Simon Davis-Cohen is editor of the Ear to the Ground newsletter, an exclusive “civic intelligence” service that mines local newspapers and state legislatures from across the country.
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Simon Davis-Cohen
The States Are Attacking Local Civil Rights Law
A new report highlights how local LGBTQ rights measures are under threat—and the special lessons this offers about the dangers of state preemption. more
Frackfree Mahoning
Across the U.S., Courts are Keeping Voter Initiatives Off Local Ballots
Pre-election maneuvering—requiring that ballot initiatives jump through hoops and meet certain standards—is undermining local residents' democratic rights. more
Poll: Voters Want Local Control, Not State Takeovers
New findings show that a majority of voters are seeking to defend their local governments—and their own power. more
7beachbum
The Latest Weapon Against Local Democracy? “Super Preemption”
States are passing “super preemption” bills that go one step further to thwart local action on issues like guns and immigration. more
Negative Space
See More Local News in Your Facebook Feed? Be Skeptical
The social media giant wants to uplift local news in its algorithms. But IRL, it’s complicated. more
U.S. Air Force
State Delegates Meet this Week to Plan Altering the U.S. Constitution
Bolstered by powerful private interests, state governments are dangerously close to calling a Constitutional Convention. more
Fibonacci Blue
Local Governments Face a Conservative Backlash
In cities from Iowa to Oregon, local protections and civil rights are quashed by the states more
