Governing: State and local government news and analysis
There's bipartisan agreement that immigration reform is essential. But mass deportation brings its own risks to communities.
Citizens in half the states have the power to place initiatives or referendums on the ballot. That process is under threat, but in an era of partisan gerrymandering and unresponsive legislatures we must keep it viable.
Police have increasingly adopted drones and ground robots to supplement their work. But departments often lack clear policies on the tools’ uses.
They can call attention to important social causes, and they can invest in their communities. They might even hold public office themselves.
The share of electricity used by data centers is projected to triple by 2028. A Harvard study warns that consumers could end up subsidizing their utility bills.
International migration drove growth in many states, notably in the Northeast. Florida grew the most, gaining just over 2 percent in overall population.
An upsurge of corporate purchases of single-family homes has sparked legislation in at least half a dozen states this year. Legislators hope to preserve homeownership as a path to building wealth for middle-class families and limit the number of properties owned by large corporations.
Former federal workers offer a range of skills and experience that we need among elected officials at every level of government.
The new law will offer families $7,000 annually per child for costs such as tuition and tutoring. It will also offer funding for pre-K costs, but only to income-qualified families.
Turner’s death comes two months into his first term representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
GOP Gov. Mike DeWine wants more able-bodied recipients to work to receive benefits. Such requirements in other states have been held up in court but Congress might make them universal.
The Democrat touted his experience in formally launching his bid, but many believe his tainted past and resignation as governor make him unelectable.
When it opens in 2028, the advanced filtration plant will supply 10 million gallons a day, the first in the country to convert wastewater directly into drinking water.
In his address to Congress, the president said tariffs and tax cuts would help manufacturing, farming and other sectors.
As Texas land commissioner, Dawn Buckingham controls 13 million acres. She intends to give the Trump administration as much of it as they need to secure the border.
The House and Senate are pursuing separate approaches that would offer greater relief either to homeowners or commercial properties.
AI’s rapidly advancing offspring will benefit portfolio managers as ever-more-intelligent systems drive better investment results. But that’s just the start.
State and local officials are working to mitigate the impact of cuts to the federal workforce spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency, offering career services and other resources.
Threats and harassment have become common, prompting an Oregon proposal to criminalize such behavior. Although limited to threats of imminent violence, critics say it would still stifle free speech.
Allegations that presidents, governors and mayors are acting like dictators have been part of American government ever since the nation was founded.
Anti-vaccine sentiment was rising even before the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re seeing the ugly results play out in Texas, with dozens of children suffering from measles and one dying.
A YIMBY group documents how the policies have had “limited or no impact.” But accessory dwelling units have been a success story: In one year alone, more than 28,000 of them got permits.
The Legislature and lieutenant governor threaten to cut $400 million if colleges and universities do not end diversity initiatives.
Sioux Falls is building a website to help connect residents with income-restricted housing. It hopes the tool will get people into housing faster and lower the vacancy rate among subsidized units.
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of Black-owned businesses rose 56.9 percent, accounting for more than half of the overall growth in companies.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state Democrats who frequently invoked the idea of providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrations during Trump’s first term have softened if not changed their tune.
Jeff Landry has secured $42 million to reopen a youth prison in the Baton Rouge area, part of his push to expand juvenile incarceration facilities.
Since 2021, the number of states offering universal eligibility for vouchers has grown from zero to 14.
Over the last decade, Wisconsin's largest county has made dramatic progress in reducing its homeless population.
With strong reserves, states have made billions through interest and other investments. This recent windfall is at risk as interest rates and other investment returns become shakier.
