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Not Just Georgia's Brian Kemp: Other Secretaries of State Accused of Abusing Elections Power

Kemp faces allegations of using his position to suppress minority voters and gain unfair advantage in the governor's race, highlighting the office's increasing partisanship and potential for conflicts of interest.

• Democrats Maintain the Edge in Secretary of State Races Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp

A Second State Could Ban Service Taxes

As taxes on Netflix and yoga gain favor as a way to raise revenue, a movement to stop them is growing. In November, the debate heads to Arizona.

In Year of Strikes, Education Plays a Big Role in Elections

Education has emerged as an issue this fall beyond school board and superintendent races.

2 Cop Convictions in 2 Months: Is This a Tipping Point in Police Accountability?

Fatal police shootings rarely result in convictions. In Chicago and Texas, they just did.

Home health care aide helping an elderly woman walk.

Maine Could Make Health-Care History, Again, on Election Day

Voters could approve what would be the nation's first universal at-home care program. But it may face pushback from the incoming governor.

• Should Hospitals Limit the Number of Patients Nurses Can Help?

How the New NAFTA Deal Impacts States

The revised trade pact keeps the original agreement's free trade zone intact while placing some new burdens on the auto industry.

A woman smoking a marijuana joint.

Is the Midwest Ready for Recreational Marijuana?

Voters in Michigan and North Dakota could be the first in the region to legalize the drug. Supporters say passage would "shock the country ... and affect federal change."

• California's New Marijuana Law Is a First But Likely Not the Last
A black person handing in their ballot next to a basket of "I Love Voting" stickers.

It's a Big Year for Voting Rights at the Ballot Box

There is an "unprecedented" number of measures this fall designed to make voting and registration easier. There are also some that would make voting harder.

An immigrant child being held by her mother.

Trump Administration Releases Final Rule for Legal Immigrants Using Public Benefits

It is not as strict as the leaked version but would still drastically limit what benefits they could use without risking green cards or permanent residency status.

• Midterms Give Voters Their First Say on Immigration in Trump Era
COMMENTARY

Want to Be a Good Leader? Rely On a Little Help From Your Friends.

Communities can’t address the big issues without collaboration.

COMMENTARY

The Economy Is Booming. So Why Are Cities' Revenues Still Lagging?

The structure of their tax systems doesn't align with their evolving economies.

COMMENTARY

Distracted by Data

With all the new information governments have available, it's too easy to focus on improving existing processes rather than on better ways to address underlying problems.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

30 out of 80

Beds in Alaska's state-run psychiatric hospital not being used because of staffing shortages. Patients are instead being diverted to emergency rooms and jails -- even if they have not been accused of a crime.

MORE DIGITS

For College Towns, Having a World-Famous University Is a Mixed Blessing

Just ask New Haven, the home of Yale.

MOST READ

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    Is the Midwest Ready for Recreational Marijuana?
  2. 2

    Removing the Impediments to Infrastructure Investment
  3. 3

    The Biggest Issues for States to Watch in 2018
  4. 4

    Trump Administration Releases Final Rule for Legal Immigrants Using Public Benefits
  5. 5

    Democrats Maintain the Edge in Secretary of State Races
  6. 6

    For College Towns, Having a World-Famous University Is a Mixed Blessing
  7. 7

    2 Cop Convictions in 2 Months: Is This a Tipping Point in Police Accountability?

A Month Before Election Day, Democrats Poised for Legislative Gains

While they likely won't win a majority nationwide, the party is poised to gain control of some chambers. How many depends on the size of the potential blue wave.

• After More Than 30 Years, the Leader of State Legislatures to Step Down

WHO SAID THAT?

“First day she wanted to watch me, and 'get a feel' of Africa. So I shot a whole family of baboons. I think she got the idea quick”

MORE QUOTES

This Is What Happens When a City Shuts Down Mental Health Clinics

This country has never had an effective public policy toward mental illness. In Chicago, things seem to be getting even worse.

Underneath This 'Pop-Up Forest' Is an Abandoned Highway

Akron, Ohio, calls it the Innerbelt National Forest.

How Public Employee Benefits (Beyond Pensions and Health Care) Compare to the Private Sector's

At a time of low unemployment, both kinds of employers are beefing up their perks.

Slavery Is Still a Legal Punishment. Voters in One State Have a (Second) Chance to Abolish It.

In 2016, Coloradoans voted against abolishing slavery in prisons -- a clause that exists in the U.S. Constitution and several states'. This year, the issue is back on the ballot.

People lined up at the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court Cases for State and Local Governments to Watch

In the cases the justices will hear this fall, legal observers say "state sovereignty is a really big issue."

States Intent on Taxing Big Pharma Over the Opioid Crisis

Lawmakers want to raise taxes on pharmaceutical companies to help pay for the cost of the opioid crisis. But success has been elusive.

Green Roof Requirements Are On the Rise

To meet their energy goals, cities are starting to make new buildings have solar panels or vegetation atop.

'You Should Be at Home With Your Son'

Jackie Biskupski is the first openly gay elected official in Utah. But her sexual orientation isn't what her critics want to talk about.

Voters walking toward a polling station with ballots in hand.

November's Most Important Ballot Measures

From health care to immigration, voters will decide a long list of policies.