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marmar
marmar's Journal
marmar's Journal
May 7, 2021
“Crackdown on democracy”: Republican lawmakers across the country are trying to overrule voters
Republicans are trying to reverse or undermine voter-approved measures on Medicaid, marijuana, schools and more
By IGOR DERYSH
MAY 7, 2021 10:00AM
(Salon) Amid growing concerns that Republicans will try to use new voting laws to overturn elections in the wake of a campaign of lies stoking unfounded fears about vote-rigging, GOP-led state legislatures across the country are already trying to reverse popular ballot initiatives approved by majorities of voters.
Missouri voters last year passed a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid. Arizona approved a new tax on the wealthy to fund schools. South Dakota legalized marijuana. But Republicans are trying to block those measures from being implemented and dozens of state legislatures are pushing new bills to make it harder to get voter initiatives on the ballot in the first place.
"As more progressive issues are winning at the ballot, from Medicaid expansion to legalization and decriminalization of marijuana to raising the minimum wage, paid family and sick leave, increasing access to the voting process, we have seen concerted efforts by state legislators to undermine the will of the people," Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of the progressive Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC), said in an interview with Salon.
BISC is tracking 125 bills to change the ballot measure process in 28 states, including measures that would increase the thresholds to get initiatives on the ballot or approved. Other proposals would require ballot initiatives to pass multiple times, increase filing fees and change the signature requirements. Republican lawmakers have also introduced more than 300 bills to restrict voting, dozens of anti-protest bills, and numerous measures that would undermine or snatch power from state courts and local election boards.
The effort to reverse voter-led ballot measures is "deeply connected to what we're seeing across the country after yet another election where people of color and young people turn out in record numbers demanding a different future," Figueredo said. "We see all of this as a concerted effort to limit and reduce people-led and people-initiated power." ..........(more)
https://www.salon.com/2021/05/07/crackdown-on-democracy-republican-lawmakers-across-the-country-are-trying-to-overrule-voters/
"Crackdown on democracy": Republican lawmakers across the country are trying to overrule voters
“Crackdown on democracy”: Republican lawmakers across the country are trying to overrule voters
Republicans are trying to reverse or undermine voter-approved measures on Medicaid, marijuana, schools and more
By IGOR DERYSH
MAY 7, 2021 10:00AM
(Salon) Amid growing concerns that Republicans will try to use new voting laws to overturn elections in the wake of a campaign of lies stoking unfounded fears about vote-rigging, GOP-led state legislatures across the country are already trying to reverse popular ballot initiatives approved by majorities of voters.
Missouri voters last year passed a ballot initiative to expand Medicaid. Arizona approved a new tax on the wealthy to fund schools. South Dakota legalized marijuana. But Republicans are trying to block those measures from being implemented and dozens of state legislatures are pushing new bills to make it harder to get voter initiatives on the ballot in the first place.
"As more progressive issues are winning at the ballot, from Medicaid expansion to legalization and decriminalization of marijuana to raising the minimum wage, paid family and sick leave, increasing access to the voting process, we have seen concerted efforts by state legislators to undermine the will of the people," Chris Melody Fields Figueredo, executive director of the progressive Ballot Initiative Strategy Center (BISC), said in an interview with Salon.
BISC is tracking 125 bills to change the ballot measure process in 28 states, including measures that would increase the thresholds to get initiatives on the ballot or approved. Other proposals would require ballot initiatives to pass multiple times, increase filing fees and change the signature requirements. Republican lawmakers have also introduced more than 300 bills to restrict voting, dozens of anti-protest bills, and numerous measures that would undermine or snatch power from state courts and local election boards.
The effort to reverse voter-led ballot measures is "deeply connected to what we're seeing across the country after yet another election where people of color and young people turn out in record numbers demanding a different future," Figueredo said. "We see all of this as a concerted effort to limit and reduce people-led and people-initiated power." ..........(more)
https://www.salon.com/2021/05/07/crackdown-on-democracy-republican-lawmakers-across-the-country-are-trying-to-overrule-voters/
May 6, 2021
Three people, including two students, were shot Thursday at an Idaho middle school, according to officials.
