Author

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana Figueroa

Ariana covers the nation's capital for States Newsroom. Her areas of coverage include politics and policy, lobbying, elections and campaign finance.

GOP bill establishing a federal parental bill of rights passed in U.S. House

By: - March 24, 2023

The bill would codify federal education law to give parents and legal guardians access to school curricula, library books and other teaching materials.

National ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports passed by U.S. House panel

By: - March 9, 2023

The bill would amend Title IX to require student athletes to compete in sports in accordance with “a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth."

Biden student debt relief plan met with skepticism from U.S. Supreme Court conservatives

By: - March 1, 2023

The conservative justices questioned whether the Department of Education could implement the program without explicit congressional approval.

Black student loan borrowers at risk as U.S. Supreme Court weighs forgiveness plan

By: - February 24, 2023

Black borrowers hold a disproportionate share of student loan debt. Many likely were recipients of Pell Grants for low-income students.

Biden administration proposes major new limits on asylum at the border

By: - February 21, 2023

The administration is seeking to limit asylum requests at the U.S.-Mexico border as a pandemic-era immigration measure is set to end this summer.

Federal government to send medical experts to site of Ohio train derailment

By: - February 17, 2023

A Biden administration official called the Feb. 3 train derailment a "trauma visited upon this community."

U.S. House speaker visit to Arizona border labeled publicity stunt by White House

By: - February 17, 2023

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy said that there needs to be more funding and support for border security to prevent fentanyl from being smuggled into the United States

Funding needed to curb fentanyl smuggling at ports of entry, administration officials say

By: - February 15, 2023

The leader of the Drug Enforcement Administration said two cartels are responsible for not only most of the fentanyl drugs in the U.S., but globally

Biden renews a call for action on gun control following Michigan State mass shooting

By: - February 15, 2023

President Biden said there is more work to be done on gun control legislation, like banning assault-style weapons.

House GOP preps for debates on ‘parents’ rights,’ school vouchers and transgender athletes

By: - February 9, 2023

A House hearing Wednesday examined public funding for charter schools and voucher programs, as well as increasing parents’ oversight of school curriculum.

U.S. Senate Democrats unveil legislation to ban high-capacity gun magazines

By: - February 7, 2023

Sen. Bob Menendez called the proposal a "commonsense bill that will provide greater peace of mind to communities and families across the country."

White House targets economic development in Central America to reduce migration

By: - February 6, 2023

Ten private companies from Target to Nestlé are pledging $950 million to create economic development in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala.