Health

The county library board voted unanimously to eliminate daily late fines, joining a national trend aimed at removing barriers for low-income readers and students. Director Amira Solis said fines accounted for less than one percent of operating revenue but discouraged families who feared small debts would block borrowing privileges. Patrons will still be billed for…

Police partnered with social workers to launch an outreach team that responds to select non-violent calls involving homelessness, welfare checks, and minor disputes. The team operates afternoons and evenings when traditional patrols previously diverted time from proactive patrols. Members carry radios but default to de-escalation training rather than custodial arrests. Early metrics show fewer repeat…