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VP Kamala Harris says she plans to 'earn and win' Democratic nomination after Joe Biden drops out and endorses her; New Alabama bill threatens voter rights, legal challenge ensues; Fact-checking GOP claims on immigrants; Water contamination a concern in Midwest flood aftermath.

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President Joe Biden drops his 2024 re-election bid. He's endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to take his spot on the ticket, and election experts say they see benefits to this decision.

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It's grass-cutting season and with it, rural lawn mower races, Montana's drive-thru blood project is easing shortages, rural Americans spend more on food when transportation costs are tallied, and a lack of good childcare is thwarting rural business owners.

Southern groups advocate for democracy amid legislative challenges

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Monday, April 1, 2024   

In the battle for democracy, grassroots organizations throughout the South are actively engaging voters on the issues that directly affect their communities - including voting rights, reproductive rights, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The groups Alabama Values and Southern Leadership for Voter Engagement hosted a roundtable discussion - called "As Goes the South" - to shed light on legislation of concern in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Rhyane Wagner, senior policy manager with the Black Voters Matter Fund, said some lawmakers have worked to pass bills that detrimentally affect voter participation.

"From 2008 to 2022, we're seeing a concerning downward trend in terms of our turnout," said Wagner, "and I lay that solely at the hands of a lot of the tactics being used across the South."

According to the Brennan Center, since the 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v Holder, the gap in voter participation between white and nonwhite voters has been expanding.

Before that, states and localities with a history of racial discrimination in their voting practices had to get federal approval of any changes to election policies.

Jerome Dees, policy director with the Southern Poverty Law Center, highlighted concerning legislation in Alabama - citing SB 1, which criminalizes assisting voters with absentee ballots, and SB 129, which restricts diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in state agencies.

Dees said this signals an urgent need to reimagine advocacy and engage grassroots organizations in communities.

"This is a concerted effort that is being waged against these communities of color," said Dees, "with the hopes that we just throw up our hands and say, 'You know what? We give in. You win.' But it's important that we understand that tactic and brace ourselves, and rely upon community."

The speakers at the roundtable emphasized the importance of collaborating regionally, diversifying candidates, and mobilizing funds to support campaigns aimed at effecting change.

They agreed that local support plays a crucial role in driving long-term policy transformation to improve marginalized communities.




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Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at a political event in Grand Rapids, Mich., in early 2024. (The White House/Wikimedia Commons)

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