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Right-wing NC Supreme Court could soon decide the future of the multi-decade, multi-billion-dollar Leandro school funding plan

By Patrick Zarcone / November 3, 2023 / Comments Off on Right-wing NC Supreme Court could soon decide the future of the multi-decade, multi-billion-dollar Leandro school funding plan

For decades, the NCGOP have failed to adhere to the Leandro court order, refusing to pass measures or a state budget that incorporates the necessary investments toward teachers, school support staff, resources and school infrastructure.

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More than $25M in federal grant money coming to NC to provide better pay for teachers, expand school breakfast programs

By Patrick Zarcone / November 3, 2023 / Comments Off on More than $25M in federal grant money coming to NC to provide better pay for teachers, expand school breakfast programs

The U.S. Department of Education announced last week that schools here will receive $24 million in grants to help them recruit and keep teachers. In addition, Gov. Roy Cooper announced last week that he would be directing $1.4 million in federal grant funding to help schools expand their school breakfast programs.

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UPDATE: NCGOP passes extreme partisan gerrymander state, congressional voting maps into law

By Patrick Zarcone / October 27, 2023 / Comments Off on UPDATE: NCGOP passes extreme partisan gerrymander state, congressional voting maps into law

These new maps may violate laws like the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which protects the rights of voters of color, as Republicans did not consider racial data in the drawing of the new maps. The new districts will give Republicans at least 10 of the state’s 14 seats in Congress.

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HuffPost uncovers nearly two dozen Mark Robinson Facebook posts where he attacks successful women

By Patrick Zarcone / October 27, 2023 / Comments Off on HuffPost uncovers nearly two dozen Mark Robinson Facebook posts where he attacks successful women

The Huffington Post recently published a story looking at his history of attacking successful women. The attacks usually appeared on Facebook and those posts remain on his page still today.

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Did you know elections are happening right now in North Carolina? GO VOTE!

By Patrick Zarcone / October 27, 2023 / Comments Off on Did you know elections are happening right now in North Carolina? GO VOTE!

Whether you knew it or not, early voting began on Oct. 19 and it ends on Nov. 4. According to the State Board of Elections, approximately 465 cities, towns and villages in 86 of the state’s 100 counties are holding elections this fall.

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NCGOP’s gerrymandered voting maps were created in secret, ignored racial data in likely violation of the Voting Rights Act

By Patrick Zarcone / October 20, 2023 / Comments Off on NCGOP’s gerrymandered voting maps were created in secret, ignored racial data in likely violation of the Voting Rights Act

Power-drunk Republicans this week released congressional and state voting maps that are so extremely gerrymandered that they very well could violate the law.

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State judicial commission being sued by NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls files motion to dismiss First Amendment lawsuit

By Patrick Zarcone / October 13, 2023 / Comments Off on State judicial commission being sued by NC Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls files motion to dismiss First Amendment lawsuit

Justice Earls speaking out about the lack of diversity in our state judiciary should be commended, not punished. Instead, right-wing idealogue Chief Justice Paul Newby is having her investigated.

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NCGOP overrides 5 more of Gov. Cooper’s vetoes; Lawsuits filed over voting, appointment powers bills

By Patrick Zarcone / October 13, 2023 / Comments Off on NCGOP overrides 5 more of Gov. Cooper’s vetoes; Lawsuits filed over voting, appointment powers bills

Gov. Cooper filed a lawsuit against state lawmakers over SB 512. The Democratic National Committee and NCDP also filed a lawsuit challenging SB 747.

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The 6th anniversary of America’s deadliest mass shooting was this week – and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson might not even believe it happened

By Patrick Zarcone / October 6, 2023 / Comments Off on The 6th anniversary of America’s deadliest mass shooting was this week – and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson might not even believe it happened

Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, who questioned the legitimacy of the largest mass shooting in our nation’s recent history, also opposes common-sense gun violence prevention solutions and is in the pocket of the NRA. He is not what North Carolina needs in our next governor.

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As Banned Books Week comes to an end, here’s a look at the current fight against book bans in America

By Patrick Zarcone / October 6, 2023 / Comments Off on As Banned Books Week comes to an end, here’s a look at the current fight against book bans in America

Banned Books Week is now in its 41st year and this past year may have been one of the worst when it comes to the freedom to read in America. According to a report by PEN America, the 2022-23 school year saw 3,362 instances of book bans in U.S. public schools.

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