States Newsroom
Coverage of States Newsroom in the Nexus archive.
- ICE arrests reach new high
Immigration arrests in the U.S. reached a record high in June with over 43,000 arrests, and early July data suggests a potential monthly total of 49,000. The increase, part of a Trump administration enforcement push, followed fatal shootings during traffic stops and led to mandates for ICE officers to wear body cameras. Statistics reveal less than a third of detainees have criminal convictions, while the Supreme Court is set to rule on the legality of mandatory detention policies.
- In Indiana, a US citizen needed to prove her right to vote
Indiana election officials have canceled or rejected voter registrations for hundreds of immigrant residents under a proof of citizenship law. Charrie Stambaugh, a U.S. citizen for nearly 30 years, had her registration canceled despite voting regularly. The law resulted in 981 existing voter cancellations and 644 rejected registrations, affecting about 62% of 2,602 processed cases.
- ICE arrests reach new high
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reported record immigration arrests in June 2023, with over 43,000 arrests, and a daily average of 1,593 arrests in early July. The surge in enforcement led to deaths during traffic stops and controversial arrests, including a nun in Texas and an Alaska state attorney, while court-ordered bond hearings freed approximately 2,000 detainees monthly.
- In Indiana, a US citizen needed to prove her right to vote
Indiana election officials canceled or rejected voter registrations for hundreds of immigrant Hoosiers under a recent proof of citizenship law. Charrie Stambaugh, a U.S. citizen for nearly three decades, had her voter registration canceled despite voting in every election since becoming eligible.
- ICEd Out: ‘Who holds them accountable?’ (Part 3)
Residents of Tremont Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, express concern over a proposed ICE detention center, citing lack of public input and fears of past exploitation by unwanted industries. The issue is explored in a podcast series 'ICEd Out' by the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, highlighting community resistance and accountability concerns regarding local officials and the Department of Homeland Security.
- In Indiana, a US citizen needed to prove her right to vote
Indiana election officials have canceled or rejected voter registrations for hundreds of immigrant residents under a proof of citizenship law. Charrie Stambaugh, a U.S. citizen for nearly three decades, had her voter registration canceled despite voting regularly. Over 62% of 2,602 processed individuals were impacted, with 981 existing voters and 644 prospective voters affected.
- Gov. Beshear asks McConnell to update Kentuckians about his health
Governor Andy Beshear requested Senator Mitch McConnell to provide an update on his health after he was hospitalized 24 days ago. Beshear emphasized the need for transparency regarding McConnell's condition amid media speculation.
- Goodbye eight and hello nine
The Florida Phoenix reflects on its eighth year of journalism, highlighting awards for health care reporting, new staff additions, and coverage of statewide events like the No Kings Day rallies and legislative sessions. The outlet emphasizes its commitment to free, nonprofit reporting on issues affecting Floridians.
- America’s 250th birthday is on sale. Where’s all that merch money going?
America’s 250th birthday merchandise is being sold by America250 (a nonprofit) and Freedom 250 (a Trump-linked LLC), with $10 million in taxpayer funds reportedly transferred between the entities. Neither organization provided full transparency on how proceeds are distributed, and 850 items are available from America250’s online store.
- America’s 250th birthday is on sale. Where’s all that merch money going?
America250, a nonprofit established by Congress, and Freedom 250, a limited liability company linked to President Donald Trump, are both selling merchandise for the United States' 250th anniversary. At least $10 million in taxpayer funds has been transferred from America250 to Freedom 250, with no clear accounting of how money is distributed between entities.
- America’s 250th birthday is on sale. Where’s all that merch money going?
America’s 250th birthday merchandise is being sold by America250 (a nonprofit) and Freedom250 (a Trump-linked LLC), with taxpayer funds flowing between them. Critics highlight a lack of transparency in how money is distributed, while the nonprofits claim partnerships aim to expand public engagement in the commemoration.
- More states expand PTSD treatment options for first responders
More states are expanding PTSD treatment options for first responders by adopting laws that include medical marijuana protections and psychedelic therapy research. Maryland and Ohio have enacted measures to support mental health, while Connecticut and Missouri are exploring psilocybin and ibogaine therapies for eligible first responders and veterans.
- As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of detention center conditions
The Trump administration's expanded immigrant detention program has drawn complaints of inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities, including the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia. Aliaksei Scharbachenia, a Belarusian detainee, reported panic attacks, medical neglect, and solitary confinement, while ICE has not responded to questions about his treatment or a reported deportation attempt.
- As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of ICE detention center conditions
The Trump administration's expanded immigration detention program, now holding 68,000 immigrants, has drawn complaints about inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at ICE facilities. Aliaksei Scharbachenia, detained at the Farmville Detention Center, reports panic attacks, denied medication, and solitary confinement after sharing immigration rights information.
- As Trump’s immigration dragnet grows, so do complaints of detention center conditions
The Trump administration's expanded immigration detention program has led to reports of inhumane conditions and inadequate medical care at facilities like the Farmville Detention Center in Virginia. Aliaksei Scharbachenia, a Belarusian detainee, described panic attacks, unaddressed medical issues, and solitary confinement after sharing legal information with new detainees. ICE did not respond to questions about his treatment or a reported deportation attempt.
- Southern Poverty Law Center names Ryan Haygood president and CEO
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has named Ryan Haygood as its new president and CEO, succeeding Bryan Fair. Haygood, currently CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, will take office in August as the organization faces an 11-count indictment related to a program using paid informants. The SPLC denies the charges, which include wire fraud and money laundering.
- Housing starts sink to pandemic levels as builders worry about inflation
May housing starts in the U.S. fell to their lowest level since the pandemic, with an annual rate of 1.17 million, an 8.5% drop from May 2025. Builder confidence has declined due to higher material and financing costs, threatening housing progress and worsening shortages, particularly in the South and West.
