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Monday, March 18, 2024

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SD public defense duties shift from counties to state; SCOTUS appears skeptical of restricting government communications with social media companies; Trump lawyers say he can't make bond; new scholarships aim to connect class of 2024 to high-demand jobs.

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The SCOTUS weighs government influence on social media, and who groups like the NRA can do business with. Biden signs an executive order to advance women's health research and the White House tells Israel it's responsible for the Gaza humanitarian crisis.

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Midwest regenerative farmers are rethinking chicken production, Medicare Advantage is squeezing the finances of rural hospitals and California's extreme swing from floods to drought has some thinking it's time to turn rural farm parcels into floodplains.

Alabama

In the Alabama Legislature, Senate Bill 57 would ban protestors near residences, defining

Friday, March 15, 2024

Alabama grassroots groups fight restrictive legislation

In the thick of Alabama's legislative battles and with election season peaking, a surge of controversial bills is sparking concern among civic groups…

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Since 2009, Alabama has closed 13 hospitals with two reopening at a later date. (Galina Barskaya/Adobe Stock)
Groups call for Medicaid expansion to prevent hospital closures

This week, an Alabama group is drawing attention to the need for Medicaid expansion. Currently, approximately 300,000 people are stuck in a health …

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The Hometown Organizing Project and Hometown Action helped win the first rural nondiscrimination ordinance in Montevallo, Ala., and have organized to fight against restrictions to reproductive freedom and LGBTQ rights, including bans on transgender healthcare. (Adobe Stock)
A focus on LGBTQ solidarity amid Alabama legislative challenges

In the face of anti-LGBTQ legislation and the tragic loss of a nonbinary teen in Oklahoma, an Alabama group is working to provide what it calls a …

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One of 50 adult citizens, or 2% of the total U.S. voting eligible population, is disenfranchised due to a current or previous felony conviction. (Adobe Stock)
AL lawmakers look at restoring voting rights for people with past convictions

Super Tuesday was just another day for tens of thousands of people who cannot vote because of past felony convictions. In Alabama, state lawmakers …

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Democracy Trailblazers works to engage, empower and inspire high school students through awareness, education and activation year-round. (Adobe Stock)
Democracy Trailblazers ignite enthusiasm among teen voters

Most teenagers eagerly anticipate turning 16 to start driving and 21 for other milestones, but the significance of obtaining the right to vote at 18 …

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House Bill passed with an overwhelming vote of 94-6, with three abstentions. Its companion, Senate Bill 159, passed unanimously with a vote of 34-0. (Chad Robertson/Adobe Stock)
Alabama passes bills to protect IVF, but concerns remain

The Alabama House and Senate both passed bills this week that would help people resume in vitro fertilization and provide legal protections for provid…

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Federal debt among borrowers age 62 and older has increased by 36.8% since 2017, according to Education Data Initiative. (Adobe Stock)
Crucial deadline approaches for AL student loan borrowers

Student loan borrowers in Alabama and across the country have a chance to slash their college debt or see it disappear entirely. The U.S. Department …

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To be eligible for judicial review under House Bill 29, an inmate must have been sentenced prior to May 26, 2000, meaning anyone eligible would have served at least 24 years in prison. (Adobe Stock)
AL lawmakers urged to rethink lengthy prison sentences

More than 7,000 people age 50 or older are serving time in Alabama prisons, and prison reform advocates have said the system is ill prepared for …

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In Alabama, you lose your voting rights if you are convicted of certain felonies under state<br />law. If you are convicted in federal court or in another state, you only lose your voting rights if your conviction would constitute a disqualifying offense under Alabama law. (Adobe Stock)
Working to help Alabama residents understand, restore voting rights

As people in Alabama mobilize for the 2024 General Election, one group wants to make it easier for those with felony records to understand their …

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About 60% of the nation's students in chronically underfunded districts are in just 10 states, including Alabama. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />
Alabama schools among 'most underfunded' in the nation

A new report showed Alabama is among 39 states that "critically underfunds" its K-12 public schools. The report on the state school finance systems …

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The EmpowerED Conference aims to create a platform for collaboration, inspiration and knowledge-sharing among leaders, educators and students within the HBCC/PBCC network, according to Alabama Possible. (Adobe Stock)
Alabama's Black community colleges join forces to increase education access

Black community colleges across Alabama are teaming up to expand their reach in the state. Chandra Scott is executive director of nonprofit …

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According to the National Weather Service, the Jan. 12, 2023 storm tore across the landscape for almost 23 miles with wind speeds that peaked at 130 miles per hour. It tracked northeast from near Orrville, through downtown Selma, and ended near Burnsville. (Benjamin Simeneta/Adobe Stock)
Alabama communities reflect on building resilience after tornado devastation

It's been just over one year since tornadoes ravaged communities in areas such as Dallas, Coosa and Tallapoosa counties in Alabama. While the new …

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