scores in this Fresno district. ‘I feel more confident’ appeared first on Fresnoland.
39 minutes
The Republican-dominated Indiana Senate voted 19-31 on Thursday against redrawing the state’s congressional districts — spurning months of demands from President Donald Trump. The final outcome remained uncertain until 21 Republicans joined all 10 Democratic senators in rejecting the redistricting plan. With that tally, Indiana became the first Republican-led state Legislature to vote down Trump’s wish […]
The Republican-dominated Indiana Senate voted 19-31 on Thursday against redrawing the state’s congressional districts — spurning months of demands from President Donald Trump. The final outcome remained uncertain until 21 Republicans joined all 10 Democratic senators in rejecting the redistricting plan. With that tally, Indiana became the first Republican-led state Legislature to vote down Trump’s wish […]
39 minutes
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday that would overturn an executive order from President Donald Trump that strips collective bargaining rights for roughly 1 million federal employees. The 231-195 vote was a rare bipartisan pushback against the president. The bill was sponsored by Maine’s Jared Golden, a Democrat, and Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick, […]
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House passed a bill Thursday that would overturn an executive order from President Donald Trump that strips collective bargaining rights for roughly 1 million federal employees. The 231-195 vote was a rare bipartisan pushback against the president. The bill was sponsored by Maine’s Jared Golden, a Democrat, and Pennsylvania’s Brian Fitzpatrick, […]
39 minutes
Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s free newsletter to keep up with news on the city’s public school system. Some long-vacant Philadelphia school buildings might be transferred to the city for redevelopment as potential housing units in the near future. The Board of Education approved a resolution Thursday granting the district the ability to negotiate with the city to sell or otherwise transfer some vacant buildings for housing or other purposes that benefit the community The resolution passed 6-2, but several board members said they felt strongly that the district should not grant the city any sort of exclusivity or claim on vacant properties without exploring other development opportunities. Board President Reginald Streater stressed at the meeting that the resolution does not immediately transfer any school buildings to the city but is the first step in a process. “I would be derelict in my duty if I didn’t explore this as a mechanism,” Streater said. The approval also is a political move signaling that the board — which is mayorally appointed — is aligned with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration. Parker has made building and restoring some 30,000 housing units a core part of her agenda and has publicly expressed her interest in using empty school buildings for that purpose. Philadelphians, elected leaders, and even a charter school have renewed their focus on the district’s empty buildings after police found 23-year-old Mount Airy woman Kada Scott’s body buried in the woods behind the Ada H. H. Lewis Middle School building, which has sat empty and blighted since 2008. The district has 20 vacant buildings valued at an estimated $80 million, according to the city’s office of property assessment, that would be considered for transfer under Thursday’s resolution. According to the resolution text, the district would still need to consider outstanding bond obligations, legal processes, or potential revenue impact before making any formal agreement with the city. Thursday’s resolution kicks off the process of exploring the possibility of a transfer, but any agreements to exchange a school building would need to go before the board for a vote, according to the resolution. Board member ChauWing Lam, who voted against the resolution, said Thursday she wasn’t sure the document was necessary to have those exploratory conversations with the city. She said she was concerned that the district and board would be foregoing and limiting the board’s ability to consider other offers outside of Parker’s administration by adopting the resolution. The resolution frames any potential transfers as a cost-saving measure for the district, which is facing a budget deficit and spends money and staff hours on the upkeep of vacant school buildings. The resolution says those buildings are unused and not needed for education and the resources they require could be better spent on classroom needs. Board member Wanda Novalés said Thursday any proposal brought to the board regarding the sale or transfer of any district-owned buildings should be financially beneficial for the district because the properties “belong to our students.” Streater said the resolution only covers currently vacant buildings and would not apply to any future schools closed through the district’s ongoing facilities planning process. A list of schools targeted for closure, co-location, renovation, or reuse is expected in the next few months. Carly Sitrin is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Contact Carly at csitrin@chalkbeat.org
