The Latest
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Archer Aviation named official air taxi of 2028 LA Olympics
Archer’s air mobility network, which will include vertiports near sport stadiums and other venues, could help Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ push for a “no-car Games.”
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Supreme Court narrows police immunity in use-of-force cases
In rejecting the “moment of threat” defense, the court opens the door to greater officer accountability — though how the ruling will shape policing on the ground is still uncertain.
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How states are thinking about organic waste policy
Panelists from Divert, CalRecycle and NRDC discussed lessons that can be learned from a rising number of state organic waste policies in California and elsewhere.
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US DOT opens $1.5B funding round for transit buses and bus facilities
This year’s funding round, part of the 2021 infrastructure law, drops equity- and sustainability-related requirements.
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Thermal energy networks need municipal participation: report
Cities and other entities can develop neighborhood-scale thermal networks to lower greenhouse gas emissions, clean energy consultants say.
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DoorDash, Wing bring drone delivery to Charlotte
Panera is among a handful of restaurants now offering drone delivery from a shopping center in the North Carolina city.
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NYC launches ‘microhub’ pilot to reduce truck delivery congestion, pollution
Dedicated spaces for delivery trucks allow last-mile deliveries to be made by cargo bikes, pushcarts and zero-emission vehicles.
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Federal safety agency asks Tesla for details of its planned robotaxis
Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously announced plans to launch driverless ride-hailing services in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area this year.
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Deep Dive
Congress could soon revoke California’s vehicle emissions standards
State and local authority over air quality will be jeopardized if Congress revokes California’s auto emissions limits, experts say.
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EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards
The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.
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16 cities and counties fast-track sustainability through national initiative
The U.S. Green Building Council LEED for Cities program helps local leaders embed climate resilience and green infrastructure into city planning.
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Washington governor signs rent control into law
The new measure sets a 7% plus interest limit on rent increases, capped at 10%.
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The 10 cities best prepared for a ‘smart city future’
A new city tops the ProptechOS Smart City Index in 2025 based on its tech infrastructure and connectivity, sustainability and tech job market.
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Mayors flag Medicaid cuts as a public safety issue
The U.S. Conference of Mayors warns Congress that benefit cuts can increase mental health crises and substance abuse, diverting police from violent crime.
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They’re not streets. They’re not roads. ‘Stroads’ present challenges for cities.
Designed to accommodate both local access and high-speed traffic, stroads require extra safety precautions.
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Mayors call arrest of Newark, N.J., mayor ‘deeply troubling’
Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest during his attempt to inspect a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility raised concerns about federal overreach.
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Air taxi manufacturer Joby Aviation ups flight tests with onboard pilots
Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt said government support on the state and federal level will help the U.S. to lead the technology for electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
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NOAA stops tracking cost of extreme weather and climate disasters
The data can't be replicated by city and state governments, scientists say.
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Policy, tax uncertainty holding back US clean energy development
Clean energy policy experts gathered at DC Climate Week said the current uncertainty around the U.S. tax and tariff environment is inhibiting the market.
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DOT awards $3.2B to 180 projects
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the Biden administration left the transportation department with 3,200 unobligated grants.
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Trump’s second 50 days: The impact on local governments
President Donald Trump, his cabinet and the Department of Government Efficiency are changing federal policy and funding streams, creating wide-ranging implications for local governments.
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Report ranks states’ efforts to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
UL Standards & Engagement officials recommend cities and states mandate indoor carbon monoxide alarms, conduct public awareness campaigns and train first responders.
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Opinion
How LA hoteliers can prepare for Olympics, World Cup amid a complex operating environment
Hotel employers, labor unions, city officials and industry associations will need to work together to ensure Los Angeles offers a world-class experience to visitors, writes attorney Lara Shortz.
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Trump administration plans to end popular Energy Star program
The program has helped consumers save more than $500 billion in energy costs and 5 trillion kWh since it launched in 1992 under President George H.W. Bush.
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Urban tree-planting programs adapt to federal funding retraction
The Trump administration rescinded $75 million in federal grants for tree maintenance and planting in underserved neighborhoods. Cities and nonprofits are pivoting to state funding, collaboration and rule changes.