SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " WMA " 2,139 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
NAACP calls for boycott of Southern college sports programs over voting rights
The NAACP is calling on Black athletes, alumni, fans and the general public to boycott the athletic programs of public universities in states that aim to redistrict longtime Black lawmakers.
Trump shows reporters ballroom construction site as lawmakers balk at $1B for White House security
President Donald Trump is defending the White House ballroom he's building. He showed off the construction site to a group of reporters on Tuesday.
Blanche faces senators on new Trump ‘weaponization’ fund, Epstein, budget cuts
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced lawmakers Tuesday for the first time since taking the role, answering to bipartisan questions about his department’s newly created “Anti-Weaponization Fund.”
Blanche defends nearly $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund
The acting attorney general told lawmakers there will be quarterly reports with information about payout recipients
NAACP urges Black athletes to boycott college sports in the South
The NAACP is calling on Black athletes, alumni, fans and the general public to boycott the athletic programs of public universities in states that aim to redistrict longtime Black lawmakers.
NAACP calls for boycott of Southern college sports programs over voting rights
The NAACP is calling on Black athletes, alumni, fans and the general public to boycott the athletic programs of public universities in states that aim to redistrict longtime Black lawmakers.
Blanche will face questions from lawmakers over a nearly $1.8B fund to compensate Trump allies
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears on Capitol Hill for his first congressional testimony since taking over at the Justice Department.
Math interventions bill would now exempt some Ohio schools from teaching science of reading
A recently added carveout to a math interventions bill would exempt some Ohio schools from teaching the science of reading curriculum — despite a statewide mandate. Lawmakers in the Ohio House Educati...
Baking soda & vinegar volcanoes with Mad Science of Austin & SA
Polis signs bill aimed at easing regulatory burdens on Colorado businesses
Regulation reform is on the horizon for Colorado businesses after lawmakers approved a bill that will crack down on excessive rules — reportedly freeing up time for more care for patients, more attention for students...
Polis signs bill aimed at easing regulatory burdens on Colorado businesses
Regulation reform is on the horizon for Colorado businesses after lawmakers approved a bill that will crack down on excessive rules — reportedly freeing up time for more care for patients, more attention for students...
UC faculty and staff rally for state investment in science
UC President James B. Milliken and other leaders urged state lawmakers to pass SB 895, bipartisan legislation that would place a $12 billion bond to fund scientific research across California on the November 2026 ballot.
Lawmakers zero in on sports gambling regulation as scandals boom
Congress appears poised to intensify its scrutiny of major sports leagues and their gambling partners in response to a growing number of scandals involving illicit&nbs…
US states reject anti-vaccine bills as public health groups fight MAHA
Dozens of state anti-vaccine bills backed by "Make America Healthy Again" supporters have failed after public health groups won over Republican state lawmakers, marking a series of defeats for the backers of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Democrats, Tiffany face tricky politics after killing tax relief bill
Democratic lawmakers and Republican governor candidate Tom Tiffany face tricky messaging after working to kill a bill to aid taxpayers and schools.
Kansas small business owners, here’s how to get away from all the paperwork
Professional Employer Organizations let you focus on customers. Tell lawmakers to support them. | Opinion
Jewish lawmakers face an explosion of antisemitism
The hate is direct, explicit and shockingly casual.
There's Always Stuart Skinner: Oilers UFA Market Looks Slim
Stan Bowman might need to find a starting goaltender this summer, but the UFA market has looked him dead in the eyes and shrugged.
MN Capitol deadline: Lawmakers rush to finish business before session ends
The clock is ticking at the Minnesota State Capitol as lawmakers race to pass several high-profile bills before the legislative session ends at midnight.
Former Gov. Christine Gregoire blasts WA Democrats’ tax strategy, warns businesses will leave state
Former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire is publicly breaking with many fellow Democrats over the state’s tax-and-spending strategy, warning lawmakers they risk driving businesses and wealthy residen...
Are lawmakers or unelected staff making decisions on the Capitol Annex Project?
Since the Capitol Annex Project began in 2018, there has not been a single lawmaker consistently overseeing the construction.
