Sacramento, CA, USA. If approved, two November ballot initiatives would raise California taxes over the next several years to increase funding for schools cut in past budgets.

In November, voters will decide whether to approve a temporary sales tax increase and income tax hike on the state’s highest earners to restore some of those cuts.

Washington, DC, USA. The wind energy industry has boomed in many states in recent years. But the boom has been generated by federal help that is likely to disappear in a few months.

Wind power made up nearly one-third of the capacity added to the nation’s energy grid in 2011.

Washington, DC, USA. Republicans won big victories in state legislative elections two years ago. Democrats hope for a reversal in November, but it may not be easy in many states.

In March, Darrin Williams learned that he had won the job of a lifetime and was poised to make history. But there are a few obstacles to overcome before he can claim his prize.

Raleigh, NC, USA. Neither state political party is very popular in North Carolina these days, but the Republicans seem to have an advantage over the Democrats.

As Democrats gather in Charlotte this week, the home state delegation has plenty to worry about. North Carolina Democrats, who have held the governorship since Bill Clinton was first inaugurated as president, could lose the post in November. That could put all of North Carolina state government in Republican hands.

Washington, DC, USA. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett are the latest to play a role in resolving crises at their state universities.

Governors across the country have varying degrees of authority in the operation of their state universities — most have little authority at all. But for those that do have authority the degree to which they intervene can be informative.