Madyson Fitzgerald

He Spent Funds Meant for Native Hawaiians on Polo and Porsches. The Federal Government Failed to Stop Him. A small business program allowed Christopher Dawson to win big contracts if he promised to uplift Native Hawaiians. Instead, federal prosecutors allege, he used the money to line his own pockets.

NEW: Christopher Dawson won hundreds of millions in federal contracts, promising to help Native Hawaiians.

Documents suggest he pocketed the profits to invest in a beachfront horse farm and luxury homes.

With @civilbeat.bsky.social

SEATED!

'Age of darkness and deceit': DeSantis proposes 'AI bill of rights' in crack down • Florida Phoenix Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday an artificial intelligence "bill of rights" to stymie unfettered AI growth, crack down on sexual AI chatbots, and restrict AI data centers in Florida.

ICYMI: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed an artificial intelligence “bill of rights” to stymie unfettered AI growth.

The legislative proposals come in sharp contrast to the pro-tech push marking President Donald Trump’s second term.

via @floridaphoenix.com

floridaphoenix.com/2025/12/04/a...

Shield laws have held up so far, but a new anti-abortion Texas statute means to test them A law set to take effect in early December gives Texans the power to sue anyone involved in mailing abortion pills to the state, from drug companies to doctors. Whether Texas’ statute can puncture oth...

A law set to take effect tomorrow gives Texans the power to sue anyone involved in mailing abortion pills to the state, from drug companies to doctors. HB7 is the latest attempt to test shield laws.
www.newsfromthestates.com/article/shie...

This year, we've worked harder than ever to bring you the latest in state policy news from across the country.

If you've shared one of our stories or subscribed to our newsletters, consider giving to Stateline today!

www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8UHUXke/... I am looking to interview people who have sought health care at crisis pregnancy centers, intentionally or unintentionally, and want to talk about their experience. If you or someone you know might be interested, please email or DM #pregnant #news #trending #healthcare

North Dakota on track to be first in nation with 100% broadband internet access • North Dakota Monitor North Dakota is on schedule to have high-speed internet access in 100% of the state by 2028 thanks to recently approved federal funding.

BEAD in ND: North Dakota is on track to become the first state in the nation with high-speed internet access in 100% of the state by 2028.

via @northdakotamonitor.com

northdakotamonitor.com/2025/12/01/n...

4 Republican states will help Homeland Security obtain driver’s license records • Stateline Four Republican states have agreed to help the Trump administration gain access to state driver’s license data through a nationwide law enforcement computer network as part of the administration’s hun...

From @jonshorman.bsky.social: Four Republican states have agreed to help the Trump administration gain access to state driver’s license data through a nationwide law enforcement computer network as part of the administration’s hunt for alleged noncitizen voters.

stateline.org/2025/12/01/4...

Despite widespread interest, only 3 states passed license plate reader laws this year • Stateline Lawmakers in at least 16 states this year introduced bills to regulate the use of automated license plate readers responsible for collecting large amounts of data on drivers across the country. But ju...

This year, lawmakers in at least 16 states introduced bills to regulate the use of automated license plate readers responsible for collecting large amounts of data on drivers across the country.

Read my recent report from @stateline.org:

stateline.org/2025/10/10/d...

Washington lawmakers want to regulate license plate readers • Washington State Standard Washington state lawmakers next year hope to rein in law enforcements’ use of automated license plate readers.

Washington state lawmakers next year hope to rein in law enforcements’ use of automated license plate readers amid revelations federal immigration authorities are using the data.

via @washingtonstatestandard.com

washingtonstatestandard.com/2025/12/01/w...

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📣 Last week, we kicked off Stateline’s year-end fundraising drive. Between now and Dec. 31, we’re looking for 100 donors to power our nonprofit newsroom into the new year.

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Why ‘clearance rates’ don’t tell the whole story about solving crimes • Stateline Police departments’ “clearance rates” — the percentage of cases they declare closed — are one of the most widely cited benchmarks for how effectively they combat crime. But the figures can be confusing — and in some cases misleading.

From Amanda Watford: Police clearance rates are among the most commonly cited measures of how effectively law enforcement solves crimes — but what do they really mean?

https://stateline.org/2025/11/24/why-clearance-rates-dont-tell-the-whole-story-about-solving-crimes/

AI vs. AI: Patients deploy bots to battle health insurers that deny care • Stateline As states strive to curb health insurers’ use of artificial intelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical bil...

From @acvollers.bsky.social + @stateline.org: Businesses and nonprofits have launched AI-powered tools to help patients get their insurance claims paid and navigate medical bills.

stateline.org/2025/11/20/p...

AI vs. AI: Patients deploy bots to battle health insurers that deny care • Stateline As states strive to curb health insurers’ use of artificial intelligence, patients and doctors are arming themselves with AI tools to fight claims denials, prior authorizations and soaring medical bills.

