Defending medication abortion access in the post-Roe South

Reproductive rights advocates say the Biden administration could do more to protect abortion access, including lifting regulations on abortion pills and suing states that seek to limit medication abortion. (7/19/2022)

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Complaint targets gun firms for super PAC donations while under federal contract

A watchdog group has filed complaints against several gun companies including Georgia’s Daniel Defense for donating to super PACS while under federal contract, which is illegal. The Federal Election Commission, known for its ineffectiveness, faces pressure to hold weapons manufacturers accountable. (7/20/2022)

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Biden backs off anti-abortion judicial nominee — because GOP senator objects

For weeks, reproductive rights advocates pressured President Biden not to go through with his plan to nominate an anti-abortion lawyer to a Kentucky judgeship. Biden backed down last week, citing a GOP senator's objection and a Senate tradition with Jim Crow roots. (7/19/2022)

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NC hog farm buyout failure leaves vulnerable communities at risk

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) pushed for the new state budget to allocate millions of dollars to close hog farms, which are concentrated in environmental justice communities in the state's increasingly flood-prone east. But the Republican-controlled state legislature, where the industry is a powerful force, passed a budget without the funds — and Cooper signed it. (7/21/2022)

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From the Archives: Puttin' Down Ol' Massa: Laurel, Mississippi, 1979

Longtime labor journalist David Moberg passed away this week at the age of 78. In his memory, we're republishing a story about Mississippi poultry workers he contributed to a 1980 labor history anthology published by Southern Exposure, the print forerunner to Facing South. (7/21/2022)

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Democrats brace for losses in Southern state legislatures

Unless the dynamics of this year's elections significantly change in the coming months, election analysts predict Democrats could lose more than 40 state house and senate seats across the South in 2022.

Photo of Julian Bond at the Lincoln Memorial by Eduardo Montes-Bradley via Flickr.

Now accepting applications for the Julian Bond Fellowship

Are you an early-career journalist or researcher who cares about justice and democracy in the South?

The Institute for Southern Studies, publisher of Facing South, is now accepting applications for the Julian Bond Fellowship program.

The Julian Bond Fellowship, named in honor of the civil rights legend and founder of the Institute, aims to promote new voices in Southern media and support public interest journalists and researchers in the South.

Now entering its fourth year, the Fellowship is a nine-month, full-time position. Fellows will be provided a $5,000 monthly stipend, and additional resources for training, conferences, and research expenses. While the Institute will entertain applications from prospective fellows who seek to conduct their fellowship remotely, preference will be given to applicants who plan to be based at the Institute's offices in Durham, North Carolina.

The Fellowship is aimed at early-career journalists and researchers interested in helping change the public debate about issues of justice and democracy in the South. Journalists and researchers of color are strongly encouraged to apply, as are others who believe their presence would contribute substantially to diversifying the media and research landscape in the South. Candidates must have at least two to three years of experience writing and/or producing research reports for a public audience, and a demonstrated commitment to promoting justice, equality, and democracy.

The application deadline is Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at 5 p.m. Visit here for more information or to submit an application. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. No phone calls, please.

How U.S. taxpayers subsidize the Oath Keepers

The far-right anti-government militia played a lead role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, and 11 of its members have since been charged with seditious conspiracy. So why does the IRS still grant some of its branches nonprofit status, allowing them to avoid paying taxes on money they raise?