California Politics 360 Full Episode | Governor & lawmakers debate proposed spending plan
This week, Gov. Gavin Newsom outlined his priorities, proposing to spend $349 billion. On California Politics 360, Ashley Zavala sits down with Republican State Sen. Roger Niello.
A unique Oregon law allows it to block healthcare deals. In five years, the state hasn’t done so once
Lawmakers said that giving the state oversight would stop multibillion-dollar deals from reducing care and increasing costs. Some who supported the law say it hasn’t been nearly as effective as they hoped.
Questions for Mike and Phil
If you’re a fan of the old Seinfeld TV show, you might remember the fat postman, Newman, being asked why postal workers “go postal”? “Because the mail never stops. It just keeps coming and coming and coming! There’s never a let up! It’s relentless! Every day it piles up more and more and more! You […]
‘Pressures are real’: Colleges grapple with future of Olympic sports amid football spending boom
Pols & Politics: Mike Minogue rule? State lawmaker seeks to ban self-funded campaigns
As budget week kicks off on Beacon Hill, state Sen. Rebecca Rausch has filed a budget amendment that would strike out a provision allowing political candidates to self-fund their campaigns.
Trump Nemesis Sen. Bill Cassidy Defeated in GOP Primary
The Louisiana lawmaker finished third to Julia Letlow and John Fleming after angering the president.
Newman and U-High’s title-clinching game ended with the bases loaded. ‘I was kind of freaking out.’
SULPHUR — The fly ball that ended the state title game came with the bases loaded and Newman ahead by three runs.
Virginia’s new House map is dead. Democrats think they can still flip these seats.
Republicans won the redistricting war in Virginia, but several lawmakers remain vulnerable.
Tri-state political maps unlikely to change despite national redistricting debate
While a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling has lawmakers in some states talking about redrawing their congressional maps, it’s unlikely Iowa, Illinois or Wisconsin will see any changes ahead of
From Normal to Ania Magliano: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead
Bob Odenkirk’s a put-upon lawman in Ben Wheatley’s latest, and the SNL UK star is back out on tour
‘Shaping Connecticut’s Future’: Business leaders, lawmakers gather at SCSU for summit
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Business leaders and lawmakers from across Connecticut gathered Friday at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) for the “Shaping Connecticut’s Future…
Lawmakers considering raising taxes on sports betting operators
People familiar with state budget negotiations told WRAL that lawmakers have discussed increasing the tax rate paid by sports betting operators to generate more money for the state.
One team’s explosive offense force Newman and U-High into decisive finals Game 3
Christian Sauska ran to second base and raised his arms outward has he looked to the sky, celebrating his team’s sixth extra-base hit — all in the first two innings
Politics Friday: Minnesota lawmakers reach a session-ending deal, now race to get it through
MPR News politics editor Brian Bakst talks with four caucus leaders about a session-ending agreement and how they’ll shepherd it through this weekend.
Texas high court rejects removal of Democratic lawmakers who led quorum break
The all-Republican court dealt a blow to Gov. Greg Abbott and state Republicans in their efforts to severely punish the more than 50 Democrats.
Texas high court rejects removal of Democratic lawmakers who led quorum break over redistricting
The Texas Supreme Court has refused to declare that Democratic state lawmakers who briefly left the state last year in a quorum break to stop a vote on new congressional voting maps pushed by President Donald Trump vacated their offices.
More taxes on sports betting? NC lawmakers discuss the possibility as industry pushes back
Lawmakers have weighed increasing tax rates on sports betting operators and an additional tax on lottery sales and individual sports bets, sources tell WRAL. No decisions have been made. And the proposals could pose enormous hurdles — and industry opposition.
CT health legislation: Focus on vaccines, Medicaid rates, private equity in 2026
Connecticut lawmakers tackled several long-standing healthcare issues during this year's legislative session. Here's what they passed.
South Carolina leaders mark Multicultural Business Alliance Day at State House
State business leaders, lawmakers and community advocates gathered at the South Carolina State House this morning.
