State Politics & News
Coverage of state politics, elections, and conservative policy battles across all 50 states shaping America’s future.
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- Opinion
In Chicago, the Next Act of the Jussie Smollett Saga Begins
Jussie Smollett was back in an Illinois court on Monday, and things are not looking good for the ambitious actor. This time, an independent special prosecutor has filed a six-count felony indictment against Smollett in Chicago and his lawyers are crying foul, claiming the state already has prosecuted him for the same conduct. It’s going…Stephanie Neville -
- Opinion
California Teachers Union Wants Kids to Pursue Gender Transition Without Parental Consent
Even in California, you have to be 18 to get a tattoo, 16 to drive a car, 21 to buy a gun, alcohol, or pot. But if you want to change your gender? Well, then, you just have to be 12. And your public school will be more than happy to help. Need an abortion?…Tony Perkins -
- Opinion
Booker T. Washington: A Legacy of Enterprise and Education
Author and educator Booker T. Washington played a critical role in the promotion of education and free market enterprise among black Americans at the turn of the century. Alabama businessman and political consultant Richard Finley joins The Daily Signal Podcast to discuss what the legacy of Washington, who died in 1915, means to him and…Robert B. Bluey -
- News
Massachusetts City Will Allow Illegal Aliens to Drive Without a License
City councilors in Cambridge, Massachusetts, voted to prohibit police officers from arresting illegal aliens if they are caught operating a vehicle without a license. Under a newly passed city ordinance in Cambridge, residents are still legally required to carry a driver’s license if they are operating a vehicle, but local law enforcement has been ordered…Jason Hopkins -
- News
Texas Begins Legal Fight With California Over Its Red State Travel Ban
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down California’s ban on state-funded travel to Texas and 10 other states with policies that uphold religious freedom. In a lawsuit filed Monday, Texas argues that California is imposing economic sanctions against the state, its citizens, and its businesses because Texas protects…Allison Schuster -
- News
Virginia Lawmakers Vote to Allow Illegal Aliens to Obtain Driver’s Licenses
Virginia lawmakers passed legislation in both chambers of the state Legislature that would allow illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses, a consequence of the state Capitol’s newly minted Democratic majority. Amid a rush before the end of the Virginia General Assembly’s “crossover” deadline Tuesday, lawmakers in both the state Senate and the House of Delegates…Jason Hopkins -
- Opinion
In Florida, Banks Choose LGBT Agenda Over Students’ Futures
What kind of people would kick needy kids out of good schools? Big business, that’s who. In Florida, companies such as Wells Fargo and Fifth Third Bank are dropping out of a scholarship program—all because some of the private schools have religious beliefs. Apparently, these CEOs think the LGBT agenda is more important than giving…Tony Perkins -
- Opinion
Virginia Democrats Want to Hike Gas Tax, Spend Revenue on Public Transit
Just two months after Democrats gained full control of Virginia’s government, Gov. Ralph Northam and the General Assembly have proposed sweeping changes to the state’s transportation system. At the top of the list: Increasing the gas tax from 16 cents to 28 cents per gallon over the next three years, a 75% increase. The main…David Ditch -
- Opinion
Mom of Transgender Child Praises South Dakota Legislation
“It’s an absolute nightmare for a mother to live through.” Elaine Davidson’s voice shook as she talked. “I found out about the surgeries after the fact,” she says haltingly. It was social media, she explained, where she first saw the photo of her daughter’s chest—bloody bandages covering the places where her breasts had been cut…Tony Perkins -
- News
‘Learn Their Issues’ to Engage Minorities, Former Mississippi Governor Advises
Conservatives need to make an effort to be in the spaces of blacks and other minorities to grow their numbers and influence in the movement and the Republican Party, a former governor and party chairman argues. “First, try,” Haley Barbour, former Mississippi governor and Republican National Committee chairman, said Tuesday during an event in Washington…Rachel del Guidice -
- Opinion
‘Bank’rupt Decision Jeopardizes Opportunity for Disadvantaged Children in Florida
