Across America 1/12-19

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Feel the pulse of America with stories from all 50 states

1. Alabama

Birmingham Biotechnology Hub has secured a $43.6 million grant to strengthen the state's biotechnology ecosystem. The funding will support collaborative biotech research and development efforts across central Alabama, with potential for significant economic growth and job creation. Source: Alabama Political Reporter

2. Alaska

Anchorage and surrounding areas were hit by hurricane-force winds reaching up to 129 mph, causing widespread damage including downed trees and power outages affecting 17,500 homes. The Rabbit Creek Pedestrian Bridge along the Seward Highway partially collapsed, and restoration efforts are ongoing. Source: New York Post

3. Arizona

An endangered Mexican long-nosed bat species has been discovered in Portal, making visits to hummingbird feeders. The finding, verified by Bat Conservation International and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, expands the known habitat range for this species. The discovery resulted from collaboration between wildlife biologists, Northern Arizona University researchers, and community volunteers. Source: Arizona Central

4. Arkansas

Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders' 2026 reelection campaign has raised over $1 million in contributions during the first two weeks of January through kickoff fundraisers in Little Rock and Jonesboro. Sanders, who previously served as White House press secretary for President Trump, expressed gratitude for the support and emphasized her administration's ongoing work. Source: Arkansas Online

5. California

The National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch for Southern California, effective from Monday 4 p.m. until Tuesday noon. The warning covers areas including Santa Clarita Valley and Ventura County Beaches. Source: Sacramento Bee

6. Colorado

Contract negotiations between King Soopers and its union workers have reached an impasse as the existing contract expired without a new agreement, raising concerns about potential labor disputes and disruptions to grocery services. Source: Colorado Public Radio

7. Connecticut

The state has launched an Online AI Academy to advance artificial intelligence education, amid emerging differences between Governor Ned Lamont and lawmakers regarding the regulation of generative AI technologies. Source: CT Mirror

8. Delaware

The Department of Correction has initiated a Tattoo Artist Career Pathway Program at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center, training six inmates to become professional tattoo artists as part of efforts to provide skills for societal reintegration. Source: First State Update

9. Florida

A legal challenge has been mounted against Florida's new law requiring age verification for adult website access, with opponents citing First Amendment concerns. The case's outcome could significantly impact digital privacy and free speech rights in the state. Source: WFSU News

10. Georgia

Downtown Atlanta is preparing for tens of thousands of visitors attending Monday's College Football Playoff championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium between Ohio State and Notre Dame. Local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, have been preparing for months, hiring additional staff and increasing resources to accommodate the influx. Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution

11. Hawaii

Kīlauea Volcano on Hawaiʻi Island has resumed eruption activity, with lava fountains reaching heights of up to 200 feet. The USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory is providing a live stream of the volcanic activity for public viewing. Source: Newsweek

12. Idaho

A gold mine project has received federal approval to proceed despite objections from the Nez Perce tribe, who cite standing U.S. treaties. The decision has sparked concerns about potential environmental and cultural impacts. Source: Idaho Statesman

13. Illinois

Former House Speaker Michael Madigan has taken the stand in his corruption trial, facing questioning about an FBI recording and involvement of a government mole. His testimony is expected to extend the trial beyond its initially projected conclusion. Source: NPR Illinois

14. Indiana

House Bill 1069, introduced by Rep. Earl Harris Jr., proposes to authorize the Commission for Higher Education to implement caps on tuition rates and mandatory fees for Indiana residents pursuing bachelor's degrees. Source: Indiana Public Media

15. Iowa

A Des Moines tire manufacturing plant is offering voluntary buyouts to 130 employees due to agricultural economy downturn. The company attributes the decision to low crop prices and high borrowing costs affecting agricultural equipment demand. Source: Iowa Public Radio

16. Kansas

The state Senate is considering a constitutional amendment that would cap taxable property values, potentially leading to significant changes in property taxation across the state. Source: Heartland Citizen Journal

17. Kentucky

Kentucky will receive $110 million in a settlement with The Kroger Co. over allegations that the grocery chain contributed to the opioid epidemic. The funds will be used to combat opioid addiction across the state. Source: WUKY

18. Louisiana

Governor Jeff Landry has announced plans to relocate homeless individuals in New Orleans as part of Super Bowl LIX preparations. The initiative aims to provide shelter and services while preparing the city for visitors during the event. Source: KRVS

19. Maine

Hospital operators have expressed concern over Governor Janet Mills' proposed budget, which includes significant Medicaid reimbursement rate reductions for hospital-affiliated doctors. The cuts could result in a 36% decrease in payments, leading to an annual loss of $24 million for hospitals starting in 2026. Source: Press Herald

20. Maryland

Governor Moore has announced a $1 billion initiative to establish Maryland as the "quantum capital of the world." The investment will support quantum technologies research, development, and commercialization. Source: Office of Governor Wes Moore

21. Massachusetts

Boston is considering implementing a new tax on sugary beverages, with research indicating that higher prices on sweet drinks correlate with reduced consumption and potential health benefits for residents. Source: WBUR

22. Michigan

The Michigan Supreme Court has ruled in favor of increasing the state's minimum wage to $12 per hour starting in February, including plans to phase out the lower tipped wage rate. Source: Home

23. Minnesota

The state is experiencing prolonged subzero temperatures with wind chills making it feel like -20s to -30s across much of the region. More seasonable temperatures are expected to return later in the week. Source: Fox 9

