County

Brunswick County Development Rules Hit Roadblock as State Law Restricts UDO Modernization Efforts

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Brunswick County, North Carolina, is navigating a challenging landscape in its effort to modernize its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), a comprehensive set of regulations for land use and development that dates back to 2007. During a recent meeting on August 4, county commissioners reviewed the status of the project, which has been significantly impacted by new state legislation. The modernization process, initiated by the Board of Commissioners in early 2024, aims to update a document that has seen only one full revision since 2015. Local residents have raised concerns about ongoing development across the county, … Read more

Kings County Jury Awards $1.9 Million to Victim of Sexual Harassment by Former DA Keith Fagundes

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HANFORD, Calif. — Kings County will pay $1.9 million to a former employee who alleged she was sexually harassed and retaliated against by former District Attorney Keith Fagundes. A jury reached the verdict in favor of Alexandria Smith, who served as a secretary in the District Attorney’s Office. Fagundes, who held the district attorney position for two terms, lost his reelection bid to current District Attorney Sarah Hacker in 2022. During his tenure, he faced previous sexual harassment allegations from Robert Waggle, a former investigator in his office. Those claims were settled for $1.1 million, … Read more

Jury Seeks Judge’s Guidance Amidst Stalemate in Waupaca County Double Murder Trial

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WAUPACA, Wis. — A double murder trial in Waupaca County has hit a stumbling block as jurors sought guidance from the judge regarding deliberations. Jurors expressed concerns over one member’s stated resolution that their mind was made up and that they wouldn’t change it. As discussions continued on Thursday morning, the jury submitted a letter through the bailiff asking the judge for clarification on the duties of jurors when faced with a firm opinion from a fellow member. In part, the letter questioned whether it was the responsibility of that juror to persuade others to … Read more

Harris County Judge Proposes Controversial Penny Tax to Fund Child Care Program Amid Budget Concerns

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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is set to present a proposal for a tax increase to the county commissioners during Thursday’s meeting at Commissioners Court. The plan, referred to as a penny tax, would impose an additional charge of $10 annually for every $100,000 of residential property value. Hidalgo noted that this increase aims to secure ongoing funding for the Early REACH program, which provides free child care for eligible children aged four and under, previously supported by federal COVID-19 relief funds. With those resources dwindling, Hidalgo indicated that alternative funding … Read more