Who Ruined Illinois?

BY Daniel C. Vock

Everyone knows the state is a mess. It wasn’t always that way.

FEATURES

How Higher Ed Became a Partisan Wedge Issue

As states debate the purpose of public universities, some say politics is playing an outsized role. BY Alan Greenblatt

Taking on Walmart Is No Easy Fight for Cities

Some towns have tried to force certain big-box retailers to pay higher wages. BY J.B. Wogan

How Cities Fell Out of Love With Sports Stadiums

Major league teams used to get everything they wanted from sports-mad cities. Now they have to fight for it -- and increasingly, they’re losing. BY Liz Farmer

Loneliness May Be a Bigger Public Health Threat Than Smoking or Obesity

Governments are just starting to confront the issue. BY Mattie Quinn

OBSERVER

Is Selling Tax-Free Liquor Tax Evasion?

As out-of-staters flock to New Hampshire to stock up on alcohol, its neighboring states think so. BY Alan Greenblatt

One State’s Opioid Success Story

In just one year, Rhode Island reduced the overdose death rate among former prisoners by 61 percent. BY Alan Greenblatt

When Blue-Collar Jobs Disappear, White-Collar Workers Leave

Some places are losing more lawyers and accountants than factory workers. BY Alan Greenblatt

Want to Work in a Morgue? You Might Already Qualify.

In some states, the minimal requirements are leading to inaccurate reports of homicides and suicides. BY Alan Greenblatt

POLITICS + POLICY

It’s Time for Governments to Try Federalism Again

Our toughest problems can’t be solved unless we learn to work together. BY Peter Harkness

Do Traffic Cameras Really Make Streets Safer?

They are despised by drivers and many lawmakers. BY Alan Ehrenhalt

State Lawmakers Face Most Challengers in Decades

Recent election cycles have seen more than 40 percent of state legislative seats left uncontested. Not this year. BY Alan Greenblatt

Uber to the ER?

Ambulances are expensive. Some cities are beginning to offer other ways to get to the hospital. BY Mattie Quinn

The Controversy Surrounding a Fast-Growing Clean Energy Loan Program

It's meant to help property owners afford energy-efficiency upgrades. But some have concerns over lending standards and consumer protections. BY Liz Farmer

5 Lessons From the Amazon HQ2 Frenzy

Most places were never going to land the company’s next headquarters. But there are still some key takeaways for them. BY Aaron M. Renn

How Microtransit Could Transform Cities

As transit systems grow antiquated, cities should try nimbler options. BY Scott Beyer

BY Daniel C. Vock

FEATURES

OBSERVER

POLITICS + POLICY

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