Cover Story

Is the GOP's Tea Party Over?

BY Alan Greenblatt

Arizona was the poster child for Tea Party politics. Now the state's Republican leaders are focusing instead on core establishment issues. The shift there could signal what's to come across the country.

FEATURES

The Myth vs. the Truth About Regulating Payday Lenders

When state laws drive so-called "debt traps" to shut down, the industry moves its business online. Do their low-income customers follow? BY Liz Farmer

College Savings Accounts Are Popular But Missing Their Marks

Few families use them -- and even fewer put enough money away to matter. Advocates, however, say the programs are too young to judge. BY J.B. Wogan

The Future of Health Care Is Outside the Doctor's Office

States are increasingly investing in community health workers to improve their residents' health. BY Mattie Quinn

In Unconventional Courtroom, a Little Respect Goes a Long Way

Brooklyn, N.Y., has one of the most innovative courts in the country -- not just for its approach toward defendants but also for its success in reducing recidivism. BY Daniel C. Vock

OBSERVER

The Story Behind George Lucas' Museum Wars With Cities

After fighting his own battle over where to house his Star Wars stuff, he let the cities duke it out. BY Alan Greenblatt

Should Lawyers Police Themselves? In Most States, They Do.

But the days of having lawyers regulate their own conduct are numbered in California. The question now is whether that will prompt others to end the controversial practice. BY Alan Greenblatt

Different Party, Same People: The Virtue of Political Holdovers

Two new governors have surprised their states by keeping many of the previous administrations' cabinet members. BY Alan Greenblatt

Are South Carolina Voters Too Tolerant of Corruption?

The state’s lawmakers have a history of ethics and legal problems -- yet their constituents don’t seem to care. BY Alan Greenblatt

POLITICS + POLICY

The Limits of Café Urbanism

Hip restaurants have helped revive cities. But is the boom fizzling out? BY Alan Ehrenhalt

Outposts of Rationality in Our Great Partisan Divide

U.S. politics isn't all poisonous. You just have to leave Washington to realize that. BY Peter Harkness

Why Cooperation May Be to Blame for America's Polarized Politics

It’s time for a history lesson. BY Alan Greenblatt

Why Feds Withhold Money From the Most Vulnerable Hospitals

The places that treat the poorest and sickest often fail to meet safety standards. Some say the penalties need to be adjusted. BY Mattie Quinn

A Plan That Tackles Climate Change and Racial Discrimination

Portland, Ore., is one of the nation's first cities to fully consider how environmental policies impact minority communities. BY Elizabeth Daigneau

Can a Small College Save Its Small Town?

In many places, they're trying to like never before. BY Aaron M. Renn

Build, Baby, Build: A New Housing Movement’s Unofficial Motto

It's a counter to the "not in my backyard" mentality that has led to housing shortages in some cities. BY Scott Beyer

BY Alan Greenblatt

FEATURES

OBSERVER

POLITICS + POLICY

PROBLEM SOLVER

PAST ISSUES