Cover Story
How Much Can Democrats Really Win in 2018?
BY Alan Greenblatt
Election results from November suggest they will have a big year. But with near record low representation in the states, Democrats need more than that to shift the balance of power.
FEATURES
Politics & Elections
The Biggest Issues for States to Watch in 2018
Even though it's an election year, these policies and problems are too important and timely for legislatures to ignore.
BY News Staff
Politics & Elections
Has John Bel Edwards Discovered the Right Balancing Act Between Parties?
Most politicians believe moderation doesn’t help Democrats much in the Deep South. Louisiana’s governor, who's trying to fix the state's finances, isn’t one of them.
BY J.B. Wogan
Public Safety & Justice
Police Departments Grapple With Who Should Hold Them Accountable
Scandals surrounding abuse and corruption are spurring cities across the country to adopt civilian oversight boards. But some argue they have the opposite effect that advocates are looking for.
BY John Buntin
Health & Human Services
In Cybersecurity Fight, Governments Leave Hospitals Behind
When hackers target hospitals, the consequences can be dire. Yet hospitals have little help preventing or responding to such attacks.
BY Mattie Quinn
OBSERVER
Infrastructure & Environment
South Carolina Spent $9 Billion on Nuclear Reactors That Will Never Run. Now What?
The legislature must decide whether residents will keep being charged, possibly for decades, for the failed project.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Politics & Elections
How Many Lawmakers Does a Legislature Need?
California has the most people of any state, and yet it doesn't have the country's largest legislature. A ballot measure proposes to change that -- but it's complicated.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Politics & Elections
Are Progressives Giving Bill de Blasio His Due?
In a new book, one of his supporters compares the New York City mayor with other liberal mayors, and says no.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Finance
The Scambuster Going to War for Military Members
Service members are often targeted for financial scams and have a harder time defending themselves. Deanna Nelson is doing it for them.
BY Alan Greenblatt
POLITICS + POLICY
Commentary
Should Governments Measure People's Happiness?
Their citizens' sense of well-being may tell a lot about whether a community is thriving.
BY Alan Ehrenhalt
Commentary
These 2 Men Made Careers Out of Fighting for Federalism
One of them, Paul Posner, who recently died, spent decades advocating for a stronger relationship between federal, state and local governments.
BY Peter Harkness
Education
Transgender Issues Energize Typically Sleepy School Board Elections
The debate over who should use which bathrooms led to record turnout in at least two elections last year. Transgender advocates expect more competition this year.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Health & Human Services
STD Rates Reach Record High
The rise of sexually transmitted diseases is challenging public health departments.
BY Mattie Quinn
Infrastructure & Environment
China's Foreign-Waste Ban Could Have Recycling Repercussions in America
Starting this month, the country's new policy will likely send more recyclable materials to the landfill. But many environmentalists also see it as a golden opportunity.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
Commentary
It's Time to Confront Our Coastal Elite Economy
Coastal cities have disproportionately thrived thanks to economic centralization. Yes, the marketplace is to blame, but so is federal policy.
BY Aaron M. Renn
Commentary
Airports Need to Expand
But burdensome federal regulations are getting in the way.
BY Scott Beyer
PROBLEM SOLVER
Politics & Elections
The Race to Be Census-Ready
It’s already hard to count certain residents. But this time around, it could be particularly difficult.
BY Mike Maciag
Commentary
Why Are Governments So Hesitant to Share Services?
It makes rational sense, but people find many reasons to be wary -- even high school football rivalries.
BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
Commentary
5 Ways to Measure a Mayor's Success
In local government, success is defined by what you leave behind.
BY Mark Funkhouser
Tech Talk
15 Years Later, REAL ID Act's Vision Will Finally Become Reality
After years of fighting the post-9/11 law that added security standards for ID cards, states seem to be on board. It's going to cost them, though.
BY Tod Newcombe
Commentary
Who's Slurping the Benefits of Soda Taxes?
Local governments. But they’re not just doing it for the money.
BY Frank Shafroth
Urban
Behind the Lens: Los Angeles Has a Surprising Winter Pastime
Photos and musings from our photographer David Kidd.
BY David Kidd
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