Politics
Polarized politics has changed the dynamics of legislation and policymaking at the state and local level. Political parties with supermajorities are increasingly in control in many states and cities. These stories explain what that means for legislators, governors and mayors and how politicians can navigate this new political landscape.
The race for mayor in Mississippi’s capital features a dozen Democrats in Tuesday’s primary. Some complain there are too many candidates and too little information about them.
The Maryland legislature is considering dozens of proposals to make energy cheaper, more reliable and more abundant. Meanwhile, residents’ utility costs are rising.
With the federal law eroded by court decisions, about a half-dozen states want to enshrine protections for non-white voters. But it’s a tough sell even in Democratic states.
The Legislature once gave Gov. Ron DeSantis nearly everything he wanted, but now are pushing back in areas such as immigration and spending.
A suite of changes passed by the legislature toughen signature requirements and raise the vote threshold for changing the state constitution to 60 percent.
Cutting this unloved levy has again become a flashpoint in some states, once more raising difficult issues of fairness. Here’s what we can learn from decades of tax-limitation laws.
A report tallies 400 allegations of harassment against 145 lawmakers over the past decade, including 11 new allegations last year. Due to underreporting, the actual figure is probably three times as high.
The impending defeats of three big-city mayors tell us a lot about how politics have changed over the past four years. Also, Utah is giving up on universal mail voting.
Republican presidents used to talk enthusiastically about empowering states and localities. That isn’t happening now.
Legislators have gone so far as to claim it’s “a myth” that courts have the power to strike down laws. So far, however, the most aggressive proposals to strip power from judges have been defeated.
The Republican has made addressing law enforcement response to mass shootings a top priority, but he does not favor stricter gun control measures.
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.
They can call attention to important social causes, and they can invest in their communities. They might even hold public office themselves.
Former federal workers offer a range of skills and experience that we need among elected officials at every level of government.
Turner’s death comes two months into his first term representing Texas’ 18th Congressional District.
Thirty years ago, it was taken as a given that Latino politicians would be Democrats. Now there are a record nine Latino Republican lawmakers in Sacramento.
The Democrat touted his experience in formally launching his bid, but many believe his tainted past and resignation as governor make him unelectable.
In his address to Congress, the president said tariffs and tax cuts would help manufacturing, farming and other sectors.
Legislators have filed bills following the administration’s lead on issues from health to government efficiency. They also have property insurance problems to straighten out.
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.
The mayor’s re-election campaign reports $7.5 million in its accounts but can’t provide finance paperwork for 40 percent of it.
Nebraska’s highest court will decide if the governor can force state workers back to the office, as unions argue for remote work rights. This echoes a broader national debate, with GOP leaders pushing return-to-office mandates.
Despite sanctuary policies aimed at limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, ICE continues to make arrests, highlighting the limits of these policies in protecting immigrants from deportation.
The Supreme Court has made public corruption cases more difficult. The Justice Department's actions in New York suggests they may turn into political weapons.
Wichita, Kan., has been reeling since a flight carrying residents crashed outside Washington last month. Mayor Lily Wu talks about leading her city during this difficult time.
GOP legislators and governors around the country are borrowing Trump's ideas and language on a host of issues. Separately, red states are looking to put up barriers against ballot initiatives.
Rep. Dustin Burrows is looking to change the dynamic among the "Big Three" – the governor, Lt. governor, and the House speaker – this session.
Mike Madigan, a former state Democratic Party chair, had been the longest-serving chamber leader in U.S. history. A jury has found him guilty of multiple counts in a wide-ranging bribery scandal.
Gov. Landry’s office says he made the move because the state is having trouble finding and keeping qualified employees.
The compromise ends a two-week feud over a bill GOP lawmakers passed last month that largely stripped DeSantis of his immigration enforcement powers.
