LND topic: federal-policy page 1

federal policy

New Mexico's Cannabis Industry: Caught in a Federal Fiasco

December 21, 2025

New Mexico's cannabis industry is booming, raking in over $1. 4 billion in sales by mid-2025. This growth has created jobs, boosted tax revenue, and empowered small businesses, especially in rural areas. However, just 60 miles north, at U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checkpoints, this pro

health

Monkeys in Labs: A Big Change in How We Do Science

November 30, 2025

A big shift is happening in how the government does science. The CDC, a major health agency, has decided to stop using monkeys in their research. This is a huge deal because for years, they've been using these animals to test new medicines and treatments. The decision came from Robert F. Kennedy Jr

health

Healthcare Hurdles: Norfolk Families Face Tough Choices

November 26, 2025

In Norfolk, a tough situation is unfolding. Many families, like Kathleen Winters' family, are feeling the pinch. They earn a decent income, around $100, 000 a year. But they might have to pay a lot more for health insurance soon. This is because some help from the government, called tax credits, is

education

Native Education Programs: A Shift Without a Plan?

November 21, 2025

Tribal leaders are upset. They say the Education Department didn't talk to them before moving Native American education programs to other agencies. This move affects schools and colleges that serve Native students. The Education Department says it will hand over programs to the Department of Labor a

environment

Costly Climate Calamities: A Record-Breaking Start to the Year

October 22, 2025

The first half of the year has been a costly one for the United States, with weather disasters causing over $100 billion in damage. This is the most expensive start to any year on record. Fourteen separate disasters each caused at least $1 billion in damage. This is a stark reminder of the increasin

business

Eklutna Tribe's Casino Plans Hit a Snag

October 17, 2025

The Eklutna Tribe's dream of building a permanent casino in Birchwood has hit a roadblock. A recent federal decision has put their plans on hold, leaving everyone guessing about what's next. The tribe had big plans for a new, permanent casino. They wanted to build a large gaming hall with hundreds

education

A Look at Declining Student Scores and What It Means

September 9, 2025

Recent data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reveals a troubling trend: student scores in science, math, and reading have dropped significantly since 2019. This decline is evident across different grade levels, with eighth-graders' science scores falling by 4 points and 12

health

What Do People Think About the Medicaid Sterilization Rule?

June 27, 2025

The Medicaid program has a rule. It says people must wait 30 days before they can get sterilized. This rule is not popular with everyone. Some people who might use Medicaid think it's unfair. They have different reasons for feeling this way. First, some people need sterilization for health reasons.

technology

AI Clash: US Lawmakers Push to Block Chinese Tech

June 26, 2025

The US is stepping up its game in the AI world. Lawmakers from both major parties are teaming up to keep Chinese AI systems out of US government hands. They're serious about this. They see AI as a big deal in the ongoing tech rivalry between the US and China. This push comes after a Chinese startup

health

Vaping Regulations: What's Changed and Why It Matters

February 12, 2025

The US has been busy making changes to how electronic nicotine delivery systems, or ENDS, are sold and marketed. First, a nicotine warning statement became mandatory in September 2018. This was a big deal because it meant companies had to clearly state the risks of nicotine. Then, in December 2019,