STATE POLICIES

May 23 2025HEALTH

Laws and LGBTQ+ Mental Health: A Hidden Impact

The mental health of LGBTQ+ adults is a pressing issue. Many states have recently passed laws that directly affect transgender and non-binary individuals. These laws can have a significant impact on the mental well-being of the entire LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community includes people who are not heterosexual and those who are not cisgender. This group fa...

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May 19 2025POLITICS

The Pipeline Debate: Energy Solutions or Political Games?

In the northeast of the United States, energy costs are through the roof. Some people think the Constitution Pipeline could be the answer. This pipeline would transport natural gas from Pennsylvania to New York. Proponents argue that it could lower energy prices significantly. However, critics aren't so sure. They point out that customers would have to chip in fo...

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Jan 18 2025HEALTH

Opioid Policies: Do They Really Make a Difference?

Have you ever wondered if the policies your state puts in place actually affect how many opioids are being dispensed? Well, let's dive into that! States have been trying out various policies to change how opioids are prescribed, but not many studies have looked at how effective these policies are in reducing the amount of opioids given out. You might be thinking, wh...

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Jan 10 2025HEALTH

Undocumented Patients Face Barriers to Lifesaving Stem Cell Transplants

In the United States, people without proper documentation who are dealing with blood cancers often struggle to get a potentially life-saving stem cell transplant. Instead, they're often stuck with less effective treatments that have a higher chance of being fatal. This situation is largely overlooked despite the significant impact federal and state policies have on t...

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Nov 26 2024CRIME

Weed and Booze: How Enforcement Works in the U. S.

As more and more states legalize marijuana for adult use, the tasks of state and local police are shifting. We took a look at how different states and local areas handle the enforcement of cannabis and alcohol laws, both where weed is legal and where it isn't. In states where marijuana is legal, cops have to focus more on keeping it out of the hands of minors and ma...

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Nov 25 2024POLITICS

E-Cigarette Taxes: A Patchwork Quilt Across the States

Ever wondered why e-cigarette taxes vary so much from state to state? Well, by the end of 2023, 30 states had their own unique ways of taxing these devices. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which have a standard tax rate across the country, e-cigarette taxes are all over the place. Some states tax the liquid and containers, while others tax the wholesale or retail sale...

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Oct 12 2024FINANCE

China's Finance Minister Teases Deficit Increase Amid Economic Concerns

China's Finance Minister Lan Fo'an hinted at increasing the deficit during a recent press briefing, suggesting greater fiscal flexibility. He stressed that the opportunity to do so is "quite substantial," but further discussions are ongoing. Economists have been calling for more financial backing from the government, and investors were hoping for a significant stimul...

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