Julia Hartwell, U.S. Policy, Economy & Consumer Affairs Writer at Farmington Voice
Julia Hartwell
30 storiesWriter
U.S. Policy & Economy Writer
Julia Hartwell covers U.S. policy, the economy and consumer affairs for Farmington Voice. Her reporting focuses on federal decisions, employment, taxes, housing, household costs and consumer regulation, explaining how national developments translate into practical consequences for families, workers and businesses.
30 latest articles by Julia Hartwell
Lafayette Cancels City Council Election, Appoints Three Members
Lafayette, California will not hold a City Council election this November after only three candidates filed for three open seats. The city council appointed all three, saving at least $48,000 in election costs and ensuring uninterrupted leadership.
Middle-Class Income Thresholds Rise Sharply in California Cities
New research shows that in several California cities, households now need incomes approaching $300,000 to be considered middle class, as housing and living costs continue to outpace wage growth across the state.
Well-Maintained Three-Bedroom Home Listed on School House Road in Wallingford
A three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with nearly 2,000 square feet of living space is now for sale at 49 School House Road in Wallingford, Connecticut, with an asking price of $550,000. The property features updated details and a spacious lot.
New Exit 64A Ramp to I-91 North Set to Open in Meriden
A new ramp connecting Route 15 North to I-91 North in Meriden will open September 1, 2026, providing drivers with an updated route while the existing Exit 65A remains available during the transition
Stingray Injuries Surge Along Southern California Beaches in 2026
Southern California beaches have seen a sharp rise in stingray injuries this year, with over 3,100 incidents reported at popular Orange County destinations as warmer ocean temperatures and low surf draw more rays close to shore.
Fairfield Sets August 26 Workshop on Safe Streets for All Plan
Fairfield will host a public workshop on August 26 to present its Safety Action Plan under the Safe Streets for All initiative, inviting residents to review findings and discuss recommendations for safer local roadways.
Jay O'Grady Appointed Rhode Island House Policy Director
Jay O'Grady, a former Rhode Island state representative, has been named House Policy Director after serving four terms in the legislature and holding leadership roles in community development organizations
Forecasters Lower 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook
Meteorologists have reduced their predictions for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season as a strong El Niño pattern develops, increasing the likelihood of fewer storms but not eliminating the risk of severe impacts along the U.S. coast.
Jersey Shore Beaches Limit Swimming as Lifeguard Staff Shrinks
Several Jersey Shore towns are closing or restricting swimming at beaches as college-bound lifeguards leave for school, with some areas now unguarded and rip current risks forecast for late August
Market in the Park Brings 80 Vendors to The Forge: Lemont Quarries
The Market in the Park returns to The Forge: Lemont Quarries this Sunday, offering goods from more than 80 local small businesses and a variety of food vendors from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Lemont, Illinois
Oak Lawn Community High School Adds 17 New Staff for 2026-27
Seventeen new staff members, including teachers and specialists, are joining Oak Lawn Community High School in Illinois for the 2026-27 academic year, expanding support across multiple departments and student services
Windham Non-Profit Expo Set for October at High School
More than 50 nonprofits and community organizations will gather at Windham High School on October 21 for a free expo, offering residents a chance to connect with local services and explore volunteer opportunities.
Bucks County Extends Fundraising for Eviction Prevention Program
Bucks County Opportunity Council has extended its fundraising campaign for a new eviction prevention program through August, with donations matched up to $50,000 by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Humanitarian Fund
Newtown Borough Council Rejects Canopy at Brick Hotel Restaurant
A proposed canopy at Donetelli's Italian Steakhouse in Newtown Borough was denied after a 3-3 council vote was broken by the mayor, requiring the structure to be removed or modified before the restaurant's opening.
Cheshire Schedules Public Hearing on 2026-27 Capital Budget
Cheshire residents can weigh in on the Town Manager's proposed capital budget for fiscal year 2026-27 at a public hearing set for August 26 at Town Council Chambers. The council will vote on the budget following the hearing.
