Washington, DC, USA. Faced with crippling budget shortfalls, state courts can replace in-person stenographers with digital recording systems. But do they really save money?

Digital recording systems are replacing court stenographers in all 50 states, reflecting an era of tightened budgets even of it means the loss of highly capable human stenographers.

Lansing, MI, USA. Michigan managers can assume emergency powers over distressed localities. The state views it as necessary, but localities and labor think it is undemocratic.

Opponents say the law leaves local elected leaders virtually powerless in the face of unelected, state-appointed bureaucrats with “dictatorial” control. They accuse the state of starving municipalities and school districts of funding so they can swoop in and grab power.