Elections
Covering topics such as governors, legislatures, local government, redistricting and voting.
Whether it’s political polarization, ruthless social media or federal interference, this is a particularly tough time to be in elected office in a city or a state.
Racist urban planning in the 1930s still impacts Seattle’s neighborhoods today as people of color, especially Black and Hispanic Americans, are disproportionately affected by high levels of air pollution.
Public bodies are not required to record their meetings and many did so simply out of courtesy during the pandemic. As local governments return in person, some wonder if recording public meetings should be mandatory.
The new commission, which was first proposed two years ago in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, will have subpoena power, access to crime scenes and records and will conduct a variety of investigations.
They’re criticized for failing to solve every problem that affects their constituents. But the discrimination and racism they face must be factored in, and they lack access to institutions that could strengthen their hand.
Nearly one-third of cities and counties would be unable to tell if they were under attack in cyberspace. Many lack sound IT practices, while rigid policies, politics and bureaucracy can hinder better defense practices.
The governor, who became the state’s Democratic nominee last month, has received $867,000 from real estate moguls and entrepreneurs who also backed Trump, ahead of the November general election.
Municipal broadband is booming, growing 600 percent since 2018. These alternatives to private-sector Internet service promise better access and affordability to communities. But are they really cost-effective?
Two platforms are offering another layer of security in the voting process; one offers voters real-time alerts if registration information changes, while another flags unusual patterns of record updates for election officials.
Members of the Northern Chumash Tribe and conservationists want to preserve 140 miles of California’s central coastline, extending offshore more than 70 miles in some areas, to protect tribal history and biodiversity.
Gov. Jim Justice and a majority of the state’s congressional leaders have submitted a proposal to participate in the federal competition for the development of a hydrogen hub. The gas is considered a key in combating climate change.
In a vote along party lines, the state Senate rejected $20 million in matching grants to equip local and county police agencies with body and/or dashboard cameras, with Republicans claiming the bill was premature and open-ended.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and Democratic lawmakers have made several proposals on how to help alleviate the financial pressures of increasing gas prices and inflation costs, but it’s unclear which plan will be the final version.
A public complaint by the Judicial Tenure Commission accused Judge Kahilila Davis of abusing her contempt of court powers, not properly recording court hearings, improperly recording others and publishing recordings online.
Congress’ “advice and consent” to the president on appointments to the judiciary has become sharply partisan — and the numbers prove it.
To pick a temporary replacement for the late U.S. Rep. Don Young, a special election will be held on June 11 and Aug. 16. The June primary will be the first statewide by-mail election and the August election will be the first to use ranked choice voting.
Most Read
