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#MeToo in the Statehouse: At Least 16 Men Are Gone, But the Harassment Culture Isn’t
Former state Rep. Tony Cornish, a Republican from Minnesota, resigned in November after sexual harassment allegations. The state is one of many considering policy changes since the start of the #MeToo movement. Glen Stubbe/Star Tribune via AP In March, former Minnesota state Rep. Tony Cornish made a surprise visit to the state Capitol, where he […]
Work Requirements for Medicaid Are Now OK in Four States
A doctor examines a Medicaid patient at the Heart City Health Center in Elkhart, Indiana. Indiana and other states are enacting stricter Medicaid requirements. Zbigniew Bzdak/Chicago Tribune/TNS via Getty Images New Hampshire has become the fourth state to get approval from the federal government to require some Medicaid recipients to work. The Centers for Medicare […]
In Rural Areas Hit Hard by Opioids, a New Source of Hope
A young man enters the Connections Withdrawal Management Center in Harrington, Delaware. The center received a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is prioritizing projects related to opioid addiction under two of its grant and loan programs. Connections Community Support Programs For people addicted to opioids, the first time in detox isn’t necessarily […]
Outdoor Recreation Driving Population Boom in Rural Areas
Dan McAllister climbs a hill in Lone Pine State Park in Montana. McAllister is one of many who have moved to Flathead County, Montana, recently to take advantage of year-round recreational opportunities. The Pew Charitable Trusts FLATHEAD VALLEY, Mont. — It’s a Monday evening and Dan McAllister is charging up a mountain in Lone Pine […]
Tiny Towns, Small States Bet on Bitcoin Even as Some Shun Its Miners
Workers look over racks of bitcoin data miners during construction of a bitcoin data center in Virginia Beach, Virginia. While some places are shunning mining companies, others are embracing any blockchain-related new businesses. Steve Helber/AP Things have been kind of crazy in Massena, New York, since the bitcoin miners came to town. So crazy that […]
Yes, Bookmobiles Are Still a Thing. (We Checked.)
Children pick out books on the Graves County bookmobile as the librarian, Sandra Hennessee, looks on. The Pew Charitable Trusts MAYFIELD, Ky. — The van comes to a stop just as it reaches the hens. A bleating lamb is the first to greet Sandra Hennessee as she opens the van door and lets in the […]
Nobody Knows How Many Kids Get Caught With Guns in School. Here’s Why.
Student survivors from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School are greeted as they arrive at a rally for gun control reform on the steps of the state Capitol, in Tallahassee, Florida. No one really knows how often students are caught with guns at school because there is no good national data. Gerald Herbert/The Associated Press Editor’s […]
Why Statehouse Interns Are Especially Vulnerable to Sexual Harassment
Georgia legislative interns receive a tour of the state Capitol in 2015. The #MeToo movement has drawn new attention to the workplace rights of unpaid interns, who often don’t have the same civil protections as employees. David Goldman/The Associated Press Near the end of the Colorado legislative session last year, one of Democratic state Rep. […]
European Union Joins U.S. States in Considering End to Daylight Saving Time
Ray Harwood is fascinated by time. The Arizona resident is one of a few hobbyists who have been tracking the movement across the country to abolish daylight saving time, or keep it year-round. Jen Fifield, The Pew Charitable Trusts As some U.S. states consider ending daylight saving time, the European Union is also reviewing whether […]
Taxpayers Don’t Want to Pay for Lawmakers’ Sexual Misdeeds, But Alternatives Pose Problems
Arizona state Rep. Don Shooter, a Republican, drops his mic after voting no on a resolution that expelled him from the Legislature after he was accused of sexual harassment. Some states are considering proposals that would bar the use of taxpayer money to pay for sexual harassment settlements involving lawmakers. Bob Christie, The Associated Press […]
Where the Work-for-Welfare Movement is Heading
Sunny Larson, left, and Zak McCutcheon gather provisions at a food bank in Maine. Some state lawmakers are proposing new work requirements for people receiving food stamps. Robert F. Bukaty, The Associated Press Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story contained an error in the “Work Status” graphic. It was updated on 1/26/2018 to […]
Proposed Bans on Ivory Sales Halted by Interest Groups
A New York State Environmental Conservation officer salutes as an ivory sculpture rolls into a crusher. The state is one of six that have enacted bans on the sale of African elephant ivory. © Mary Altaffer, The Associated Press Steve Powers hasn’t eaten meat in 30 years, and he doesn’t wear animal products. And when […]