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Facing One Troubling Revelation After Another, Election Officials Work to Prevent a 'Digital Watergate'

States are stepping up their election security but face many challenges: a president still skeptical of Russian interference, a lack of money, and reliance on private vendors for voting equipment and software, to name a few.

4 States Just Sued Over the Federal Tax Law. Here's Why They Might Lose.

Connecticut, Maryland, New York and New Jersey argue that new GOP tax policies violate states' rights and unduly punish their populations.

As November Nears, More Governors’ Races Become Tossups

They have become more competitive in three states -- all where Republicans are currently in power.

• Ratings & Analysis for 2018's State Elections

'People Are Literally Being Poisoned': How Sewage Problems in Alabama Got So Bad -- and Why Other States Should Worry

The state and county have failed to fix the unsanitary conditions for years, and at times threatened to arrest citizens over them. An outbreak of a once-eradicated disease has prompted the United Nations to get involved.

How States Are Making It Harder to Leave Unions

Just over two weeks since the Janus ruling, about a third of the affected states have taken actions meant to soften its impact on unions' membership and revenue.

• Why the Janus Ruling Is Especially Bad for Black Women
Michael Tubbs giving a TED x talk

Silicon Valley Is Helping Cities Test a Radical Anti-Poverty Idea

What if everyone got a paycheck that they didn't work for? It's called universal basic income, and with the help of tech entrepreneurs, Stockton, Calif., is the latest city to test it.

Embrace Your Limitations -- in Life and Public Policy

That's the advice of Kristen Cox, who lost her sight in her 20s and became a client of public services. Now, her job is to oversee them.

Rhode Island's Governor Isn't a Conventional Democrat. Will That Help or Hurt Her in November?

Gina Raimondo, a former venture capitalist with blue-collar ties who has made job creation her No. 1 priority, could face a tough reelection.

In Rural America, Violent Crime Reaches Highest Level in a Decade

The loss of jobs and the opioid epidemic are two of the biggest reasons.

COMMENTARY

How Cities Can Get Strategic About Procurement

Louisville is pioneering an approach that aims to make purchasing and contracting a key ingredient in successfully delivering services.

COMMENTARY

Expiration Dates in Government: How to Know When to Ditch a Regulation

Lots have passed their sell-by date.

COMMENTARY

A Model for Agility in the Public Sector

Search and rescue task forces need to deploy at a moment's notice, and they have to be ready for any challenges they may encounter.

WHO SAID THAT?

“He told me I shouldn’t be in his office because he was told I had 6 month twins at home and didn’t know how I was feeding them when at work.”

MORE QUOTES

Voter Turnout Is Up, Especially Among Democrats. What Does That Mean for November?

More people are casting primary ballots than four years ago. But that year, turnout was the lowest since World War II.

MOST READ

  1. 1

    2018 Attorneys General Races: Who's Vulnerable?
  2. 2

    'People Are Literally Being Poisoned': How Sewage Problems in Alabama Got So Bad -- and Why Other States Should Worry
  3. 3

    How States Are Making It Harder to Leave Unions
  4. 4

    In Rural America, Violent Crime Reaches Highest Level in a Decade
  5. 5

    As November Nears, More Governors’ Races Become Tossups
  6. 6

    4 States Just Sued Over the Federal Tax Law. Here's Why They Might Lose.
  7. 7

    Unions Could No Longer Get Medicaid Money Under New Trump Proposal
Home health care worker helps her client out of their wheelchair

Unions Could No Longer Get Medicaid Money Under New Trump Proposal

The federal government wants to roll back an Obama-era rule that lets some Medicaid payments go toward unions that represent home health care workers -- one of the fastest-growing and lowest-paid jobs.

• Will Weaker Unions Mean More Money for States?

NEWS IN NUMBERS

$53,500

Campaign contributions that pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s political action committee made to top North Carolina leaders during a legislative session, which is illegal. Pfizer and the 37 officials, including the governor and the attorney general, must pay a fine.

MORE DIGITS

The New Gold Rush for Green Bonds

Investors are lining up to buy them to fund environmental projects.

• Are Green Bonds a Better Deal for Governments?

With an NBA Assist, All-Star Host City Aims to Help Minority-Owned Businesses

Charlotte, N.C., is using the sporting event as an opportunity to close the investment gaps between businesses owned by white women and people of color.

A New Use for Food Trucks: Feeding Hungry Students in the Summer

Instead of making low-income kids travel for meals when school is out, Minneapolis is bringing the food to them.

It’s Natural Disaster Season. Can Your Government Afford It?

Most states don't know how much they spend on extreme weather events.

One Woman's Quest to Fight Gentrification by Asking Residents How

Cat Goughnour is pushing several cities to give community members more say in urban design.

• Can Gentrification Be Illegal? This City Is Being Sued.

Black, Female and Serving the Public: A Conversation With the Lawmaker Fighting Statehouse Discrimination

Ohio Rep. Emilia Sykes gets stopped by security trying to enter her place of work. She wants others to share their stories of prejudice.

Voting Rights Debate Moves From Statehouses to Ballot Boxes

Voters will weigh in this fall on voter registration, campaign finance and redistricting.

After Supreme Court Shake-Up, These State Abortion Laws Could Challenge Roe v. Wade

The retirement of Justice Anthony Kennedy increases the likelihood of extreme restrictions passing legal scrutiny.

• California Abortion Ruling Puts Other States' Laws in Doubt
Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson

After Medicaid Ruling, Most States Hit Pause But Some Proceed

Work requirements failed their first court test, in Kentucky. The case leaves the legality of other states' policies uncertain, but some of them are moving forward with business as usual anyway.

• The Limits to Trump's Medicaid Freedom for States