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In Trump’s America, GOP States Proceed Cautiously Optimistic

BY Alan Greenblatt

With the most power over U.S. government that any party has had in decades, Republicans have hit the jackpot. The new administration will embolden states’ rights, but it could also create problems for them.

FEATURES

13 Issues for States to Watch in 2017

These are the biggest policies and problems legislatures will confront this year. BY News Staff

Fighting Sex Trafficking Is Harder Than It Seems

More than half the states have passed laws to protect victims, but the laws aren’t always enforced and often produce new challenges. BY Liz Farmer

Meet the Goodmans: Las Vegas’ Flamboyant Political Family

They’re into more than showmanship. They’re struggling to turn the gambling mecca into a thriving 21st century urban place. BY John Buntin

Should Religious Leaders Help Close Mental Health Care's Gap?

Particularly in rural areas, governments are increasingly turning to them to ease the shortage of providers, blurring the line between religion and medicine. BY Mattie Quinn

OBSERVER

Is a New Battle Brewing Over Soda Taxes?

As more cities start taxing sugary beverages, the industry may turn to new allies to block them. BY Alan Greenblatt

America’s One and Only City Council Run by Libertarians

In a Minnesota suburb, libertarians are making a lot of changes people might expect. But not everyone is happy. BY Alan Greenblatt

Bad Budget News? Some States Just Bury It.

Observers say Kansas is trying to “end bad economic news by not reporting it.” It’s not the only state being accused of hindering transparency. BY Alan Greenblatt

New York Voters Reject Chance to Rewrite State Constitution

Once every 20 years, the state’s citizens get the opportunity to overhaul government. Voters rejected the idea again on Tuesday. BY Alan Greenblatt

POLITICS + POLICY

What Does State Legislatures' Past Say About Their Future?

A look back at their evolution may offer some idea of what lies ahead. BY Alan Ehrenhalt

Conjectures From the Swamp

D.C. may be an object of Republican disdain, but it’s now at the center of governmental change. BY Peter Harkness

The Democrats’ Geography Problem

An overwhelming share of their voters live in metropolitan areas. Will their appeal ever expand beyond? BY Alan Greenblatt

The Walking Cure: How Oklahoma City Lost 1 Million Pounds

Pedestrian-friendly cities are healthier cities, which is why many are making it easier for residents to ditch their cars. BY Mattie Quinn

Will States Stop Cities From Combating Climate Change?

With Republicans in full control in half the states, climate change skeptics have more power to target environmental programs. BY Elizabeth Daigneau

Globalization's Winner-Take-All Economy

The Chicagos and Cincinnatis of the world are more vulnerable than they realize. BY Aaron M. Renn

When Local Control Backfires

The housing shortages that plague most urban areas are a prime example of the complications that can arise when states take a back seat. BY Scott Beyer

BY Alan Greenblatt

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