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.
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.
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.
Allegations that presidents, governors and mayors are acting like dictators have been part of American government ever since the nation was founded.
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.
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.
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.
