Author Archive
Alex Brown

Alex Brown is a Technology reporter for National Journal.
Management
Many States Resist Adapting Worker Safety Rules to Pandemic
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued no new rules during the pandemic. And states with their own workplace safety agencies lack a strong benchmark to follow.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Public Safety
Many State Capitols Have Security Holes
“We're deeply concerned for what's likely to come in the coming months in state capitols."
- By Elaine S. Povich and Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
Landmark Climate Policy Faces Growing Claims of Environmental Racism
Concerns about California’s cap-and-trade program derailed a likely EPA chief.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
The Pandemic Created New Hunters. States Need to Keep Them.
“If we let them go next year, they're not going to be coming back.”
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
Once-Ignored Promises to Tribes Could Change the Environmental Landscape
The U.S. has largely ignored nearly 400 treaties with Native tribes.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
State Climate Action Unlikely After Democrats Fail to Flip Statehouses
After Democratic gains failed to materialize, the prospects of sweeping climate action—at least at the state level—have dimmed.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Health & Human Services
Emissions Exposure May Increase Covid-19 Mortality
"The burden of pollution is not equally shared."
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
Rising Waters Threaten Great Lakes Communities
“You have built in a place that’s naturally giving into the lake.”
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
California May Need More Fire to Fix its Wildfire Problem
The longstanding default position of suppressing every fire has created problems throughout the West.
- By Sophie Quinton and Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
Struggling Farmers Work With Overwhelmed Food Banks to Stay Afloat
The pandemic is showing the need for strong local agriculture.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
The Pandemic Has Closed Public Restrooms, and Many Have Nowhere to Go
Sales of urine funnels and external catheters are soaring.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
Search and Rescue Teams, Already Stretched Thin, See Surge in Calls
The pandemic is exposing the vulnerabilities of America’s search and rescue model.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
As Businesses Reopen, Workplace Testing Is the ‘Wild West’
The lack of government guidance leaves businessowners in a tough spot.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Infrastructure
Clean Energy Has Taken a Hit. Will It Rebound?
Leaders are steadfast about clean energy goals amid the downturn.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Health & Human Services
Washington State to Buy 1 Million Chinese Test Swabs in Bid to Reopen
Before finalizing the order, the state is working to “triple check” the quality of swabs.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Health & Human Services
With No U.S. Plan to Return to Normal, Some States Are Creating Their Own
States are thinking ahead.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Health & Human Services
Tribes Expect Little Help in Fight to Protect Elders From Coronavirus
The Navajo Nation is translating information to make sure elderly citizens are informed. The Navajo word for coronavirus is “Diko Ntsaaígíí-Náhást’éíts’áadah.”
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
In Coronavirus Epicenter, a Statehouse Scrambles to Govern
The Washington legislature could vote remotely. Others may do the same. But what about smaller governments without the necessary technology to hold virtual meetings?
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Management
Deer, Bear and Everywhere: Animals Move Into the City
Many wildlife agencies are shifting to a more hands-off approach to animals in urban areas instead of treating every sighting as a problem to be solved.
- By Alex Brown, Stateline
Infrastructure
As US Coal Plants Shutter, One Town Tests an Off-Ramp
It's complicated for rural areas to recover from a coal plant closure — even with help.
- By Sophie Quinton and Alex Brown, Stateline