U.S. Supreme Court Overturns Portion of Voting Rights Act
In a five to four decision Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Section 4 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a part of the law that sets out a formula for determining which states are examined for voting discrimination. Shelby County, Alabama, challenged that section along with Section 5 which requires certain states, mostly in the south, gain prior approval from the federal government before changing voting laws. While the court left Section 5 intact, legal experts say its left effective dormant until Congress passes a new formula.
Shelby County’s Attorney Butch Ellis says he’s “elated” with the ruling and that it will save the county time and money. From the Associated Press:
Ellis says local governments have spent more than $1 billion seeking Justice Department approval of voting changes. He says money spent on lawyers in the past can now go to schools, police and fire protections.
NPR News has more on why the justices considered the formula “outdated.”
More on the decision from Al.com.
Read the U.S. Supreme Court opinion.
Background on the case from NPR’s Nina Totenberg and Debbie Elliot.
UPDATE: Statements from Alabama Governor Robert Bentley, Attorney General Luther Strange and Secretary of State Beth Chapman.
~ June 25, 2013
Argentina’s President Milei faces a political reckoning in midterm elections
Argentina's libertarian president, Javier Milei, faces midterms amid economic chaos and a $20 billion lifeline offer from President Trump.
What killed Napoleon’s army? Scientists find clues in DNA from fallen soldiers’ teeth
In 1812, hundreds of thousands of men in Napoleon's army perished during their retreat from Russia. Researchers now believe a couple of unexpected pathogens may have helped hasten the soldiers' demise.
Boston bar stirs outrage with its mobster mugshots as decor
Neighbors say the restaurant is glorifying people like mob boss Whitey Bulger and Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi. The bar's owners say they're only recognizing the history of their place.
Inflation rose less than expected in September, the U.S. belatedly reports
The federal government recalled some furloughed workers specifically to produce the inflation report, which plays a key role for Social Security beneficiaries.
Boo to spooky chocolate prices! It’s the year of chewy, fruity Halloween treats
Sales of non-chocolate candy are growing faster than those of chocolate. With cocoa in shortage, manufacturers are changing pack sizes, adding fillers and dipping candy in "white creme."
It’s supposed to be payday for many federal workers. Instead, they’re getting nothing
Roughly 1.4 million federal workers are going without pay due to the government shutdown. About half of them are furloughed, while the other half has been deemed essential and is working without pay.
