States Newsroom

Across the U.S., extreme heat days are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to spikes in heat-related illnesses in states like Colorado and New Jersey. In agricultural regions such as North Dakota and Wyoming, farmers struggle with crops due to withering drought. Policymakers are planning for these growing risks which could affect public health, infrastructure budgets, and agricultural economies.

Following the termination of Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, communities are preparing for possible federal immigration enforcement surges. Local advocates in Springfield, Ohio, report that Haitian community members are being targeted and forced to wear ankle monitors due to threats of mass deportation linked to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign promises.

The article details client experiences at crisis pregnancy centers, which offer free services like ultrasounds in states with abortion bans. While Hailey Allred found a local center helpful for her complicated twin pregnancy preparation, Jessica Perigo reported feeling judged and unheard by staff during her visit to a center in Florida.

The article details the experiences of women who sought care at crisis pregnancy centers in abortion-ban states, such as Florida and Idaho. While one woman found the center a godsend for her complicated twin pregnancy, another felt judged by staff during ultrasounds. The piece raises concerns about government oversight regarding how millions of taxpayer dollars are used by these medical resource centers.

Hailey Allred and Jessica Perigo became unexpectedly pregnant while in states with abortion bans, leading them to seek care at local crisis pregnancy centers. The article notes that these centers receive hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars but face criticism for lacking government oversight and sometimes using deceptive tactics. The piece shares both successful support stories and accounts of clients feeling judged by staff.

Several states have enacted laws to limit surveillance pricing, which involves using a customer’s personal data to set individualized prices on goods and services. Three states—Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey—were among the first to pass these restrictions, though they cover different retailers and exceptions. The legislation has met with opposition from business groups concerned that the rules are overly broad and could interfere with existing discount programs.

Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey have enacted laws to restrict surveillance pricing, which uses personal data to set individualized prices. The laws vary in coverage, exceptions like loyalty programs, and enforcement mechanisms, with Maryland’s law effective October 1 and New Jersey’s imposing a moratorium on new electronic shelf labels.

Three states—Connecticut, Maryland, and New Jersey—have enacted laws to restrict 'surveillance pricing,' which uses personal data like browsing history to set individualized prices. The laws vary in scope, with exceptions for loyalty programs, subscription pricing, and cost-based differences. Business groups have opposed similar legislation in 11 other states, arguing it could harm discounts and compliance costs.

The Trump administration's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stated it is not planning aggressive operations at polling sites during the upcoming midterm elections. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) official confirmed that ICE conducts intelligence-driven enforcement but left open the possibility of future actions if threats emerge. Senate Democrats, led by Edward Markey, expressed concerns about federal agents at polling places, citing federal laws prohibiting such interference.

Crisis pregnancy centers in Louisiana provide medical services like ultrasounds and STI testing without being licensed as healthcare facilities, according to a state audit. Auditors found these centers received taxpayer funds but lacked oversight on spending and patient care standards, with concerns raised about staff training and unlicensed operations.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed by President Trump, imposed stricter work requirements on SNAP, leading to 14,000 West Virginians losing food assistance. Helen Comer, a 62-year-old West Virginian, had her benefits reduced to $24 monthly after quitting her job to care for aging parents, highlighting the law's impact on vulnerable individuals.

Joint ventures between private equity firms and healthcare nonprofits are rising, but critics argue they conflict in mission. These partnerships may challenge recent state laws aimed at regulating private equity in healthcare.

Immigration arrests in the U.S. reached a record high in June with over 43,000 arrests, and early July data suggests a potential monthly total of 49,000. The increase, part of a Trump administration enforcement push, followed fatal shootings during traffic stops and led to mandates for ICE officers to wear body cameras. Statistics reveal less than a third of detainees have criminal convictions, while the Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of mandatory detention policies.

Indiana election officials have canceled or rejected voter registrations for hundreds of immigrant residents under a proof of citizenship law. Charrie Stambaugh, a U.S. citizen for nearly 30 years, had her registration canceled despite voting regularly. The law resulted in 981 existing voter cancellations and 644 rejected registrations, affecting about 62% of 2,602 processed cases.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported record immigration arrests in June 2023, with over 43,000 arrests, and a daily average of 1,593 arrests in early July. The surge in enforcement led to deaths during traffic stops and controversial arrests, including a nun in Texas and an Alaska state attorney, while court-ordered bond hearings freed approximately 2,000 detainees monthly.

Indiana election officials canceled or rejected voter registrations for hundreds of immigrant Hoosiers under a recent proof of citizenship law. Charrie Stambaugh, a U.S. citizen for nearly three decades, had her voter registration canceled despite voting in every election since becoming eligible.

Residents of Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, express concern over a proposed ICE detention center, citing lack of public input and fears of past exploitation by unwanted industries. The issue is explored in a podcast series 'ICEd Out' by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, highlighting community resistance and accountability concerns regarding local officials and the Department of Homeland Security.

Indiana election officials have canceled or rejected voter registrations for hundreds of immigrant residents under a proof of citizenship law. Charrie Stambaugh, a U.S. citizen for nearly three decades, had her voter registration canceled despite voting regularly. Over 62% of 2,602 processed individuals were impacted, with 981 existing voters and 644 prospective voters affected.

Governor Andy Beshear requested Senator Mitch McConnell to provide an update on his health after he was hospitalized 24 days ago. Beshear emphasized the need for transparency regarding McConnell's condition amid media speculation.

