LONDON — The Moscow Radio quoted the Soviet Army newspaper “Red Star” today as blaming the Labour government for high taxes in Britain.
“It is a known fact that 75 percent of indirect taxes are paid by the working class of Britain,” the paper was quoted, “and since the Labour party came to power, indirect taxes have increased by millions.”
“Red Star” was commenting on British defense estimates. It said that Britain had spent £60,000,000 ($240,000,000) to back the Greek government and is putting out £31,500 ($126,000) a day in Malaya.
It declared British foreign policy “leads to increasing exploitation of the working people for the sake of the selfish interests of home and trans-Atlantic monopolists, and to a higher cost of living.”
— The New York Herald, European Edition, Mar. 22, 1949
Steve Clarke says he may make one less change than planned against Northern Ireland – and would prioritise a win over a good performance – after defeat to the Netherlands left Scotland winless in six games
For more than a century, Mississippi has imposed a lifetime voting ban on people convicted of various offenses, including arson, forgery and bigamy. Called “disenfranchisement,” the removal of a citizen’s right to vote through conviction is rooted in the state’s 1890 constitution.
The constitution’s drafters freely admitted that the disenfranchisement clause targeted Black voters to reduce their political power following the end of Reconstruction. The list of offenses has expanded over the years.
For many, the disenfranchisement laws can be confusing. Contact your county’s election administrator to determine if you can vote or register to vote based on your conviction.
Now, for the first time in over a decade, a bipartisan group of legislators wants to restore voting rights to thousands of state citizens, with the conservative leadership of the state House of Representatives backing the effort.
Also, multiple lawsuits in recent years in federal court sought to overturn disenfranchisement, so far without success.
An estimated 50,000 people from 1994 through 2017 have lost their voting rights through conviction in state court, according to a 2018 study commissioned by plaintiffs who sued to overturn the disenfranchisement law.
Nearly 60% of people who lost their right to vote are Black, the study found. Mississippi’s adult Black population was at 36% in 2020, according to the U.S. census.
How does Mississippi’s current disenfranchisement system work? And how could lawmakers change it? The Marshall Project – Jackson interviewed experts and lawyers, and reviewed documents to answer key questions.
If I am convicted of a felony in Mississippi, do I lose my right to vote?
Only some convictions in state court will take away a person’s right to vote, even after they are released from prison. Many other felony convictions, however, do not remove voting rights, including assault, burglary and drug-related crimes.
Which felony crimes will lead to the loss of voting rights?
The Mississippi Constitution lists 10 general crimes that are disenfranchising: murder, rape, bribery, theft, arson, obtaining money or goods under false pretense, perjury, forgery, embezzlement and bigamy.
Today, state officials interpret that constitutional list to include 22 broad criminal categories and about 100 different specific charging statutes, including timber theft, felony shoplifting and writing a bad check. See the full list of offenses here.
If I have been convicted but I think I can vote, or register to vote, who would I contact to be sure of my rights?
Each county’s circuit clerk administers the voter registration process and makes the final determination about a person’s eligibility to register to vote. You can find your county’s election administrator through the state Secretary of State’s office.
Has disenfranchisement been challenged in court?
Several lawsuits have asked federal judges to find all or parts of the state’s disenfranchisement system unconstitutional. One lawsuit remains active, and a ruling from the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is pending.
If I have been disenfranchised, is there any way I can regain my right to vote?
A person’s voting right can be restored by The Mississippi Legislature. This has historically meant that a lawmaker must file a restoration bill for the individual, and then the bill must be passed by both houses of the Legislature and approved or allowed to become law by the governor. Since 1997, only about 200 people have had their voting rights restored through this process.
Do some state lawmakers want to change the state’s disenfranchisement system?
The Mississippi House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a bill in March 2024 to allow people who are convicted of some disenfranchising crimes to automatically regain their right to vote either five years after conviction or five years after release from prison, whichever is later. To become law, the bill must be approved by the state Senate, where support for the bill is unclear. If it passes the upper chamber, the governor could sign it, allow it to become law without his signature or veto it.
