Dedicated to the Mountains, Desperate for Jobs
It’s never been easy to make a living in central Appalachia’s narrow valleys. Without coal, it’s become a whole lot harder.
Why Does it Take So Long to Hire a Nurse?
To fix nurse shortages, graduating more nurses is just the start.
Why the ‘Skills Gap’ Doesn’t Explain Slow Hiring
Employers want workers with the right education, training and experience, but that’s not the only reason jobs are hard to fill.
Helping High Schoolers Connect Degrees to Dollars
States hope that data on what college graduates earn in different fields will help high school students make better choices.
States Contend With 'The Underbelly of Real Estate'
Along the Mexican border, thousands of very poor people live in colonias—unincorporated communities that often lack running water, paved roads and other basic infrastructure. Texas and other states are taking action to curb abuses in these communities.
What Happens When You Warn Students About Their Loan Debt?
Research suggests that students say no to loans when they’re told how loans could weigh on them in the future. Yet in some cases, borrowing less may make it harder for students to graduate.
The Student Debt Crisis at State Community Colleges
Policymakers tend to focus on stories of scary-high debt. But students who owe much less are actually more likely to default.
What Exactly Is a 'Smart' City?
Many cities are grabbing onto the "Smart City" label by integrating information technology into some services. But the truth is there's no clear definition for the term.
States Employ Temporary Workers, But Often Know Little About Them
States have long hired short-term workers for seasonal jobs, to fill emergency vacancies, or to serve as outside advisers. Yet, many states have little accessible data on these temporary positions to make sure they're being used appropriately.
Enlisting Public Libraries to Help Fight Homelessness
Public libraries have long been havens for people with nowhere else to go. Now, a growing number of library systems are adding services for patrons who are homeless, hungry, or suffering from drug addiction or mental illness.
Why Marijuana Businesses Still Can’t Get Bank Accounts
As more states prepare to legalize medical and recreational marijuana, they’re also preparing for the expansion of a cash-based market.
Why Taxing the Wealthy Can Be Trouble for States
While nonwage income typically makes up a small share of state budgets, the share is large enough in some states that unexpected shortfalls—or surpluses—can create multi-million dollar spending problems.
Some States Help College Students Avoid Unplanned Pregnancies
Mississippi has one of the highest teen-pregnancy rates in the country. So in 2014, the state passed a law that requires public colleges to teach students how to avoid unplanned pregnancies.
Why Many States Are Panicked by the Federal Clean Power Plan
Dependence on severance taxes is causing coal-producing states to fret over how to make up for lost revenue if new federal emission regulations put power plants out of business.
Lawmakers Struggle to Legalize Airbnb
States and cities want to tax and regulate increasingly popular short-term rentals.
States Confront a New Era of Crazy Wildfires
Although wildfires rage across the West again this year, few states require residents to follow best practices that could protect their homes.
How Heroin is Hitting the Foster Care System
The number of children in foster care is on the rise. States say heroin abuse by parents is a growing reason why.
States Agree on Need for ‘Preschool,’ Differ on Definition
Policymakers in Minnesota and elsewhere have been impressed by studies that show early education can improve a child’s life and save taxpayers money over the long term.
Ferguson Fallout Leaves States Struggling With Court Debt
Insufficient data and the need to raise revenue impede states' efforts to reform local court fines and fees.
States Battle Cities Over Minimum Wage
As more cities embrace local minimum wage ordinances, state legislatures are pushing back.
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