At a press conference, Jefferson County Sheriff Steve Anderson said the suspect is a sixth-grade girl from Idaho Falls who is a student at Rigby Middle School, where the shooting took place. Initial reports had incorrectly identified the suspect as male.
Anderson said the unnamed student allegedly drew a handgun from her backpack and shot three people — one inside and two outside — before a teacher disarmed her. ..................(more)
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/two-children-one-adult-wounded-idaho-middle-school-shooting-n1266544
Sixth grader shoots, injures two classmates and custodian in Idaho
Three people, including two students, were shot Thursday at an Idaho middle school, according to officials.
At a press conference, Jefferson County Sheriff Steve Anderson said the suspect is a sixth-grade girl from Idaho Falls who is a student at Rigby Middle School, where the shooting took place. Initial reports had incorrectly identified the suspect as male.
Anderson said the unnamed student allegedly drew a handgun from her backpack and shot three people — one inside and two outside — before a teacher disarmed her. ..................(more)
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/two-children-one-adult-wounded-idaho-middle-school-shooting-n1266544
May 6, 2021
(Detroit Metro Times) A new line of gummies from Michigan-based TreeTown tastes like real cocktails — flavors like mimosa, tequila grapefruit, strawberry daiquiri, and piña colada. Except, of course, they get you high instead of drunk.
The gummies were developed by TreeTown chef Ella De Carvalho, who says there was a learning curve in pivoting to making cannabis-infused treats.
"The whole candy world, I was not very familiar with it at all," she tells Metro Times. "I was more familiar with baking and decorating cakes and all that. So candy was definitely a big mystery for me."
De Carvalho says she started at TreeTown as a chef, and now oversees production of the company's edibles at its processing facility in Michigan Center, outside of Jackson. .........(more)
https://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/these-michigan-based-cannabis-gummies-taste-like-real-cocktails/Content?oid=27070800#.YJR874_eclU.link
These Michigan-based cannabis gummies taste like real cocktails
(Detroit Metro Times) A new line of gummies from Michigan-based TreeTown tastes like real cocktails — flavors like mimosa, tequila grapefruit, strawberry daiquiri, and piña colada. Except, of course, they get you high instead of drunk.
The gummies were developed by TreeTown chef Ella De Carvalho, who says there was a learning curve in pivoting to making cannabis-infused treats.
"The whole candy world, I was not very familiar with it at all," she tells Metro Times. "I was more familiar with baking and decorating cakes and all that. So candy was definitely a big mystery for me."
De Carvalho says she started at TreeTown as a chef, and now oversees production of the company's edibles at its processing facility in Michigan Center, outside of Jackson. .........(more)
https://www.metrotimes.com/detroit/these-michigan-based-cannabis-gummies-taste-like-real-cocktails/Content?oid=27070800#.YJR874_eclU.link
May 6, 2021
The transit bus fleet in the United States could transition to full zero-emission vehicles by 2035 at a cost of between $56.22 billion and $88.91 billion according to a new report from the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE).
The report assumes a mix of battery-electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles will be needed to meet the transition target and accounts for vehicles used for service by transit agencies of all sizes, not just heavy-duty 30- to 60-foot buses. In both the low cost and high costs scenarios, the vehicles themselves account for between 51 percent and 59 percent of the costs, followed by infrastructure, technical assistance and Federal Transit Administration innovation and bus testing costs.
The report included “robust federal support for research, development and component testing” as part of the cost assessment, but also noted several policy areas where zero-emission fleet transition could be supported through actions at the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Energy and Internal Revenue Service. ...............(more)
https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/hybrid-hydrogen-electric-vehicles/article/21221739/entire-us-transit-bus-fleet-could-transition-to-zero-emission-at-a-cost-of-56-billion-to-89-billion
Entire U.S. transit bus fleet could transition to zero emission at a cost of $56B to $89B
The transit bus fleet in the United States could transition to full zero-emission vehicles by 2035 at a cost of between $56.22 billion and $88.91 billion according to a new report from the Center for Transportation and the Environment (CTE).