Under the House plan, would some crimes still be disenfranchising?
Yes, the House bill would retain permanent disenfranchisement for the following crimes: Arson, armed robbery, carjacking, embezzlement of $5,000 or more, murder, rape, statutory rape and vote fraud. The Legislature would still have the power to individually restore voting rights.
If I’m convicted of a crime that is not disenfranchising, can I vote from prison while serving my sentence?
Legally, yes. In practice, however, the process can be difficult to navigate, according to advocates who have done voter education work in state prisons. This guide from voting advocates has more detail on how to cast a ballot from prison.
What if my conviction has been expunged?
Some local election officials treat expungements as restoring a person’s right to vote, and some do not, according to a former state Rep. Nick Bain, who fought for a law to clarify that issue. The Legislature passed a bill in 2022 to clarify that expungement should restore someone’s voting rights, but Gov. Tate Reeves vetoed it. The issue remains legally murky and continues to be handled inconsistently, according to attorneys. Many of the disenfranchising crimes noted below are not eligible for expungement.
What if I am convicted of a crime in federal court? Or outside the state of Mississippi?
A felony conviction in federal court or a state court outside Mississippi will not take away the right to vote, even if the federal crime would be disenfranchising if the conviction occurred in state court.
What if I have been charged with a disenfranchising crime, but not yet been convicted?
A person is not disenfranchised unless convicted.
List of disenfranchising statutes
Below is the list of Mississippi disenfranchising statutes compiled by The Marshall Project – Jackson, based on information from the Mississippi Center for Justice, Southern Poverty Law Center, Mississippi Votes and the Mississippi Secretary of State’s disenfranchisement list.
If you were convicted of one or more of these offenses, you likely would not be able to vote or register to vote in a Mississippi election. Check with your county’s election administrator, who can be found through the state Secretary of State’s office.
Living in Minnesota has always meant cold winters, but I don’t submit to living in down puffer coats all year long. I love to mix a few classic jacket styles into my winter outfits. Today I’m sharing three beautiful jackets on heavy rotation in my wardrobe this winter.
3 of the Best Winter Jackets I’m Wearing This Season
Long Wool Coat: An absolute necessity here in the North. The Tom coat from Sézane is my go-to for the coldest days. It’s made of a thick wool blend that’s windproof and water-resistant. I love the oversized fit, which I can layer over thick sweaters. It’s also perfect for layering over dresses, skirts, or pants. The coat has a classic, timeless design that will never go out of style. This is a forever piece.
Blazer: The Romane jacket from Sézane is a great way to add a touch of polish to a casual outfit. I like to wear mine over everything from dresses to skirts to jeans to wide-leg pants. The jacket is made of a lightweight, structured fabric and has a flattering, feminine cut that’s perfect for all body types. You can easily layer an overcoat over this style for additional warmth.
Lightweight Wool Jacket: The Nelson jacket is a lightweight wool option and a go-to on “chilly” days. This jacket breathes new life into your classic silhouettes. It’s great for throwing on over cute sweats when I need to run errands during the winter. The jacket is made of a soft, breathable wool fabric that’s comfortable to wear all day long. It has a relaxed, oversized fit that’s perfect for layering. This style works with an oversized puffer on top for extra cold days. *This jacket isn’t shown below, but you can see it in action in this Instagram Reel!
If you want to mix things up with your outerwear this winter, Sézane has pieces in timeless cuts and quality materials that will stand the test of time (and chill) year after year. And don’t skip on the hat and scarf! I love this hat and this scarf and have been wearing them on repeat.
Layer up: The key to staying warm in a winter jacket is to layer up underneath. Start the layering process with a thin base layer, such as a long-sleeved top or turtleneck. Next, add a thicker layer, such as a sweater or sweatshirt. Finally, add your jacket on top.
