Chicago’s newly approved budget is now in effect, introducing a series of tax changes that will be rolled out in stages throughout the year. While some measures began immediately on Jan. 1, others are scheduled to take effect in the coming weeks and months, gradually reshaping costs for consumers and businesses across the city. Among the changes that began with the start of the new year is an increase in the checkout bag tax. Shoppers now pay 15 cents per grocery bag, up from the

The Cupertino City Council voted unanimously to appoint Tina Kapoor as the city’s next city manager, formally removing the word “interim” from her title and signaling a shift toward stability after years of leadership turnover. The decision places Kapoor at the head of the municipal administration during a period of ongoing debate over housing, development, and long-term economic planning in the Bay Area. Her appointment follows a series of frequent leadership changes that have shaped t

New Albany officials are weighing new regulations that could significantly change how residents and visitors use electric bikes and scooters within city limits. During recent meetings, members of the New Albany City Council discussed proposed legislation that would redefine how these increasingly popular modes of transportation are classified and where they can operate. Under the proposed ordinance, electric bikes and scooters would be formally categorized as vehicles under city law

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Amazon’s ongoing data center construction in Hilliard is now facing new scrutiny after the company proposed adding a large fuel cell facility to help power the site. While the project aims to expand energy efficiency and sustainability, residents living near the site have voiced growing concerns about potential safety risks and environmental impacts. The plan has sparked debate among city officials and community members about the speed of approval and the lack of local re

Residents on Columbus’ west side are voicing growing concerns that emergency response times are lagging behind the city’s rapid pace of development. In neighborhoods such as Scioto Woods, once a quiet residential area off Trabue Road, new apartment complexes are springing up at a record rate — and so are fears that police, fire, and ambulance services are struggling to keep up when every second counts. The transformation of the west side has been particularly visible near The

San Jose’s Little Italy neighborhood, known for its deep cultural roots and Italian American history, is at the center of a heated dispute over a proposed street renaming. The City Council is preparing to vote on whether part of North Almaden Boulevard should be officially renamed “Little Italy Way,” but the plan has stirred frustration among property owners and confusion within the very nonprofit that has long championed the neighborhood’s heritage. The rena

In a striking turnaround that reshaped the San Jose political landscape, Anthony Tordillos claimed victory in the District 3 special election runoff after initially placing second in the April 8 primary. As chair of the San Jose Planning Commission, Tordillos entered the race with relatively low name recognition compared to his opponent, Gabby Chavez-Lopez, who had built her profile through leadership in a community-focused organization. Despite this, Tordillos secured a commanding win in the ru

A major transformation is on the horizon for the area surrounding Levi’s Stadium, as the Santa Clara City Council approved a zoning change critical to the progress of the long-planned Related Santa Clara development. The approval allows nearly 98 acres within the 240-acre project to shift from office use to light industrial, adjusting to changing market conditions and aligning with regional economic trends. In a 4-3 vote, councilmembers granted the general plan amendment

Austin is considering a new proposal to introduce a parks maintenance fee that could be added to residents' utility bills. The proposal, introduced by Council Member Paige Ellis of District 8, aims to address the city's growing park maintenance needs as the city expands. Ellis believes this fee will help Austin manage the rising demand for new park facilities, maintain older infrastructure, and fund new land acquisitions. According to the Austin Parks

In a special meeting held on Monday night, the Santa Clara City Council confirmed two important appointments to its local commissions, signaling a continued effort to bring engaged community members into public service roles. The meeting focused on selecting candidates for the Historical and Landmarks Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission, with each appointment lasting through June 30, 2029. Kaushal Varshney was appointed to serve a full five-year term on the Historic

San Jose’s independent police auditor is advocating for the authority to review every police use-of-force incident, including those that do not result in injury. This expanded oversight model, already in place at the county level, has sparked debate and resistance from the city’s police department and councilmembers, who cite budget and staffing concerns. In 2024, San Jose police reported 400 incidents involving the use of force, of which 13 led to great bodily injury.

Dublin, California, may soon welcome a major public art installation that could redefine its downtown skyline and cultural identity. The Dublin City Council is reviewing a proposal for a 22-foot stainless steel kinetic sculpture called Crossing Paths, which would be installed at the busy intersection of Dublin Boulevard and Village Parkway. Designed by Ride Art Studio, the sculpture is envisioned as a dynamic and symbolic representation of Dublin’s evolution as a cultural and g