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.
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.
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.
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.
This outbreak feels different from any other, farmers say. Egg producers and industry groups are begging for a new prevention strategy.
In most cases, a lack of funding and difficulties implementing new technologies were at the root of their problems, prosecutors said.
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who is leading the panel, says her subcommittee will not target Social Security or Medicaid benefits, but instead focus on fraudulent payments “going to dead people” and “criminal rings around the world.”
A tense fight over party control of the Minnesota House ended with a power-sharing agreement this week. But hard feelings could remain.
They split their tickets in last year’s elections more than they have in the past, and they were more likely to identify as moderates. It’s cause for optimism.
After a two-year investigation into a sprawling donor network, the Fair Political Practices Commission found it did not violate any rules. This finding will make it easier for groups to coordinate fundraising and donations.
Crystal River, Minn., is a freshly incorporated city that lacks money for services and infrastructure. A lobbyist would help secure state funds, but some local officials call the idea a “racket.”
Residents of red counties in blue states wish they had a new political home. Also, in Florida, the Legislature is starting to stand up to Ron DeSantis.
The administration rescinded its order for a spending review due to blowback. Republicans had not joined the chorus of critics, even though red states are heavily dependent on federal grants.
Longtime conservative activist Carl DeMaio won an Assembly seat last year, arguing the GOP must be more aggressive against Democratic policies. Some Republicans call him a self-promoter who can’t be trusted.
The White House ordered a pause on all federal grants, partly intending to target diversity, equity and inclusion and other "woke" programs. A third of states' budgets comes from federal grants.
AI caused less damage through misinformation or election administration than predicted in 2024. New laws meant to combat political deepfakes, meanwhile, went largely unenforced.
The Trump White House has ordered a pause on infrastructure spending approved during the last administration, and is promoting new spending on digital infrastructure to support artificial intelligence.
A federal grand jury has indicted Sheng Thao as part of a sprawling case involving other top Bay Area officials and contractors.
New York's mayor, embroiled in legal trouble, has no chance at winning a second term. Meanwhile, the two parties argue about whether the legislative year can even begin in Minnesota.
Karen Bass has come in for criticism over her handling of the fire department’s budget and other issues. Her chances for reelection may depend on the city’s long rebuilding process.
Maryland’s Democratic governor has quickly gained a national profile and enjoys strong support at home. But a $3 billion budget shortfall is going to force him to make some unpopular choices.
As a legislator, governor, president and ex-president, he confronted the prejudices that were so much a part of where and when he grew up. His life and deeds hold many lessons for today’s public officials.
A state Supreme Court justice won a narrow victory in November. Her challenger argues tens of thousands of votes should be thrown out.
Democrats outperformed Kamala Harris’ showing in three legislative districts but fell short of President Biden’s showing back in 2020.
As Georgia governor, he was a pioneer in efforts to attract foreign investment and promote exports, setting the stage for how U.S. states would help shape the global economy.
State officials face challenges from shrinking revenue and major changes from Washington in shared programs such as education and Medicaid.
As governor, Carter completely reorganized the state government and helped bring Black officials into positions of power. All that came after a run for the office rooted in race-baiting.
This is a nation in need of de-escalation training. Bad behavior has been normalized to the point that some people are celebrating assassins.
Republicans gained a tie in the Minnesota House in November, ending the Democrats' trifecta and halting their heavily progressive agenda.
Vincent Fort served in the Georgia Senate for nearly three decades as a forceful, effective voice for “the least of these.” As he copes with cancer, it's important to acknowledge a vanishing breed of leader.