Accessorize: A scarf, hat, and gloves are essential accessories for a winter look. Choose a scarf that’s big enough to wrap around your neck twice and a hat that will keep your head warm. Be sure to include gloves in your day-to-day, especially if you’re spending time outdoors.
Choose the right fit: When it comes to winter jackets, it’s important to choose the right fit. A jacket that’s too big will be bulky and unflattering, while a jacket that’s too small will be uncomfortable. Aim for a relaxed fit that will allow you to move freely.
With a little bit of planning, you can create stylish and comfortable winter looks that will keep you warm all season long. Check out Sézane’s website to get your hands on these wardrobe items and explore their other stunning pieces.
Editor’s Note: This post was sponsored by Sézane. We receive compensation in exchange for placement on Wit & Delight, which we use to purchase props, hire a photographer, write/edit the blog post, and support the larger team behind Wit & Delight.
While we receivecompensation in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts like these allow us to continue to develop dynamic unsponsored content. Thank you for supporting our partners!
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
Last month, I published one bigholiday gift guide on the blog. Today, I’m sharing an even more personal version—my own 2023 holiday wish list.
Most of the items on this list immediately caught my eye when I first saw them. They were an instant and resounding yes for me. I’ve been really intentional in recent months about saving links to the things that give me this kind of full-body yes reaction. Whenever I’m instantly drawn to something *and* it fills a gap in my closet, home, or daily routines, it’s the best kind of item to add to my wish list. I hope you enjoy browsing through this post, whether you’re shopping for yourself or someone on your gifting list.
My Personal 2023 Holiday Wish List
$30
I love vegetables and there’s such a wide array of ways to prepare them beyond simply roasting or making a salad. I’m drawn to the creative approach of this book. It was highly recommended to me by multiple people.
$88 select colors on sale for $70
I love this utility pant style—and that there are three great colors to choose from.
$116
This is the best candle I’ve smelled all year. It’s a perfect scent to burn in every season.
$36
This lip balm case has been on my list for so long. One of my favorite little luxuries in life is having beautiful things I get to use every day. This would make such a wonderful, personalized gift.
$118 on sale for $60
Pajamas are one thing I don’t necessarily want to spend a lot of money on, but I spend so much time in them that it’s nice to have a few great pairs on hand. This set from J. Crew looks so comfy and stylish.
$24
Pasta-making is something I want to do more often, especially with the kids. I’ve done it enough times that I know it’s a practice that doesn’t have to be saved for rare special occasions. This book would take my hobby up a notch.
$100
These shoes go with everything. I have this style in two darker colors and wear them all the time. A lighter-colored pair would fill a gap in my wardrobe and look great with so many outfits.
$245
One of my absolute favorite creative people to follow is Lucy Williams. I’m often inspired by what she wears and think about how I’d interpret her style in my own way. This cardigan reminds me of her—plus, an Alex Mill sweater is always a good bet.
$25
I would love a restock on these sheet masks. I use them all the time and can never have enough!
$187
Every year I like to add one piece of special jewelry to my everyday collection. I don’t really have any pieces with color in them and love the organic look of these rings.
$30 on sale for $25
I have this lip stain in a barely-there pink (color 04). I love the way it looks and want other colors too!
Editor’s Note: This article contains affiliate links. Wit & Delight uses affiliate links as a source of revenue to fund the operations of the business and to be less dependent on branded content. Wit & Delight stands behind all product recommendations. Still have questions about these links or our process? Feel free to email us.
Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
The Biden administration plans to spend up to $6 billion on new technologies to cut carbon dioxide emissions from heavy industries like steel, cement, chemicals and aluminum, which are all enormous contributors to global warming but which have so far been incredibly difficult to clean up.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm said Monday that her agency would partially fund 33 different projects in 20 states to test methods for curbing emissions from a wide variety of factories and industrial plants, calling it “the single largest industrial decarbonization investment in American history.”
