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
Government Persecution of Wisconsin Conservatives Finally Comes to an End
In a lengthy decision issued on July 16, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has finally put an end to the secret, unconstitutional, “John Doe” investigation of conservative nonprofits in Wisconsin, such as Wisconsin Club for Growth. This legal harassment was engineered by a Democratic local prosecutor, John Chisholm, and the head of the state’s “Government Accountability…Hans von Spakovsky -
- News
Four Marines Dead After Gunman Opens Fire in Tennessee
Four United States Marines were killed on Thursday after a gunman opened fire at an armed services recruiting center and a naval reserve facility in Chattanooga, Tenn. Four dead in shootings at two US Navy buildings in Chattanooga, Tennessee, officials say http://t.co/lPF7YHzs4T pic.twitter.com/Id5tyr958h — BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) July 16, 2015 The suspect, identified by…Kelsey Bolar -
- News
Scott Walker: ‘We Defunded Planned Parenthood’ in Wisconsin
AMHERST, N.H.—During his first trip to New Hampshire since the launch of his presidential campaign, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker outlined his resume as a conservative governor of a blue state, including lowering taxes, reducing regulations, and cutting funding for Planned Parenthood. “We defunded Planned Parenthood, which is particularly important these days in light of what…Kate Scanlon -
- News
Kentucky Lawmakers Move to Protect County Clerks, Clergy Opposed to Gay Marriage
Three Kentucky legislators have filed bills to protect county clerks or religious leaders who say their faith does not allow them to help same-sex couples get married. “I won’t say people have fear, but there certainly is heightened concern,” @addiawuchner says. One bill, announced Wednesday, would shield county clerks from liability if they refuse, citing…Ken McIntyre -
- Opinion
Will Tennessee’s Courts Force Legalized Physician-Assisted Suicide? One Man’s Quest
A battle for hearts and minds has been waged across America this year on the issue of physician-assisted suicide, the taking of deadly drugs to prematurely end one’s life. While euthanasia is currently illegal in all but five states, half of our nation’s state legislatures have proposed legalizing it in the current 2015 legislative session. Thus far, Americans’…Susan Allen -
- Opinion
225 Years Ago Washington, DC, Was Founded: Here’s Why It Will Never Become the 51st State
It’s that time of the year again: U.S. House Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton is ramping up her efforts to make Washington, D.C., the 51st state in the Union. Her bill, which would create the state of New Columbia from the existing District of Columbia, is the latest in a long line of legislative proposals with the…Mike Sabo -
- News
The New York Times Leaves Ted Cruz’s Book Off Bestseller List
The New York Times has refused to include a book written by Sen. Ted Cruz on its bestseller list. Cruz, R-Texas, who is a 2016 presidential candidate, published his book, “A Time for Truth,” on June 30. On Thursday, Politico reported that the book “sold 11,854 copies in its first week:” That’s more than 18…Kate Scanlon -
- News
Justice Served: One Virginia Chaplain’s Mission to Rehabilitate Jail Inmates
RICHMOND — It’s just after noon on a sunny, sweltering Tuesday in June. Roughly 15 inmates at the Richmond City Justice Center stand or sit on small, plastic chairs in a bright, sterile room on the fifth floor of the jail, waiting. For most of the men in this over-50 group, waiting is a near-constant part…Madaline Donnelly -
- News
Lindsey Graham: Removing Confederate Flag From South Carolina Capital Was ‘Right Decision’
MANCHESTER, N.H. – During a meet and greet here Friday, Sen. Lindsey Graham said that it has “been a tough three weeks” in his home state of South Carolina. He addressed the controversy surrounding the confederate battle flag that, until today, flew on the South Carolina Statehouse grounds. “The flag came down today, it was…Kate Scanlon -
- News
Maine Becomes Latest State to Allow Concealed Guns Without a Permit
Maine passed a measure Wednesday permitting gun owners in the state to carry concealed handguns without a permit, becoming the sixth state in the U.S. with such a policy. Republican Gov. Paul LePage signed the bill into law, confirming a victory for gun-rights advocates who argue the permits do not prevent lawbreakers from carrying weapons….Natalie Johnson -