Sign up for Chalkbeat Philadelphia’s free newsletter to keep up with news on the city’s public school system. Some long-vacant Philadelphia school buildings might be transferred to the city for redevelopment as potential housing units in the near future. The Board of Education approved a resolution Thursday granting the district the ability to negotiate with the city to sell or otherwise transfer some vacant buildings for housing or other purposes that benefit the community The resolution passed 6-2, but several board members said they felt strongly that the district should not grant the city any sort of exclusivity or claim on vacant properties without exploring other development opportunities. Board President Reginald Streater stressed at the meeting that the resolution does not immediately transfer any school buildings to the city but is the first step in a process. “I would be derelict in my duty if I didn’t explore this as a mechanism,” Streater said. The approval also is a political move signaling that the board — which is mayorally appointed — is aligned with Mayor Cherelle Parker’s administration. Parker has made building and restoring some 30,000 housing units a core part of her agenda and has publicly expressed her interest in using empty school buildings for that purpose. Philadelphians, elected leaders, and even a charter school have renewed their focus on the district’s empty buildings after police found 23-year-old Mount Airy woman Kada Scott’s body buried in the woods behind the Ada H. H. Lewis Middle School building, which has sat empty and blighted since 2008. The district has 20 vacant buildings valued at an estimated $80 million, according to the city’s office of property assessment, that would be considered for transfer under Thursday’s resolution. According to the resolution text, the district would still need to consider outstanding bond obligations, legal processes, or potential revenue impact before making any formal agreement with the city. Thursday’s resolution kicks off the process of exploring the possibility of a transfer, but any agreements to exchange a school building would need to go before the board for a vote, according to the resolution. Board member ChauWing Lam, who voted against the resolution, said Thursday she wasn’t sure the document was necessary to have those exploratory conversations with the city. She said she was concerned that the district and board would be foregoing and limiting the board’s ability to consider other offers outside of Parker’s administration by adopting the resolution. The resolution frames any potential transfers as a cost-saving measure for the district, which is facing a budget deficit and spends money and staff hours on the upkeep of vacant school buildings. The resolution says those buildings are unused and not needed for education and the resources they require could be better spent on classroom needs. Board member Wanda Novalés said Thursday any proposal brought to the board regarding the sale or transfer of any district-owned buildings should be financially beneficial for the district because the properties “belong to our students.” Streater said the resolution only covers currently vacant buildings and would not apply to any future schools closed through the district’s ongoing facilities planning process. A list of schools targeted for closure, co-location, renovation, or reuse is expected in the next few months. Carly Sitrin is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Contact Carly at csitrin@chalkbeat.org
39 minutes
(The Center Square) - California officials announced this week that state law enforcement seized $56.5 million of illegally-grown marijuana plants in November, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. The California Department of Cannabis Control conducted three raids in November on illegal cannabis farms throughout the state. That resulted in the department confiscating 58,358 plants. Each raid targeted large illegal cultivation sites in Los Angeles and Alameda counties. All the sites that were targeted pose environmental risks to the natural landscape and nearby neighborhoods, officials told The Center Square on Thursday. “When we see these illicit cannabis sites happen at this scale, there are often illegal water diversions contaminating and polluting waterways or stream beds,” Sarah Solis, public information officer for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, told The Center Square on Thursday. “There could be light pollution, there could be noise pollution, and when they clear-cut land, they could spread invasive species. There’s a wide variety of environmental impacts.” Law enforcement officers with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which assisted with the raids, confiscated illegally-grown plants from unlicensed cultivation sites in the two counties. Approximately 52 of those sites were in the Lancaster area in the northeastern part of Los Angeles County, the governor’s office said. According to a 2024 report from the Department of Cannabis Control, about 11.4 million pounds of illicit cannabis is produced in California each year. Investments into law enforcement helps support the licensed cannabis market, which in turn raises costs for growers who insist on conducting illegal cannabis operations, the report said. During the raids in the Lancaster area, police confiscated six firearms, eradicated 32,738 plants and destroyed 5,122 pounds of processed cannabis, the governor’s office said. Officers also arrested 12 