Constellium, an aluminum producer, would receive up to $75 million to build a first-of-a-kind aluminum casting plant in Ravenswood, W.Va., that can run on cleaner burning hydrogen fuels rather than natural gas.
Kraft Heinz, a food manufacturer, would get up to $170.9 million to install electric boilers and heat pumps at 10 facilities across the country, where they would be used to generate the large amounts of heat needed for things like drying macaroni without directly burning fossil fuels.
Cleveland-Cliffs, a steel manufacturer, would get up to $500 million to help retire a large coal-consuming blast furnace in Middletown, Ohio, and replace it with two furnaces that use electricity to turn scrap into steel. The company would also test ways to produce steel using hydrogen.
While the projects themselves would put a relatively small dent in U.S. emissions, Ms. Granholm said the goal was to demonstrate novel technologies that can scale up rapidly and “set a new gold standard for clean manufacturing in the United States and around the world.”
Heavy industry is one of the nation’s largest sources of planet-warming pollution, accounting for roughly one-quarter of all emissions. Many factories burn coal or natural gas to produce the heat needed to create steam, temper glass or turn iron into steel. Cement makers emit carbon dioxide as part of the process of transforming limestone into cement. Chemical producers use oil and gas as raw materials for their products.
In theory, there are technologies that can cut emissions. Industrial heat pumps or thermal batteries could help factories generate heat from renewable electricity. Cement makers could capture and bury their carbon dioxide. Steel makers could use clean hydrogen instead of coal. But many of those solutions are expensive and in their infancy.
“It’s different from the electricity sector, where widely available alternatives to fossil fuels like wind, solar and batteries have come down dramatically in cost,” Morgan Bazilian, a professor of public policy at the Colorado School of Mines, said in a recent interview. “With industry, we haven’t yet seen clear winners emerge at the price needed.”
Policymakers have also been hesitant to crack down on industrial emissions for fear that factories and jobs could move abroad to places with looser environmental rules.
While the Biden administration has announced stringent limits for carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles and power plants, it has so far avoided similar regulations for industrial sectors like steel or cement. Instead, the administration has focused on funding new technologies in the hopes that they will get cheaper and become widely adopted.
Separately, various federal agencies have announced plans to buy steel, cement, asphalt and glass made with cleaner processes, in an effort to create a market for low-carbon industrial materials.
The money for the projects in Monday’s announcement comes from the Energy Department’s Industrial Demonstrations Program, which was funded by the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
The 33 projects selected will need to undergo further negotiations with the agency before receiving final funding.
One is Sublime Systems, a startup exploring cleaner ways to make cement. Traditionally, cement manufacturers burn large quantities of coal or gas to generate temperatures in excess of 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, which transforms limestone into lime and releases carbon dioxide as part of the chemical conversion.
In contrast, Sublime uses a process powered purely by electricity that doesn’t require high heat or release carbon dioxide. The company has tested its technology at a small pilot facility, and an award from the Energy Department, worth up to $87 million, would help the company build its first commercial plant in Holyoke, Mass.
That funding is valuable, said Leah Ellis, chief executive of Sublime. Many novel technologies to cut industrial emissions “are too expensive for traditional venture capitalists and too risky for conventional project financiers,” she said. Having the Energy Department share the costs of early projects “accelerates the scale-up of these technologies which must be developed and deployed globally as quickly as possible” to fight climate change.
The Energy Department could also fund several projects that use an emerging technology called thermal energy storage, which can take intermittent electricity from wind or solar farms to gradually heat up bricks or other materials, which can then be used to produce steady heat for industrial processes.
“The area that’s often written off as the hardest to decarbonize is the industrial sector,” said Ali Zaidi, President Biden’s national climate adviser. But, he added, “these projects are such a great example of the breadth and diversity of technologies that we can deploy to do this decarbonization work.”
