Democracy

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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After delaying passing a budget for 80+ days, NCGOP now turns focus to redrawing district maps in their favor

By Patrick Zarcone / September 29, 2023 / Comments Off on After delaying passing a budget for 80+ days, NCGOP now turns focus to redrawing district maps in their favor

After wasting more than 80 days to agree on a state budget, Republican leaders in North Carolina are now turning their focus to redistricting and trying to figure out the most effective way to gerrymander as many districts in their favor as possible.

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NC Republicans finally agree on a budget – and it’s full of right-wing priorities; teachers, state employees will barely get raises

By Patrick Zarcone / September 22, 2023 / Comments Off on NC Republicans finally agree on a budget – and it’s full of right-wing priorities; teachers, state employees will barely get raises

It took more than 80 days of secretive negotiations and an uproar over a move to tie Medicaid expansion to casino legislation, but Republicans in the North Carolina General Assembly finally agreed on a budget on Wednesday afternoon.

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UNC students, anti-gun violence advocates take gun control message straight to NC Republicans

By Patrick Zarcone / September 15, 2023 / Comments Off on UNC students, anti-gun violence advocates take gun control message straight to NC Republicans

Tired of their pleas being ignored, members of March For Our Lives UNC, along with other anti-gun violence advocates, rallied outside the NCGA in Raleigh and then took their message straight to Republicans inside.

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NC budget update: NCGOP leaders prioritize Las Vegas-style casino resorts, anti-LGBTQ+ hate over teachers, workers and Medicaid recipients

By Patrick Zarcone / September 8, 2023 / Comments Off on NC budget update: NCGOP leaders prioritize Las Vegas-style casino resorts, anti-LGBTQ+ hate over teachers, workers and Medicaid recipients

In North Carolina, teacher pay, public school funding, state employee raises and health care for 600,000+ residents are all dependent on Republicans in both chambers coming to an agreement and passing legislation.

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NCGOP targeting voting rights, fair districting with voter suppression bill and plan to gerrymander maps to their advantage

By Patrick Zarcone / September 1, 2023 / Comments Off on NCGOP targeting voting rights, fair districting with voter suppression bill and plan to gerrymander maps to their advantage

Republicans will override the governor’s veto of SB 747, but a date for the vote has not been announced. After the vote is held, they will turn their attention to gerrymandering our maps in the fall and winter.

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Bills targeting trans youth are now NC law after Republicans override 6 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes

By Patrick Zarcone / August 18, 2023 / Comments Off on Bills targeting trans youth are now NC law after Republicans override 6 of Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes

“The legislature finally comes back [and they] pass legislation that discriminates, makes housing less safe, blocks FEMA disaster recovery funding, hurts the freedom to vote and damages our economy,” said Gov. Cooper.

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NC Republicans are hoping you can’t vote – here’s how to make sure you have the proper ID come Election Day

By Patrick Zarcone / August 11, 2023 / Comments Off on NC Republicans are hoping you can’t vote – here’s how to make sure you have the proper ID come Election Day

“This new process should not discourage or prevent any eligible individual from voting and having their ballot counted,” NCSBE executive director Karen Brinson Bell said. “The State Board and county boards of elections are here to assist any voter who needs an ID or has questions about this law.” 

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Did you know? Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson isn’t just full of hate, he’s also a big-time conspiracy theorist

By Patrick Zarcone / August 4, 2023 / Comments Off on Did you know? Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson isn’t just full of hate, he’s also a big-time conspiracy theorist

Robinson’s staff may be able to prevent him from showing up at conspiracy theorist events like ReAwaken America, still, they can’t erase the long paper trail showing the beliefs he shares with these same people.

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Team Biden sets sights on winning North Carolina in 2024

By Patrick Zarcone / July 27, 2023 / Comments Off on Team Biden sets sights on winning North Carolina in 2024

Considering the state’s “fresh abortion ban, a contentious, expensive gubernatorial race and steady population growth that has ballooned urban and suburban areas,” Team Biden is seeing the possibility of winning.

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