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Minimum wages are increasing in nearly half the states this year
The minimum wage will increase in nearly half the states this year even as the federal wage floor remains stuck at $7.25 per hour. In many states, the minimum wage is automatically adjusted upward as inflation rises. But voters in several states, including deeply red ones such as Alaska and Missouri, chose in November to […]
When business is booming but daily living is a struggle
This five-day series explores the priorities of voters in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as they consider the upcoming presidential election. With the outcome expected to be close, these 鈥渟wing states鈥 may decide the future of the country. ROCKY MOUNT, N.C. 鈥 The signs on the empty historic buildings envision an […]
The Deciders: The issues and states that will determine who wins the White House
Editor鈥檚 note: This series explores voter priorities in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin as they consider the upcoming presidential election and the nation鈥檚 future. With the outcome expected to be close, the 鈥渟wing states鈥 as they are called are often a bellwether for the country. It鈥檚 been a wild few months […]
More taxpayer money benefits pro sports owners amid 鈥榮tadium construction wave鈥
As sports stadiums built in the 1990s show their age, many professional sports teams are looking for new facilities 鈥 and public money to pay for them. 鈥淲e are just in the heating up phase of the next stadium construction wave,鈥 said J.C. Bradbury, a Kennesaw State University economics professor who has researched the issue. […]
Worries over secrecy grow as state officials shield records from the public
Just weeks after lawmakers in Little Rock passed legislation shielding certain state records from public disclosure, opponents launched an effort to amend the Arkansas Constitution to protect access to government documents. 鈥淭he coalition that鈥檚 coming together on this is about as broadly bipartisan as you could get 鈥 from the extreme, extreme right to the […]
鈥業 felt so naughty鈥: New open carry alcohol laws boost downtowns
Holly Smith Mount wanted to be first. Smith Mount, chair of the city council in Huntington, West Virginia, was determined to see her community launch the state鈥檚 initial outdoor drinking zone 鈥 an idea made possible only聽after the legislature changed the state鈥檚 alcohol law聽earlier this year. 鈥淚 will fully admit I鈥檓 very competitive,鈥 she told […]