Changes to Primary Elections in Republican-led States

Louisiana's Republican governor, Jeff Landry, pushed for replacing the state's nonpartisan primary system with closed primaries, aiming for more ideological purity among GOP nominees. Similar efforts are seen in other Republican-led states like Wyoming, Colorado, Tennessee, and Texas, despite a national trend towards more open primaries. Critics argue that closed primaries could push out moderate voices from the political landscape.

Legal Challenge to Delay in LNG Export Projects Approval

A Louisiana judge has granted a preliminary injunction against the Biden administration's delay in considering projects aimed at exporting liquefied natural gas, siding with 16 Republican-led states. The delay was aligned with environmental concerns about planet-warming emissions and the impact of increased exports following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Lawsuit against Biden Administration over LGBTQ Student Protections

Tennessee and other Republican-led states are suing the Biden administration over new protections for LGBTQ students.

Banning Basic Income Programs in Republican-Led States

Iowa recently became the fourth Republican-led state to ban spending public money on basic income programs that do not have a work requirement. This decision has sparked a heated debate between supporters and opponents of guaranteed income programs, with some arguing that it is undemocratic and others claiming that it encourages dependency on government aid. Similar bills have been introduced in other states, with some facing legal challenges. Advocates of basic income programs argue that they are effective in reducing poverty and providing economic opportunity, while opponents raise concerns about sustainability and the lack of work requirements.

Republican-led States Demand Explanation from Bank of America for Allegedly De-Banking Christian and Conservative Groups

A group of Republican-led states are sending a letter to Bank of America demanding an explanation for allegedly de-banking Christian and conservative groups. Bank of America sent private financial data to federal officials to investigate crimes related to the January 6 Capitol protest. The bank denies discriminating based on religious beliefs.

Biden Administration's Humanitarian Parole Program for Migrants

A federal judge dismissed a challenge from Republican-led states to stop the Biden administration's program that allows a limited number of migrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela to enter the U.S. on humanitarian grounds. The judge stated that the states did not prove financial harm. The program aims to provide lawful pathways for migrants and decrease the number of unauthorized border crossings.