Latest Human rights and civil liberties News
Louisiana lawmakers ready for latest session starting Monday
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana lawmakers return Monday to the state Capitol for their first full-length regular session since the pandemic began and with far more topics than the coronavirus on the agenda. House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and Senate President Page...
In GOP strongholds, a big push on 'culture war' legislation
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — An ardent abortion foe who once opposed allowing gay couples to be foster parents, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson is the unlikeliest figure to complain about bills on the “culture wars" reaching his desk. But by vetoing a ban on gender...
Senate filibuster's racist past fuels arguments for its end
WASHINGTON (AP) — Once obscure, the Senate filibuster is coming under fresh scrutiny not only because of the enormous power it gives a single senator to halt President Joe Biden’s agenda, but as a tool historically used for racism. Senators and those advocating for...
After Amazon: Labor tries to regroup in wake of Alabama loss
WASHINGTON (AP) — Despite the strongest public support and the most sympathetic president in years, the American labor movement just suffered a stinging defeat -- again. Amazon warehouse workers in Bessemer, Alabama, overwhelmingly voted against joining the Retail,...
University system seeking input in implementing campus carry
BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — In an era marred by gun violence, the Montana University System is looking to neighboring states and public input as it prepares to allow concealed carry of firearms on campus. The new firearm carry law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte on...
Cook clerk touts bill's transparency, but critics disagree
CHICAGO (AP) — Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Iris Martinez has walked back a campaign pledge to give the public more access to records from her office under the state’s Freedom of Information Act. The clerk is the official record keeper for the Circuit Court and is...
Fresno officer with former ties to extremist group fired
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — A Fresno police officer who is a former member of the extremist Proud Boys group has been fired, it was announced Friday. Officer Rick Fitzgerald had been on paid leave since an internal police investigation was launched last month after some...
Stone Mountain Village to hold 1st Juneteenth celebration
STONE MOUNTAIN, Ga. (AP) — In the shadow of the world’s largest memorial to the Confederacy, the City of Stone Mountain will host its first-ever Juneteenth celebration this summer. City leaders hope the holiday event, which honors the end of slavery, will highlight...
Nevada Democrats’ priorities emerge on bill deadline day
CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — Nevada lawmakers sped through hundreds of proposals on Friday to meet another major deadline of the 2021 legislative session, which required most bills to pass out of their first committee before Saturday to remain up for consideration. ...
California man convicted of racial assault on Black man
SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (AP) — A Northern California man was convicted Friday of attacking a Black man with a knife in a racially-motivated crime last July, federal authorities said. Ole Hougen, 44, of Santa Cruz, was found guilty of trying to injure someone with a dangerous...
