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Business Insider
7 days ago
- General
- Business Insider
Grand staircases, state-shaped pools, and a bowling alley in the basement: Here's what the governor's mansion looks like in every state
The Alabama governor's mansion is in Montgomery. Alabama's 117-year-old state mansion, with a grand staircase and four Corinthian columns, has been the residence of the governor since 1951, according to the Office of the Alabama Governor. The mansion spans two floors and 8,500 square feet. In the 1970s, a state-shaped swimming pool, a guest house, and a water feature were added. The Alaska governor's mansion is in Juneau. The mansion was built for $40,000 in 1912. To deal with the cold, the 12,900-square-foot house has eight fireplaces for its 26 rooms. Above a winding staircase hangs a large painting of Russian emperor Peter the Great, who was responsible for Russia exploring Alaska. The painting has BB-gun bullets near Peter's eyes, and there has been a decades-long controversy over who pulled the trigger, local news channel KTUU reported. Since 1913, the mansion has opened to the public once a year for a tour at Christmas, according to Alaska's Office of the Governor. Arizona used to have a governor's mansion in Prescott. Arizona does not currently have a governor's mansion, but it did once. A 150-year-old log cabin on the Sharlot Hall Museum campus used to be the governor's mansion in Prescott. It was only used for about two years before the capital left Prescott, KJZZ Phoenix reported. The Arkansas governor's mansion is in Little Rock. The three-story mansion, a Georgian Colonial-style building, has been home to the state's governors since 1950. There was no official residence before this one. When it was opened to the public in 1950, 180,000 visitors toured it, according to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas. The property is 8.5 acres, with six different gardens. Since 1989, the house received nearly $6 million to renovate and expand the house, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. It has antique Persian carpets, a 62-piece sterling silver service from the USS Arkansas, and a grandfather clock from Ireland made in the 18th century. Notable visitors who have stayed the night include former President Harry Truman and actor Gregory Peck. The house can be toured in person, or online. The California governor's mansion is in Sacramento. The three-story Victorian-style mansion was built in 1877. It has 30 rooms, Italian marble fireplaces, original wood floors, Persian rugs, and a kidney-shaped swimming pool, Curbed San Francisco reported. The governor's mansion took a break for almost 50 years when then-Gov. Ronald Reagan moved out, after his wife, Nancy, called it "a fire trap." From 1967 to 2015, it was a public museum, until Gov. Jerry Brown moved into the property after a $1.6 million renovation, the Los Angeles Times reported. Sacramento-born writer Joan Didion called the mansion "an enlarged version of a very common kind of California tract house." The Colorado governor's mansion is in Denver. The two-story mansion, known as "Colorado's Home," was built in 1908. It has 27 rooms and has been the official residence since 1960, according to its official website. The mansion features red brick and white trim, with mahogany woodwork and oak floors inside. It also has a Steinway piano signed by Liberace, The Colorado Sun reported. In 2014, one notable addition was the installation of a three-handle draft beer system, serving a rotating selection of local craft beers. When former Gov. John Hickenlooper was in office, he didn't always live there, and allowed cabinet members who lived far away to use it as a dormitory. One of those who took up the offer described the experience to The New York Times with the question, "Have you ever seen the movie 'The Shining'?" The Connecticut governor's mansion is in Hartford. The 15,000-square-foot, Georgian-style mansion was built in 1909 and has housed governors since 1945, according to Connecticut's Office of the Governor. It has 19 rooms, a greenhouse, a pool, and tall gates, which were built in 1971. The Delaware governor's mansion is in Dover. The Georgian-style mansion, known as Woodburn, was built in 1798 and has served as the state leader's official residence since 1965. It is one of the country's smallest governor's mansions at 3,584 square feet, with seven bedrooms. The Florida governor's mansion is in Tallahassee. The Greek Revival-style mansion was built in 1956. It features a swimming pool, cabana, exercise room, greenhouse, and rose garden, according to the mansion's website. In October 2018, it was opened up to state troopers who were on their way to help areas damaged by Hurricane Michael. Fifty troopers had dinner, and 35 spent the night, CBS News reported. The Georgia governor's mansion is in Atlanta. The 24,000-square-foot mansion, built in 1967 in a Greek Revival-style, has 30 rooms and sits on an 18-acre property, Atlanta magazine reported. There is no key for the front door, since security is always present. Inside, it has a painting by Benjamin West and a signed, first-edition copy of "Gone With the Wind." The furnishings are thought to be worth more than the house. Public tours take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, according to the governor's office. The Hawaii governor's mansion is in Honolulu. The mansion