people and confiscated 12 grams of methamphetamine, according to the governor’s office. A separate operation in Hayward resulted in officers eradicating 6,157 cannabis plants and seizing more than 193 pounds of processed cannabis. A Harbor City raid also saw the destruction or seized $16.5 million in illegal cannabis, according to a news release from the governor’s office. “Illegal cannabis operations, particularly those embedded in residential neighborhoods, pose unacceptable risks to California families,” Nicole Elliott, director of the California Department of Cannabis Control, said. “Whether the issue is fire hazards, toxic pesticides, or criminal networks exploiting our communities, UCETF [Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force] partners remain committed to protecting the public and holding bad actors accountable.” The November raid comes on the heels of operations conducted by law enforcement officials in October that saw a record number of fentanyl pills seized, according to previous reporting by The Center Square. Approximately 1.2 million fentanyl pills were seized by California National Guard troops in October, bringing the number of fentanyl pills seized this year to more than 3 million pills, or more than 5,174 pounds, according to the California National Guard. The governor’s office and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration deferred The Center Square's questions to the Department of Cannabis Control. That department did not respond to The Center Square before press time on Thursday. Other state and local government agencies involved in the investigation and subsequent raids at illegal grow sites were not immediately available on Thursday.
(The Center Square) - California officials announced this week that state law enforcement seized $56.5 million of illegally-grown marijuana plants in November, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom's office. The California Department of Cannabis Control conducted three raids in November on illegal cannabis farms throughout the state. That resulted in the department confiscating 58,358 plants. Each raid targeted large illegal cultivation sites in Los Angeles and Alameda counties. All the sites that were targeted pose environmental risks to the natural landscape and nearby neighborhoods, officials told The Center Square on Thursday. “When we see these illicit cannabis sites happen at this scale, there are often illegal water diversions contaminating and polluting waterways or stream beds,” Sarah Solis, public information officer for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, told The Center Square on Thursday. “There could be light pollution, there could be noise pollution, and when they clear-cut land, they could spread invasive species. There’s a wide variety of environmental impacts.” Law enforcement officers with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, which assisted with the raids, confiscated illegally-grown plants from unlicensed cultivation sites in the two counties. Approximately 52 of those sites were in the Lancaster area in the northeastern part of Los Angeles County, the governor’s office said. According to a 2024 report from the Department of Cannabis Control, about 11.4 million pounds of illicit cannabis is produced in California each year. Investments into law enforcement helps support the licensed cannabis market, which in turn raises costs for growers who insist on conducting illegal cannabis operations, the report said. During the raids in the Lancaster area, police confiscated six firearms, eradicated 32,738 plants and destroyed 5,122 pounds of processed cannabis, the governor’s office said. Officers also arrested 12 people and confiscated 12 grams of methamphetamine, according to the governor’s office. A separate operation in Hayward resulted in officers eradicating 6,157 cannabis plants and seizing more than 193 pounds of processed cannabis. A Harbor City raid also saw the destruction or seized $16.5 million in illegal cannabis, according to a news release from the governor’s office. “Illegal cannabis operations, particularly those embedded in residential neighborhoods, pose unacceptable risks to California families,” Nicole Elliott, director of the California Department of Cannabis Control, said. “Whether the issue is fire hazards, toxic pesticides, or criminal networks exploiting our communities, UCETF [Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force] partners remain committed to protecting the public and holding bad actors accountable.” The November raid comes on the heels of operations conducted by law enforcement officials in October that saw a record number of fentanyl pills seized, according to previous reporting by The Center Square. Approximately 1.2 million fentanyl pills were seized by California National Guard troops in October, bringing the number of fentanyl pills seized this year to more than 3 million pills, or more than 5,174 pounds, according to the California National Guard. The governor’s office and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration deferred The Center Square's questions to the Department of Cannabis Control. That department did not respond to The Center Square before press time on Thursday. Other state and local government agencies involved in the investigation and subsequent raids at illegal grow sites were not immediately available on Thursday.