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.
As many states move to dismantle their diversity, equity and inclusion programs and politicians turn the term into an insult, we need to keep sight of these efforts’ potential for good.
Kansas and Missouri are spending millions of dollars in a bidding war to win over major sports teams. The fallout could be detrimental for the losing metro area.
Something positive does seem to be happening in many of the places that have been losing jobs and people for a long time. The gains may be modest, but they’re worth paying attention to.
The state’s primary elections were originally scheduled for Aug. 6 but were moved up a week as part of a law signed earlier this year. Voters will decide seats in the state Senate, House and a couple battleground districts.
Back to back earthquakes in the presidential race are likely to have spillover effects in state and local politics. Plus, New Jersey loses a senator and total recall in the Bay Area.
In 1976, Coloradans dismantled Denver’s Olympic torch before it could be lit. With the 2024 Summer Olympic Games now underway in Paris, it seems like a top-of-mind moment to revisit a hard lesson in the complex politics of growth.
As he approaches the end of his mayorship, Francis Suarez seems to be laying the groundwork for his next political office. Yet it is uncertain if Suarez has enough political pull for a statewide office, despite his strong local support.
As the Missouri attorney general continues against those with innocence claims, critics are wondering if Andrew Bailey, who is currently up for re-election, has crossed moral lines and damaged the credibility of the office.
Tom Perez, the White House intergovernmental affairs director, looks to states and localities to carry out much of the administration’s agenda.
Joe Biden’s letter announcing his departure from the presidential race is just the latest example of a form of discourse that’s been shaping our politics and society since before our revolution. It still can.
Few states have laws and guidelines for such an apparent conflict of interest. A new report provides a framework for decision-making and legislation.
Red states are leaving the long-established Electronic Registration Information Center for a new system launched by Alabama. It’s about voter suppression, not election integrity.
After President Biden's withdrawal over the weekend, the vice president may tap a state executive as her vice presidential pick.
In a post-pandemic world, public health has become more politicized than ever. And as state surgeons general take on more political roles, some worry about bias in the health care decisions they oversee.
If a presidential nominee drops out, there are wildly different answers to what happens across the nation. Experts say it’s likely the Supreme Court would settle the resulting mess.
The state now has signs that welcome visitors to “The Free State of Florida” at 24 locations along highways and two welcome centers. The slogan has been used in Gov. Ron DeSantis’ campaign since at least 2022.
On the first day of the Republican National Convention, Trump announced Sen. J.D. Vance as his vice president running mate. Vance was once a sharp critic of Trump but then rode the president’s support to the Senate in 2020.
The weekend was not a time of healing or even shared shock. Instead, partisans found ways to snipe at each other in all-too-familiar ways, despite the circumstances.
On Thursday, John Dougherty was sentenced to federal prison following convictions of bribery and embezzlement. Dougherty led the state’s most powerful labor union for nearly 30 years.
Name recognition is central in the GOP primary. Also, California lawmakers find compromises to head off ballot initiatives. Plus, the reasons governors make good running mates.
There are penal provisions in every state’s election codes. Most officers don’t know that they exist.
Members of the youngest generation of adults are starting to hold office.
The Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers ranked the state first in terms of the share of women who serve in municipal government, at 46.1 percent. The center also ranked Colorado second among states for women legislators.
Do some politicians get into trouble because they believe they can get away with anything?
Voters in at least seven states will decide property tax measures in November. Most would limit what homeowners have to pay, but two would eliminate the tax completely.
State lawmakers will likely place two bonds, one for climate change impacts and one for school repairs – each worth $10 billion – on the November ballot. The bonds will require a two-thirds approval from both chambers to reach the ballot.
In a June poll, 84 percent of registered Nevada voters supported implementing voter ID rules. Some studies indicate ID requirements impede access, but evidence is mixed.
A Shasta County supervisor was nearly recalled and the county’s longtime elections chief stepped down last month, with stress from death threats causing her heart problems.
Justices found that a federal statute that bans bribery does not apply to “gratuities” paid to elected officials for past acts. The case pertained to a former mayor but has implications for charges against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan.
The liberal/moderate/conservative labels we give ourselves reveal little about what Americans actually want out of policy and government. More progress can be made at the community level, where tribal labels are less relevant.
A new poll found that roughly three-quarters of registered voters would like to see term limits enacted or shortened for county supervisors, district attorneys and sheriffs.
