Cover Story
Houston's Mayor Loves to Make Deals. Not Everybody’s Happy.
BY Liz Farmer
Sylvester Turner’s focus on consensus-building has earned him praise -- and criticism.
FEATURES
Politics & Elections
After Years of New Voting Restrictions, Momentum Swings the Other Way
Some states are still purging voter rolls and requiring IDs. But most are now looking to expand access to the ballot box.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Health & Human Services
The Federal Government Is Overhauling Foster Care. States Aren't Ready.
Everyone agrees that America’s foster care system needs reform. But some worry the new law may do more harm than good.
BY Mattie Quinn
Infrastructure & Environment
America Has a Sewage Problem
Faulty septic systems are making pollution and health problems worse in much of the country. What we don’t know is how much worse.
BY Daniel C. Vock
OBSERVER
Public Safety & Justice
Legal in the State or Not, Some Cities Ban Marijuana
In New Jersey, dozens of localities have outlawed sales or possession of the drug even before the legislature legalizes it.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Politics & Elections
The Democrat Who Could Be Mississippi's Next Governor
Democrats rarely win elections in the South. If anyone can do it, it's Jim Hood.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Politics & Elections
The States Where the Minority Party Has Major Legislative Clout
Republicans hold a small fraction of seats in two Democratic states, but they enjoy outsized power.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Assessments
The Business Fad States Should Steal
For the most part, it’s a bad idea for governments to copy private-sector trends. But there may be one exception.
BY Alan Ehrenhalt
Washington Watch
Why I'm Optimistic About America's Economic Outlook
Another recession is in the forecast. This time, states seem ready to weather it.
BY Peter Harkness
Urban Notebook
Want Fewer Cars in Cities? Take Baby Steps.
Automobiles hurt the quality of urban life, but radical change is politically difficult.
BY Scott Beyer
Census
Born and Raised: The Parts of America Where People Don't Leave
Why do some counties have vastly more native-born residents than others?
BY Mike Maciag
THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT
Smart Management
Where’s the Data? What the Government Isn't Tracking
The amount of missing and unusable public-sector data is stunning.
BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
On Leadership
The Key to Nebraska's Water Conservation Success
Other places should emulate the state's model.
BY Mark Funkhouser
Public Money
As Students' Debt Mounts, a New Method of Repayment Emerges
“Income share agreements” could lower loan payments and the financial risks of paying for college.
BY Anne Kim
Transportation & Infrastructure
Are Dockless Bikes Doomed to Fail?
Many of the startups have pulled out of cities in the past year.
BY Nicole Gelinas
Health & Human Services
Does Raising the Minimum Wage Save Money on Social Services?
Yes, experts say, but an extra dollar or two an hour won't free low-income people from poverty altogether.
BY Mattie Quinn
Infrastructure & Environment
To Build Support for the Green New Deal, Activists Turn to States
Some states have already adopted their own version of a plan to address climate change while creating jobs. Others are being urged to.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
Infrastructure & Environment
When the State Line Runs Down Main Street
Photos and musing from our photographer.
BY David Kidd
