Politics

July 22, 2008 - Those going to the Democratic and Republican conventions because they want an up-close look at the experiment of U.S. democracy in an exciting election year are no doubt in for a treat. Those going for the lavish parties and bulging bags of freebie schwag? Not so much.

July 21, 2008 - First came all the good news about the explosion of interest in Election 2008 -- skyrocketing registration, high primary turnout. Now come the darker warnings: is our patch-work national election system ready for an engaged electorate?

July 18, 2008 - The following commentary appeared in this week's Institute e-newsletter. To sign up and have it delivered free to your email inbox, sign up in the box in the upper right hand corner.

July 15, 2008 - Ralph Nader is back, running for president as an independent challenging corporate power. While his campaign has received little media attention since its February launch, it's gotten a boost recently from left-leaning voters upset over Sen.

July 11, 2008 - Tough spay and neuter laws in many states have dramatically reduced the number of unwanted puppies languishing in animal shelters. But in North Carolina, weak laws have created an enormous homeless puppy problem.

July 7, 2008 - South Carolina is making plans to issue plates featuring a Christian cross and the words "I Believe." Facing South reported last spring on Florida lawmakers' attempts to iss

July 7, 2008 - Some pundits are still debating whether the South is politically important. But both Democrats and Republicans know that the future of Congress may depend on who can gain momentum in the South. Why? Redistricting.