By Mathew Miranda for The Sacramento Bee.Broadcast version by Suzanne Potter for California News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public News Service Collaboration Rafael Guzman’s first request to use battery-powered landscaping equipment came six years ago. He immediately rejected the idea. Guzman had spent the prior 32 years revving up gasoline-powered machines without hesitation. .
There are warnings of cuts to municipal governments and schools, and some loss of local control for budget decisions, amid efforts to eliminate property taxes in North Dakota. Organizers of a possible ballot question downplay those concerns. Petitions are being circulated to get the issue on the 2024 ballot, asking voters to do away with property taxes by way of a constitutional amendment. .
A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for next week as a South Dakota organization begins serving LGBTQ individuals at its new resource space. The Transformation Project, a support network, just opened its Prism Center in Sioux Falls. It is being described as the first and only such location within the state. .
Arizonans who transition to cleaner electric-powered lawn and garden equipment can help mitigate the noise as well as the harmful fumes produced from gas-powered tools. A new report shows in 2020 gas-powered lawn and gardening tools in the U.S. released more than 30 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. .
Domestic Violence Awareness Month might be coming to an end, but a recent panel discussion was aimed at educating Nevadans about policy changes as well as dispelling misconceptions surrounding domestic violence. Serena Evans, policy director for the Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence, said as a state, Nevada tends to be what she calls "reactive instead of proactive," relating to policy implementation. She adds Nevada is one of a few states that does not fund prevention and intervention through its general budget- making it more difficult to get victim survivors the help they need. .