Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Future in Context
An expert offers insights on how government agencies, frequent targets online, can safeguard critical infrastructure and future-proof their cybersecurity. Also under consideration: artificial intelligence’s dual role in security.
The program brings together students from four universities. Coming from different backgrounds, they learn how to interact respectfully and absorb challenging perspectives.
There’s a lot of talk in Harrisburg about reducing regulations, but much of the economic development effort still focuses on tax credits. Four different programs meant to draw businesses have little to no participants.
Trump has vowed to eliminate the Department of Education in his second term. Even if he stops short, the administration will bring policy changes to colleges and universities and new scrutiny to diversity, equity and inclusion policies.
The Trump administration is likely to reverse some climate policies but local officials are determined to continue addressing impacts on their communities.
Cities in California and other states offer unhoused people transportation to somewhere else. But the number of people who can benefit is small, and it’s hard to tell what happens to them where they end up.
A judge has ruled unconstitutional the core of Act 10, the state’s famous 2011 law that ended collective bargaining for most public employees. Republican legislators vowed to appeal the decision.
Last month, Massachusetts voters approved a measure ending the requirement that students pass a test to graduate. In 2012, half the states required such tests, but the number will soon drop to a half-dozen.
Fearing political backlash, governors use their clemency powers far less than they once did. But it’s a powerful tool for addressing injustice.
Critics of liberalizing housing construction are concerned that looser zoning rules could make existing houses more expensive. Fortunately, this worry is somewhat overblown.
’Tis the season: State politicians love to proclaim temporary tax respites, but they rarely achieve their stated objective of boosting economic activity. Poor timing, poor design — or just a bad idea?
Public health experts emphasize the importance of clear and consistent messaging. They may not get that with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as federal health secretary.
Evidence is growing that participation in art has public health benefits. Rhinelander, Wis., is using it as a remedy for social isolation.
Thanks to new funding from the state, county diversion programs for juveniles have increased dramatically. A new report finds that they’re successful more than 80 percent of the time.
Far more seniors live by themselves and can only leave their homes with difficulty than live in nursing homes, yet they receive less policy attention. That can lead to bad health outcomes.
Trump will take a largely deregulatory approach to tech, while aiming to aggressively pursue foreign cyber threat actors.
Wildfires will continue to rage out of control unless federal forest managers learn from Western states how to properly steward public lands and contain their fires.
Gov. Kim Reynolds praises districts that have already restricted phones but says a statewide ban will be a 2025 priority. Such policies around the country have run into problems with courts.
Big city transit systems receive more than half their operational funds from the state. That’s a far higher percentage than Boston, Chicago or New York.
The Salt Lake City Public Library's in-house social workers and suite of other services help the unhoused find their way.
Ohio would be the fourth state to require proof of citizenship under a legislative proposal. The bill would also require monthly maintenance of voter rolls.
A collaboration between a foundation and private-sector partners to build a successful streetcar system in Detroit demonstrates the potential for community growth and prosperity.
School districts bear significant financial costs: Security, communications, legal work and heightened staff turnover related to conflict all come with price tags. The money could be better spent elsewhere.
Voters in three states rejected ballot measures promoting school choice. But they didn’t reject the legislators who favor it.
Democratic governors are scrambling to mount an effective opposition to the policies of the new administration. They may not be holding a winning hand.
Fitch Ratings issued a report comparing the pension debt in each state to personal income. Connecticut had the highest ratio, at 23 percent, while Tennessee was the best at 1 percent.
The power often goes out in Eastport, Maine, due to storms. Now, the small city is developing solar and tidal power to fuel its own microgrid.
Future in Context
The recent fortunes of local initiatives reveal a shifting landscape in U.S. transportation policy — driven by political, economic and environmental factors. What lies ahead is, as yet, unclear.
Larry Rhoden has been serving as Kristi Noem's lieutenant governor. He'll inherit a tougher budget environment than she had.
Republicans in Congress might force all states to impose such rules. Supporters say they give Medicaid recipients a boost toward self-sufficiency and financial stability. Critics say such rules hurt far more people than they help.
