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How 4/20 Actually Helps Police

Law enforcement departments across the country use the marijuana holiday as a way to build their followers and soften their image on social media.

More States Forcing Prosecutors to Hand Over Evidence -- Even When It Hurts Their Case

New York is the latest to strengthen requirements about disclosing evidence that could help clear defendants of criminal wrongdoing.

Are Small Businesses Really the Backbone of the Economy?

Two economists argue that they aren't. Instead, they say, policymakers should focus on larger employers.

Would Changing the Rules for Police Change the Outcomes?

In the wake of Stephon Clark's death, California is considering the strictest rules in the country about when deadly force can be used. But they may not impact criminal cases against cops.

Don't Get Mad, Get Elected: The Rise of the Revenge Candidate

Political novices are running for office at all levels of government -- many driven by anger over their current representatives' policies and behavior.

Want to Prevent Cyberattacks? Don't Count on Employee Training to Stop Them.

Tips from a cybersecurity expert.

People in line.

Automatic Voter Registration Goes Beyond the DMV

The most recent states to adopt the practice are expanding it to agencies that serve disenfranchised populations, including the poor and disabled.

Supreme Court Not Sold on Ending Online Sales Tax Ban

The justices pressed attorneys on Tuesday about the potential consequences of overturning the court’s 26-year-old ruling.

Managing Citizen Engagement Overload

When government gets too much of a good thing, can open-source technology help?

Why It’s So Hard for Lawmakers to Win Governor’s Races

"I can count on one hand the number of top [legislative] leaders who have successfully run for major statewide office."

Judges Face Growing Threats From Unhappy Politicians

While they're rarely successful, efforts to remove state Supreme Court justices over policy disagreements are becoming more common.

As Fair Housing Act Turns 50, Landmark Law Faces Uncertain Future

Under the Trump administration, and most Republican White Houses, enforcement of the 1968 anti-discrimination law has weakened. Housing advocates say the constantly changing federal approach has held back progress.

WHO SAID THAT?

“Would New York City like for us to send all our poop up there forever? ”

MORE QUOTES

With Fewer Police Applicants, Departments Engage in Bidding Wars

Hiring police officers is much harder than it used to be. To stay competitive, some are offering generous pay increases and bonuses.

MOST READ

  1. 1

    With Fewer Police Applicants, Departments Engage in Bidding Wars
  2. 2

    The Biggest Issues for States to Watch in 2018
  3. 3

    Why Low-Tax States Could Come to Dislike the New Tax Law, Too
  4. 4

    Supreme Court Not Sold on Ending Online Sales Tax Ban
  5. 5

    In Terms of Food Stamps, the Farm Bill Has Something for Everyone
  6. 6

    Trump Leaves Obama's Last-Minute Child Support Rule Alone
  7. 7

    Automatic Voter Registration Goes Beyond the DMV

Trump's New Obamacare Rules Give States More Power. Will They Take It?

The new rules are designed to reduce premiums, but health policy experts say they will have little effect.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

Between $8.4 billion and $13.5 billion

Estimate of annual online sales tax revenue that states are missing out on because the federal government bans them from collecting it. The Supreme Court heard a case this week that challenges that ban, but some of the justices raised concerns about ending it.

MORE DIGITS

In Terms of Food Stamps, the Farm Bill Has Something for Everyone

The legislation released on Thursday includes changes that could satisfy conservatives and liberals. It does not include most of the changes President Trump proposed, such as drug testing and a Blue Apron-style delivery service.

• The Bipartisan Food Stamp Reforms Congress Won't Talk About

A Major City's Solution to Teachers' Money Problems: Let Them Live at School

Miami is taking the trend of teacher housing one step further than other places. But do teachers want to live where they work -- even if it means cheaper rent?

Outside Disneyland, a Reminder for Governments to Be Careful What They Wish for

Cities have become increasingly focused on doing whatever it takes to attract large corporations. But it's hard to govern a one-company town. Just ask Anaheim.

• Despite New Rules to Disclose Corporate Tax Breaks, Just Half of Local Governments Are

How China's Proposed Tariffs Could Impact States' Economies

China is one of our largest trading partners. U.S. exports to the country totaled $130 billion last year.

• Trump's Tariffs Could Hurt More Local Economies Than They Help

Why Low-Tax States Could Come to Dislike the New Tax Law, Too

Up until now, high-tax states have complained the most.

Do Weak Labor Laws Actually Spur More Teacher Strikes?

The recent protests in conservative states point to a potentially counterintuitive reality.

• Teachers Aren't Just Striking, They're Running for Office

4 Ways Uber Wants to Expand Its Services

Under CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, the company wants to partner with cities and be more than just a rideshare.

• To Uber and Lyft's Displeasure, Cities Start Taxing Them

After Shootings and Hurricanes, Where Are the School Counselors?

With both kinds of traumatic events on the rise, school counselors can't keep up with the demand for mental health services.

COMMENTARY

The Broadband Boost Small-Town America Needs

Publicly owned internet networks are giving some rural regions an advantage over even the techiest big cities.