pictured here was built in 1846 and was the Hawaii governor's mansion from 1959 to 2002, according to the Hawaii Tourism Authority. It was also home to Queen Lili'uokalani. Since 2002, Hawaii's governor has lived in a 5,000-square-foot home right behind the former mansion. It's called "Hale Kia'aina" meaning, "home of the governor," the Honolulu Star Advertiser reported. Idaho doesn't have a governor's mansion, although a billionaire once tried to donate one to the state. Idaho has had governors' mansions in the past. One home in Boise was sold in 1990 after the governor chose to live elsewhere due to the home's run-down condition, The Spokesman-Review reported. In 2004, J. R. Simplot, a billionaire who developed commercial frozen french fries, donated a hilltop mansion to the state, The Spokesman-Review reported. The house needed heavy renovations, and high maintenance costs for lawns prompted the state to give it back to the family in 2013. The home was later demolished. The Illinois governor's mansion is in Springfield. The 50,000-square- foot mansion, built in 1855, has housed every Illinois governor since it was finished, according to the Office of the Governor. The house has a ballroom, four formal parlors, and a library. It is the third-oldest governor's mansion still in use. In 2018, it was opened to the public after $15 million worth of renovations. The Indiana governor's mansion is in Indianapolis. The 10,500-square-foot mansion, built in the English Tudor style in 1928, has more than 20 rooms and sits on over 6 acres, according to the governor's office. It has been the official governor's mansion since 1973. The house was constructed with concrete reinforcements throughout, which isn't typical of English Tudor homes. It has two dining rooms, a sun porch, a pantry for butlers, and staff offices. The Iowa governor's mansion is in Des Moines. The mansion, called "Terrace Hill," was built in the 1860s, but it didn't become state property until 1971, the Des Moines Register reported. It takes Christmas especially seriously. For decades, every year, the residence is taken over for a day, and each room is decorated by different florists or organizations. In 2012, then-Gov. Terry Branstad and his wife had to move out when black mold was found in the house, Radio Iowa reported. Since cleared of health hazards, the house is open to tours from March to December, which can be booked on the state of Iowa's official website. The Kansas governor's mansion is in Topeka. The three-story French-style mansion, called "Cedar Crest," was built in 1928 for a newspaper owner. It has been the home to governors since 1962, according to the Kansas Historical Society. Cedar Crest is situated on 244 acres, with hiking trails, ponds, and gardens. From 1998 to 2000, $4.4 million was spent renovating the house. The Kentucky governor's mansion is in Frankfort. The 25-room Beaux-Arts-style mansion, built in 1912 and modeled after Marie Antoinette's home near the Palace of Versailles, has been the official residence of Kentucky's governors since 1914, according to the Commonwealth of Kentucky's official website. Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King Jr., and Queen Elizabeth II have all visited the mansion, the Lexington Herald-Leader reported. The Louisiana governor's mansion is in Baton Rouge. The 25,000-square-foot Greek Revival-style mansion was built in 1963, taking inspiration from a plantation in the state, per the mansion's website. It sits on 8 acres, which includes a tennis court, a swimming pool, and vegetable and flower gardens, and it overlooks Capitol Lake. The house itself has three floors and features an elevator. Its grand entrance room and expansive rotunda are paved with Italian marble. The Maine governor's mansion is in Augusta. The 28-room mansion, called "The Blaine House," was built in the 1830s and became the official residence for the governor in 1919, according to the National Register of Historic Places. It was originally built in the Federalist style, but was later remodeled to look like a Colonial structure. Helen Keller, Bette Davis, Groucho Marx, and Amelia Earhart all visited Blaine House. Tours of the house are available in December and January and can be reserved through the Maine State Museum. The Maryland governor's mansion is in Annapolis. The Georgian-style 38,000-square-foot mansion has been home to governors since 1870. It has 54 rooms, a 49-step red oak staircase, and a $169,000 Victorian fountain, Baltimore magazine reported. It has seven public rooms featuring portraits of George Washington and Queen Henrietta Maria, according to the Maryland State Archives. Massachusetts doesn't have a governor's mansion, but reports say it was almost the Ames-Webster Mansion in the early 1970s. Since the 1850s, there have been several attempts to establish an official governor's residence in Massachusetts. Mostly, the reason it didn't happen, on several different occasions, is financing, Curbed Boston reported. In the early 1970s, the Ames-Webster Mansion was reportedly a possibility to become the governor's mansion, but then-Gov. Frank Sargent was wary about spending, as he'd recently proposed a tax increase. The Michigan governor's mansion is in Lansing. The 8,700-square-foot, Ranch-style mansion was built in 1957, and has been the state's official residence since 1969, The Detroit News reported. It has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, the