The report assumes a mix of battery-electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles will be needed to meet the transition target and accounts for vehicles used for service by transit agencies of all sizes, not just heavy-duty 30- to 60-foot buses. In both the low cost and high costs scenarios, the vehicles themselves account for between 51 percent and 59 percent of the costs, followed by infrastructure, technical assistance and Federal Transit Administration innovation and bus testing costs.
The report included “robust federal support for research, development and component testing” as part of the cost assessment, but also noted several policy areas where zero-emission fleet transition could be supported through actions at the Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Energy and Internal Revenue Service. ...............(more)
https://www.masstransitmag.com/bus/vehicles/hybrid-hydrogen-electric-vehicles/article/21221739/entire-us-transit-bus-fleet-could-transition-to-zero-emission-at-a-cost-of-56-billion-to-89-billion
May 6, 2021
(Detroit Free Press) Convicted cadaver dealer Arthur Rathburn is pleading for compassionate release from prison citing fears of contracting the coronavirus — though the government says that's hogwash.
The Grosse Pointe Park businessman has refused to take a COVID-19 vaccine, prosecutors noted in a court filing Wednesday as they push to keep him locked up.
Prosecutors have cited several reasons for keeping Rathburn behind bars, including:
Still, Rathburn, a onetime prominent cadaver expert who built a $13-million empire cutting up bodies with chainsaws and renting their parts to medical researchers, is pleading for mercy. He wants U.S. District Judge Paul Borman to cut short his 9-year prison sentence and let him live in home confinement with a cousin in White Pigeon. ..............(more)
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2021/05/05/arthur-rathburn-covid-prisoner-vaccine/4956315001/
Grosse Pointe man begs for prison release due to COVID-19 fears -- but refuses vaccine
(Detroit Free Press) Convicted cadaver dealer Arthur Rathburn is pleading for compassionate release from prison citing fears of contracting the coronavirus — though the government says that's hogwash.
The Grosse Pointe Park businessman has refused to take a COVID-19 vaccine, prosecutors noted in a court filing Wednesday as they push to keep him locked up.
Prosecutors have cited several reasons for keeping Rathburn behind bars, including:
* A generalized fear of contracting the coronavirus doesn't justify compassionate release.
* He doesn't have a recognized chronic condition that puts him at an increased risk of severe illness from the virus.
* He won't follow social-distancing rules and could sicken others if released.
* He has never shown remorse for his crimes.
* He doesn't have a recognized chronic condition that puts him at an increased risk of severe illness from the virus.
* He won't follow social-distancing rules and could sicken others if released.
* He has never shown remorse for his crimes.
Still, Rathburn, a onetime prominent cadaver expert who built a $13-million empire cutting up bodies with chainsaws and renting their parts to medical researchers, is pleading for mercy. He wants U.S. District Judge Paul Borman to cut short his 9-year prison sentence and let him live in home confinement with a cousin in White Pigeon. ..............(more)
https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2021/05/05/arthur-rathburn-covid-prisoner-vaccine/4956315001/
May 5, 2021
Finnegan Lee Elder and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, a pair of former Marin classmates who met up in Rome on vacation and became inextricably linked through the slaying of an Italian police officer, are guilty of murder, an Italian jury ruled Wednesday.
They were both sentenced to life in prison.
The jury consisted of presiding judge Marina Finiti, a second judge and six civilian jurors. They deliberated for 12 hours before delivering their late-night verdict at nearly 11:30 p.m.
Elder, now 21, and Natale-Hjorth, 20, who met at Tamalpais High in Mill Valley, were on vacation in Italy in 2019 when they scuffled in the street with two Carabinieri officers. Deputy Brig. Mario Cerciello Rega, 35 years old and fresh off his honeymoon, was stabbed to death. His widow, Rosa Maria Esilio, wept as the verdict was read. Elder, who was standing, put his hands on the table in front of him as if to brace himself. Natale-Hjorth showed little emotion at all. .......(more)
https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/2021-05-elder-hjorth-bay-area-rome-trial-verdict-16150827.php?
Marin (CA) classmates found guilty in murder of Italian police officer, given life sentences
Finnegan Lee Elder and Gabriel Natale-Hjorth, a pair of former Marin classmates who met up in Rome on vacation and became inextricably linked through the slaying of an Italian police officer, are guilty of murder, an Italian jury ruled Wednesday.
They were both sentenced to life in prison.
The jury consisted of presiding judge Marina Finiti, a second judge and six civilian jurors. They deliberated for 12 hours before delivering their late-night verdict at nearly 11:30 p.m.
Elder, now 21, and Natale-Hjorth, 20, who met at Tamalpais High in Mill Valley, were on vacation in Italy in 2019 when they scuffled in the street with two Carabinieri officers. Deputy Brig. Mario Cerciello Rega, 35 years old and fresh off his honeymoon, was stabbed to death. His widow, Rosa Maria Esilio, wept as the verdict was read. Elder, who was standing, put his hands on the table in front of him as if to brace himself. Natale-Hjorth showed little emotion at all. .......(more)
https://www.sfgate.com/crime/article/2021-05-elder-hjorth-bay-area-rome-trial-verdict-16150827.php?
May 5, 2021
(Bloomberg) -- Just 35 million to go.
The U.S. has already inoculated 146 million adults against Covid-19 in the most massive vaccination drive in its history, and these next few million might seem like just a sprint to the finish line.
In fact, they are likely to prove the toughest of all, as states work their way toward President Joseph Biden’s goal of having 70% of those 18 and older with one shot in their arm by July 4.
“We’ve hit the low-hanging fruit, the folks that were lining up, that were eager beavers,” said Jenni Tilton-Flood, a dairy farmer in Clinton, Maine, on the banks of the Kennebec River. “We’ve got them done. Now we’ve got to get the rest.”
Tilton-Flood, who hosted a mobile clinic Tuesday for her family farm’s workers and those nearby, is on the front lines of volunteer foot soldiers from all walks of life who are persuading stragglers to roll up their sleeves and get their shots. Tuesday was a good day for Tilton-Flood: 42 people received vaccines at the clinic.
Read more at: https://www.bloombergquint.com/politics/here-comes-the-covid-19-community-corps-and-they-want-you
Here Comes the Covid-19 Community Corps and They Want You
(Bloomberg) -- Just 35 million to go.
The U.S. has already inoculated 146 million adults against Covid-19 in the most massive vaccination drive in its history, and these next few million might seem like just a sprint to the finish line.
In fact, they are likely to prove the toughest of all, as states work their way toward President Joseph Biden’s goal of having 70% of those 18 and older with one shot in their arm by July 4.
“We’ve hit the low-hanging fruit, the folks that were lining up, that were eager beavers,” said Jenni Tilton-Flood, a dairy farmer in Clinton, Maine, on the banks of the Kennebec River. “We’ve got them done. Now we’ve got to get the rest.”
Tilton-Flood, who hosted a mobile clinic Tuesday for her family farm’s workers and those nearby, is on the front lines of volunteer foot soldiers from all walks of life who are persuading stragglers to roll up their sleeves and get their shots. Tuesday was a good day for Tilton-Flood: 42 people received vaccines at the clinic.
Read more at: https://www.bloombergquint.com/politics/here-comes-the-covid-19-community-corps-and-they-want-you
May 5, 2021
(CNN) Donald Trump is effectively forcing every Republican who wants a political future to show how far they're willing to compromise on principle, truth and conscience for power.
Most GOP leaders with aspirations of higher office don't think twice before genuflecting before the former President. But the party's No. 3 House leader, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, is making a lonely stand by refusing to appease Trump over his incitement of the Capitol insurrection and claims of a stolen election. And her attitude seems almost certain to sacrifice a promising career in the defense of democratic values.
