Beyond the Network, July 7, 2011

Periodically here at Midwest Democracy Network we take a look at the news and happenings outside the geographic Midwest. In addition to just looking at news across the country, we also take a look at items that do not fit into our main reform areas. Today we have updates on a new voter ID law in Rhode Island, Maryland redistricting, immigrant integration, President Obama’s twitter town hall, and more.

Immigrant Integration

The Campaign for Stronger Democracy held its second Democracy Exchange conference call, this one on immigrant integration. They spoke with leaders from Welcoming America and the California Institute for Local Government, which spoke about their experiences with welcoming new immigrant into communities, and getting local government involved with the process. Listen to a recording of the conference call at the Campaign’s website.

Rhode Island Voter ID

Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee has signed into law a voter ID requirement measure for the state. This stands in contrast to most other voter ID bills passed this legislative session across the country, as mostly Republican legislatures have pushed the measures. In this case, however, the bill was proposed and passed by a Democratic controlled majority, and signed by Chafee, an Independent. Chafee said, in a statement that he reflected considerably on the bill and he opted to sign it because voter ID is a “reasonable request.”

Maryland Redistricting

The Baltimore Sun takes a look at Maryland’s redistricting process and how the new lines might impact some incumbents.

Media Consolidation

AT&T and T-Mobile are in the process of merging, and Free Press’s Save the Internet project looks at some of the major beneficiaries of the merger. “Winners” include AT&T for eliminating a competitor and gaining customers; Deutsch Telecom for being able to sell a falling T-Mobile; and members of Congress because of what will likely be increased campaign donations from AT&T.

Also from Free Press, this time from their Save the News site, a Third Circuit Court has overturned the Federal Communications Commission’s attempt to weaken its ownership standards and allow large media companies to purchase many smaller, local outlets. Read more at the Save the News website.

Define American

Define American is a new website and campaign dedicated to having a thoughtful, real discussion about immigration in the United States. One of Define American’s co-founders, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas, recently “came out” as being undocumented in the New York Times. Read his story, and those of others, at the Define American website.

State Legislative Sessions

Stateline examines state legislative sessions from this year, including closer looks at education reforms, health care, labor, and the impact of one party rule on legislation. 

Twitter Town Hall

President Obama answered some questions at the first White House Twitter Town Hall this week. Twitter users submitted questions on the economy, and the president went through and provided his answers. Watch the townhall here, Read some commentary from the Nation  and Tech President.

Anniversary of Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s Appointment

Thirty years ago this week Justice Sandra Day O’Connor was appointed to the United States Supreme Court. Meg Waite Clayton takes a look back at O’Connor’s nomination and her impact on the Court over at the Huffington Post.