Wall Street Journal reported. In 2004, $2.5 million of private funds were spent to renovate the home. The governor of Michigan also gets a summer residence on Mackinac Island, The Detroit News reported. It has been state-owned since 1944 and has 11 bedrooms. The Minnesota governor's mansion is in St. Paul. The 16,000-square-foot English Tudor-style mansion was finished in 1912 and became the state's official residence in 1965, according to the official website of the Minnesota Governor's Residence. It sits on 1 acre of ritzy Summit Avenue. Inside, there are nine fireplaces, seven bedrooms, and 10 bathrooms. The Mississippi governor's mansion is in Jacksonville. The Greek Revival-style mansion was built in 1842. It is the second oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the US, according to Mississippi Encyclopedia. The mansion is open to the public for tours Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. The Missouri governor's mansion is in Jefferson City. The three-story brick mansion was built in 1872 and has been the official residence since then. It has 13 bedrooms and a 17-foot-high great hall, the St. Louis Post-Distpatch reported. Due to the period when it was built, it originally didn't have any bathrooms or closets. The full schedule of seasonal tours is available on the mansion's official website. The Montana governor's mansion is in Helena. In 2024, Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and first lady Susan Gianforte purchased the Samuel T. Hauser House, a historic mansion in Helena, to use as their primary residence and donate to the state for future governors to use. They paid $4 million for the home, which former Montana Gov. Samuel T. Hauser built in 1855, according to a statement from the governor's office. The Gianfortes had to move out of the previous governor's mansion in 2021 due to necessary repairs. The Nebraska governor's mansion is in Lincoln. The 15,340-square-foot Georgian Colonial-style mansion was opened in 1958, according to the Office of the Governor. It has 27 rooms, 12 bathrooms, and four fireplaces. In the 1980s, then-first gentleman Bill Orr was critical of the interior decor and helped raise money for renovations by authoring a cookbook, People magazine reported. In 1997, an elevator was also built inside, the Lincoln Journal-Star reported. The Nevada governor's mansion is in Carson City. The Classical Revival-style, two-story mansion was built in 1909, according to the Nevada State Historic Preservation Office. It has 23 rooms, a grand entrance area, a private den, a formal dining area, two salons, and a wrap-around porch on the second story. In 1969, a circular pergola, curved front stairs, and metal balustrades were added to the house, according to Visit Carson City. A $5 million renovation in 1999 added a 6,608-square-foot building called the Nevada room, which can cater to 300 guests. The New Hampshire governor's mansion is in Concord. The 6,725-square-foot brick mansion, also known as "Bridges House," was built in 1836 and donated to the state in 1969, according to the governor's office. Governors and their families have typically not lived there because it only has two bedrooms. Only Gov. Mel Thomson actually lived in it during his term in the 1970s, the Concord Monitor reported. Most governors use it for official events instead. The home fell into disrepair in the 1990s, but former Gov. John Lynch and his wife, first lady Susan Lynch, resurrected the house. The New Jersey governor's mansion is in Princeton. The Greek-Revival mansion, called "Drumthwacket," was built in 1834. It has 20 rooms, a library, a music room, and sits on 11 acres filled with Italian gardens. The state purchased it in 1966. Every Christmas, the mansion is decorated and opened to the public. The last New Jersey governor to live there full-time was James E. McGreevey, who resigned in 2004, The New York Times reported. The New Mexico governor's mansion is in Santa Fe. The 8,000-square-foot Territorial Revival-style mansion was built in the mid-1950s. It is the third official residence for New Mexico. Harrison Ford was married on the mansion grounds. Tours are offered from April to November and can be booked through the New Mexico Governor's Mansion Foundation. The New York governor's mansion is in Albany. The mansion was built in 1856 and has been the official residence for 32 governors since 1875. It has 40 rooms, a 20-foot master bathroom, and two swimming pools — one indoor and one outdoor, The New York Times reported. It sits on 6 acres. Notable incidents include when Theodore Roosevelt had to break in through a first-floor window when he locked himself out, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo getting spooked when he thought it was haunted by the spirit of a groundskeeper, who served the house's original owners, The New York Post reported. The North Carolina governor's mansion is in Raleigh. The 35,000-square-foot, Victorian-style mansion has been the official residence since 1891, according to the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Inside, it has rooms with 16.5-foot ceilings, an elevator, and a bomb shelter. The mansion sits on almost 5 acres, and is the country's third-biggest governor's mansion, Walter magazine reported. Former President Franklin D. Roosevelt thought it had the most beautiful interior out of all of them, according to Visit Raleigh. The North