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.
Stillwater firefighter Randy Blake retired at 44 and underwent a double lung transplant following a battle for his life
Lt. Rich Michelson alleges discrimination, a lack of due process and that a faulty misconduct claim was used to fire him
Gabriel Watson said his job was “constructively terminated;” Portland officials said he was laid off after he blacked out on duty and refused to take a fitness test
A proposed public records bill would set compliance deadlines, establish fees, expand enforcement authority and address outdated laws
Before granting permissions, California regulators want Google to prove these cars of the future already drive as safely as people
At a hearing on proposed rules for oil and gas drilling in Colorado, critics say the guidelines were too narrow or that they didn’t protect property rights
A panel of federal judges in Denver heard arguments over whether the Wyoming city of Riverton and surrounding lands remain legally Indian Country
Many cities have passed laws - with increasing frequency in recent years - to restrict outdoor sleeping, begging and other activities linked to homelessness
Several U.S. governors are threatening to halt efforts to allow Syrian refugees into their states in the aftermath of the coordinated attacks in Paris
Oklahoma lawmakers convened a legislative study on expanding the governor’s appointment authority to include the heads of state agencies and commissions
San Francisco voters have rejected a proposal to restrict Airbnb and a second ballot measure prompted by the city’s housing crisis
The budget debates have impacted low-income communities where residents feel the impact severely when the public sector falters
An ordinance that would have established nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people in Houston failed to win approval from voters
Rivera is working to disrupt pervasive cronyism, while some constituents feel he is violating the city charter by hiring and firing certain public employees
A yearlong Associated Press investigation illuminated the problem of rape and sexual misconduct committed by law officers in the United States
The ballot question in Colorado: Should the state keep $66 million in marijuana taxes it has already collected to spend on schools and drug-abuse prevention?
Cities trying to limit panhandling are facing a new legal hurdle due to a recent Supreme Court ruling that seemingly has nothing to do with asking for money
There is a sharp split among the states in terms of banning discrimination, with some enacting such protections and a majority opting not to
A yearlong Associated Press investigation illuminated the problem of sex crimes and sexual misconduct committed by law enforcement officers in the United States
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