Whether it’s political polarization, ruthless social media or federal interference, this is a particularly tough time to be in elected office in a city or a state.

A Southern California air board received more than 20,000 comments from an AI-powered campaign before rejecting pollution limits on gas appliances.

State education data shows that nearly 30,000 students made learning gains last year, reinforcing lawmakers’ push for sustained funding.

Lawmakers in at least eight states are proposing bans or tighter limits as garnishment hits thousands of patients each year and federal protections recede.