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What If Government Just Gave Everyone Cash, No Strings Attached?

The radical idea of a universal basic income is far from new, but it's finally being tested around the world -- even in America.

Cash money flying in the air.

Rural America Gets Creative to Attract Much-Needed Doctors

"Training in 'the sticks,' sticks," says one medical professional. But first, rural areas have to get doctors there.

These Governors Are Rich, But Are They Effective?

The wealthy are increasingly seeking their state's highest office. Winning has been the easy part.

COMMENTARY

A Better Way to Manage the Next Public Health Emergency

The typical approach can result in the wrong people — or not enough of the right people — being engaged in the response.

The Week in Public Finance: A Hockey Brawl in St. Louis, New Jersey's Pension Plan and Another Illinois Impasse

A roundup of money (and other) news governments can use.

Activists dressed as characters from "The Handmaid's Tale" outside the Texas Capitol.

For the Future of Anti-Abortion Laws, Look to Missouri

Health policy experts say other conservative states often follow Missouri's lead on abortion measures. This year, the state passed several never-before-seen regulations.

COMMENTARY

Infrastructure Lessons From One of the Nation’s First P3s

A 75-year-old highway project offers clues to solving a critical present-day problem.

Work for Us – Or Else: The Rise of Noncompete Contracts

It's now common, even for lower-paying jobs, to make employees pledge their loyalty to companies. Some states are stepping in to stop the corporate abuse.

Ron Richard, president pro tempore of the Missouri Senate

Term Limits Could Hurt Republicans in 2018

Twice as many Republicans can't run again for state legislative office. That could help Democrats, but how much?

States Add a Human (Services) Touch to 'Stat'

Colorado is one of the few governments to employ the data-driven approach in human services. It's helping the state tackle major problems.

Speeding Plays an Even Bigger Role in Traffic Deaths Than We Thought, Say Feds

The National Transportation Safety Board wants governments to crack down on speeding, which claims as many traffic deaths as drunk driving. But the hard question is: How?

COMMENTARY

Transportation Innovation’s Crucial Ingredient

For the revolution to succeed, smart regulators and thoughtful entrepreneurs will need to work together.

WHO SAID THAT?

“All sides need to agree that there is no room for suggestions of political violence in America — and the Missouri Democratic Party will absolutely not tolerate calls for the assassination of the president. I believe she should resign.”

MORE QUOTES
The first meeting of the president's opioid commission. From left: Dr. Bertha K. Madras, a Harvard Medical School professor who specializes in addiction biology, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, North Carolina Gov. Roy Coo

What Does the National Opioid Emergency Mean for States and Cities?

There are still some major unanswered questions about Trump's declaration.

MOST READ

  1. 1

    Cities Nationwide Brace for More Alt-Right Protests This Weekend
  2. 2

    The Rise of the 'Night Mayor' in America
  3. 3

    What Does the National Opioid Emergency Mean for States and Cities?
  4. 4

    Speeding Plays an Even Bigger Role in Traffic Deaths Than We Thought, Say Feds
  5. 5

    For the Future of Anti-Abortion Laws, Look to Missouri
  6. 6

    States Add a Human (Services) Touch to 'Stat'
  7. 7

    How Driverless Cars Could Be a Big Problem for Cities

Legal or Not, States Forge Ahead With 401(k)-for-Everyone Plans

Congress jeopardized the future of state plans to help private employees save for retirement. States don't seem to care.

NEWS IN NUMBERS

21 years old

Age that Maine Gov. Paul LePage wants people to be to vote and join the military in his state. His proposal, which would need permission from the Trump administration, is in response to the legislature's decision to override him and raise the age for buying tobacco to 21.

MORE DIGITS
Hacker walking down a hallway of zeros and ones.

Hackers' Little Helpers: Employees With Bad 'Cyber-Hygiene'

Governments are starting to realize that cybersecurity isn't just the responsibility of the IT department.

COMMENTARY

Throwing Money at Businesses Has Been a Bad Idea Since the Start

It's time to abandon corporate tax breaks. Just look at their history.

COMMENTARY

Promoting the Good That Public Institutions Do

A code of ethics should be about more than preventing abuses. It should also promote positive contributions.

COMMENTARY

Why Are Government Websites So Bad?

Broken links, outdated information and mysterious abbreviations are just a few of the problems.

Content from AARP

Investing in Culture to Enhance Creativity and Social Engagement

Mayors are using the arts to enliven their communities.

The Rise of the 'Night Mayor' in America

The concept caught fire in Europe and is gaining relevance in large and small cities across the Atlantic.

What Happens When the Attorney General Refuses to Defend a Law?

In lawsuits involving high-profile partisan issues, some state AGs choose to sit out.

States Hope to Make One of the Dirtiest, Deadliest Jobs a Little Safer

Garbage workers are killed on the job more often than police or firefighters.

COMMENTARY

Can We Build Inclusive, Innovative Local Economies?

A new learning collaborative is charting efforts in four metros to connect minority communities to entrepreneurial resources.

How Driverless Cars Could Be a Big Problem for Cities

The technology could signal the beginning of the end of parking tickets and other revenue sources. Some cities' budgets could take a big hit.