Alanna Joyner

The Senate still doesn’t know when it will vote on the coronavirus bill

By Alanna Joyner / March 17, 2020 / Comments Off on The Senate still doesn’t know when it will vote on the coronavirus bill

In the early hours of March 14, the Families First Coronavirus Act was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill that would extend employee sick leave benefits, expand access to free testing, and provide $1 billion in food aid to vulnerable Americans, passed swiftly within the house but has been halted in the…

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Cooper, among other governors, fill Trump’s COVID-19 leadership void

By Alanna Joyner / March 16, 2020 / Comments Off on Cooper, among other governors, fill Trump’s COVID-19 leadership void

The misinformation and mismanagement of Trump’s coronavirus response, has plagued the current administration and warrants many questions as to why the nation could not have prepared sooner. During the midst of Trump’s deflection of blame, state governors around the country have been advocates for public health and safety during the outbreak, most notably, North Carolina’s…

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Making sure rural gets counted — Census 2020

By Alanna Joyner / March 12, 2020 / Comments Off on Making sure rural gets counted — Census 2020

Between March 12 to 20, you will be invited to participate in the 2020 Census. With over 80 rural counties out of the total 100 counties in North Carolina, the census will be an important moment, as vital resources and programs will be decided for the next decade. Active participation in the 2020 Census will…

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WRAL: Secretary Cohen tells legislators what they can’t handle — The Truth

By Alanna Joyner / March 12, 2020 / Comments Off on WRAL: Secretary Cohen tells legislators what they can’t handle — The Truth

Due to Gov. Roy Cooper’s veto of the General Assembly’s proposed state budget, North Carolina avoided more than $42 million in cuts that would have left numerous agencies vulnerable during the coronavirus outbreak. A dramatically shrunken budget and staff cuts prompted by the state budget, would have strained the state’s Health and Human Services, the…

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WRAL: State should make sure ALL in need are tested for coronavirus

By Alanna Joyner / March 10, 2020 / Comments Off on WRAL: State should make sure ALL in need are tested for coronavirus

Last week, Congress approved an $8.3 billion emergency spending package in an effort to combat the coronavirus. Almost $13 million has been set aside for emergency aid for North Carolina as local health officials prepare for the outbreak. Across the country, some states are setting aside funds to waive fees for patients who lack healthcare…

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A Right-Wing Billionaire Was Just Convicted of Bribery, and He’s Dragging Republicans Down With Him

By Alanna Joyner / March 9, 2020 / Comments Off on A Right-Wing Billionaire Was Just Convicted of Bribery, and He’s Dragging Republicans Down With Him

On Thursday, Greg Lindberg and John Gray were found guilty of attempting to bribe North Carolina’s Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey. Lindberg, one of North Carolina’s largest political donors, was convicted of bribing Causey with millions in campaign money.  The federal jury also found Lindberg associates John Gray guilty on two public corruption charges, while John…

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North Carolina watchfully prepares for spread of coronavirus

By Alanna Joyner / March 9, 2020 / Comments Off on North Carolina watchfully prepares for spread of coronavirus

Last week, two cases of the coronavirus were confirmed by North Carolina state officials. The two cases, which are unrelated, are the first cases for the state as COVID-19 continues to spread across the country. Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week that the N.C. State Laboratory of Public Health can test for the virus. Cooper…

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North Carolina lawsuit claims absentee vote changes went too far and is unconstitutional

By Alanna Joyner / March 6, 2020 / Comments Off on North Carolina lawsuit claims absentee vote changes went too far and is unconstitutional

On Wednesday, Lawyers for Advance Carolina sued the state, in an effort to overturn absentee ballot security measures that the General Assembly passed last year in the wake of major election fraud. The Senate Bill 683, passed by the Republican-led assembly, contained numerous election measures as a response to the election fraud in the 9th…

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NC Policy Watch: Reproductive freedom is in the cross-hairs this week at the Supreme Court

By Alanna Joyner / March 3, 2020 / Comments Off on NC Policy Watch: Reproductive freedom is in the cross-hairs this week at the Supreme Court

Wednesday will be an important day for reproductive rights, as the Supreme Court hears its first abortion case with Gorsuch and Kavanaugh on the court.  Trump’s two handpicked nominees will be deciding on the state of Louisiana’s case, June Medical Services v. Russo, which has the potential to shape abortion access in Louisiana and perhaps…

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ICE raids increase in North Carolina as Trump weaponizes the DOJ

By Alanna Joyner / March 3, 2020 / Comments Off on ICE raids increase in North Carolina as Trump weaponizes the DOJ

North Carolina communities are taking a stance against Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased presence and arrests. Since January, ICE has targeted immigrants in12 counties across the state. ICE agents detained 32 people, 16 in Raleigh, prompting city leaders and immigrants to speak out against their increased actions. Yet, efforts to resist ICE enforcement actions…

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