Dakota governor's mansion is in Bismarck. The 13,700-square-foot mansion was finished in 2018 and cost nearly $5 million to build, the Bismarck Tribune reported. It has six bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, marble floors, white-oak walls, and cedar ceilings, the Grand Forks Herald reported. It also has a 22-foot ceiling in its reception area, with a spiral staircase that's meant to resemble the Capitol's Memorial Hall. The Ohio governor's mansion is in Columbus. The 13,000-square-foot mansion was built in the 1920s and has housed governors since 1957, according to Friends of the Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden. It has 20 rooms and features a 3-acre heritage garden. The Oklahoma governor's mansion is in Oklahoma City. The 14,000-square-foot, Dutch Colonial-style mansion has been the official residence since 1928, ABC affiliate KTUL reported. It has a limestone exterior that matches the State Capitol, and a walnut-paneled library filled with books about the state or written by writers from the state, The Oklahoman reported. It also has an Oklahoma-shaped pool and a tennis court that was originally built as a landing pad for President Lyndon B. Johnson's helicopter. The Oregon governor's mansion is in Salem. The 11,409-square-foot, Tudor-style mansion, called "Mahonia Hall," has been the official residence since 1987. It was built in the 1920s, the Statesman Journal reported. It has eight bedrooms, 6.5 bathrooms, a wine cellar, a sun room, and a ballroom. The Pennsylvania governor's mansion is in Harrisburg. The Georgian-style, 28,000-square-foot mansion was built in 1968 and became the official governor's residence that same year, according to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's official website. The home is three stories tall and sits on 3.5 acres of land filled with gardens and bee hives. The home was damaged in April when an arsonist set fire to the property. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and his family were inside, but unharmed. Their living quarters have reopened, but other parts of the mansion continue to undergo repairs. Rhode Island doesn't have a governor's mansion. Rhode Island's state legislature used to move locations, making a set governor's mansion impractical, WPRO reported. In addition, Rhode Island's size makes for a short commute, and the state reportedly lacked funds to acquire another property while constructing the State House in the early 1900s. The South Carolina governor's mansion is in Columbia. The two-story, Federal-style mansion was built in 1855, originally as an officer quarters for a military academy, The New York Times reported. It has been the official residence since 1868. Inside, there's a formal drawing room and a state dining room. The mansion sits on 9 acres and is shaded by old magnolias, oaks, and elms, according to the National Register of Historic Places. The mansion has housed more than 30 governors and their families. In 2003, then-Gov. Mark Sanford and his family moved into the house after renovations, but due to accepting the lowest bid from construction companies, poor repairs led to six family members having to move into the one-room pool house, The New York Times reported. For the last 40 years, the mansion has been decorated and opened to the public every Christmas. The South Dakota governor's mansion is in Pierre. The 14,000-square-foot, two-story mansion has been the official governor's residence since 2005, according to the South Dakota Bureau of Administration. The mansion has five bedrooms, a grand dining hall that can hold 80 people, two fireplaces, and a commercial kitchen. Its exterior is a mixture of field stone, copper flashing, brick, and concrete. The Tennessee governor's mansion is in Nashville. The three-story, Georgian-style mansion was built in 1931 and became the official residence in 1949, according to the government of Tennessee's official website. The house has 16 rooms, including a 14,000-square-foot banquet and meeting space beneath its front lawn. Inside, some of the art includes a portrait of Elvis Presley and photos of him when he was dating then-Gov. Buford Ellington's daughter, The Tennessean reported. The entrance has a black-and-white marble floor — the black marble was imported from Belgium, and the white from Georgia. It sits on 10 acres and used to be called "Far Hills" because of its view. Free tours are available from mid-March to mid-November. The Texas governor's mansion is in Austin. The Greek Revival-style mansion has been the state's official residence since 1856, according to the Texas State Preservation Board. The house has a veranda, floor-to-ceiling windows, and six 29-foot columns along the front porch. In 2008, an arsonist threw a Molotov cocktail at the house and caused major damage, The New York Times reported. Then-Gov. Rick Perry and his family (who weren't at the house during the fire) couldn't move back in for four years. Before the fire, it housed Texas politician Sam Houston's four-poster bed, and the writing desk of Stephen F. Austin, who has been dubbed the founder of Texas, according to the Texas governor's office. The Utah governor's mansion is in Salt Lake City. The French Renaissance mansion, called the "Kearns Mansion," was built in 1902 and became the official residence in 1937, according to the state of Utah's official website. It has 28 rooms including six bathrooms, 