Integrity Out Loud

The long struggle over taxing the rich

States’ taxes lean most heavily on poorer residents. These states are trying to change that.

State tax systems contribute to inequality. These states are doubling down.

State taxes take a bigger share of income from poorer residents than wealthier ones. Nineteen states are making it worse.

‘Lose the courts, lose the war’: The battle over voting in North Carolina

Republicans seized the state Supreme Court after changing how judges are elected. The political implications — and ramifications for everyday life — are huge.

How Republicans flipped America’s state supreme courts

State supreme courts were once dominated by Democrats. A concerted effort by right-wing groups has changed that — with massive implications for abortion, LGBTQ+ rights and elections.

Eight ways to take action on lead contaminating your community’s soil

It's not just a problem of the past. Here's what you can do to protect everyone's future.

Lead keeps poisoning children. It doesn’t have to.

The only way to stop long-lasting harms is to end exposure. And that’s possible — with the right actions.

Ocho medidas que puedes tomar cuando el plomo contamina los suelos de tu comunidad

La única manera de acabar con los daños persistentes de la contaminación por plomo es eliminar la exposición. Es posible lograrlo con las medidas adecuadas.

Families take drastic steps to help children in mental health crises

An insufficient mental health care system pushes some families to give up custody of their children for care. States look for better solutions.

Tribes need tax revenue. States keep taking it.

State and local governments often tax economic activity on tribal land, reducing what tribes can collect to fund services for their citizens. It’s the latest variation on centuries of wealth extraction.

Why it’s hard to find safe homes for some people with disabilities

This is the plain language version of our story on finding safe homes for people with disabilities.