American Habits

03/12/2025

States are not waiting on Congress to act. Telehealth expansion, price transparency, and patient-centered reforms are moving forward at the local level. Learn how these efforts are reshaping care across the country.

For decades, healthcare has been treated as a national crisis in need of a national solution. Federal intervention, however, has only made care more expensive and less responsive to patients. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) succeeded in improving access for the sick, but its title became something of....

22/09/2025

When we think of religious freedom, we often jump straight to the First Amendment and Supreme Court cases. In reality, most battles for liberty are fought closer to home.

In this issue, we explore America’s “laboratories of religious liberty," where states and local communities are shaping the future of faith and freedom. Highlights include:

🔹 Kelly Shackelford on why most religious liberty fights never make it to SCOTUS.
🔹 Philip Gunn on how Mississippi went on offense to protect religious liberty.
🔹 Mark Rienzi on the “web of overlapping safeguards” that defend religious rights.
🔹 Tony Woodlief on why strong communities matter more than more laws.
🔹 John Zambenini on what the death of Charlie Kirk means for religious freedom.

Plus, much more.

Finally, the assassination of Charlie Kirk (a professing Christian) on a college campus is a reminder that freedom isn’t self-sustaining — it must be defended boldly and locally.

One of my first conversations while planning an issue on religious liberty in the states was with my friend and contributor, Jordan Ballor. He immediately encouraged me: “Yes — you should do something on the ‘laboratories of religious liberty.’” I like the phrase and think it’s a perfect...

17/09/2025

Janice Rogers Brown, address to the Philadelphia Society 46th Annual Meeting, 2010:

“The Constitution has sheltered us from those who would destroy freedom, but the fortress is incredibly fragile because it is only as strong as our devotion and allegiance.”

Words of wisdom and reflection to ponder from past and present Americans for Constitution Day to remind us of our heritage.

01/08/2025

A new industrial revolution is underway. Can states seize the moment?

30/07/2025

The energy debate in America isn’t just about national security or climate, it’s also about local communities, culture, and freedom.

In this new issue of American Habits, we take a deep dive into the coalfields of West Virginia and look at Utah’s geothermal frontier. We also explore nuclear, AI-driven power demand, and what it means for states to truly lead.

Read the issue here:

This issue explores how states are leading America’s energy future—from coal heritage to geothermal breakthroughs and AI-driven power demands

04/07/2025

Ray Nothstine, our editor, in the Wall Street Journal:

"When the Declaration of Independence was signed in the summer of 1776, it marked not just one revolt but 13 distinct rebellions brewing across separate colonies. In the words of John Adams, it wasn’t until that year that “thirteen clocks were made to strike together.”

When the Declaration was signed in 1776, it marked 13 distinct rebellions across separate colonies.

05/06/2025

Too many [lawmakers] chase applause—not accountability.”

In a wide-ranging interview, NC attorney & UNC Board of Governors member WoodyWhite talks federalism, local dependency on D.C. dollars, and why speaking the truth still matters.

An interview about having the courage to speak up with Woody White who also addresses the importance of fiscal federalism.

03/06/2025

In the new issue of American Habits, we’re tackling fiscal federalism and asking tough questions about the future of our states.

"As Washington continues its reckless spending spree, the states are allowing themselves to be pulled down in the slop, too. Will they keep tethering themselves to an unsustainable and risky funding source, or will they reclaim a principled federalism, one that empowers them to chart their own course? Just as pressing is this question: are the states true advocates for reform, or have they become another obstacle to fixing our broken national government?"

As Washington’s debt spirals, we explore how states can reclaim self-governance by cutting federal dependency and reviving fiscal federalism

15/04/2025

Check out the new issue of American Habits!

We’re exploring the great relearning in American education—how parents, lawmakers, and reformers are pushing back against federal overreach and restoring local control, moral formation, and true civic purpose in our schools.

A few highlights:

A sharp critique of the U.S. Dept. of Ed from Neal McCluskey (Cato Institute)

Interviews with TN Rep. William Slater, Erika Donalds, and MI Board of Ed member Tom McMillin

Reflections on leadership and the true purpose of education.

This issue of American Habits explores how education is shifting from federal control to local reform, and restoring purpose to learning.

04/03/2025

Learn a lot more about the ideas and passion behind American Habits right here.

🔹 Is the American Dream still alive? Or has it been lost in today’s world?

In the latest episode of SPN's Neighbors in the Network, hosts James Pinedo and Corey Burres sit down with Ray Nothstine, the Editor of the American Habits publication, to discuss freedom, federalism, and the power of local communities in shaping opportunity. Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation! 🎙️

👀 Watch here: https://bit.ly/3EZ2JXC
🎧 Listen here: https://bit.ly/4ko4UEs

19/02/2025

The American dream is far from dead.

This new issue of American Habits explores how we can make the American dream flourish—not just through politics, but by rebuilding the institutions, communities, and values that make it possible.

Get a complete rundown of our new content below.

American Habits explores how strong communities, a vibrant civil society, and federalism are essential to reclaiming the American Dream.

04/11/2024

The American Habits editor makes some predictions in light of how the election of either presidential candidate could impact a stronger commitment to federalism going forward.

Polarization between presidential candidates and lawmakers at the national level should remind us that most issues are better resolved in states and localities.