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IRS Returns $107,000 It Took From North Carolina Convenience Store Owner
More than a month after dismissing a case involving a Fairmont, N.C., convenience store owner, the federal government returned the more than $100,000 it took from him last year. But the government still refuses to pay the lawyers’ fees and expenses that the store owner is entitled to. According to documents filed in federal court…Melissa Quinn -
- News
Chicago Slaps 9% Tax on Netflix
Sorry, Chicagoans: Your Netflix bill is about to go up 9 percent. The Windy City has decided to tax a new source of revenue: streaming services. Chicago’s Department of Finance has ruled that streaming services fall within the purview of the city’s amusement tax. According to the City of Chicago, the “privilege” of watching “electronically…Kate Scanlon -
- News
Iowa Doctors Can Now Administer Abortion Pills Through Webcam
It is now legal for physicians in Iowa to administer abortion-inducing pills by webcam. Last month, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled a ban on using webcam communication to administer abortion-inducing pills was unconstitutional. This telemedicine abortion procedure, used only at Planned Parenthood clinics in Iowa and Minnesota, is banned in 18 other states for safety…Leah Jessen -
- News
Oregon Becomes First State to Try Taxing Drivers By Miles They Drive
Last week, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to give drivers the option to be taxed by the mile instead of by the fuel they use. The idea is that as cars become more fuel efficient, drivers spend less money on gas, resulting in less money for the Oregon Department of Transportation to…Chelsea Scism -
- Opinion
Sorry, Slate: Oregon Did Put a ‘Gag Order’ on Those Christian Bakers
On Thursday, The Daily Signal published an article about Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) Commissioner Brad Avakian ordering Aaron and Melissa Klein, Christian bakers who had refused to make a wedding cake for a lesbian couple, to pay the couple $135,000 for “emotional” damages and issuing a gag order against the Kleins. On…Hans von Spakovsky -
- News
How Michigan Lawmakers Want to Make It Harder for Law Enforcement to Take Your Stuff
Last year, two Michigan self-described “soccer moms” were the victims of raids conducted by local law enforcement officials, who took telephones, televisions and cash from the women’s homes under civil asset forfeiture laws. The women, Ginnifer Hency and Annette Shattuck, have never been found guilty of a crime. Inspired by cases such as these, a…Melissa Quinn -
- News
California Implements Strictest Fracking Regulations in US
California implemented new hydraulic fracturing regulations Wednesday, making the state home to perhaps the strictest fracking rules in the nation. The regulations force increased transparency and accountability through expanded monitoring and reporting of air and water quality, public disclosure of chemicals used in fracking procedures, and estimates of the environmental impact fracking activities may cause….Natalie Johnson -
- News
Florida Law Instituting a 24-Hour Waiting Period for Abortion Goes Into Effect
After being temporarily delayed by a judge, a Florida law that institutes a mandatory 24-hour waiting period before undergoing an abortion went into effect on Wednesday. House Bill 633 was signed into law last month. The legislation requires an abortion provider to meet with a woman seeking an abortion for a consultation appointment at least 24…Kate Scanlon -
- News
Mike Huckabee in Iowa: ‘Religious Liberty Is the Foundation of All Our Liberties’
FORT DODGE, Iowa—Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee—who won Iowa’s Republican caucuses in 2008—joined a room full of Iowans this morning to lay out the policies he would promote during his latest presidential run. Huckabee, who especially succeeded in winning over evangelicals in 2008, focused much of his speech on religious liberty, which he called “the…Leah Jessen -
- News
What the Newest Addition to the Washington Nationals Can Teach Us About Conservatism
Baseball fans should be on the lookout for a new addition at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., later this week. Ladies & gents, please meet the newest #Nats Racing President: Calvin Coolidge! Welcome to The Show, Calvin. pic.twitter.com/ZWox6RpSYB — Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 1, 2015 Calvin Coolidge will join five other former U.S. presidents in…Samantha Reinis