The End of the Poll Tax
On March 24, 1966 the Supreme Court’s Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections decision struck down state poll taxes, cementing voting as a fundamental right protected by the Equal Protection Clause. The article marks the 60th anniversary of that ruling while warning that the Republican‑backed SAVE Act mirrors poll‑tax mechanics by demanding costly identification for voters. Lawmakers argue the bill safeguards citizenship, yet critics cite real‑world hurdles like expensive passports and Real ID processes that could disenfranchise millions. The piece underscores how historical precedent may shape upcoming legal battles over the SAVE Act.
The Week Ahead
On March 23, 2026 the Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Watson v. Republican National Committee, a pivotal case on whether federal election‑day statutes override state laws that allow mail ballots to be counted after Election Day. The dispute...
The Bluebird of Happiness
Joyce Vance announced a bookstore event in Maine with New York Times reporter Katie Benner to discuss Benner’s new book *Miracle Children*. The book investigates T.M. Landry College Prep, a Louisiana private school that boasted near‑100% college acceptance rates for...
Fulton County Update
Federal Judge J.P. Boulee in the Northern District of Georgia announced that mediation between Fulton County and the Justice Department has failed and the court will move forward with a hearing on the county’s motion to vacate and to quash...
Five Questions with Geoff Bennett, PBS NewsHour Co-Anchor & Co-Managing Editor
PBS NewsHour co‑anchor Geoff Bennett is releasing his first book, Black Out Loud, on March 24. The work traces the evolution of Black comedy, focusing on the explosion of 1990s sitcoms such as The Fresh Prince of Bel‑Air, Martin, and...