Should We Wear Masks or Not? An Expert Sorts Through the Confusion
COMMENTARY | If you are coughing or sneezing and therefore producing droplets that can contaminate other people or surfaces, wear a surgical mask to protect others.
Idaho Becomes First State to Ban Transgender Athletes From Women’s Sports
Proponents of the new law argue that a ban is intended to create a “level playing field.” Opponents say that the policy is discriminatory and unnecessary.
Lessons from States that Embraced Telework Before the Coronavirus
COMMENTARY | How to avoid certain pitfalls now that many—or most—employees must now work from home.
How to protect elections amid the coronavirus pandemic
Many people already can -- and more people could easily be allowed to -- vote before Election Day, or even vote from home, by casting their ballots on paper and mailing them in or dropping them off at a municipal office.
How Will Cities Avoid Bankruptcy?
After the rush for ventilators and protective equipment, local governments need to worry about insolvency.
What’s Essential? Confusion Clouds Workers, Employers
Rules vary state to state, city to city, and even hour to hour.
A State Tries to Chart its Economic Rebound From a Pandemic
Utah has drafted a plan meant to serve as a road map for both public health and economic policies during the coronavirus crisis.
Trump Administration Issues Final Auto Emissions Rollback
The new standards will require automakers to reduce vehicle emissions by 1.5% each year, as opposed to 5% reductions required under an Obama-era rule.
Amid Closures, Libraries Find New Ways to Provide Services
As their branches close to protect public health, librarians turn to virtual programming and relief efforts to continue serving their communities.
How Food Stamps Can Help People During Hard Economic Times Like These
COMMENTARY | The SNAP food aid program helps low-income families put food on the table and injects money straight into struggling local economies. It will be critical throughout the crisis the coronavirus is stoking.
He Was Ordered to Self-Isolate. He Didn’t. Now He’s Facing Criminal Charges.
A man with coronavirus symptoms walked into a busy gas station store in southeastern Illinois. Prosecutors there charged him with reckless conduct, saying the man “showed a willful and wanton disregard for the safety of others.”
Judges Take Up Abortion Bans Put in Place During Coronavirus Pandemic
Federal judges on Monday blocked Texas, Ohio, and Alabama from forcing abortion clinics to close. A day later, a federal appeals court panel temporarily reinstated the Texas limits.
States, Hospitals Grapple With Medical Rationing
States say they don’t understand the criteria the federal government has been using in allocating limited medical resources from the U.S. stockpile.
What Will Happen When Red States Need Help?
President Trump’s targets have been Democratic leaders. But the outbreak isn’t going to stay confined to Democratic states.
Stay-At-Home Scofflaws Face Fines, Arrest for Social Distancing Failures
Local authorities are beginning to crack down on those who blatantly violate orders banning large public gatherings, while trying to make it harder for people to break the rules in public spaces like parks.
State Legislatures Scramble to Meet in the Age of Coronavirus
Lawmakers across the country rushed to pass resolutions permitting virtual meetings and remote voting, efforts they said were necessary to adhere to social distancing guidelines and protect legislators.
Watch New Orleans
With the country’s attention turned north, the coronavirus pandemic is exploding in Louisiana.
Mayors to Governors: Toughen Up!
Mayors are trying to protect their communities.
The Four Possible Timelines for Life Returning to Normal
The coronavirus outbreak may last for a year or two, but some elements of pre-pandemic life will likely be won back in the meantime.
Free tech help for state and local government
Individual volunteers, nonprofits and companies are offering free and discounted services to governments on the front lines of the coronavirus battle.
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