Democracy

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: 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 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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Trump visits North Carolina before Super Tuesday

By Alanna Joyner / March 2, 2020 / Comments Off on Trump visits North Carolina before Super Tuesday

Ahead of Super Tuesday, Trump is holding another rally in Charlotte today in an attempt to gain voters — but let’s not forget a few of his many broken promises to North Carolinians. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump repeatedly claimed that uninsured individuals would be “taken care of”, but since taking office Trump and…

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WRAL: Did Tillis vote to ‘take away’ coverage for pre-existing conditions?

By Alanna Joyner / March 2, 2020 / Comments Off on WRAL: Did Tillis vote to ‘take away’ coverage for pre-existing conditions?

In 2015, Senator Thom Tillis along with other Republican incumbents, voted for a repeal of the Affordable Care Act — a move that would have left millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions vulnerable.  From WRAL: A pre-existing condition is a health problem that someone has before their health coverage starts. Examples include asthma, cancer, diabetes…

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News & Observer: How the Greg Lindberg bribery trial is playing out in the GOP primary for governor

By Alanna Joyner / February 26, 2020 / Comments Off on News & Observer: How the Greg Lindberg bribery trial is playing out in the GOP primary for governor

The federal bribery trial for political mega-donor Greg Lindberg and former NCGOP leader John Palermo, began last Tuesday in Charlotte.  Lindberg, along with two associates and Palermo, were indicted on numerous federal charges last March, that tied the insurance executive to attempted bribery and corruption. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest has received the most campaign money…

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Seven years later, the GOP’s unemployment reforms still haunt NC

By Alanna Joyner / February 24, 2020 / Comments Off on Seven years later, the GOP’s unemployment reforms still haunt NC

On Tuesday, the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee, composed mostly of Republican lawmakers, met on the subject of Unemployment Insurance.Lawmakers are reconsidering a 2013 reform called the “Carolina Comeback”,  backed by Pat McCrory and the GOP, that was an initiative to reduce unemployment taxes on businesses., but seven years later has seemingly failed to return job…

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News & Observer: Another court blocks NC voter ID law, citing ‘racially discriminatory intent’

By Alanna Joyner / February 19, 2020 / Comments Off on News & Observer: Another court blocks NC voter ID law, citing ‘racially discriminatory intent’

On Tuesday, a North Carolina Court of Appeals blocked the NC voter photo ID law, saying that the law was passed with discriminatory intent and will cause irreparable harm. A federal court has already blocked the voter ID mandate until the 2020 primary, but the state courts ruling could extend the blockage until the general…

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