South Carolina
As some governors open nonessential businesses, subjecting workers and customers to potential viral infection, others move beyond social distancing to the next steps, boxing in the coronavirus with testing, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine.
The Washington Post
Governors of several states announced initial steps to reopen their economies even though their COVID-19 caseloads are not meeting the criteria that they show a decline for two weeks, according to White House reopening guidelines issued April 16.
The New York Times
Cities in the South are facing a multitude of climate change impacts, but many have been slow to respond to the growing threats.
The State
Light rail, bus rapid transit, subway cell service, and more.
WAMU
Here's a trillion dollar real estate market on the coasts of the United States—and it's building itself into rising levels of risk.
The New York Times
On July 1, Illinois and Ohio increased gas taxes by double digits: 19 cents per gallon and 10.5 CPG, respectively, followed by California at 5.6 CPG, all due to legislation passed this year or in 2017. Diesel tax hikes were even higher.
Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy
Depending on the type of bicycle for sale, the price may jump 25 percent due to new tariffs paid by importers and consumers (not China as the president would have you think) if it arrives in the United States after June 1.
Bicycle Retailer and Industry News
Some people in downtown Charleston, South Carolina report have trouble finding parking, the city's first comprehensive parking study shows that even at peak times the area is well under capacity.
The Post and Courier
Four mayors hammer home the point that moving to 100 percent clean energy on the municipal level is environmentally, economically, and politically desirable.
Next City
The 4th National Climate Assessment brought the reality of climate change to the regional and local level. The Carolinas provide a particularly poignant case study.
The Charlotte Observer
Cities outside of the big coastal tech hubs have characteristics well suited for the high-tech sector.
TechCrunch
Columbia, South Carolina is concerned about the lack of affordable housing in its city, potentially making it difficult for fire fighters, teachers, and more to afford to live in the community.
WIS News
California gets most of the attention, but states all over the country are removing some of the vestiges of local control to help spur housing development, require affordable housing, and control the skyrocketing cost of housing.
Pew Stateline
The breach of the coal ash landfill by a former coal-burning power plant in Wilmington, North Carolina serves as a reminder that even after coal plants are shuttered, the by-products of the world's most polluting fossil fuel can still cause harm.
Utility Dive
But you can blame climate change for 6 inches of storm surge resulting from sea level rise. Florence made landfall near Wilmington, North Carolina on Friday as a Category 1 storm with wind speeds of 90 mph.
The Washington Post
After creating a citywide plan, many thought a Charlotte bike lanes would not get funded. After a city council vote it will.
Next City
Despite the increasing number and intensity of natural disasters, some vulnerable states are relaxing building regulations and leaving the federal government to pick up the tab when tragedy strikes again.
Bloomberg
It is an understatement that Increasing fuel taxes is challenging. If there is an opportune time to do it, it's when gas prices are relatively low, when the state decides to cut other taxes, and when there's bipartisan support.
St. Louis Public Radio
The crash in Cayce, South Carolina on Sunday killed the engineer and conductor riding in the Amtrak locomotive, injuring over 100 passengers and crew members. A locked switch had directed Amtrak #91 into a siding where it hit a parked CSX train.
The State
“It has to be one of the greatest wastes of money in any state’s history,” Alan Greenblatt writes.
Governing
