http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=138928464 Elaine S. Povich is a GOVERNING contributor. http://www.governing.com/news/state/US-Cities-Find-Benefits-in-Sister-Relationships.html There are hundreds of sister city relationships between U.S. municipalities and foreign cities. The benefits can be as simple as a cultural exchange or as complicated as getting a contract to design a $1 billion theme park in China. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/Rookie-Mayors-Take-On-Tough-Challenges.html It’s not a great time to be a mayor. Lousy economies, squeezed budgets, dwindling federal and state assistance -- the list goes on and on. Yet newly elected mayors across the country are coping -- some better than others. http://www.governing.com/topics/technology/col-more-states-cities-look-to-test-drones.html "Eye in the Sky" is fast becoming a reality for many states and municipalities as they turn to unmanned vehicles -- or drones -- for a variety of uses. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/gov-snowes-pending-departure-opens-door-for-maine-lawmakers.html With the “big dogs” in the race for the U.S. Senate seat from Maine scared off by the entry of former independent Gov. Angus King, the door has opened for state officers and legislators to get into the race. http://www.governing.com/blogs/politics/state-lawmakers-emerge-for-giffords-arizona-seat-.html Emotion over Gabby Giffords aside, Republicans see a good chance to restore her seat to the GOP. The first declared candidates have emerged from the ranks of the state legislature.