10 fireplaces, a ballroom, a billiards room, two dining rooms, and three vaults for wine and other valuables, Deseret News reported. The interior is decorated in bronze, iron, Russian mahogany, and oak from France and England. The mansion has a bowling alley in the basement, and used to have a large metal safe to keep candy guarded. In 1993, a fire damaged the building and almost $8 million was spent restoring the residence, according to Salt Lake City's City Hall. Vermont doesn't have a governor's mansion. Gov. Phil Scott lives with his family in Berlin, Vermont. The Virginia governor's mansion is in Richmond. The two-story, Federal-style mansion has been the official Virginia governor's residence since 1813. It is the oldest governor's mansion in the country still in use, according to its official website. It has hosted Queen Elizabeth II, Winston Churchill, and former presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Barack Obama. The Washington governor's mansion is in Olympia. The Georgian-style brick mansion has been the Washington governor's official residence since 1909, according to the Olympia Governor's Mansion Foundation. The house features a ballroom and a state dining room. The West Virginia governor's mansion is in Charleston. The Georgian Colonial-style mansion has been the official residence since 1925, according to the West Virginia Humanities Council. The house has eight bedrooms, four bathrooms, a drawing room, a ballroom, a state dining room, a sitting room, and a library. At its entrance, there are black-and-white marble floors; the black is from Belgium, the white from Tennessee. It also has dual staircases, which were inspired by the White House. The Wisconsin governor's mansion is in Maple Bluff. The Classical Revival-style, three-story mansion was built in 1927 and has been the official governor's residence since 1950, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. It has seven bedrooms and 13 bathrooms, and its walls are between 12 and 18 inches thick, according to the mansion's official website. The grounds feature 10 gardens and overlook Lake Mendota. The Wyoming governor's mansion is in Cheyenne. The current Wyoming governor's mansion was built in 1976 after the previous mansion was turned into a museum, according to the Wyoming Historical Society. The grounds feature a bronze statue of deer titled "Open Season" by Guadalupe Barajas, according to the nonprofit Arts Cheyenne. Editor's note: This story was originally published in 2019. It was updated in June 2025.
Time of India
7 days ago
- General
- Time of India
16-year-old Henry Buckley becomes the US' youngest male judge, recognised by Guinness World Records
Source: Guinness World Records In an incredible achievement for American civic engagement, 16-year-old Henry Buckley of Hingham, Massachusetts, has officially been declared the United States' youngest male judge. Sworn in as a Justice of the Peace only three days after turning 16 years old, Henry now stands on a record-breaking achievement certified by Guinness World Records . His success is both legally valid and symbolically potent, proving that age does not represent a bar to public service when approached with dedication and talent. US declared Henry Buckley as 'youngest male judge' at 16 One of the main reasons Henry's appointment was possible is Massachusetts's liberal legislation. In contrast to most states with stringent age requirements for public office, Massachusetts has no minimum age requirement for the position of Justice of the Peace. The major requirements are simple: the candidate must be a registered voter, be a resident of the commonwealth, and there has to be a vacancy. Henry, who fit all of these qualifications, jumped at the chance and went through a formal selection process, even though he was years younger than the average appointee. Henry's passion for public service was ignited early in life. Raised in a politically active family, he was close to his grandfather, a well-respected lawyer involved in state politics. But it wasn't only living individuals that influenced him. "I was inspired by The Andy Griffith Show. Andy Taylor was Sheriff and Justice of the Peace, and I wanted to replicate that in my own community," Henry explained to Guinness World Records. This combination of real-life and TV role models gave him a sense of responsibility and the motivation to make concrete contributions to his community. How Henry secured his Justice of the Peace role Although his age was a surprise, Henry's professionalism and determination impressed his community and state leaders. To be considered, he: Gathered four signatures for his application. Obtained a letter of reference from a respected member of his community. Turned in the completed application to the Office of the Governor. His appointment was subsequently ratified by Governor Maura T. Healey and referred to the Governor's Council, which approved his appointment unanimously. Once commissioned, he took oath and officially became a Justice of the Peace. Duties and responsibilities of a Massachusetts Justice of the Peace Massachusetts Justices of the Peace hold office for seven years, with the following duties: Notarizing legal documents Conducting civil marriages Taking depositions Maintaining public peace (if required) Although Henry was never called on to serve in law enforcement, his work was anything but ceremonial. He served purposefully