The California legislature passed AB 484 and Governor Jerry Brown signed the legislation for reform in the state's standardized testing. The current testing method (STAR) will be abandoned for a year to transition to a new test aligned with Common Core standards and more indicative of student performance. However, the US Department of Education says it will withhold up to $3.52 billion in education funding to California.

In their continued efforts to make New Yorkers healthier through local ordinances, the New York City Council voted on Wednesday to make it more difficult for New Yorkers to buy cigarettes in the city limits.

Not only does this apply to young people, who will have to be 21 years old to buy cigarettes when the law takes effect in 6 months, but smokers throughout the city as they now will have to pay at least $10.50 for a pack of cigarettes or little cigars.

Senator Rand Paul issued a letter yesterday to Sen. Harry Reid announcing that he would hold up the nomination of Dr. Janet Yellen as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve unless Federal Reserve Transparency Act (also known as "Audit the Fed"), is also considered.

New VPC study reveals that unmarried women, people of color and young voters delivered victories in 2012, but more than 21 million might stay home in 2014


Candidates that can energize this bloc of voters can upend conventional wisdom during the midterms

The recent government shutdown and struggle over raising the debt ceiling were the result of many factors. Big money in politics, congressional dysfunction, and geographical self-sorting by like-minded voters all played a role. So did redistricting. For those unfamiliar with redistricting, below are some common questions and answers. Also see our Citizen's Guide to Redistricting.

Truth in Media Project.

At the heart of the ongoing immigration reform debate is the question of the anticipated costs and benefits of reform. Assessing the impact of various reform proposals on economic growth, wages, and federal and state budgets is critical to making an informed judgment as to whether enactment of reform is in the best interests of the country.

Lyle Denniston looks at four potentially very significant new challenges under way to Obamacare, including one argument that is growing in popularity with the law’s critics.