Good morning, it’s Friday, August 23, 2024. In today’s edition, states move to ban circus animals; Arkansas abortion measure off the ballot; new polls in New Hampshire, Vermont:
Top Stories
ANIMAL RIGHTS: Massachusetts and Maryland are the latest states to enact a new ban on the use of wild animals in circuses and traveling shows, part of a growing movement to end performances by captive lions, tigers, bears, elephants and other animals.
They join about half a dozen states — mostly blue states, but including red Kentucky — that have banned traveling shows from using wild animals. And the most famous traveling shows are taking note: Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey used elephants for the last time in 2016; the company’s new tour doesn’t use animals at all. Read more at Pluribus News.
ABORTION: The Arkansas Supreme Court has ruled a measure to amend the state constitution to protect abortion rights will not appear on the ballot this year, siding with Secretary of State John Thurston (R) over a decision not to count signatures collected by paid signature gatherers. (Talk Business & Politics)
ENVIRONMENT: The Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission is taking the first steps toward a new carbon sequestration program approved by lawmakers this year. The program will eventually license pipelines and injection wells to store carbon underground. (Alaska Beacon)
HEALTH CARE: Mississippi’s House Prescription Drug Policy Taskforce heard testimony over pharmacy benefit managers this week ahead of possible legislation in next year’s session. A bill to regulate pharmacy benefit managers died in the 2024 session over banking industry concerns that it would raise business costs. (Jackson Clarion Ledger)
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: Indiana’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force met this week to consider potential legislation next year. The state’s chief information officer said government is already using generative AI in workforce development, information technology and chatbots for some agencies. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)
In Politics & Business
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Former U.S. Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R) leads former Senate President Chuck Morse (R) in the Republican gubernatorial primary by a 65%-21% margin, according to a new University of New Hampshire poll. Former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig (D) leads Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington (D) 39%-30% in the Democratic primary. (UNH)
VERMONT: A new University of New Hampshire poll finds Gov. Phil Scott (R) cruising toward re-election. Scott leads former Middlebury Town Selectwoman Esther Charlestin (D) 56%-28%. Independent Kevin Hoyt takes 5%. (UNH)
ARIZONA: The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld parts of an Arizona law requiring proof of citizenship to vote in state and local elections. But the divided court rejected a Republican effort to remove 41,000 voters from the roles. Voters who register without proof of citizenship may still vote in federal elections if they use a federal form that allows them to swear they are citizens under penalty of perjury. (Associated Press)
MORE: The Arizona Supreme Court ruled Thursday that a ballot measure to end partisan primaries can appear on the November ballot. The court rejected challenges from the state Democratic and Republican parties that alleged the ballot measure violated Arizona’s single-subject rule. (AZ Mirror)
OHIO: Gov. Mike DeWine (R) and U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) will raise money in Cleveland next week for the campaign working to defeat redistricting reform at the ballot in November. The fundraiser will feature Ohio’s Republican members of Congress. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
CRIME BLOTTER: Former New Hampshire Rep. Troy Merner (R) has pleaded guilty to wrongful voting over his 2023 vote in a Lancaster town election. Merner lived in Carroll at the time. As part of the deal, he will surrender his right to vote. (WMUR)
By The Numbers
$55,000: The amount Ohio’s Grape Industries Council will spend to promote the state’s wine industry. The money will pay a Columbus-based advertising firm to produce digital ads bolstering the state’s 426 licensed wine manufacturers and 125 vineyards. (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
966,726: The number of K-12 students in Massachusetts schools in the last school year, a figure that has increased by only 128 students over the last 30 years. Over the same period, Massachusetts’ overall population has grown by 20%. (Boston Globe)
Off The Wall
Headline of the day: “Acting Governor Scutari acts as governor, signs handful of bills.” New Jersey Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D) is running the state while Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way (D) are in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. (New Jersey Globe)
A German warship steaming down the River Thames decided to play the Imperial March, Darth Vader’s entrance music, as it cruised through London this week. The German navy said the captain chose the music, and that there was no deeper meaning behind the choice. Later, the ship was recorded playing “London Calling.” (Associated Press)
Quote of the Day
“As best I can tell, you denied this emergency rule making because you believe hurt feelings are more important than protecting children.”
— Missouri Gov. Mike Parson (R), in a letter to Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (R) after Ashcroft rejected emergency rules banning intoxicating hemp products. Ashcroft finished third in the Republican primary to replace Parson earlier this month. (KCUR)