Opinion you don't want to miss

Welcome to the best opinion pieces of the week from News From The States. We feature journalists from across our national network and guest authors with a wide range of perspectives and ideas. Want more? Read all our commentary here.

By Niki Kelly | Indiana Capital Chronicle

Prediction markets are bending the common definition of gambling — and states across the nation are pushing back.

Kalshi is the first federally regulated financial exchange in the United States dedicated to trading on the outcomes of future events. It handled billions in weekly contract volume. And it’s battling in court with 21 states.

Whether Indiana will join its name to that list could be a topic in the 2027 legislative session.

But it’s not just Kalshi.

New Hampshire sure is beautiful this time of year, apolitically speaking

By Dana Wormald | New Hampshire Bulletin

Study provides a remedy for coal dust in Newport News. Good luck getting terminal operators to pay.

By Roger Chesley | Virginia Mercury

If Wisconsin is in great financial shape, why can’t we afford to fund our schools?

By Ruth Conniff | Wisconsin Examiner

Debates have changed the course of US history. They could change Tennessee’s.

By J. Holly McCall | Tennessee Lookout

Oklahoma judges are behaving badly with no real consequences. Why are they getting away with it?

By Janelle Stecklein | Oklahoma Voice

With MAGA friends like these, do Arkansas Republicans need enemies?

By Andrew DeMillo | Arkansas Advocate

Forget the dadgum cookies. In race between Roger Marshall and Adam Hamilton, follow the money.

By Clay Wirestone | Kansas Reflector