The lawmaker's power base splintered in plain sight on Tuesday, once again demonstrating Trump's formidable control over his party, which, if anything, has solidified since he left power after his humiliating election loss.
Cheney appears certain to face another attempt to oust her from her post as soon as next week, three months after easily repelling a previous attempt to remove her in a secret ballot. This time, her survival is in grave doubt. .............(more)
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/politics/liz-cheney-donald-trump-gop/index.html
Liz Cheney chooses truth over power -- a lonely path in Trump's GOP
(CNN) Donald Trump is effectively forcing every Republican who wants a political future to show how far they're willing to compromise on principle, truth and conscience for power.
Most GOP leaders with aspirations of higher office don't think twice before genuflecting before the former President. But the party's No. 3 House leader, Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming, is making a lonely stand by refusing to appease Trump over his incitement of the Capitol insurrection and claims of a stolen election. And her attitude seems almost certain to sacrifice a promising career in the defense of democratic values.
The lawmaker's power base splintered in plain sight on Tuesday, once again demonstrating Trump's formidable control over his party, which, if anything, has solidified since he left power after his humiliating election loss.
Cheney appears certain to face another attempt to oust her from her post as soon as next week, three months after easily repelling a previous attempt to remove her in a secret ballot. This time, her survival is in grave doubt. .............(more)
https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/politics/liz-cheney-donald-trump-gop/index.html
May 5, 2021
Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. (Kiewit) and affiliate Mass. Electric Construction Co. (Mass Electric) have been awarded a $1.6-billion contract to install the core electrical systems required for operation of Texas Central’s planned Dallas to Houston high-speed train.
Mass Electric signed an Early Contract Involvement agreement with Texas Central in 2019 to define the scope, execution plan, schedule and price for the core electrical system contract. The scope of work under the signed contract includes critical safety and systems elements such as traction power, signaling and communications equipment.
"Kiewit and Mass. Electric are national leaders in installing complex and large-scale electric systems and have long track records of delivering high-quality rail systems safely and effectively," said Carlos Aguilar, CEO of Texas Central Railroad. "Combining their experience with the safety of an integrated system is essential to the operation of the Texas Central Railroad. Signing this contract is the next step in making the Texas Central Railroad the first high-speed rail system to be implemented in the United States."
Texas Central explains the core systems to be installed are a key component of the N700S Shinkansen technology that will be deployed on the project. The high-speed rail provider says using a complete systems approach creates unparalleled safety performance with the trains, infrastructure and supporting high-speed rail technology designed and engineered to work together as an integrated unit. ................(more)
https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/21221449/kiewit-mass-electric-finalize-texas-central-contract
Kiewit, Mass Electric finalize Texas Central (high-speed rail) contract
Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. (Kiewit) and affiliate Mass. Electric Construction Co. (Mass Electric) have been awarded a $1.6-billion contract to install the core electrical systems required for operation of Texas Central’s planned Dallas to Houston high-speed train.
Mass Electric signed an Early Contract Involvement agreement with Texas Central in 2019 to define the scope, execution plan, schedule and price for the core electrical system contract. The scope of work under the signed contract includes critical safety and systems elements such as traction power, signaling and communications equipment.
"Kiewit and Mass. Electric are national leaders in installing complex and large-scale electric systems and have long track records of delivering high-quality rail systems safely and effectively," said Carlos Aguilar, CEO of Texas Central Railroad. "Combining their experience with the safety of an integrated system is essential to the operation of the Texas Central Railroad. Signing this contract is the next step in making the Texas Central Railroad the first high-speed rail system to be implemented in the United States."
Texas Central explains the core systems to be installed are a key component of the N700S Shinkansen technology that will be deployed on the project. The high-speed rail provider says using a complete systems approach creates unparalleled safety performance with the trains, infrastructure and supporting high-speed rail technology designed and engineered to work together as an integrated unit. ................(more)
https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/21221449/kiewit-mass-electric-finalize-texas-central-contract
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