Good morning, it’s Friday, June 20, 2025. In today’s edition, Rhode Island advances “green amendment”; Spanberger has huge cash edge in governor’s contest; U.S. Rep. LaHood considers Illinois governor bid:
Top Stories
ENVIRONMENT: Rhode Island lawmakers are considering a “green amendment” to guarantee residents the right to clean air and clean water. The state Senate this month adopted a measure that would go before voters if the House acts before the end of June. Rhode Island would follow Montana, Pennsylvania and New York, which have already enacted green amendments. (Pluribus News)
IMMIGRATION: The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled President Trump acted within his authority to federalize the California National Guard during immigration protests in Los Angeles. The unanimous decision from a three-judge panel pauses a lower court’s temporary restraining order against the Trump administration. (Sacramento Bee)
ABORTION: The Massachusetts Senate plans to vote next week on legislation shielding health care workers who provide abortion and transgender care from out-of-state legal action. The measure would bar state agencies from cooperating with federal or out-of-state investigations and require insurance companies to limit access to electronic medical records. (State House News Service)
HEALTH CARE: Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) has signed legislation barring pharmacy benefit managers from reducing reimbursements or penalizing pharmacies for selling lower cost alternatives. The bill allows patients to obtain medications from non-affiliated pharmacies and bars PBMs from discriminating against pharmacies located within a health plan’s geographic coverage area. (Building Indiana Business)
DEI: The North Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee has advanced legislation banning state government programs designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion. The House approved the measure in May. (NC Newsline)
ALCOHOL: The New York legislature has approved legislation allowing bars and restaurants to buy small amounts of wine and spirits from liquor stores. The measure allows businesses to buy up to six bottles of wine or spirits per week to avoid disruption from wholesaler deliveries. (Albany Times Union)
In Politics & Business
2028: Indiana Gov. Braun says he has no interest in running for president in 2028. Braun disavowed a report last week that he’s been talking about mounting a campaign in three years. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
VIRGINIA: Former U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D) has $14.3 million in the bank for her run for governor, while Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) has under $3 million on hand, according to public filings. Democratic legislative candidates have raised almost twice as much, $16.9 million, as Republican candidates for seats in the House of Delegates, $8.8 million. (Associated Press)
ILLINOIS: U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R) is considering whether to challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) next year. LaHood, who represents a central Illinois district, said he would listen to voters statewide before deciding whether to mount a campaign. (Center Square)
MONTANA: Former Gov. Marc Racicot (R) and former U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D) are backing a proposed ballot measure to ban corporate spending on elections. Ballot language has not been finalized, but the measure would bar spending by any corporation that does business in the state. (Daily Montanan)
PEOPLE: Yvette Hoffman, the wife of Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman (D), has left the hospital nearly a week after being shot in a stunning act of political violence. John Hoffman continues to recover. (MPR News)
By The Numbers
$15.6 billion: The final topline budget agreed to by New Hampshire House and Senate negotiators. Gov. Kelly Ayotte (R) has vowed to veto the budget, citing concerns over first responder retirement benefits and aid to schools. (WMUR)
$500,000: The median price of a single-family home in Rhode Island. It’s the first time median prices have topped half a million dollars in the state. (Boston Globe)
Off The Wall
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the blockbuster “Jaws,” and virtually every state on the Northeastern Seaboard is celebrating. New Jersey claims shark attacks in 1916 inspired the movie. Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts has opened a new exhibit honoring the flick. (Asbury Park Press, Martha’s Vineyard Times)
We’re gonna need a bigger newsletter.
The Animal Rescue League of Iowa has rescued a loose chicken that showed up on the doorstep of a Buffalo Wild Wings in Des Moines. The chicken was unhurt, but we might suggest it try a different restaurant next time. (UPI)
Quote of the Day
“Today, Alabama sends a clear message: We value families, and we value our workforce.”
— Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey (R), signing legislation allowing state employees to take up to eight weeks of paid leave after the birth of a child. (Alabama Reflector)