Lawmaker walks from Dayton to Statehouse to spotlight kids' mental health
Sen. Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton) said he hopes his trek will draw attention to the issue of mental health.
Legislative wrap-up: Lawmakers pass 120 bills in 2026 session
The 2026 legislative session wrapped with lawmakers approving roughly 120 bills, though how many will ultimately be signed by Gov. Jared Polis remains uncertain. Beyond high‑profile debates over artificial intelligence policy and the state budget, legislators advanced major measures on health care, education, immigration, and public safety. Here is an overview of some of the […]
Why Wisconsin lawmakers blew up a state budget surplus deal
Democratic and Republican legislators reject a deal to cut taxes and boost school funding.
Louisiana senate passes new U.S. House map that would eliminate majority-Black district
The new U.S. House districts, which still need House approval, would be used for primary elections poised to be postponed from Saturday until November. This as South Carolina's governor pushed for congressional redistricting and could call lawmakers into a special session.
New York lawmakers pass 12th state budget extender that runs though May 18
The state budget was due on April 1.
Colorado lawmakers pass bill negating road-funding ballot measure
Colorado lawmakers on Wednesday approved a last‑minute amendment to a bill crafted to counter a ballot measure requiring that public funds collected for “road transportation” go to “road transportation,” setting up a high‑stakes clash over street funding and public services. House Bill 1430 would only go into effect if Initiative No. 175 passes in November. That […]
Senators vote to withhold their own pay during future government shutdowns
The bipartisan support for the measure comes at a time when federal closures have become longer and more frequent, frustrating lawmakers who say there should be punishment when Congress fails at its most basic legislative duty.
Hawaii vs. Citizens United
State lawmakers want to change the terms of personhood for corporations.
AI chatbots and mental health: 4 ways Congress can boost safety
In letters to three key caucuses, the AMA urges lawmakers to establish guardrails that prioritize patient safety, clinical integrity and public trust.
Watch Philippines' Political Tension Escalates After Senate Gunfire
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called for calm after gunshots were fired on Wednesday evening at the Philippine Senate, where a lawmaker wanted by the International Criminal Court has sought refuge.
AI’s rapid growth spurs major legislative action in Colorado
The 2026 legislative session was marked by lawmakers’ push to establish guardrails on artificial intelligence, a technology advancing at breakneck speed. Colorado has remained at the forefront of AI policy, becoming the first state to pursue comprehensive regulation with Senate Bill 205 in 2024. On the other hand, U.S. Rep. Brittany Pettersen told Colorado Politics […]
Louisiana lawmakers advance new 5-1 congressional map that favors Republicans
The new map will eliminate one of the state's majority Black, Democratic-leaning districts while keeping one Democratic-leaning district.
GOP centrists defy Trump and force future House vote on major Russian sanctions bill
A small bloc of GOP lawmakers defied their leadership — and President Donald Trump — by forcing the House to soon take up a major bill to deliver US military support to Ukraine while imposing steep sanctions on Russia.
Vast majority support $1.8B state spending plan in our reader survey
Nearly 200 readers sent in their thoughts about lawmakers' $1.8 billion compromise, with more than three-quarters saying lawmakers should pass it.
Lawmakers & Trump Admin. Officials Discuss The Advancement of Health Care
Lawmakers and top Trump Administration officials, including Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, participate in discussions on U.S. advancement in health care.
The Science is Not Settled: How Weak Evidence is Fueling a National
As statehouses ramp up for 2026, we’re seeing a familiar and concerning trend of lawmakers rushing to regulate the internet based on shockingly shaky science. From the California State Assembly to
Senate takes major first step to prevent future shutdowns with painful accountability play
Senate advances Kennedy's resolution to withhold lawmaker pay during shutdowns, adding consequences as government closures become more frequent.
In a reversal, SC lawmakers now anticipating special session to redraw congressional district lines
South Carolina lawmakers are preparing for Gov. Henry McMaster to call them back to Columbia to consider redrawing Congressional District lines after they adjourn on May 14.
Moscow invites far-right German politicians to ‘Putin’s Davos’
At least two lawmakers in the Kremlin-friendly AfD intend to attend the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June.
