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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

New England Law Professors Join Protest of Trump's AG Nominee

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Monday, January 9, 2017   

CONCORD, N.H. -- Hundreds of legal scholars, from New England and almost every state in the nation, are objecting to the president-elect's choice of Senator Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican, for U.S. attorney general.

More than 1,200 law professors have stated their belief that Sessions would not fairly enforce the law or promote justice and equality. Among those signing the letter is Professor Jack Beermann of the Boston University School of Law.

"Even if he has changed over the years, I'm just concerned that that's the wrong kind of person to have as attorney general of the United States,” Beermann said. “Symbolically it's very bad to have even a reformed racist as attorney general."

A spokesman for Sessions said the senator has dedicated his career to upholding the rule of law, ensuring public safety and prosecuting government corruption. The Senate Judiciary Committee begins confirmation hearings this week.

Pamela Foley at Indiana University's Maurer School of law said that in 1986, Sessions' nomination for a federal judgeship was rejected by the Republican-controlled Senate Judiciary Committee. She said it was because of racially insensitive comments Sessions had made.

"Evidence that reflected what seemed like prejudice against African-Americans came to light,” Foley said. “And, as the letter says, it does not seem that his views have evolved in a way that would make him the right choice for this position."

The letter also mentions Sessions' 1985 prosecution as an attorney of three civil rights activists for voter fraud in Alabama, and his continued opposition to policies promoting the rights of women and the LGBTQ community.




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The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments this week about the popular abortion pill Mifepristone and will weigh in on whether the U.S. Food and Drug Administration was correct in how it can be dosed and prescribed. (Ascannio/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

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Missouri residents are worried about future access to birth control. The latest survey from The Right Time, an initiative based in Missouri…


Social Issues

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Wisconsin children from low-income families are now on track to get nutritious foods over the summer. Federal officials have approved the Badger …

Social Issues

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Almost 2,900 people are unsheltered on any given night in the Beehive State. Gov. Spencer Cox is celebrating signing nine bills he says are geared …


The U.S. teaching workforce remains primarily white while the percentage of Black teachers has declined. However, the percentage of Asian and Latinx teachers is rising.(WavebreakMediaMicro/Adobestock)

Social Issues

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Education advocates are calling on lawmakers to increase funding for programs to combat the teacher shortage. Around 37% of schools nationwide …

Environment

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New York's Legislature is considering a bill to get clean-energy projects connected to the grid faster. It's called the RAPID Act, for "Renewable …

Social Issues

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Earlier this month, a new Arizona Public Service rate hike went into effect and one senior advocacy group said those on a fixed income may struggle …

Social Issues

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Michigan recently implemented a significant juvenile justice reform package following recommendations from a task force made up of prosecutors…

 

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