The Progressive Pulse: “A three-judge panel of the North Carolina Court of Appeals stayed an injunctive order that effectively restored voting rights to 56,000 North Carolinians with a felony conviction but while on parole, probation and post-release supervision. As Policy Watch previously reported, a three-judge panel of the lower court heard the case, filed by advocacy…
“Bipartisan Police Reforms Signed by Gov. Cooper”
AP: ” A bipartisan police reform package was signed into law Thursday by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper, emphasizing success of enacting provisions from a task force he commissioned following George Floyd’s murder over panel recommendations left out. Backers of the legislation, which received near unanimous approval from the General Assembly, say it will rid departments of…
“Former Brunswick DA indicted on charges related to investigation into Ahmaud Arbery’s death”
First Coast News: “A former Brunswick District Attorney has been indicted on charges related to the investigation surrounding the shooting death of Ahmaud Arbery. The indictment accuses Jackie Johnson of violating her oath of office by “showing favor to Greg McMichael during the investigation.” It goes on to say she recommended Waycross DA George Barnhill…
Most Abortions Banned in TX as Supreme Court Fails to Act
WaPo: “A Texas law that bans most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy went into effect Wednesday, as a midnight deadline for the Supreme Court to stop it came and went without action. The court could still grant a request from abortion providers to halt the law, one of the nation’s most restrictive. But for now, abortion…
“Florida starts turning on DeSantis”
Politico: “Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has been untouchable for the past year as he commanded the Republican culture wars to become heir apparent to Donald Trump. The latest coronavirus surge is starting to change that. Covid infection rates continue to climb as the state faces shortages of health care staff, morgue space and even oxygen…
“Man charged with $25M extortion scheme promising pardon for Rep. Matt Gaetz”
Politico: “A Florida developer and fraud convict was arrested Tuesday on a charge that he tried to extort $25 million from the father of Rep. Matt Gaetz in exchange for a presidential pardon that would shut down a high-profile, criminal sex-trafficking investigation into the Republican congressman. Stephen Alford, 62, of Fort Walton Beach, was indicted…
“Mo Brooks Way Ahead In GOP Senate Primary”
Political Wire: “A new Alabama News Daily/Cygnal poll gives Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) a 41% to 18% lead over Katie Britt (R), former chief of staff to the retiring Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) in the Republican U.S. Senate race. Former congressional candidate Jessica Taylor (R) receives 3% and former U.S. Ambassador Lynda Blanchard (R) receives 2%.”
Anti-Science COVID Rage in Alabama Seemingly Disconnected from Facts on the Ground
AL Political Reporter: “Let me repeat that: The state health officer, a mild-mannered doctor who everyone genuinely likes, was advised by state law enforcement officials to put on a bulletproof vest. Because they thought someone might try to kill him. As crazy as that sounds, it’s probably true. A teacher in Texas had her mask…
“Texas GOP advances voting bill after Democrats’ holdout ends”
North State Journal: “Texas Republicans advanced new election integrity measures last week after months of protests by Democrats, who abandoned the state for 38 days before returning. The nearly 50-page bill passed the Texas House on a 79-37 mostly party-line vote. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott says he will sign the measure that is on track…
“[Birmingham] Mayor Woodfin grows stronger”
AL Political Reporter: “So, what does it say about Birmingham voters that they re-elected Mayor Randall Woodfin in a landslide against seven other candidates, including a former mayor and a current Jefferson County commissioner? Voters in Birmingham are happy with Woodfin. And as they should be. Woodfin certainly has his detractors – all politicians do….