Hanover Appoints First Tourism Director Rachel Smith

Local government activities include a request by GEM Capital LLC for a 130-home subdivision near Highland Springs and a conditional rezoning petition by Dorado Capital for a 49-home subdivision on Airport Drive. Hanover County appointed Rachel Smith as its first tourism director to lead efforts in promoting tourism through marketing and developing visitor experiences, capitalizing on local historic and cultural resources. In Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to prioritize citizens’ welfare by investing in rural electrification, agricultural mechanization, poverty eradication, and infrastructure, emphasizing the need for economic growth in rural areas and accountability of subnational leaders. The concerns in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts, highlight issues of governance transparency, where the Select Board is accused of secretive executive sessions and concentrating power, raising alarms about democratic practices at the local level. Meanwhile, South Dakota state government boards and commissions have scheduled public meetings, with teleconference options and some available livecasts, ensuring ongoing transparency and public engagement. These developments collectively underscore themes of local governance, community development, leadership accountability, and transparency across various U.S. states and international contexts.