Nevada Shines Light Onto America's Future

It was a major issue in recent mayoral races. This year, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee is one of the few candidates talking about it. BY J.B. Wogan

They have become a staple in several cities. Whether they stay around is up to new mayors in charge. BY Paul W. Taylor

One conservative billionaire wants to convince his fellow Republicans to believe in climate change. Can his money make a difference? BY Alan Greenblatt

Hawaii recently became the first state to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes to 21. BY Alan Greenblatt

Whether states are governed by a coalition of farmers and teachers or an alliance of corporate executives and insurance brokers matters. BY Alan Ehrenhalt

The strategy that's improved the management of fires has, paradoxically, made it harder to know who’s really in charge of putting them out. BY Donald F. Kettl

Florida and Virginia (and possibly two other states) have to redraw their unconstitutional voting maps for the 2016 election. Similar legal challenges are only likely to increase in coming years. BY Alan Greenblatt

Studies are mixed on the effectiveness of incentivizing employees to get healthier. But one county is chalking up some big savings. BY Penelope Lemov

Dozens of U.S. communities have launched similar programs, but Blacksburg, Va.'s is different. BY Elizabeth Daigneau

The way a mid-sized city in Spain built a signature park holds many lessons. BY Alex Marshall

They can't just improve the physical environment if they want to revitalize poverty-stricken areas. BY William Fulton

The reasons for citizens' dissatisfaction vary from place to place -- but age isn't one of them. BY Mike Maciag

Most have evolved toward a no-kill policy but lack the money or resources to keep every animal alive and well. BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

At its heart, it’s about saving capitalism from itself. BY Mark Funkhouser

Most have avoided upgrading the systems that run our biggest health-care program themselves. But some are looking to outsource. BY Tod Newcombe

In local government, chief financial officers are starting to find a clearer path to the top spot. BY Justin Marlowe

The once bustling hamlet of Johnsonville, Conn., now a ghost town, is up for sale -- again. BY Elizabeth Daigneau