Health care is becoming a battle of the bots: As insurers use algorithms to cut costs, patients are using AI to push back against denied claims and soaring medical bills, Anna Claire Vollers reports.

https://stateline.org/2025/11/20/patients-deploy-bots-to-battle-health-insurers-that-deny-care/

North Carolina becomes latest state to offer residents help with online skills • Stateline North Carolina published statewide digital skills standards last month that identify key knowledge and abilities for residents and will soon launch an online course, joining a number of states that ar...

ICYMI: North Carolina published statewide digital skills standards last month that identify key knowledge and abilities for residents and will soon launch an online course, joining a number of states that are hoping to strengthen digital literacy.

stateline.org/2025/11/17/n...

More data centers are being built nationwide to meet the demand for digital services, including power-hungry artificial intelligence systems.

In my latest for @stateline.org, I spoke with local leaders and advocates who want more say on where and how data centers are built in their communities.

Data center growth drives locals to fight for more say • Stateline Even as some state lawmakers are rushing to pass legislation that would accelerate the development of data center infrastructure, communities across the country are taking steps to ensure they have a say in where and how data centers are built.

From Madyson Fitzgerald: While some state lawmakers are pushing legislation that would accelerate data center development, local communities across the country are taking steps to ensure they have a say.

https://stateline.org/2025/11/17/data-center-growth-drives-locals-to-fight-for-more-say/

What's in Ohio's proposal banning AI personhood • Ohio Capital Journal An Ohio state lawmaker is trying to ensure people, businesses or developers are held accountable for what they do with artificial intelligence. In effect, his bill aims to outlaw “it wasn’t me, the AI...

AI in OH: An Ohio state lawmaker wants to ensure people, businesses or developers are held accountable for what they do with artificial intelligence.

In effect, his bill aims to outlaw “it wasn’t me, the AI did it” as a legal defense. (@ohiocapitaljournal.com)
ohiocapitaljournal.com/2025/11/17/w...

end of fall (my kodak ektar h35)

From @pluribusnews.bsky.social: State lawmakers and advocates are preparing a legislative blitz in 2026 targeting AI chatbots.

pluribusnews.com/news-and-eve...

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The midterm ballot measure battles have already begun • Stateline A year out from the 2026 midterm elections, legal fights and procedural maneuvering over ballot measures and referendums are already well underway in states across the country.

A year out from the 2026 midterm elections, legal fights and procedural maneuvering over ballot measures and referendums are already well underway in states across the country, Jonathan Shorman reports.

https://stateline.org/2025/11/10/the-midterm-ballot-measure-battles-have-already-begun/

States face uncertainty as Trump administration tries to reverse SNAP food payments States are facing uncertainty about providing full monthly benefits for a federal food program serving 42 million Americans.

BREAKING: Federal appeals court says full SNAP benefits must be paid for November. The Trump administration is expected to appeal.

Kendrick Lamar, in a dark shirt and beanie, raps into a microphone onstage with a large crowd visible behind him. A headline reads: Kendrick Lamar Leads the 2026 Grammy Nominees. See the Full List." Photo by Graham Dickie/The New York Times.

Kendrick Lamar, Bad Bunny and Lady Gaga lead this year’s Grammy nominations. See the full list of nominees ahead of next year's ceremony in February. nyti.ms/47LJRX2

#noticing...

Four Governors Whose States Rely on PJM Want Data Centers to Guarantee Their Own Power - Inside Climate News The governors are exploring fast track approval for data centers that agree to deliver dependable power to the grid as part of the connection process.

ICYMI: Four governors are exploring fast track approval for data centers that agree to deliver dependable power to the grid as part of the connection process.

via @insideclimatenews.org

insideclimatenews.org/news/3010202...

Colorado food banks begin work to meet increased need as SNAP benefits pause | Colorado Newsline More Coloradans are turning to food banks for groceries as federal food assistance benefits pause during the government shutdown.

"What bills will I have to skip to make sure there is food in the fridge for the kids?" said Angel Rojas at the Weld Food Bank on Monday. About 600K Coloradans, like Rojas, rely on SNAP benefits, which paused due to the federal government shutdown.
By @sarawilson.bsky.social

Domestic violence in Native communities is focus of new survey • Stateline Abigail Echo-Hawk, director of the Urban Indian Health Institute, recalled a Native mother in her 30s who started having memory loss and other dementia-like symptoms. The woman had suffered multiple b...

Violence is a public health crisis among American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian women. A new survey looks at traumatic brain injuries.

from @stateline.org
stateline.org/2025/10/31/d...

NAACP sues Virginia officials, accusing them of disenfranchising student voters The NAACP has sued Virginia state election officials, accusing them of disenfranchising students by rejecting voter registration forms from students that do not include details like dormitory names, room numbers and campus mailbox information.

GOP-led states are blocking college students from registering to vote with campus addresses.

In the context of broader attacks on vote-by-mail and early voting, these efforts will systematically disenfranchise young people across the US.

www.reuters.com/legal/govern...

THREAD 🧵

On Nov. 7, we’re launching Stories From The States, a new weekly podcast designed to help you make sense of the dizzying swirl of news happening in our country.