In the furious fallout from the revelation that the IRS flagged applications from conservative nonprofits for extra review because of their political activity, some points about the big picture — and big donors — have fallen through the cracks. Consider this our Top 6 list of need-to-know facts on social welfare nonprofits, also known as dark money groups because they don’t have to disclose their donors.... Read more»
States will have the option to use data from food stamps, other programs, to enroll adults in Medicaid. Officials say the changes are geared to states that are expanding the program next year, but they may also be adopted by others.... Read more»
The power of the gun lobby is rooted in multiple factors, among them the pure passion of many gun owners, the NRA’s ability to motivate its most fervent members to swarm their representatives, and the lobby’s ability to get out the vote. Lawmakers’ fear may not be justified, but recent votes reveal that it still exists.... Read more»
The U.S. Supreme Court is staying out of the gun control debate for now. Justices declined Monday to hear a challenge to a strict New York law that makes it difficult for citizens to get concealed carry permits, and requires residents to prove “proper cause” to carry a weapon for self-defense outside the home.... Read more»
Border news roundup: Arizona politicians and religious leaders discuss comprehensive immigration reform by the “Gang of Eight,” journalists reconsider how to address illegal immigration in their stylebooks, and safety concerns on both sides of the border.... Read more»
There were fewer protesters for the second day of historic Supreme Court hearings on same-sex marriage laws, but the crowds still filled the foot of the Supreme Court’s steps, where they waved flags, chanted and held up signs for their cause. Rulings could come sometime this summer.... Read more»
The Supreme Court, poised to rule on a major affirmative action case, accepts another one. What this might say about dismantling race-conscious programs.... Read more»
Karen Bailey and Nelda Majors have been a couple for more than 50 years, but at a rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court they called Tuesday their “moment in history.” “Why is it because we’re two women, our love is not recognized?” asked Bailey, a featured speaker at a rally in support of same-sex marriage Tuesday, when the high court began two days of hearings on the issue.... Read more»
The U.S. high court ruled that bringing a drug sniffing dog into a private home is a “search” within the meaning of the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution and is not allowed without a warrant.... Read more»
Leave it to San Francisco to advance what’s likely to be one of the most contentious cases facing the Supreme Court in decades, with California’s Proposition 8 heading to the nation’s top court on Tuesday carrying activists’ magic question: are gay marriage bans unconstitutional? Yes or no? (with hearing audio)... Read more»3
There are probably five justices who object to California’s anti-gay Proposition 8 and who would prefer to see it struck down. Justice Kennedy, the conservative viewed as most likely to provide the fifth vote for equality, openly pondered whether Prop 8 violates the Constitution’s ban on gender discrimination. (with full audio)... Read more»
The Supreme Court seemed split over whether strict voter-registration laws like Arizona’s Proposition 200 are needed to prevent voter fraud, or whether they render a national voter law useless. The justices sharply questioned both sides in the hearing.... Read more»
Border roundup: Arizona proposition becomes a test case for voter registration laws, family green cards face restrictions, injured men and explosives are found in the desert and Mexican towns and newspapers respond to cartel violence.... Read more»
To Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne, the state law requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration is “common sense,” not a burden. To opponents, Arizona’s Proposition 200 is just another obstacle that would restrict access to the polls for the young, elderly and minorities.... Read more»2
Former Arizona Rep. Jim Kolbe joined representatives of business, church and civil rights groups to file briefs supporting same-sex marriage in two upcoming Supreme Court cases on the issue. Kolbe, in a same-sex marriage himself, said it’s time marriage equality.... Read more»
Hundreds gathered on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday to rally in support of a federal voter-protection law that governs mostly Southern states with a history of discrimination, including Arizona.... Read more»
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