A New Bi-Weekly Roundup of News, From the Frontlines of the Fight for Democracy
Welcome to From the Frontlines, a new, bi-weekly newsletter that will get you up-to-speed on the local political stories you need to know from COURIER’S newsrooms.
Every other week, we’ll share the best of our pro-democracy political coverage from Arizona to Wisconsin, alongside some calls to action. We hope this regular roundup also helps inspire your team and helps spark ideas for content, campaigns, and collaborations. See something here you’d love your COURIER state newsroom to cover? Have an idea, a scoop, a personal story to share? Let us know! Our goal is to build this network in collaboration with our partners, and we love a good feedback loop. – Kate Bassett, National Political Director
Let’s jump right in with some a recap of coverage from July:
ARIZONA: Remember the $200 Million Shipping Container Border Wall Erected by Former Gov. Doug Ducey? Now You Can Own a Piece of It.
Chief Political Correspondent Camaron Stevenson breaks down how a Republican political stunt has turned into a serious shipping container surplus for the state. Watch the full video here.
More from Copper Courier:
What Happens When a Community is Built in a Desert, Without Water infrastructure?
East Mesa Hotel to be Repurposed into Transitional Housing for Unhoused Residents
FLORIDA: Florida Schools’ New Slavery, Race History Lessons are ‘Inaccurate, Scary,’ Advocates Warn
The lessons include the idea that enslaved people developed skills that “could be applied for their personal benefit,” among other notions that teachers and Democratic state lawmakers are calling “a big step backwards” and a “disservice to Florida’s students.” Read the full story here.
More from Floricua:
Florida Taxpayers are Footing the Bill for DeSantis Legal Woes
Farmer Insurance Pulls out of Florida, Leaving 100,000 Homeowners Scrambling for Alternatives
IOWA: Ron DeSantis Says He Would Sign National Abortion Ban
If elected president, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said he would support a national six-week ban on abortion. The Sunshine State Republican who is seeking the 2024 GOP nomination confirmed he would support the nationwide abortion ban after former Fox News host Tucker Carlson asked him during the Family Leader Summit in Des Moines on Friday, July 14. Read the full story here.
More from Iowa Starting Line:
MICHIGAN: LGBTQ+ Discrimination at Traverse City Salon Likely Headed to Court
The office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is calling out a northern Michigan salon this week over “hateful” and “bigoted” anti-LGBTQ remarks that were posted on its social media pages, with a Nessel spokesperson telling The ‘Gander on Wednesday that the salon owner’s stated refusal to serve LGBTQ people will “likely be litigated” in a courtroom. Read the full story here
More from The ‘Gander:
These Michigan Women are Landing Good Paying Construction Jobs. Here’s Why
Voting Will Be More Convenient Than Ever for Michiganders Under New State Laws - The Gander
8 Big Wins for Michigan Students: How the New State Budget is investing in Public Schools
NORTH CAROLINA: NC Bill Would Let a Few Parents Oust School Leaders, Prosecute Librarians
An education bill could allow just five parents to get a superintendent fired, regardless of the merits of the complaint. Read the full story here.
More from Cardinal & Pine:
Private Schools ‘Have No Intention of Accepting Kids with Disabilities,’ Public School Advocate Says
A Doctor Shortage Could be Coming in NC, Thanks to the 12 Week Abortion Ban
PENNSYLVANIA: Not Just Parents: Who is Really Behind Moms for Liberty
The Moms for Liberty Conference was in Philadelphia recently, and Keystone’s team took a look at the organizations sponsoring the event. They ranged from anti-union groups to 2020 election deniers to groups pushing book bans and attacks against the LGBTQ communities. Read the full story here.
More from Keystone Newsroom:
‘A Public Safety Issue’: PA Nurses on Why Safe Staffing Ratios Are Crucial - The Keystone
Harrisburg uses American Rescue Plan Funds to Support Affordable Housing and Home Repairs
VIRGINIA: Noncompete Clauses Trap Workers. Could They Soon Be Banned?
Workers in the commonwealth have publicly described noncompete clauses as “exploitative and coercive,” “devastating for workers,” “WRONG,” and as measures that “hurt the average middle class professional.” Every day, an untold number of people in Virginia wake up and go to work at jobs that are effectively holding them and their livelihoods hostage. Read the full story here.
More from Dogwood:
Electric Bills Decrease for Millions of Virginians Thanks to New Law
Virginians Could be Paying Less for Prescription Drugs. Here’s Why We’re Not.
WISCONSIN: Here’s Why Folks Will Be Talking About Gov. Tony Evers’ Budget Moves 402 Years from Now
The governor modified the Republicans’ 2023-25 state budget bill with partial vetoes that scale back the GOP’s tax cuts for the very wealthy and provide public schools with a minimum level of funding until 2425. Read the full story here.
More from Up North News:
Judge: ‘No Such Thing as a 1849 Abortion Ban,’ Allows Lawsuit to Continue
Here’s Why 1 Million Wisconsin Seniors Will Soon See Lower Drug Costs
And be sure to tune in to Up North News Radio every weekday morning!
Before you go….are you following our newsrooms on social media? If not– our call to action this week is to click the links and join our online communities, so you can stay up to date every day on what’s happening on the frontlines of the state you call home (or have adopted at heart!).
Arizona– Copper Courier. To subscribe to Copper’s newsletter, click here>> To follow Copper on social media: Facebook; Instagram, TikTok; Twitter
Florida– Floricua. To subscribe to Floricua’s newsletter, click here. To follow Floricua on social media: Facebook; Instagram; TikTok, Twitter
Iowa– Iowa Starting Line. To subscribe to Iowa Starting Line’s newsletter, click here. To follow Iowa Starting Line on social media: Facebook; Instagram; TikTok; Twitter
Michigan– The ‘Gander . To subscribe to The ‘Gander’s newsletter, click here. To follow The ‘Gander on social media: Facebook; Instagram: TikTok; Twitter
North Carolina– Cardinal & Pine. To subscribe to Cardinal & Pine’s newsletter, click here. To follow Cardinal & Pine on social media: Facebook; Instagram: TikTok; Twitter
Pennsylvania– The Keystone. To subscribe to The Keystone’s newsletter, click here. To follow The Keystone on social media: Facebook; Instagram: TikTok; Twitter
Wisconsin– Up North News. To subscribe to the Up North News newsletter, click here. To follow Up North News on social media: Facebook; Instagram: TikTok; Twitter
Virginia– Dogwood. To subscribe to Dogwood’s newsletter, click here. To follow The Dogwood on social media: Facebook; Instagram: TikTok; Twitter