by notarizing papers and even co-writing a Justice of the Peace guide utilized across the state. "I was under legal obligation to enforce public peace legislation," he said, "but I was never in a position to be forced into active enforcement." Henry's impact extends beyond his judicial role Henry's civic involvement went beyond the call of obligation. While in office, he testified in the Massachusetts state legislature regarding mental health reform and voting rights for children, topics he cares deeply about. His work as an advocate is part of a larger dedication to the public good and the rights of young voices in government. Even though Henry resigned from his seat in February to seek out wider opportunities, he is unwavering in his commitment to public service. He will pursue law school, following the course of leadership and activism that he set at age 16. "It's not just a title – to be a Justice of the Peace is an opportunity to lead and make a difference," he stated. "At a young age, I showed that our generation has what it takes to do big things. " Also Read | World's richest family 'The Waltons' wealth surpasses the GDP of Greece, Hungary and Iran
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Upcoming flag directive in memory of former WA House Speaker Frank Chopp
The Brief Flags at Washington state agency facilities will be lowered to half-staff on June 1 to honor former House Speaker Frank Chopp. Chopp, who served Washington's 43rd district for 30 years, passed away from cardiac arrest at age 71. A memorial service for Chopp is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Governor Bob Ferguson has ordereda flag directive for June 1, following the passing of former Speaker of the Washington House of Representatives, Frank Chopp. All Washington state and U.S. flags at all state agency facilities have been ordered to be lowered to half-staff in Chopp's memory on Sunday, June 1. Flags should remain at half-staff until the close of business or sunset on June 1, or until first thing Monday, June 2. Chopp, 71, represented Washington's 43rd legislative district for three decades. He served as speaker of the state House in 1999, and continued for 20 years before resigning to focus on affordable housing, healthcare for all and social and economic justice before retiring earlier this year. Chopp passed away on the afternoon of March 22, following a cardiac arrest. What's next A memorial service will take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue. You can sign up online to be notified when Governor Ferguson directs flags. The Source Information in this article is from the Office of the Governor and Frank Chopp's obituary. Sweltering weather in store for Seattle this week Motorcyclist killed, driver arrested after Puyallup crash Mom of slain Idaho victim Xana Kernodle asks for help attending Bryan Kohberger trial Seattle Memorial Day weekend 2025: Your guide to events, traffic, more Tears, heartbreak at Chase Jones sentencing—teen in fatal Renton, WA crash To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Health care legislation will improve access, affordability for North Dakotans
Supporters watch as North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong signs a bill April 23, 2025, with reforms for health insurance prior authorization. (Photo provided by Office of the Governor) North Dakotans want to keep their family members and the state's workforce healthy. When health care isn't prioritized, small issues can quickly turn into large problems and treatable conditions can become life-threatening, such as late-stage cancer. When the time comes to make an appointment, everyone wants the same things: simplicity, accessibility and affordability. All the data indicates, and headlines tell us, that cutting through red tape to ensure health care access and avoiding medical debt are top-of-mind issues. They can be some of the most frustrating parts of our lives. This year the North Dakota Legislature did something about it. By passing laws reforming insurance company practices on prior authorization and copay accumulator adjustments, the North Dakota Legislature made the health care process easier for those who need it most, including cancer patients and others with serious illnesses. Prior authorization reform Prior authorization was once used sparingly by insurers to determine whether costly medical procedures or medications were needed. But the process has devolved into a system requiring providers to get approval to prescribe even the most routine medications and procedures. Physicians report the process can lead to significant delays in care, contributing to negative outcomes for patients, including abandoned treatment altogether. Senate Bill 2280 standardizes the prior authorization process and establishes time limits for review – 72 hours in cases of emergency or seven calendar days for more routine requests — helping those in need of critical medical care avoid prolonged delays in treatment. It also eliminates artificial intelligence and business consultant overview from the process, making sure a doctor is doing the authorization and not a bot or bean counter. We are so grateful to the bill's primary sponsor, Sen. Scott Meyer of Grand Forks, with Sens. Jeff Barta (Grand Forks), Brad Bekkedahl (Williston) and Sean Cleary (Bismarck) co-sponsoring in the Senate and Reps. Jonathan Warrey (Casselton) and Jon Nelson (Rugby) in the