In a city that doesn't hand its mayors much power, Phil Gordon knows how to go out and get it.

Republicans are losing special elections in places where they usually win.

Lead paint is a serious health problem. Will it become a hot litigation subject? Probably not.

How do we keep kids in high school? One answer: Get them through freshman year.

Mike Langberg, a technology columnist for the San Jose Mercury News, dropped by a conference on "smart parking" recently. What he found was mind-boggling. Among the big ideas: You'll be able to use the Internet to reserve a parking meter before leaving home. Even if you forget to make a reservation, a navigation screen in your dashboard will direct you to a vacant spot.