states

National

From deportations to health care, state lawmakers are key for much of Trump's domestic agenda

8:48am February 25, 2025

Federal power only goes so far. State governors and legislatures have wide authority over local law enforcement, schools, health and how cities and counties handle immigration.

Memorial for opiod overdose victims of Broome County, New York

We checked up on the states that promise transparency on opioid settlement funds

5:00am November 07, 2024

Victims of the opioid crisis, health advocates, and policy experts have called on state and local governments to clearly report how they’re using the funds they are receiving from settlements with opioid companies.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Democrats and advocates celebrate $72 billion budget

National

Voters could flip these state legislatures, changing the path for some big issues

4:30am November 05, 2024

They don’t get as much attention as the presidential election, but state government races play a crucial role in the laws that govern our lives. This year, several state capitols are up for grabs.

Close up of woman's hand touching illuminated and multi-coloured LED display screen, connecting to the future. People, lifestyle and technology

In writing the country’s most sweeping AI law, Colorado focused on fairness, preventing bias

5:01am June 22, 2024

by Bente Birkeland

Other states are watching as the law is refined before taking effect in 2026 but it’s getting praise for at least being a first step in regulating AI

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox is shown speaking at the PBS Utah Governor's Monthly News Conference at the Eccles Broadcast Center in Salt Lake City, Oct. 19, 2023.

National

Utah is the latest state to ban DEI efforts on campus and in government

12:31am January 31, 2024

by The Associated Press

Utah's governor signed a bill into law Tuesday that makes the state the latest to prohibit diversity training, hiring and inclusion programs at universities and in state government.

With federal rules unclear, some states carve their own path on cryptocurrencies

5:04pm March 10, 2022

by Anthony Tellez

As cryptocurrency become more mainstream, some states are introducing legislation to standardize crypto as a form of payment.

"In the spring, we listened to public health experts, stomped the curve and saved thousands of lives together. Now, we must channel that same energy and join forces again to protect our families, frontline workers and small businesses," Michigan Gov. Gret

Whitmer: 'Not Going To Be Bullied' Over Michigan Coronavirus Restrictions

3:15pm November 16, 2020

by Brakkton Booker

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a "three-week pause" to curb coronavirus cases in the state. A Trump administration official encouraged residents to "rise up" against the restrictions.

Louisiana, like many other states where cannabis is legal, has designated the cannabis industry as essential. Marijuana plants are shown growing under special grow lights, at GB Sciences Louisiana, in Baton Rouge.

National

'Illegal To Essential': How The Coronavirus Is Boosting The Legal Cannabis Industry

1:38pm April 20, 2020

by Brakkton Booker

More than 20 states designated marijuana businesses essential during the coronavirus shutdown. Cannabis activists say it's a remarkable development, given that it remains illegal under federal law.

A decision barring dual prosecutions could allow some of those already convicted in special counsel Robert Mueller's probe to get off scot-free if President Trump were to pardon them.

Politics & Government

This Supreme Court Case Could Impact The Mueller Probe And Boost Trump's Pardon Power

12:01pm December 06, 2018

by Nina Totenberg

A case of a man tried twice for the same gun charge by the federal government and by the state of Alabama could have ramifications for the Mueller investigation into the Trump campaign and Russia.

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Home goods seller Wayfair and other e-commerce companies had attempted to challenge a South Dakota law that levies taxes on purchases made through certain online retailers.

Supreme Court Ruling Means Some Online Purchases Will Cost More

6:27pm June 21, 2018

by Nina Totenberg

States will reap billions after a major ruling that says states may now impose sales taxes on Internet retailers, even ones out of state and with no physical presence in the state.

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