Special Education Rights Under IDEA: How the Process Works
Federal law gives eligible students with disabilities a right to a free appropriate public education. Here is how evaluations, IEPs and dispute procedures work, and what the data show.
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News and explanation from across the United States: communities, courts, public safety, education and everyday life.
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How a Federal Disaster Declaration Works
Federal help after a hurricane, flood or wildfire does not start automatically. A declaration follows a set path from local officials to the governor to the President.
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How the U.S. Census Works and Why It Matters
The census is written into the Constitution and counts every person living in the country once a decade. It decides House seats, informs funding and powers much public data.
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Federal Courts vs. State Courts: How the Two Systems Differ
America has two parallel court systems. State courts hear most disputes, while federal courts handle a narrower set of cases. Here is how each is built and where they overlap.
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How Property Taxes Help Fund Local Schools
Public schools draw money from local, state and federal sources. For many districts, property taxes are the largest local piece, which is why funding can differ so much between neighbors.