Institute Index

December 13, 2013 - This week top U.S. courts heard two cases challenging Environmental Protection Agency rules limiting health-damaging air pollution from power plants -- one related to mercury emissions and the other to cross-state air pollution coming mostly from Southern states and the Rust Belt.

December 6, 2013 - The American Legislative Exchange Council lost members and money after the 2011 shooting death of unarmed Florida teen Trayvon Martin and the acquittal of his assailant under the state's Stand Your Ground law, which the corporate interest advocacy group helped craft and promote nationwide.

November 20, 2013 - Southern states have a high rate of unintended pregnancies, with most of the resulting births being paid for by public insurance programs. The evidence shows that investing in family planning services not only prevents unwanted pregnancies but also saves taxpayers money. So why are some Southern legislatures targeting those services for cuts?

November 15, 2013 - Hotter days, rising seas, more diarrhea: An extensive new scientific report released this week outlines what the Southeast can expect over the next century due to climate change.

November 8, 2013 - The U.S. fast-food industry generates $200 billion a year in sales. Why are so many of its workers dependent on public assistance programs like food stamps and Medicaid?

November 1, 2013 - As spending on state judicial races skyrockets, so does voters' belief that all that money is influencing judges' decisions -- and that judges need to step aside from cases where a party has spent on their behalf.

October 25, 2013 - Saying they hope to ease the pain from the federal government shutdown, Gov. Pat McCrory this week announced he was sending turnip greens from the state prison farm to food banks, while state budget director Art Pope's foundation said it would contribute $185,000 to various charities. But can such alms-giving make up for policies that weaken public assistance programs?