Year: 2021

  • Federal Register weekly update: 1,366 pages added

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    Image of the south facade of the White House.

    The Federal Register is a daily journal of federal government activity that includes presidential documents, proposed and final rules, and public notices. It is a common measure of an administration’s overall regulatory activity, accounting for both regulatory and deregulatory actions. From April 12 through April 16, the Federal Register grew by 1,366 pages for a…

  • Anchorage, Alaska local ballot measure recap

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    Unofficial election results indicate that voters in Anchorage, Alaska approved nine measures and defeated two measures on April 6. Anchorage voters defeated Proposition 1, a $6.9 million bond measure for construction and renovation of local facilities, with 53% against and 46% in favor. Proposition 2 was approved with 54% of the vote. Proposition 2 authorized…

  • Union Station: Arkansas enacts bill prohibiting collective bargaining by state public-sector employees

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    Arkansas enacts bill prohibiting collective bargaining by state public-sector employees Arkansas Senate Bill 341, which prohibits collective bargaining on the part of state public-sector employees, was enacted on April 8.  About the bill  The Republican-sponsored bill adds the following text to Arkansas Code Title 21: (a) A public employer shall not recognize a labor union…

  • Reviewing SCOTUS’ 2020-2021 term so far

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    The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020-2021 oral argument calendar is nearing its end, with 12 hours of oral arguments remaining to be heard during its April sitting and one hour of oral argument scheduled for its May sitting.  From October through March, the court heard a total of 45 hours of oral arguments in 56 cases.…

  • Filing deadline for Detroit elections is April 20

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    The filing deadline to run for elected office in Detroit, Michigan, is on April 20. Prospective candidates may file for the following nonpartisan offices: • Mayor • City Council (9 seats) • Clerk • Board of Police Commissioners (7 seats) The primary is scheduled for Aug. 3 and the general election is scheduled for Nov.…

  • A look back at government responses to the coronavirus pandemic, April 20-24, 2020

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    Although the first case of COVID-19 in the U.S. was confirmed on Jan. 21, 2020, it wasn’t until March when the novel coronavirus upended life for most Americans. Throughout March and April, states issued stay-at-home orders, closed schools, restricted travel, and changed election dates. Many of those policies remain in place today.  Here are the…

  • Documenting America’s Path to Recovery: April 16, 2021 #Edition #227

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    Welcome to Documenting America’s Path to Recovery. Today we look at: New Hampshire’s expiring mask mandate Changes in vaccine eligibility in Massachusetts COVID-19 policy changes from this time last year  We are committed to keeping you updated on everything from mask requirements to curfews to vaccine-related policies. We will keep you abreast of major developments—especially…

  • Ballotpedia’s Weekly Transition Tracker: April 10-16, 2021

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    Each week, Ballotpedia is tracking key presidential appointments, executive actions, and policy developments from the Biden administration. We will publish two more editions of the Weekly Transition Tracker for the remaining two weeks of Biden’s first 100 days in office. The Senate confirmed Brenda Mallory as chair of the Council on Environmental Quality by a…

  • SCOTUS back in session, to hear arguments next week

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    The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is scheduled to begin its April argument sitting the week of April 19. The court will hear arguments via teleconference and will provide audio live streams to the public. The court has not heard arguments in person during the 2020 term.  SCOTUS will hear arguments in seven…

  • Sabina Matos sworn in as Rhode Island lieutenant governor 

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    The Rhode Island Senate unanimously confirmed Sabina Matos (D) as lieutenant governor on April 13. She was sworn in the following day.  Governor Daniel McKee (D) nominated Matos as lieutenant governor on March 31. McKee resigned as lieutenant governor to be sworn in as governor on March 2, replacing Gina Raimondo (D) when she became…