House. For the more than 4,500 North Dakotans who will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025, this legislation is a major step forward in making their treatment process less about red tape and more about recovery. Copay accumulator adjustments Legislation sponsored by Rep. Karen Karls of Bismarck, House Bill 1216 requires all prescription drug copayments made by patients, directly or on their behalf, to count toward their overall out-of-pocket maximum or deductible. This law essentially ends an insurance company practice that did not allow payments from outside entities to count toward a patient's out-of-pocket cost obligations. Real life example: A cystic fibrosis patient received $5,000 in copay assistance to help with prescription drug out-of-pocket cost. That amount would cover the patient's copay for the year, saving her $5,000. Under the old rules, the copay assistance would not count, and she would still have to pay $5,000 to meet her deductible or out-of-pocket maximum before her health plan started paying for her subsequent health care costs. It's like getting a scholarship to attend college but having the university keep the money … and your tuition remains the same. That amount of money is life-changing for many, many North Dakotans. The new law will help ease the financial burden of some patients, many of whom are fully inundated with debt already. A 2022 American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network study found 31% of cancer patients noted paying for prescriptions as a challenge and 20% indicated that financial considerations had caused them to skip or delay taking prescribed medication. Missed opportunity As always, we should celebrate the wins, but there is always more that needs doing. One piece of legislation that did not advance this session involved diagnostic and supplemental breast cancer screenings. House Bill 1283 would have required all state-regulated health policies to eliminate patient out-of-pocket costs for medically necessary diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging. Essentially, it would require breast diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans be covered by insurers at no-cost-share when needed after an abnormal initial screening or because of personal risk factors. Mammograms are a great detection tool and, for many, enough to give a full and clear breast cancer screening. But other patients need more and this legislation would have required insurance companies to pay the bill when doctors indicated additional tests were required to get that full and clean bill of health. Legislation around biomarker testing is also in the future here. Biomarker testing is about identifying the most effective treatment for patients with cancer and other serious illnesses. It can open the door to precision treatments that can improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with many diseases and conditions. Biomarker testing can allow some patients to access targeted therapies and avoid more generalized treatments like chemo. It's about precision medicine, making sure folks get the right treatment at the right time. Similar legislation has been enacted in 21 states including Texas and Georgia. North Dakota is falling behind best practices in this regard, a situation that needs remedied. It was a good session for North Dakotans who need health care. Which is to say, for all North Dakotans. We are grateful for the steps taken and look forward to moving ahead further in the months and sessions to come.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Abbott threatens Texas city over consideration of resolution targeting Israel
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday issued a stark warning to the San Marcos city council regarding its consideration of a resolution calling for the transfer of 'permanent sovereignty over the occupied Palestinian territories' and an 'Embargo on the State of Israel.' In a letter to San Marcos, Abbott said that the city is required to comply with state law when entering into a grant agreement with the state of Texas, which includes laws that prohibit a local government from supporting the boycotts of Israel. 'Israel is a stalwart ally of the United States and a friend to Texas,' reads the letter. 'I have repeatedly made clear that Texas will not tolerate antisemitism. Anti-Israel policies are anti-Texas policies. Over a year ago, following Hamas's cowardly attack and campus disruptions openly celebrating terrorism, I issued an executive order addressing antisemitism in higher education. I have proudly signed legislation prohibiting government entities from supporting efforts to boycott, divest from, and sanction Israel. That remains the law here.' PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Texas universities required to punish antisemitic rhetoric in free speech policies If San Marcos adopts the resolution, Abbott said 'the Office of the Governor will immediately terminate all active grants not in compliance with state law.' KXAN reached out to the city of San Marcos for a statement regarding Abbott's warning. A spokesperson for the city said, 'City of San Marcos staff members do not provide interviews or public comments on items that are scheduled for consideration by the full City Council. The item is expected to be considered at the May 6 council meeting.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