24. Mississippi

The House of Representatives has passed House Bill 1, a $1.1 billion tax reform plan, with bipartisan support (88-24 vote). The bill would phase out state income tax over 10 years, reduce grocery tax, and increase sales and gasoline taxes. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration. Source: Mississippi Today

25. Missouri

Columbia Public School District is gathering feedback from parents and students regarding remote learning options to evaluate virtual education effectiveness and identify improvements. Source: KBIA

26. Montana

The state has set a new record with 63,814 new business registrations in 2024, exceeding the previous year's total by nearly 4,000, according to Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen. Source: Daily Montanan

27. Nebraska

The Custer County Chief newspaper in Broken Bow has seen positive results from its revival efforts, with subscriptions increasing by 70 despite a 40% increase in yearly subscription costs. The "Reviving Rural News" project, led by a University of Kansas professor, focuses on strengthening community connections and improving news coverage. Source: Nebraska Examiner

28. Nevada

The Southern Nevada Health District is urging Clark County residents to take precautions and get vaccinated amid a surge in respiratory viruses throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Source: Nevada Current

29. New Hampshire

A newly introduced bill would require students in the University System of New Hampshire and Community College System to pass the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services civics naturalization test before graduation. Source: NHPR

30. New Jersey

Governor Phil Murphy has proposed a statewide ban on cellphone usage in schools to improve student focus and academic performance. Source: 6abc

31. New Mexico

New Mexico State University's Grants campus has implemented a 40-foot container farm featuring vertical farming technology with LED lighting systems. The project, launched in early 2021, is part of NMSU's Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems, offering sustainable alternatives to traditional farming methods. Source: Roswell Daily Record

32. New York

An MTA bus was left hanging off an overpass near the Henry Hudson Parkway following a collision. The driver sustained minor injuries, and no passengers were aboard at the time. Source: News 12

33. North Carolina

Homeowners will face an average 15% increase in base insurance rates by mid-2026, implemented in two 7.5% phases in June 2025 and June 2026, following a settlement between the state Insurance Department and insurance industry. Source: Associated Press

34. North Dakota

A proposed bill aims to prevent the state from enforcing bans on baiting during hunting seasons, sparking debate among lawmakers and hunting enthusiasts. Source: InForum

35. Ohio

Anduril Industries will build "Arsenal 1," a 5-million-square-foot drone manufacturing facility near Columbus. The project, set to begin production in July 2026, represents the largest job creation initiative in Ohio's history with 4,000 new positions and a projected $2 billion annual economic impact. The development joins other major tech investments in the state's growing "silicon corridor." Source: AP News

36. Oklahoma

Eviction rates are rising post-pandemic, with over 48,000 evictions filed across the state last year, raising housing stability concerns. Source: KGOU

37. Oregon

A vendor data breach at Salem-Keizer School District has exposed sensitive information, including Social Security numbers, of thousands of employees. Source: Salem Reporter

38. Pennsylvania

The state Supreme Court will review the requirement for voters to include accurate dates on mail-in ballot return envelopes, a decision that could impact future elections. Source: Yahoo

39. Rhode Island

Taylor Swift is planning a $1.7 million renovation of her Watch Hill estate in Westerly, adding a bedroom and enlarging an existing suite for a 400-square-foot expansion. Source: SFGATE

40. South Carolina

Charlie Woods, son of golf legend Tiger Woods, is among 31 of the 50 top junior players entered in the 2025 Dustin Johnson World Junior Golf Championship at TPC Myrtle Beach, scheduled for February 28-March 2. Source: Count On 2 News

41. South Dakota

The legislature is considering a bill to prevent unauthorized access to farms, aimed at protecting agricultural operations from 'agro-terrorists' while raising questions about transparency and public interest. Source: South Dakota News Watch

42. Tennessee

The U.S. Department of Labor has increased scrutiny of child labor violations in the state, particularly within the slaughterhouse industry. Source: WPLN News

43. Texas

Fort Worth has surpassed Austin as the state's leading boomtown, with rapid growth driving increases in rent and home prices. Source: The Texas Tribune

44. Utah

The state has joined Texas and a nuclear start-up in challenging federal licensing procedures for nuclear facilities, seeking to facilitate small nuclear reactor development. Source: The Salt Lake Tribune

45. Vermont

The state's Tech Hub has received a $23.8 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to advance local semiconductor manufacturing. The investment will support chip design and manufacturing of GlobalFoundries' gallium nitride semiconductors. Source: VT Digger

46. Virginia

Patrick & Henry Community College has received a Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission grant to expand its building trades program to address skilled labor demand. Source: BTW21

47. Washington

Analysis shows a demographic shift in Washington state, with more Republicans leaving than moving in. The state ranks second only to Vermont in terms of becoming more Democratic due to migration patterns, while neighboring Idaho has become more Republican from net migration. Source: KUOW

48. West Virginia

The family of Governor Jim Justice has settled debts on The Greenbrier hotel, preventing foreclosure of the historic 710-room property known for hosting U.S. presidents and congressional retreats. The luxury resort is one of several business holdings of the Justice family. Source: Associated Press

49. Wisconsin

Milwaukee local officials have opposed the establishment of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility on the city's northwest side, citing concerns about community impact. Source: PBS Wisconsin

50. Wyoming

Representative Harriet Hageman has introduced bills to delist grizzly bears and oppose Biden administration's federal land management plans in southwest Wyoming and the Powder River Basin. Source: WyoFile

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