Last week, Wells Fargo and Fifth Third Bank announced they no longer would donate to the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which enables more than 108,000 low-income children and children in foster care to receive scholarships to attend a safe and effective school of choice. The move comes after the Orlando Sentinel published a piece…Lindsey Burke -
- News
Disputed New York Times ‘1619 Project’ Already Shaping Schoolkids’ Minds on Race
From the moment Fatima Morrell read The New York Times’ 1619 Project last year, the educator embraced the 100-page magazine special issue on slavery and racism as a professional godsend. Morrell, an associate superintendent in the Buffalo, New York, school district, where 80% of the 31,200 students are non-white, was inspired by the project’s reframing of American history that put…John Murawski -
- Opinion
Maryland Legislators Move to Protect Kids’ Lemonade Stands
The Maryland House Environment and Transportation Committee on Tuesday heard testimony about a bill that would prevent local governments from outlawing children’s lemonade stands on private property. Yes, you read that right. It’s illegal in Maryland for children to run lemonade stands in their families’ yards unless they obtain all the licenses, permits, and inspections…GianCarlo Canaparo -
- Opinion
A California Pastor on Engaging Community, Culture, and Political Discord
The “Bethel effect” is a term used to describe the community impact of Bethel Church in Redding, California. The congregation has gained national and international attention for its hands-on approach to serving the city. Pastor Kris Vallotton joins The Daily Signal Podcast today to explain how and why Bethel Church has chosen to love its…Virginia Allen -
- News
Virginia Gun Control Bills Firing Up Second Amendment Backers
Proposed gun control legislation in the Virginia General Assembly has many Second Amendment advocates in the state literally up in arms, prompting strong pushback from gun rights groups and firearms owners. Groups including the Virginia Citizens Defense League, a pro-Second Amendment nonprofit organization, and the National Rifle Association are taking the lead in opposing enactment…Allison Schuster -
- Opinion
The Media’s Shameful Depiction of Pro-Second Amendment Protests in Virginia
It’s the tea party all over again. Way back in 2009 the press, followed by a gaggle of left-wing commentators and politicians, did a number on tea party protests, often portraying them—with little evidence—as driven by racist rage against President Barack Obama rather than principled opposition to his administration’s policies. These same tactics were on…Jarrett Stepman -
- News
Sending Unsolicited Nudes in Texts, Online Soon Could Be Illegal in California
Californians who send unwelcome sexual images to others online without expressed invitation soon could face legal repercussions for such unwanted sexting. A proposed bill in the California Senate would make sending unsolicited, sexually explicit images via text, email, social media, or dating apps illegal. The Preventing Indecent Content Sharing Act was introduced Jan. 6 by…Virginia Aabram -
- News
‘It’s Not Fair’: Idaho Lawmaker to Introduce Bill Barring Biological Males From Girls Sports
An Idaho state legislator plans to introduce a bill that would require biologically male athletes to compete on boys sports teams, regardless of whether they identify as a transgender girl or not. Idaho state Rep. Barbara Ehardt is the latest Republican lawmaker across the country to introduce legislation ensuring girls aren’t forced to compete against…Peter Hasson -
- Opinion
California Now Pushing Free Health Care for Illegal Immigrant Seniors
California is at it again with a proposal to extend free health care to illegal immigrant senior citizens. Last July, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law that would extend Medicaid coverage to low-income illegal immigrants 25 years old and younger. President Donald Trump, who made the border wall and stopping illegal immigration a central plank…Jarrett Stepman -
- News
Michigan May Add ‘Nonbinary’ Driver’s License Option
Michigan is considering adding an option on driver’s licenses for people who identify as nonbinary. The move would allow Michigan residents who do not identify as either male or female to be represented as “nonbinary” on their licenses, according to ABC News. Michigan would become the 14th state along with Washington, D.C., to add the option. New York City…Mary Margaret Olohan