July 21, 2022 -
North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) pushed for the new state budget to allocate millions of dollars to close hog farms, which are concentrated in environmental justice communities in the state's increasingly flood-prone east. But the Republican-controlled state legislature, where the industry is a powerful force, passed a budget without the funds — and Cooper signed it.
July 20, 2022 -
A watchdog group has filed complaints against several gun companies including Georgia's Daniel Defense for donating to super PACS while under federal contract, which is illegal. The Federal Election Commission, known for its ineffectiveness, faces pressure to hold weapons manufacturers accountable.
July 19, 2022 -
For weeks, reproductive rights advocates pressured President Biden not to go through with his plan to nominate an anti-abortion lawyer to a Kentucky judgeship. Biden backed down last week, citing a GOP senator's objection and a Senate tradition with Jim Crow roots.
July 19, 2022 -
Reproductive rights advocates say the Biden administration could do more to protect abortion access, including lifting regulations on abortion pills and suing states that seek to limit medication abortion.
July 15, 2022 -
The far-right anti-government militia played a lead role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and 11 of its members have since been charged with seditious conspiracy. So why does the IRS still grant some of its branches nonprofit status, allowing them to avoid paying taxes on money they raise?
July 7, 2022 -
The U.S. Supreme Court will consider a fringe legal theory that would give state lawmakers even more leeway to gerrymander, suppress voters, and possibly overturn presidential election results. Four conservative justices agree with the theory, and the appeal out of North Carolina will reveal if the court's majority does. A proposed constitutional amendment could provide a fix.
July 7, 2022 -
A U.S. House subcommittee recently held a hearing on how institutional investors' fast-expanding ownership of single-family rental homes is making affordable housing less accessible for renters and first-time homebuyers. Black neighborhoods and Southern metros are among those with the greatest share of investor ownership of single-family rentals.