Colorado Democrat Jason Crow calls on House leadership to ban trading on prediction markets
U.S. Rep. Jason Crow on Monday joined a bipartisan call asking House Speaker Mike Johnson to adopt new rules banning the chamber’s lawmakers, their families and staff from participating in prediction markets, in a move the Aurora Democrat said can help restore public trust in Congress. The push comes less than two weeks after the […]
Amid elevated disaster risks Tahoe cannot afford tourism business-driven governance
Local and state governments in 2026 are under more pressure than ever to provide services. These new realities and an uncertain summer came into sharp relief recently in Nevada. During the state’s joint interim standing Government Affairs meeting, lawmakers received an alarming update from Nevada’s head of Emergency Management and Homeland Security about strained disaster […]
Californian criminal suspects can trade prison for psychiatric care. Is it working?
Californians accused of crimes can receive mental health treatment rather than prison time. Lawmakers are revamping the rules following reports of violent offenses.
Newly-independent lawmaker Kevin Kiley calls gerrymandering ‘everything that is wrong with our politics’
Louisiana GOP lawmakers advance map eliminating one Democratic House district
Republicans currently have a 4-2 advantage in the state’s congressional delegation. The map would push that edge to 5-1, dropping one of Louisiana’s two majority-Black districts.
Colorado legislators abandon proposal targeting natural gas initiative
Colorado lawmakers pulled back plans to counter a proposed constitutional amendment guaranteeing the right of consumers to use natural gas. The bill’s backers said the legislation would not have significantly affected the initiative’s impact, even as debate intensifies among environmental groups, the oil and gas industry and policymakers. The bill — initially planned by House […]
What to know about Hawaiʻi's efforts to limit corporate donations in politics
Lawmakers in Hawaiʻi have passed a measure that's headed to the governor that would redefine corporations in a way that precludes spending on elections.
South Carolina state Senate rejects effort to tackle redistricting despite pressure from Trump
Five Republican lawmakers defected and voted against a plan to extend their legislative session in order to carve up the state’s lone Democratic U.S. House district.
Dem lawmakers question Trump firing of science advisers
Senate Democrats have requested records of communication between the White House and National Science Foundation leadership by May 29.
FBI Director Patel spars with lawmaker who raises reports of his behavior during Hill testimony
FBI Director Kash Patel sparred with a lawmaker briefly during a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Senate Appropriations Committee when asked about media reports alleging he drinks to excess.
Hegseth faces bipartisan grilling about weapons drawdown during the Iran war
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing tough questions from Republican and Democratic lawmakers about the Trump administration’s end game for the Iran war, the cost of the conflict and its
The Latest: Starmer fights for political survival as calls for his resignation grow in UK
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting for his political survival after a disastrous set of results in local elections for his Labour Party last week. Dozens of Labour lawmakers are calling on...
Democrats say Republican lawmaker must resign for agreeing with 'cotton-picking' remark
Kiggans later said she was agreeing that the first Black American to lead a party in Congress should stay out of Virginia politics.
The Latest: Starmer fights for political survival as calls for his resignation grow in UK
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting for his political survival after a disastrous set of results in local elections for his Labour Party last week. Dozens of Labour lawmakers are calling on Starmer to resign. A resignation announcement could possibly come after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesd...
The Latest: Starmer Fights for Political Survival as Calls for His Resignation Grow in UK
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is fighting for his political survival after a disastrous set of results in local elections for his Labour Party last week. Dozens of Labour lawmakers are calling on Starmer to resign. A resignation announcement could possibly come after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday,
Council drops ethics case against GOP lawmaker
The decision is part of a settlement of Paladino's First Amendment suit.
Unions, businesses urge legislators in opposite directions on independent contractor rules
Business groups and freelances urged lawmakers to undo recently adopted rules on worker classification. Unions said they should persist.
Democrats vow to fight Senate Republicans' $1 billion security proposal for White House ballroom
While most GOP lawmakers have remained quiet on the proposal as they spent their recess out of Washington, some have publicly questioned whether they would support it.