Elizabeth Taylor's Former Bel Air Home Undergoes $47M Renovation
A $47 million renovation is underway at Elizabeth Taylor's longtime Bel Air estate, adding new amenities and expanded living space while preserving much of the original interior. The project aims to honor the late actress's legacy and update the property for modern use.
Alexandria Historic Homes Tour Returns With Eight Secret Stops
The 84th Annual Historic Alexandria Homes Tour is set for September 26, offering a rare look inside eight private historic homes. Tickets are $50 and benefit Inova Alexandria Hospital, with sales open until September 10.
I-94 in Cook County Ranks Among Nation's Deadliest Highways
A new study finds I-94 in Cook County, Illinois, is the fourth deadliest highway stretch in the U.S., with 52 fatal crashes over three years. Several other Chicago-area expressways also appear in the national top 100.
Freightliner Van Fire Shuts Down Garden State Parkway in Wall, NJ
A Freightliner van caught fire Friday morning on the Garden State Parkway in Wall Township, New Jersey. Emergency crews quickly responded, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Four Charged in Multi-State Retail Theft Scheme Affecting Maryland
Authorities in Maryland have charged four individuals in connection with an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores in Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, resulting in losses exceeding $48,000 between October 2025 and April 2026
Danvers Brewery Marks 100th Birthday With Custom Saison for Local Matriarch
Twisted Fate Brewing Co. in Danvers, Massachusetts, created a special saison-style beer to celebrate Mary Skafas' 100th birthday, bringing together her family and honoring her love of tea-inspired flavors at the brewery's taproom.
Monmouth County Parks Adds New Fall Hikes for Kids and Teens
Monmouth County Parks System is expanding its fall youth hiking programs, offering new sessions for toddlers, children, and teens at multiple park locations. Registration is open, but spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis
Loudoun County May End Fast-Track Data Center Approvals
Loudoun County supervisors are proposing to require public hearings and board votes for more than 20 pending data center applications that were previously exempt from new zoning rules, potentially changing the approval process as soon as September 1
LAPD Schedules DUI Checkpoints and Patrols Across Los Angeles
The Los Angeles Police Department will conduct DUI checkpoints and increase patrols in areas with a history of impaired driving incidents starting Wednesday night, aiming to reduce crashes and ensure drivers are properly licensed.
Lakeville Man Sentenced to 78 Months for $250M Fraud and Witness Tampering
Abdinasir Mahamed Abshir of Lakeville, MN, received a 78-month federal prison sentence for his role in a $250 million child nutrition fraud scheme and for attempting to tamper with a trial witness during the case.
Police Recover $1,000 in Stolen Legos After Napa Target Theft
Three suspects were arrested in Napa, California, after police recovered over $1,000 in stolen Legos from a Target store. The incident involved a foot chase and a search for a fleeing vehicle before the items were returned.
Rhode Island Ranks 13th Safest for Senior Drivers in New Study
A new analysis places Rhode Island among the top safer states for drivers aged 65 and older, with the state ranking 13th out of 48 based on recent traffic fatality data. The findings highlight regional differences in senior driver safety across the U.S.
Triadelphia Reservoir Water Contact Advisory Issued for Residents
WSSC Water has issued a month-long advisory urging people and pets to avoid direct contact with Triadelphia Reservoir water after harmful algal blooms were detected. Recreation remains open, but extra precautions are recommended for all visitors.
Petaluma Reviews Mayoral Candidate's Residency Before Election
Petaluma officials are investigating whether Shelina Moreda met the city's residency rules to qualify for the November mayoral ballot, following concerns raised by local labor leaders about her voter registration timing
Southwest Riverside County Faces Weeklong Triple-Digit Heat Wave
Residents in Southwest Riverside County should prepare for a full week of triple-digit temperatures, with the hottest conditions expected Thursday and a slight chance of mountain and desert thunderstorms.