- Housing starts sink to pandemic levels as builders worry about inflation
Housing starts in May fell to pandemic levels, with an annual rate of 1.17 million units, an 8.5% drop from May 2025, driven by higher material and financing costs. The South and West saw significant declines, while the Northeast and Midwest reported increases. Builder confidence is waning, threatening progress in addressing housing shortages.
- Supreme Court agrees to weigh in on case over rights of some in ‘prolonged’ ICE detention
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a case involving the prolonged detention of a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic by ICE, who was held for 21 months after an assault conviction. An appeals court previously ruled that unreasonably prolonged detention requires a bond hearing with 'clear and convincing evidence' from the government. The Supreme Court also questioned whether the immigrant's 2020 release renders the case moot.
- Housing starts sink to pandemic levels as builders worry about inflation
May housing starts fell to the lowest level since the pandemic, with an 8.5% annual decline and regional drops in the South and West. Builder confidence has declined due to higher material and financing costs, threatening housing shortages and progress in new housing construction.
- Housing starts sink to pandemic levels as builders worry about inflation
Housing starts in May fell to the lowest level since the pandemic, with an annual rate of 1.17 million units, driven by higher material and financing costs. The decline was most severe in the South and West, though the Northeast saw a 19% increase. The drop threatens to worsen housing shortages and disrupt progress in meeting housing demand.
- Election officials reel over ‘logistical nightmare’ as Trump’s mail ballot order takes shape
President Trump's executive order requiring states to provide voter lists for USPS to deliver mail ballots has created uncertainty among election officials. The order, part of broader efforts to assert federal control over state-run elections, faces legal challenges and raises logistical challenges, particularly in rural areas.
- Local election officials reel over ‘logistical nightmare’ of Trump’s vote-by-mail order
President Trump's executive order restricting mail-in voting by requiring states to provide voter lists has created logistical challenges for election officials preparing for midterms. The order, which mandates compliance with specific ballot delivery rules, faces legal challenges as states and voting rights groups argue it oversteps federal authority. The U.S. Postal Service has not responded to questions about implementing the requirements.
- Local election officials in Pa. and elsewhere reel over ‘logistical nightmare’ of Trump’s vote-by-mail order
President Donald Trump's executive order requiring the U.S. Postal Service to restrict mail-in ballot deliveries has created uncertainty for election officials, who face logistical challenges in complying with new requirements. The order mandates states provide voter lists and meet design standards for ballots, prompting legal battles and criticism from Democratic states and voting rights groups.
- Supreme Court agrees to weigh in on case over rights of some in ‘prolonged’ ICE detention
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a case (Genalo v. Black) involving a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic detained for 21 months after an assault conviction, with an appeals court ruling that prolonged detention requires a bond hearing. The Court is also considering whether the immigrant's 2020 release makes the case moot.
- Supreme Court agrees to weigh in on case over rights of some in ‘prolonged’ ICE detention
The U.S. Supreme Court will review a case involving the prolonged detention of noncitizens with criminal records, specifically whether they are entitled to bond hearings. The case, Genalo v. Black, centers on a legal immigrant from the Dominican Republic detained for 21 months after an assault conviction. The court also questioned if the immigrant’s 2020 release renders the case moot.
- Supreme Court agrees to weigh in on case over rights of some in ‘prolonged’ ICE detention
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed to review a case involving the prolonged detention of noncitizens by ICE, specifically legal immigrant Genalo from the Dominican Republic, who was detained for 21 months after an assault conviction. An appeals court previously ruled that 'unreasonably prolonged' detention requires a bond hearing, but the Supreme Court questioned if the immigrant's 2020 release rendered the case moot.
- Firearms drive majority of veteran suicides, federal data shows
Firearms are used in approximately three-quarters of veteran suicides in the U.S., up from two-thirds in 2001, according to a new analysis of federal data. The report by Everytown for Gun Safety highlights that veterans account for nearly 20% of firearm suicide deaths nationwide despite comprising a small share of the population.
- ‘Better, not bitter:’ Why a redistricted lawmaker keeps fighting
Louisiana Representative Cleo Fields discusses his continued advocacy for voting rights after his district was redrawn following a Supreme Court decision impacting the Voting Rights Act. The article highlights redistricting efforts in Louisiana and South Carolina and features insights from journalists covering related developments.
- Nearly half of adults struggled to afford healthcare last year, survey finds
A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with disparities based on insurance type, disability status, race, and health conditions. Uninsured adults (60%) and those with disabilities (69%) faced the highest affordability challenges, while regions like the South and rural areas reported higher issues compared to urban areas.
- Nearly half of adults struggled to afford healthcare last year, survey finds
A 2025 survey of 10,000 U.S. adults found 46% struggled to afford healthcare, with 60% of uninsured adults facing affordability issues. Disparities existed across insurance types, disabilities, race, and health conditions, with over 70% of those with strokes or COPD reporting challenges. High deductibles and premium increases in Marketplace plans were also highlighted.
- Gov. Ayotte Signs Bill to Give Retired Grandparents Access to State Childcare Scholarship
New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed Senate Bill 608, allowing retired grandparents to access the state's childcare scholarship program by removing the work requirement for kinship caregivers at federal retirement age. Eligible families must still meet income thresholds of 85% or less of the state median income, and the law requests federal approval to expand family care support services under specific waiver programs.
- Preliminary FBI data shows a sharp drop in violent crime
Preliminary FBI data shows a 9.3% decline in overall violent crime in 2025 compared to 2024, with murders dropping 18.1% and property crime falling 12.4%. The data, covering 96% of the U.S. population, aligns with projections from the Council on Criminal Justice, which suggested 2025 may have the lowest homicide rate in over a century.