The Florida Phoenix reflects on its eighth year of journalism, highlighting awards for health care reporting, new staff additions, and coverage of statewide events like the No Kings Day rallies and legislative sessions. The outlet emphasizes its commitment to free, nonprofit reporting on issues affecting Floridians.

America’s 250th birthday merchandise is being sold by America250 (a nonprofit) and Freedom 250 (a Trump-linked LLC), with $10 million in taxpayer funds reportedly transferred between the entities. Neither organization provided full transparency on how proceeds are distributed, and 850 items are available from America250’s online store.

America250, a nonprofit established by Congress, and Freedom 250, a limited liability company linked to President Donald Trump, are both selling merchandise for the United States' 250th anniversary. At least $10 million in taxpayer funds has been transferred from America250 to Freedom 250, with no clear accounting of how money is distributed between entities.

America’s 250th birthday merchandise is being sold by America250 (a nonprofit) and Freedom250 (a Trump-linked LLC), with taxpayer funds flowing between them. Critics highlight a lack of transparency in how money is distributed, while the nonprofits claim partnerships aim to expand public engagement in the commemoration.

More states are expanding PTSD treatment options for first responders by adopting laws that include medical marijuana protections and psychedelic therapy research. Maryland and Ohio have enacted measures to support mental health, while Connecticut and Missouri are exploring psilocybin and ibogaine therapies for eligible first responders and veterans.

The Trump administration's expanded immigrant detention program has drawn complaints of inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, including the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia. Aliaksei Scharbachenia, a Belarusian detainee, reported panic attacks, medical neglect, and solitary confinement, while ICE has not responded to questions about his treatment or a reported deportation attempt.

The Trump administration's expanded immigration detention program, now holding 68,000 immigrants, has drawn complaints about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at ICE facilities. Aliaksei Scharbachenia, detained at the Farmville Detention Center, reports panic attacks, denied medication, and solitary confinement after sharing immigration rights information.

The Trump administration's expanded immigration detention program has led to reports of inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at facilities like the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia. Aliaksei Scharbachenia, a Belarusian detainee, described panic attacks, unaddressed medical issues, and solitary confinement after sharing legal information with new detainees. ICE did not respond to questions about his treatment or a reported deportation attempt.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has named Ryan Haygood as its new president and CEO, succeeding Bryan Fair. Haygood, currently CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, will take office in August as the organization faces an 11-count indictment related to a program using paid informants. The SPLC denies the charges, which include wire fraud and money laundering.

May housing starts in the U.S. fell to their lowest level since the pandemic, with an annual rate of 1.17 million, an 8.5% drop from May 2025. Builder confidence has declined due to higher material and financing costs, threatening housing progress and worsening shortages, particularly in the South and West.

Housing starts in May fell to pandemic levels, with an annual rate of 1.17 million units, an 8.5% drop from May 2025, driven by higher material and financing costs. The South and West saw significant declines, while the Northeast and Midwest reported increases. Builder confidence is waning, threatening progress in addressing housing shortages.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a case involving the prolonged detention of a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic by ICE, who was held for 21 months after an assault conviction. An appeals court previously ruled that unreasonably prolonged detention requires a bond hearing with 'clear and convincing evidence' from the government. The Supreme Court also questioned whether the immigrant's 2020 release renders the case moot.

May housing starts fell to the lowest level since the pandemic, with an 8.5% annual decline and regional drops in the South and West. Builder confidence has declined due to higher material and financing costs, threatening housing shortages and progress in new housing construction.

Housing starts in May fell to the lowest level since the pandemic, with an annual rate of 1.17 million units, driven by higher material and financing costs. The decline was most severe in the South and West, though the Northeast saw a 19% increase. The drop threatens to worsen housing shortages and disrupt progress in meeting housing demand.

President Trump's executive order requiring states to provide voter lists for USPS to deliver mail ballots has created uncertainty among election officials. The order, part of broader efforts to assert federal control over state-run elections, faces legal challenges and raises logistical challenges, particularly in rural areas.

President Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting by requiring states to provide voter lists has created logistical challenges for election officials preparing for midterms. The order, which mandates compliance with specific ballot delivery rules, faces legal challenges as states and voting rights groups argue it oversteps federal authority. The U.S. Postal Service has not responded to questions about implementing the requirements.

President Donald Trump's executive order requiring the U.S. Postal Service to restrict mail-in ballot deliveries has created uncertainty for election officials, who face logistical challenges in complying with new requirements. The order mandates states provide voter lists and meet design standards for ballots, prompting legal battles and criticism from Democratic states and voting rights groups.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a case (Genalo v. Black) involving a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic detained for 21 months after an assault conviction, with an appeals court ruling that prolonged detention requires a bond hearing. The Court is also considering whether the immigrant's 2020 release makes the case moot.

The U.S. Supreme Court will review a case involving the prolonged detention of noncitizens with criminal records, specifically whether they are entitled to bond hearings. The case, Genalo v. Black, centers on a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic detained for 21 months after an assault conviction. The court also questioned if the immigrant’s 2020 release renders the case moot.

The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a case involving the prolonged detention of noncitizens by ICE, specifically legal immigrant Genalo from the Dominican Republic, who was detained for 21 months after an assault conviction. An appeals court previously ruled that 'unreasonably prolonged' detention requires a bond hearing, but the Supreme Court questioned if the immigrant's 2020 release rendered the case moot.

Firearms are used in approximately three-quarters of veteran suicides in the U.S., up from two-thirds in 2001, according to a new analysis of federal data. The report by Everytown for Gun Safety highlights that veterans account for nearly 20% of firearm suicide deaths nationwide despite comprising a small share of the population.