Human Rights

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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N.C. immigrants, allies vow to resist ramped-up ICE enforcement actions

By Alanna Joyner / February 28, 2020 / Comments Off on N.C. immigrants, allies vow to resist ramped-up ICE enforcement actions

Increased ICE enforcement actions across 12 counties in North Carolina, are causing concerns for many communities. Since January, ICE agents have detained over 32 people in 10 counties, including 16 in Raleigh recently. In response, community members, immigrants and allies, are vowing to protect their families and neighbors as Trump’s ICE agents continue to invade…

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WRAL: Immigrants and city leaders speak out against ICE arrests, family separations

By Alanna Joyner / February 18, 2020 / Comments Off on WRAL: Immigrants and city leaders speak out against ICE arrests, family separations

On Monday, city leaders from Raleigh and Durham spoke out against recent ICE arrests in North Carolina. Joined with several immigrant families, leaders are calling out ICE’s actions as undermining the judicial system. Since January, ICE agents have detained 32 people in 10 counties, including 16 in Wake County last week.  From WRAL:  With lawmakers…

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Crisis at a Durham public housing complex reflects neglect and calls for change

By Alanna Joyner / February 14, 2020 / Comments Off on Crisis at a Durham public housing complex reflects neglect and calls for change

Friday, residents of McDougald Terrace are set to go home after more than a month in hotels. The Durham Housing Authority hoped to have 12 units ready for occupancy by the end of the week. However, some families are finding out their homes are not ready, and they feel they are not safe yet. Since…

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WRAL: Campaign finance complaint filed against Sons of Confederate Veterans

By Alanna Joyner / January 24, 2020 / Comments Off on WRAL: Campaign finance complaint filed against Sons of Confederate Veterans

On Wednesday, Bob Hall, a citizen watchdog, asked the State Board of Elections to investigate and discontinue the NC Heritage PAC, a political action committee connected to the NC Division of the Sons of Confederate Veteran.  Hall filed a complaint alleging that the SCV illegally financed the NC Heritage PAC that gave donations to individuals…

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King’s words ring true today

By Eleanore Wood / January 20, 2020 / Comments Off on King’s words ring true today

In the days leading up to Martin Luther King Day – the Raleigh News & Observer republished this editorial which was one of the newspaper’s most shared pieces in 2018 and again in 2019. It’s a reminder that the civil rights icon was not as appreciated during his lifetime as he should have been or as he is today.…

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NC GOP lawmakers support ‘Second Amendment sanctuaries,’ will attend Va. gun rally

By Alanna Joyner / January 17, 2020 / Comments Off on NC GOP lawmakers support ‘Second Amendment sanctuaries,’ will attend Va. gun rally

Republican state lawmakers showed their support for areas that declare themselves “Second Amendment sanctuaries” ahead of the Virginia gun rally against gun control proposals from the Virginia General Assembly’s new Democratic majority. Fifty members of the North Carolina House Republican caucus, including House Speaker Tim Moore, signed a letter circulated last Tuesday during the legislature’s…

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WRAL: Growing number of conservative local leaders want Medicaid expanded in NC

By Alanna Joyner / January 16, 2020 / Comments Off on WRAL: Growing number of conservative local leaders want Medicaid expanded in NC

NC’s Republican-controlled state legislature remains calcified in its opposition to expanded Medicaid, which would bring down healthcare costs for everyone, even those with private health insurance.  But a growing number of conservatives are calling on lawmakers to finally allow expansion. From WRAL: “We believe we have a responsibility to look after our citizens. It’s a…

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Raleigh N&O: Kansas is expanding Medicaid. What’s the matter with North Carolina?

By Alanna Joyner / January 12, 2020 / Comments Off on Raleigh N&O: Kansas is expanding Medicaid. What’s the matter with North Carolina?

The North Carolina General Assembly convenes on Tuesday for a so-called “mini-session” amidst the budget standoff waged by legislative Republicans since last summer. Meanwhile, the health care spotlight is heating up on North Carolina Republicans as yet another red state — this time Kansas — has decided to expand Medicaid. From The News & Observer:…

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