In the city’s upcoming election, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his critics both paint a portrait of the “two Chicagos” but with dueling interpretations.

Unlike nearly every other state, California lacks a central board that oversees higher education, pitting political leaders against university administrators. At issue now is a 28 percent tuition hike.

The midterm elections marked the return of divided government, with more than a third of states in split-power situations.

With practically no legislation moving through Congress, the Washington press corps is beginning to focus on action in states and localities.

Republicans not only swept the states in the fall, they’ve been building up a team of candidates to climb the political ranks.