Legal

Legal matters are a core focus for local and state government agencies, encompassing the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of laws and regulations that govern public affairs. Legal frameworks ensure that government actions are consistent with the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights. Though by no means a perfect system – enforcement inequities continue to make the headlines – local leaders strive to create laws that work fairly for all.

Facing losses tied to low Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, Cottage Grove says St. Paul Park, Newport and Grey Cloud Island Township should contribute tens of thousands toward shared ambulance coverage
If passed, the new bill would make disarming or attempting to disarm an officer a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison
Senate Bill 241 would penalize municipalities that unsuccessfully challenge Palumbo Act cancer claims
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. admitted it was a mistake to cut staff from the World Trade Center Health Program but stopped short of promising to fully restore staffing
Amid a whiplash of staffing changes, several NIOSH employees received a notice labeled “Recession of Previous Notice of Reduction in Force”
Nearly all of the 16 federal workers cut from the 9/11 health program have been rehired after intense criticism forced the Trump administration to reverse course on controversial cuts
Mount Pleasant, N.C. was set to receive $4 million for storm protection and revitalization before FEMA scrapped the BRIC program, leaving critical projects in limbo nationwide.
Dr. John Howard has yet to be reinstated as head of the WTC Health Program, as many staff remain without jobs—“a shell game,” says FDNY Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Prezant
Federal judge took just five minutes to tell HUD and DOGE to reinstate grant funds to four fair housing projects
The bill offers first-time homebuyer assistance with $0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance for qualified law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMS providers
U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency cut funding for program that monitors cybersecurity threats across states and helps local officials respond
Lower Merion Township offers a 100% real estate tax credit to active volunteer firefighters and ambulance personnel who live and own property in the township
The Hanceville City Council voted to immediately suspend department operations and search for a new chief to build a new department and hire employees
Combination of SMS messages and phishing uses text messages to trick people into giving out sensitive personal information
Decision restores Department of Education grant funding for teacher preparation, a tool to ‘address the serious teacher shortage crisis’
The court has been closed since February 23 as officials investigate the cause of the attack
The agency is reportedly evaluating fire and EMS training programs and spending to ensure alignment with Trump administration priorities
If passed, the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act would be available to PDs with 175 or fewer officers and would help cover training, mental health support and recruitment efforts
Governor DeWine authorized the Cyber Reserve Force to assist the still closed Cleveland Municipal Court