LEGISLATION

May 04 2026POLITICS

Iowa passes strict new criminal laws

Iowa just approved a set of new penalties for crimes that supporters call "firm but fair" and critics warn could fill prisons faster than they can handle. The changes include longer sentences for violent acts and stricter rules for repeat offenders. Lawmakers debated for weeks before pushing it thro

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May 01 2026POLITICS

New Farm Bill Passes House Without Pesticide Protection Rule

The U. S. House of Representatives recently approved a new five-year farm bill, but not without first removing a controversial clause that would have shielded pesticide manufacturers from certain lawsuits. The vote moves the bill closer to becoming law, though it still needs Senate approval before h

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Apr 29 2026POLITICS

Fixing Michigan’s old dams: Why a billion-dollar plan matters

Michigan has over 2, 500 dams, most built more than a century ago to power mills or control water. Many now leak, crack, or no longer serve their original purpose. Between 2021 and today, the state spent $44. 5 million trying to fix the worst ones. Experts say that’s not nearly enough. A new report

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Apr 26 2026POLITICS

Trump’s Crypto Push Faces Pushback While He Courts Big Names

A private event at Trump’s Florida club over the weekend brought together crypto bigwigs and political figures, including the former president himself. The gathering wasn’t just about networking—it was a stage for Trump to defend his stance on crypto regulations. He made it clear that bank lobbyists

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Apr 25 2026CRIME

Tennessee joins Indiana in blocking Bitcoin ATMs over scam worries

Tennessee just made it illegal to own or run a Bitcoin ATM starting July 1. The law treats it like a minor crime, similar to simple drug possession. State leaders say those machines are too often used to trick people—especially older adults—out of their savings. In 2023, U. S. seniors lost $257 mill

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Apr 25 2026POLITICS

New U. S. Bill Aims to Protect Worshippers From Protests Outside Churches and Mosques

A proposed federal law wants to create a 100-foot safe zone around every church, mosque, and synagogue in America. The goal is to stop protests near worshippers, but critics say it could limit free speech. The bill, called the SACRED Act, makes it a crime to come within 8 feet of someone entering or

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Apr 24 2026ENVIRONMENT

Saving a lake: why Utah’s new water rules could make a difference

For years, people living near the Great Salt Lake barely noticed it shrinking. The smell and dust storms felt like normal parts of life in northern Utah. But as the water vanished, so did the lake’s hidden value—supporting wildlife, local jobs, and even the air people breathe. Instead of waiting for

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Apr 23 2026HEALTH

Future Smokers Won’t Be Allowed to Buy Cigarettes

The UK Parliament has just approved a new law that will stop people born after December 31, 2008 from ever buying cigarettes. The bill is called the Tobacco and Vapes Bill. It will be signed by King Charles III as a formality, but the change is real and soon to take effect. The new rules let the

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Apr 23 2026POLITICS

How D. C. is debating curfews for young people

The D. C. Council moved closer to making youth curfews permanent after eight members voted in favor during a recent meeting. If approved again in May, the rule would go into effect later this year but still needs approval from Congress. Not everyone agrees with the idea. Some council members pointed

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Apr 23 2026BUSINESS

Colorado Considers Rules Against Price Tricks That Watch Your Every Move

Colorado lawmakers are trying to stop companies from spying on shoppers just to charge more. A proposed bill, HB 1210, would ban the use of algorithms that adjust prices for groceries, hotels, and other goods based on personal data. The idea is to prevent stores from charging one person more because

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