For Evan Bowman, health is also about connection
At Yale, Evan Bowman dug deep into her interest in public health — and found a “strong community.”
Missouri lawmakers return for final week
The session has run relatively smoothly despite hangover resentments from partisan measures passed in 2025
California corrections budget benefits more than inmates from prison sports expansion
California lawmakers want to expand organized sports at prisons. An incarcerated journalist says the only winner would be the prison budget.
Lawmakers Urge Trump to Move Ahead on Delayed Arms Sale to Taiwan
The Trump administration has held up the sale for months ahead of President Trump’s meeting this week with President Xi Jinping of China.
California Politics 360 Full Episode | Uncertainty amid rise in gas prices
This week, Energy Commissioner Siva Gunda told lawmakers that the state has enough oil and gas supply for the next six weeks.
From patient transporter to chief nursing officer, Atrium Health mother and son share a career path
Chicago Teachers Union wants $8.5 million dues hike to fund politics
“Has your brand become toxic?” This was a pointed question from WGN Political Editor Tahman Bradley, posed to Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates in a recent interview. Her immediate response: “I don’t understand the question.” When pressed, Gates added, “The Chicago Teachers Union is not a political party, it is a labor union.” But internal union documents show CTU leadership is trying to skim $8.5 million more from teacher paychecks explicitly for politics, while trying to silence union members critical of Gates’ leadership. Under the proposed dues hike, Chicago teachers would see up to $800 more per year flow from their paychecks to union coffers. The union already takes in more than $40 million a year, mostly from dues. And it spends less than 18 cents of every dollar on teacher representation. The No. 1 reason for the proposed dues hike? Politics. “We must win a majority of the first 21 person fully elected school board in November,” reads the first point in CTU’s member FAQ document.1 This directly contradicts CTU’s promise to members about how leadership uses dues money. The official CTU handbook tells members that the union does not use dues money for politics, so if they are interested in funding political activity, they should consider voluntary donations to CTU’s political action committee. “Our dues are not used for political purposes,” according to the handbook. “So our PAC relies on extra contributions from our members to support progressive candidates and to impact elected officials at the city, county and state levels.” This kind of double-speak is one reason members are concerned about another constitutional change slipped into the dues hike vote, which will take place on May 20-21: an attempt to stop members from holding the union accountable. A proposed amendment to the union constitution tries to place limits on when members may bring a lawsuit against the union for violating members’ rights.2 This provision is clearly a response to members’ lawsuit against union leadership regarding Gates’ years-long refusal to publish audited financial statements. The judge in that case has repeatedly denied the union’s attempts to dismiss it. Teachers opposed to these changes have been circulating this flier, urging members to vote no. What will CTU members get in return for millions of dollars in additional dues? If the 2024 school board elections are any indication—not much. CTU leadership’s record on school board races may not inspire confidence among members. A Chicago Policy Center analysis of a dozen affiliated PACs found CTU spent nearly $2.9 million on school board races in 2024. Of that spending, more than $2.1 million (75%) went to losing candidates. And while CTU-backed candidates lost six of the nine competitive seats overall, they fared worse in their biggest-spending races, losing five of six contests in which the union and its affiliates put up more than $250,000 for their candidate. The Chicago school board elections take place Nov. 3.3 Is another $8.5 million enough to clean up a toxic reputation? Not likely. Update on federal tax credit scholarship: Last week, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said she plans to opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program. If Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker follows suit, Illinois could unlock $1 billion in donor money statewide for both public- and private-school students. If Illinois does not opt in, that money will flow to other states. The Last Ward reported in February on how Illinois Democrats could unlock at least $100 million in new resources for Chicago public-school students by opting in. Update on the investigation into how Chicagoans learned about a meeting to hike their property taxes: The Last Ward reported in January on an absurd, taxpayer-funded investigation into how local media learned of a planned Chicago school board meeting to hike the district’s property tax levy. That investigation is now complete. Lawyers interviewed two dozen witnesses, and found nothing. Update on Illinois’ muni debt crisis: My colleague Joe Tabor last week published a must-read piece in Crain’s Chicago Business about how Illinois recently rejected south suburban Harvey’s request to be designated a “distressed city.” The saga shows why the state must implement a better structure to assist insolvent local governments, including allowing for the option to pursue debt relief via Chapter 9 bankruptcy. The Last Ward reported in October on how Harvey is tipping the first domino in Illinois’ municipal debt crisis. Mincing Rascals: I joined the Mincing Rascals podcast to discuss the SAFE-T Act, the millionaires tax, and more. My “green light” recommendation: Force Majeure (2014). 1 Notably, the No. 2 reason cited is “resources to fund a state-wide millionaires tax campaign in order to fully fund the state’s school funding formula.” The constitutional amendment necessary to implement a progressive income tax in Illinois recently died in the Illinois House, meaning this question would not appear on the ballot until 2028 at the earliest. 2 There is seemingly no single-subject rule for CTU constitutional amendments. So members only get one vote on the full package. One cannot vote “yes” on the dues hike and “no” on the restriction of members’ rights, for example. 3 Illinois law grants far too much power over local government to unelected officials like Gates. State lawmakers should fix that.
