Insights
Why Conspiracy Theories Are Driving School Board Recall ElectionsSchool board elections once attracted limited attention outside parent groups, educators, and local political activists. That has changed. Across the United…The Struggle to Regulate Chemical Contaminants in Tap WaterClean tap water depends on a complicated chain of treatment plants, pipelines, laboratories, regulators, and local budgets. When scientists identify a new…What the New Overtime Pay Rule Means for Salaried WorkersA salaried paycheck does not automatically mean a worker is exempt from overtime. Under U.S. wage law, exemption generally depends on both how an employee is…Why the Mountain West Is Becoming a Water War FlashpointAcross the Mountain West, water scarcity is shifting from a seasonal concern into a permanent political fault line. Prolonged drought, hotter temperatures,…How Infrastructure Spending Shapes Bridge Safety RatingsBridge safety ratings are often treated as a simple measure of public investment, but the relationship is more complex. Government spending can fund…Why Drone Swarms Are Raising Alarm Over Military BasesSmall unmanned aircraft have become inexpensive, widely available, and difficult to track consistently. That combination is changing the security problem…The real cost of the war on drugs in rural communitiesRural communities often experience the drug crisis differently from large cities. A smaller population may mean fewer overdose calls, but it can also mean…How Immigration Detention Centers Are Pivoting to Family FacilitiesImmigration detention in the United States is changing as federal agencies, contractors, and local authorities respond to rising numbers of families arriving…Inside the Debate Over Mandatory Vaccination for School ChildrenFew public health policies generate as much emotion as school vaccination requirements. Supporters view them as a practical safeguard against outbreaks, while…Why Anti-SLAPP Laws Are Becoming a Press Freedom TestA lawsuit can be used to correct a genuine wrong, but it can also become a costly weapon against reporting that serves the public. Strategic lawsuits against…