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Institute for Southern Studies

@southernstudies.bsky.social
998 followers 1.1K following 52 posts

Exposing injustice, strengthening democracy, and building community for change in the South. Publisher of Facing South: www.facingsouth.org

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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Two years after Hurricane Helene devastated western NC, communities are still struggling to rebuild. Our investigation with @thenation.com found $9.3B in federal recovery funding—less than 16% of estimated damages and deep turmoil at FEMA. www.facingsouth.org/2026/09/two-...
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Chris Kromm @chriskromm.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
In Marshall, NC, Hurricane Helene's floodwaters swept away 10 downtown buildings in 2024. This summer, I asked the mayor if Michael Whatley — whom Trump said would be "very much in charge" of recovery — had reached out or played a role in rebuilding. He said no. #ncpol
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
“Durham is this growing, prosperous place and really what our data was showing is that there’s so many people that are falling behind amid this growing wealth,” @chriskromm.bsky.social said.
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Chris Kromm @chriskromm.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Durham Dreams brought together 150+ people this weekend to envision a safer and more just future for the city. This story also highlights @southernstudies.bsky.social research on how Durham's wealthy institutions can ensure better jobs, schools and housing. dukechronicle.com/article/duke...
dukechronicle.com
At Durham community gathering, residents demand Duke contribute more to city
Over 150 people gathered at a rally hosted by Durham workers, unions and community groups Saturday to urge Duke to increase its financial contributions to Durham. Specific demands included raising the...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
NEW: Two years after Helene, western NC is still struggling to rebuild — amid FEMA turmoil, billions in unmet recovery needs, and scant evidence that Trump’s hand-picked “recovery czar” Michael Whatley played a meaningful role Our investigation w/ @thenation.com www.facingsouth.org/2026/09/two-...
facingsouth.org
Two years after Helene: Western NC struggles to rebuild amid FEMA turmoil and the GOP's missing "recovery czar"
North Carolina has become a testing ground for an eviscerated FEMA under Trump. It could also be a political liability for missing-in-action “recovery czar” and GOP U.S. Senate hopeful and Michael Wha...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
It is important to recognize the central role of labor in Black freedom struggles, the lessons history can teach us today, and how to confront escalating attacks on history itself. www.facingsouth.org/2026/09/labo...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
A leading scholar of Black social movements in the South talks with @chriskromm.bsky.social about the central role of labor, lessons from our past, and how to confront escalating attacks on history itself. Watch the Full Interview Here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_hO...
youtube.com
Labor is at the heart of the Black Freedom Struggle: A conversation with Charles McKinney
YouTube video by Institute for Southern Studies
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
A new report by the Institute for Southern Studies, publisher of Facing South, finds that while Durham, N.C. has boomed, workers’ wages have failed to keep pace — and for Black workers, the racial wage gap is widening. www.facingsouth.org/2026/08/new-...
facingsouth.org
New Report: Durham's decade of growth has left working people behind
A new report by the Institute for Southern Studies, publisher of Facing South, finds that while Durham, N.C. has boomed, workers’ wages have failed to keep pace — and for Black workers, the racial wag...
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Indivisible Guilford NC ❌️ 👑 @indivisiblegconc.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
#TriadMoralMondays www.facingsouth.org/2023/04/son-...
facingsouth.org
'My hope is built': A father-son talk with Rev. William Barber II
This month marks the 10th anniversary of the Moral Monday Movement's launch, and to mark the occasion Facing South democracy reporter Benjamin Barber spoke with Rev. Barber, his father, about the move...
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Toby Higbie @thigbie.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Lessons from Texas history for organizers today: "when [liberals] tried to moderate their appeals to the electorate and do something that they viewed as "electable" or centrist, they found they didn't have anyone who wanted that." So they went left, people got enthusiastic, and turned out to vote
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
With a key U.S. Senate seat up for grabs, Texas progressives are hoping 2026 is the year they can break through. @chriskromm.bsky.social talks with a historian of the state's progressive political history, and what lessons those movements may have for today. www.facingsouth.org/2026/07/can-...
facingsouth.org
Can Texas go blue? A conversation with historian Max Krochmal
With a key U.S. Senate seat up for grabs, Texas progressives are hoping 2026 is the year they can break through. Facing South talks with a leading historian about the state's progressive political his...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
Texas’s political history is more layered than its reputation suggests. In this new interview, historian Max Krochmal discusses how multiracial labor and civil rights coalitions helped reshape Texas politics in the 1960s and why those alliances still matter today.
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
Stacey Abrams warned Tennessee lawmakers that eliminating the state’s only Black-majority congressional district is part of a broader assault on Voting Rights Act protections. “Rigged maps” silence communities before votes are even cast. www.facingsouth.org/2026/05/voic...
facingsouth.org
VOICES: 'This is not democracy. This is cowardice.'
On May 6, 2026, former Georgia state representative and gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams testified before the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to the state's
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
We spoke with Tram Nguyen of New Virginia Majority talks about the long, messy work of movement building that their organization did ahead of their success in the 2025 elections and that is needed to change the South as whole. Here is the full conversation: www.facingsouth.org/2025/12/tram...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
@chriskromm.bsky.social writes that the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais could spark a new wave of redistricting across the South, threatening majority-Black districts and reshaping Black political power for decades to come. www.facingsouth.org/2026/05/supr...
facingsouth.org
Supreme Court sharpens divide between South's diverse communities and those who represent them
Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act aimed to ensure that diverse communities had political representation. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais threatens to increase the disconnect b...
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Ben Barber @ben-barber.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
After SCOTUS’ latest ruling further dismantling the Voting Rights Act, @southernstudies.bsky.social revisits this interview with @brennancenter.org's Eileen O’Connor on what it could mean for the future of voter protections and fair representation. Read/watch: www.facingsouth.org/2026/02/loui...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
The share of Southern workers in unions slightly increased in 2025, mirroring a small uptick in unionization nationally, according to government data released in February. www.facingsouth.org/2026/04/unio...
facingsouth.org
Unions make slight gains in South, mirroring national trends
The share of Southern workers in unions slightly increased in 2025, mirroring a small uptick in unionization nationally, according to government data released in February.
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Support fearless reporting and a powerful voice for change in the South — donate to our spring fundraiser today! www.facingsouth.org/defend-democ...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
It's been 18 months since Hurricane Helene stormed through the South. Western North Carolina is still rebuilding, and meager federal funding and FEMA chaos has slowed the recovery. A by-the-numbers look by @chriskromm.bsky.social: www.facingsouth.org/2026/03/inst...
facingsouth.org
INSTITUTE INDEX: FEMA chaos and North Carolina's Helene recovery
18 months after Hurricane Helene stormed through the South, the recovery in western North Carolina is seeing progress. But federal support has been small compared to other disasters, and chaos at…
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Sign up today for the Facing South newsletter, featuring in-depth investigations, thoughtful analysis, and voices for change across the South — delivered free to your inbox! www.facingsouth.org/sign-facing-...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
The South's political clout is growing: @chriskromm.bsky.social looks at new data showing Southern states could gain up to 9 Congressional seats and Electoral College votes after the 2030 census count:
facingsouth.org
South’s national political clout projected to grow after 2030 census
New Census Bureau data suggests that population growth in Southern states will lead to significant gains in U.S. House seats and Electoral College votes after the 2030 census count. But the Trump…
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
This week's primaries made clear: Texas is a key battleground. The national importance of Texas and other Southern states is already growing. @chriskromm.bsky.social looks at new projections into the South's growing clout as we head towards the 2030 census: www.facingsouth.org/2026/03/sout...
facingsouth.org
South’s national political clout projected to grow after 2030 census
New Census Bureau data suggests that population growth in Southern states will lead to significant gains in U.S. House seats and Electoral College votes after the 2030 census count. But the Trump admi...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Who is making big money on ICE and Border Patrol contracts? In the 2nd installment in our series at Facing South, @chriskromm.bsky.social details 58 companies in Georgia that stand to receive $10 billion from 2025-2026 fiscal year contracts alone. www.facingsouth.org/2026/01/geor...
facingsouth.org
Georgia companies poised to bring in $10 billion from ICE and Border Patrol contracts
As public outrage mounts over federal immigration operations, new analysis shows a key Southern state is home to companies that could bring in more than $10 billion to assist Border Patrol and ICE.
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
NEW VIDEO: What does Duke owe Durham? Historian and urbanist @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social breaks down the role of universities like Duke and why they should invest more to support workers and communities. www.facingsouth.org/2025/10/watc...
facingsouth.org
WATCH: What does Duke owe Durham?
At a recent Institute forum, urbanist and historian Prof. Davarian Baldwin looked at the role of universities in their communities, and why institutions like Duke University should do more to invest i...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Southern states are being disproportionately hard-hit by the government shutdown. Analysis finds 8 of 20 states most affected are in the South, based on indicators including share of federal jobs and contract dollars per capita. More: wallethub.com/edu/governme...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
🗳️Democracy is strongest when everyone has a voice. Last month we released the Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy — a bold plan to defend and expand democracy in NC. 40+ bipartisan policies to protect voting rights & ensure every voice counts. Learn more: www.southernstudies.org/2025Blueprint
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
This Founders’ Day, @durhamrising.bsky.social urges Duke to honor the workers — past & present — who keep the university running. The campaign demands higher wages & investment in Durham, challenging Duke’s history of resisting worker activism. www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/durh...
facingsouth.org
Durham Rising confronts Duke’s troubled labor history
A campaign launched this spring is calling on Duke University to raise wages and invest in the city of Durham. Over its history, the elite Southern school has earned a reputation for its hostility to ...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
🚨 Democracy in NC and nationwide is under threat. Our new Blueprint for a Stronger Democracy outlines 40+ reforms to protect and strengthen our institutions. NC has a proud history of democratic innovation with proven, bipartisan solutions,w e can lead again. 👉 www.facingsouth.org/2025/09/nc-a...
facingsouth.org
NC advocates release 'Blueprint' to strengthen democracy
A group of 20 state and national advocates has released a report outlining a pro-democracy agenda for North Carolina. Issues range from voting access to combating corruption, protecting court independ...
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Davarian Baldwin @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
So thrilled to be back in Durham to help strategize and build people power, so that our wealthiest local institutions truly lean into community responsibility beyond symbolic gestures...let's go ✊🏿!!!
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
What Does Duke Owe Durham? Join us Friday 9/26 at 2pm for a forum featuring @davarianbaldwin.bsky.social about how Duke University can support workers and the community. Visit here for more info and to RSVP: www.southernstudies.org/davarianbald... @durhamrising.bsky.social
southernstudies.org
What Does Duke Owe Durham?
The Institute for Southern Studies and Durham Rising invite you to a talk and discussion with award-winning author DAVARIAN BALDWIN Friday, Sept. 26 | 2-3pm Asbury United Methodist Church | 806 Claren...
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Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 16/09/2025
“At approximately 7:05 am, University Police was notified of what appeared to be the body of a Black male hanging from a tree (at) central campus near the DSU pickleball course,” Delta State University Chief of Police Michael Peeler said on Monday.
buff.ly
DSU Student Found Hanging in Tree, No Foul Play Suspected
Delta State University staff found the body of 21-year-old student Demartravion “Trey” Reed hanging from a tree in the middle of campus on Monday.
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Chris Kromm @chriskromm.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
A Georgia judge said this week he will toss racketeering charges against 61 "Cop City" protesters. For Facing South I interviewed attorney Devin Franklin at @thesoutherncenter.bsky.social about the flimsy state RICO charges when they were first brought two years ago @southernstudies.bsky.social
facingsouth.org
'The stakes are incredibly high': An interview with Devin Franklin on RICO charges against 'Cop City' activists
In late August, Georgia’s attorney general issued indictments under the state’s RICO statute targeting protesters against a planned new police and fire training center. An attorney with the Southern C...
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Chris Kromm @chriskromm.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Southern states will feel brunt of attacks on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: 49% of complaints filed with CFPB since 2011 have come from 13 states in the South @ddayen.bsky.social @warren.senate.gov @southernstudies.bsky.social @crlonline.bsky.social www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
facingsouth.org
Institute Index: The assault on consumer protection
As the Trump administration escalates its efforts to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an Institute analysis finds that half of the complaints filed by consumers asking for the Bureau's he...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
As the Trump administration escalates its efforts to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an Institute analysis finds that half of the complaints filed by consumers asking for the Bureau's help have come from Southern states. www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/inst...
facingsouth.org
Institute Index: The assault on consumer protection
As the Trump administration escalates its efforts to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an Institute analysis finds that half of the complaints filed by consumers asking for the Bureau's he...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
This #LaborDay, we remember John Stewart, a Black sawmill worker in Arkansas who won a promotion, back pay, and legal costs with his union’s support—part of a wave of Black workers reclaiming wages, showing fairness at work is won through solidarity. www.facingsouth.org/eeoc-mandate...
facingsouth.org
EEOC: Mandate for Labor
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
@durhamrising.bsky.social is urging Duke to invest in its city & raise employee wages to $25/hr. Historian Davarian Baldwin says universities often worsen gentrification & inequality, and advocates PILOT programs to support schools, housing & public services. www.facingsouth.org/2025/08/what...
facingsouth.org
What do universities owe communities? An interview with Davarian Baldwin
At a critical moment for higher education, a leading urban scholar argues universities need to be doing more — not less — to support and invest in the communities where they are based.
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 28/08/2025
On the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington, we look back at a 2023 Facing South story, where photographer Earl Dotter reconnected with Raymona Middleton — first photographed there as a teenager— to reflect on the march’s enduring meaning. www.facingsouth.org/2023/08/marc...
facingsouth.org
Revisiting the March on Washington
On the sixtieth anniversary of the March for Jobs and Freedom, photojournalist Earl Dotter writes about reconnecting with Raymona Middleton, a third-generation Black Washingtonian whom he first met on...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
📅 On this day in 1975, Joan Little became the 1st woman in U.S. history acquitted for using deadly force to resist sexual assault—killing a white guard in self-defense. In 1978, Southern Exposure revisited how her case reshaped racial & gender justice in the South. www.facingsouth.org/i-am-joan
facingsouth.org
I Am Joan
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Common Cause North Carolina @commoncausenc.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
Today: North Carolinians protested at the legislature in Raleigh, speaking out against a number of bad bills that hurt immigrant and LGBTQ communities, attack diversity, and more. They called on lawmakers to uphold Governor Stein's vetoes of these harmful bills.
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
From the Archives: Medicaid expansion is the lifeline rural hospitals need. Back in 2022, we examined how Southern hospitals were on the brink and how expanding Medicaid could save them. The stakes are still high. www.facingsouth.org/2022/01/medi...
facingsouth.org
Medicaid expansion could be a lifeline for rural hospitals in the South
Rural hospitals were able to survive 2021 with special pandemic assistance, but some aid is set to expire by the end of this year. Advocates say state Medicaid expansion could help rural hospitals con...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 26/07/2025
From the Archives: In 1980, Anne Braden wrote: “It is only on the basis of racism that a mass fascist movement can be built in America.” 📚 Her essay on the Greensboro Massacre is essential reading in the fight against fascism. www.facingsouth.org/1980/08/less...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
🚨 NC Republicans are pushing SB416—a bill backed by ALEC & dark money groups like DonorsTrust—that would block public access to political donor info. Gov. Stein vetoed it. Now the GOP aims to override. Critics warn: transparency is at stake. 🔗 www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/gop-...
facingsouth.org
GOP escalates campaign to weaken donor transparency in NC
A North Carolina bill is the latest effort by GOP donors and advocates to hide Big Money political spending from public view. As they try to overturn the governor's veto, they're lobbying Democrats to...
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
On July 4, President Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” The results? 💸 $183.5B cut from Southern Medicaid 🏥 354K could lose coverage 🚨 289 rural hospitals at risk (37%) ⚠️ 77% of Southern Senators voted yes 📊 More via Facing South: www.facingsouth.org/2025/07/inst...
facingsouth.org
Institute Index: Big bill's blow to Southern health care
Date in July on which President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: 4th
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
📚 A reading list tracing connections between Southern U.S. movements and global struggles for liberation, including Gaza. From civil rights sit-ins to Southern ties to U.S. militarism, these readings explore protest, policing, and solidarity across decades. www.facingsouth.org/2024/05/sout...
facingsouth.org
A Southern Exposure/Facing South reading list for Gaza organizers
A collection of Facing South and Southern Exposure’s past coverage of militarism and state repression of protest in the South, created for the students, community organizers, faculty, and staff protes...
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Democracy Docket @democracydocket.com · 24/07/2025
NEW: Top Democrats are fighting back as Texas Republicans push a Trump-backed redistricting plan to lock in 5 new congressional seats. They call the plan “egregious” and a direct threat to democracy. From: @yuniorarivas.bsky.social
democracydocket.com
Democrats Mobilize to Stop Texas GOP’s Redistricting Power Grab
Read more here.
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USA TODAY @usatoday.com · 24/07/2025
A federal judge ruled Kilmar Abrego Garcia must be released before trial in Tennessee. But his attorneys requested a delay, citing concerns he may face deportation. Read more: bit.ly/46k0F8m
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
🚨 A new analysis warns that Southern states—home to nearly a third of all federal civilian jobs—are likely to bear the brunt of Trump’s sweeping 275k+ federal workforce reductions, including deep cuts to NIH support for Appalachia & other vital regional programs. www.facingsouth.org/2025/02/sout...
facingsouth.org
South poised to be hit hard by Trump federal job cuts
The Trump administration has unleashed massive cuts to federal jobs and programs since taking office. With close to a third of federal employees based in Southern states, the region could be uniquely ...
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The New York Times @nytimes.com · 23/07/2025
Breaking News: The UN’s top court called climate change an “existential threat” and said nations had legal obligations to act. It was the first time that the court has weighed in on climate change.
trib.al
Top U.N. Court Says Countries Must Act on Climate Change
The International Court of Justice called global warming an “urgent and existential threat” at a closely watched case in The Hague.
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Durham Rising @durhamrising.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
"Workers, public educators, students, & clergy are uniting together in a new coalition, Durham Rising, to hold Duke accountable to its responsibility as the largest employer in the region * show nat'l leadership in this moment of crisis for higher ed." - Nashoun Blount 📰 @indyweek.bsky.social
indyweek.com
Op-Ed: Duke Cannot Turn Its Back on the Working People of Durham’
A Duke University housekeeper and Durham native calls on the institution to do more to support employees and the community.
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Institute for Southern Studies @southernstudies.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
Dive into four decades of Southern history and resistance. Explore our digital archives — a rich collection of articles on economic, racial, and social justice in the region. Start your journey here. 🌍📚 Check out the link below: www.facingsouth.org/southern-exp...
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