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Friday, June 9, 2023

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Former President Donald J. Trump first ever to face federal charges in 7 count indictment; the Supreme Court strikes down Alabama's Congressional Maps; Canadian wildfires affect the health of humans and wildlife.

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The Supreme Court upholds a key provision of the Voting Rights Act over Alabama redistricting, smoky skies could spell EPA trouble for some states, and President Biden calls on Congress to pass LGBTQ+ protections.

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Rural communities launch projects with funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a study says rural transgender adults feel less supported than those in urban areas, and a summer road trip could mean majestic scenic byways or a sprinkling of donut shops.

Civic Engagement

The federal government stipulates that districts must have nearly equal populations and must not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, according to Ballotpedia. (Richelle/AdobeStock)

Friday, June 9, 2023

Teaming Up to Tackle Redistricting Reform in PA

The U.S. Supreme Court ruling yesterday about making voting maps more fair in Alabama gives new hope to groups in Pennsylvania that have teamed up to …

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In recent rulings, the U.S. Supreme Court has issued opinions limiting the scope of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. But a new opinion, stemming from a redistricting issue, keeps a key provision of the law in place. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, June 9, 2023

WI Voter-Outreach Group Applauds SCOTUS Redistricting Ruling

Civic engagement groups around the country, including in Wisconsin, are cheering Thursday's U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding a key provision of …

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Parents, educators and others protested Thursday ahead of the first public board meeting since the Texas Education Agency took over the Houston Independent School District. (ACLU of Texas)

Friday, June 9, 2023

Texas Assumes Leadership of Houston's Largest School District

Parents and educators in the Houston Independent School District said they are all for improving schools but do not believe a state takeover by an une…

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Assembly Bill 421 would reform California's ballot referenda process, which seeks to repeal laws. It would not apply to ballot initiatives supporting new policy. (Vic Joly/Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Unions, Environmental Advocates Press to Reform CA Referendum Process

Unions, environmental groups and other progressive organizations are leading the charge to reform California's referendum process, which allows …

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Critics of the 2010 Supreme Court ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission say it gave greater political influence to wealthy donors and corporations by allowing them to spend unlimited funds on elections. (Adobe Stock)

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Lawmakers Consider Changes to Maine’s Clean Election Law

Lawmakers in Maine are considering legislation to allow candidates seeking county level offices to receive taxpayer funds under the Maine Clean Electi…

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While South Dakota rarely sees recall elections, an expert says neighboring North Dakota has seen a lot of such activity, with nearly three dozen recall votes in the past 12 years. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Does South Dakota Have 'Direct Democracy' Fever?

A court hearing next week could help determine whether an eastern South Dakota mayor will face a recall election. Events are rare for this state…

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Parcels of land downstream of Ruybal Fox Creek Ranch have been subdivided into 35- to 50-acre large-lot tracts. (Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust)

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Preserving Cultural, Environmental Legacy in Southern Colorado

Ruybal Fox Creek Ranch sits in a dramatic canyon in the foothills of southern Colorado's San Juan Mountains, right next to the Rio Grande National …

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Wallowa County is a sparsely populated county in northeast Oregon and recently voted in favor of joining Idaho. (Bob/Adobe Stock)
With Secession Votes, Rural OR Counties Signal Lack of Respect

A dozen rural Oregon counties have voted to leave the state over the past three years. It's a signal that large parts of the state don't feel like …

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The Biden administration recently paved the way to make U.S. charging infrastructure available to everyone, regardless of what brand of car they drive. (Adobe Stock)
Building Solutions for 'Range Anxiety' Can Boost Electric Vehicle Transition

By Whitney Bauck for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Eric Galatas for Colorado News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netw…

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Pennsylvanians must register to vote by Oct. 23 to be eligible to vote in the general election on Nov. 7. (Vesperstock/AdobeStock)
Voter Education for November General Election Already Underway in PA

The Keystone State's general election is less than six months away and a nonpartisan, grassroots organization is already getting the word out to …

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Florida's newest elections law requires that third-party voter registration groups provide mandatory formal signature-matching training to specified persons by the Florida Secretary of State. (Pixabay)
Florida Faces Lawsuits Over Sweeping New Elections Law

The moment Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed a sweeping elections bill into law last week, several voter-advocacy groups filed lawsuits against it…

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Gov. Jay Inslee signed a measure on May 15 to update procedures for automatic voter registration. (David Gales/Adobe Stock)
Lawmakers Make Registering to Vote in WA Easier

Washingtonians will soon find it even easier to register to vote. Passed this session, Senate Bill 5112 automatically makes people applying for …

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