Hicks: Revenge is a dish often served by extremist politicians ... instead of governing
Too many state lawmakers are too often going nuclear over petty squabbles. But revenge politics isn't governing, and voters should tell them so.
Atrium Health Navicent reports data breach that could impact patient records and personal information
How Minority Districts Fueled the G.O.P.’s Southern Ascendancy in Congress
The “majority-minority” House districts struck down by the Supreme Court last week sent a surge of Black and Hispanic lawmakers to Congress. They also opened opportunities for the G.O.P.
Residents urge Louisiana lawmakers to keep two majority-Black U.S. House districts
A panel of Louisiana lawmakers all day May 8 heard passionate testimony from the public and elected officials urging them not to remove either of the state’s two majority-Black congressional
Colorado lawmakers eye 5% fee on online gaming ‘skins,’ other game features
Colorado lawmakers are seeking to impose a new fee on online game purchases, in particular targeting “add-on transactions,” referring to features or enhancements that players can buy. Sponsors said they want to earmark the new revenue toward youth mental health services. The sponsors are pushing the new revenue source amid a budget deficit and at […]
Proposed NC constitutional amendment would ban corporate political spending
A North Carolina lawmaker wants voters to decide whether corporations should be allowed to spend money to influence elections in the state.
Alabama lawmakers pass plan for new U.S. House primary if courts allow different districts
Demonstrators outside the Alabama Statehouse on Friday shouted “fight for democracy” and “down with white supremacy.”
Colorado House advances 5% gaming fee bill to support youth mental health services
Colorado lawmakers on Thursday approved a bill that would place a 5% fee on certain in‑game purchases in children’s online games, aiming to create a funding stream for youth mental health services. Supporters say the measure would hold gaming platforms accountable for design features that can contribute to anxiety, depression, and compulsive spending in kids, […]
Politics Friday: Amy Klobuchar lays out plans in her DFL governor's campaign
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is putting some definition around her campaign for Minnesota governor a few months after entering the race to replace DFL Gov. Tim Walz. Meanwhile, some longtime lawmakers prepare to exit the state Capitol.
Huge crowd presses for Louisiana to keep two majority-Black districts in pointed hearing
As the Louisiana Legislature races to redraw its voting maps for Congress, voters and advocates blasted lawmakers for pushing to eliminate majority-Black seats.
Tim Walz Minnesota forcing teachers to abide by ‘horribly disgusting,’ ‘crazy’ race standard, says lawmaker
Minnesota public school teachers must assess how their biases perpetuate oppression under state licensing standards tied to Gov. Tim Walz's tenure.
Privacy Law Expansion Has Major Business Implications » CBIA
State lawmakers passed an expansive consumer privacy and consumer protection measure that reshapes how businesses handle personal data.
Long-stalled transgender healthcare bill set for vote in Trenton
New Jersey lawmakers are scheduled to vote Monday on a bill intended to protect healthcare for transgender people and those who provide it.