Driven by the ‘oppressor vs oppressed’ dichotomy, some of American Jews have come to identify Palestinians as the underdog and therefore worthy of consideration and concern, while Israel is seen as the epitome of white colonialism
Listen to the incredible commentary from Sky Italia as Carlos Sainz stormed to victory in Melbourne and Ferrari claimed a one-two at the Australian Grand Prix.
I am sitting in a large conference room. It is bare, utilitarian. It could be an interrogation room. I am compulsively picking at a piece of black trim peeling off the edge of the slate-gray table. The hum of the ventilation system fills the silence, which is heavy. Floating heads stare in my direction waiting for a reply — or is it a confession?
“So, Ms. Johnson,” a voice begins. “Please tell us exactly what you are requesting.”
The “us” consists of the warden, assistant warden, assistant warden of programs, head nurse and head psychologist that make up my North Carolina facility’s Transgender Accommodation Review Committee.
The topic was my underwear.
Earlier in the day, I was held back from my work-release job for a meeting with prison administrators to discuss my request to wear boxers instead of women’s panties.
For almost two decades, I have struggled against the system for the right to wear items that conform to my gender identity. I have lived a large part of my life as a reluctant female, but I’ve always felt more masculine.
While I don’t consider myself a man, I also don’t feel like a woman. Yet most places, especially my North Carolina prison, want clearly delineated identifications. It is not enough to say, “I am nonbinary; I would prefer men’s boxers.”
I know that I am not alone in this journey, as I have met many other trans and nonbinary people in prison. The following is my guide for what to expect as a nonbinary person navigating the prison system.
Day One
When you first get arrested, you may be dazed, discomposed and possibly suicidal. Incarcerated people who are in a mental health crisis or at risk for suicide are usually housed in a private cell. This is not a privilege. If you happen to look like a scrawny teenage boy with long hair and facial hair and no razor or tweezers to control it, officers will come to your cell to demand you “prove” your sex — yes, exactly how you imagine. And you will, because you do not have the choice or the strength to rebel and to say no to abject harassment.
They will smirk, and you will stand there, cold and naked. The first layer of cement will harden around your heart.
From the first day, you will confront rigid convictions. The prison-clothes house is the primary site of judgment. The attendant will size you up, literally, and hand you a stack of gray “granny panties” and white, stiff, scratchy bras. The panties will begin to unravel within a week. When you ask for alternative underwear options, a no-nonsense woman will bellow, “This ain’t Walmart, sugar! You get what I give you!”
If you are facing a long sentence, now is the time to decide if this fight is among your top priorities.
Then, be grateful. When I was incarcerated at North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in 2006, dresses were part of the uniform. It seems shocking now that someone actually thought dresses were appropriate in an environment populated with vulnerable women, many of whom are survivors of sexual assault, sex trafficking and abusive relationships.
In a dress that ultimately amounted to a thin sheet, the lines of my underwear and shape of my body were on full display. Just when I was coming to terms with my 20-year prison sentence, I became a ghost of the past, reliving my days of forced fealty to a religion with clearly delineated gender roles that I didn’t believe in. I felt exposed and powerless.
It took months — and finally acquiring larger, loose-fitting dresses — before I could “own” the uniform. I would not allow the system to take my dignity along with my individuality.
A Possible Reprieve
Some relief is available. The dresses have since been discontinued. And though no one else will readily offer you this vital information, you’ll learn that medical staff can grant approval for sports bras. But don’t get too excited. This is seen as a strictly medical concern and not related to gender accommodation. To even suggest a dual purpose may threaten your tenuous eligibility, which is based on arbitrary criteria — like a skin issue. Still, obtaining the sports bra is an important win.
So, get that “rash” examined, as this will improve your odds of obtaining a sports bra. It’s worth it to stand in front of a mirror with a little less self-hatred and a little more confidence when your T-shirt hangs flat.
Still, you’ll await the day you can step into the world as yourself without suffering what I call the “eye-dropping conversations.” Some of you know what I mean. It’s when the other person’s eyes keep dropping to your chest to try and figure out what you are.
A bit of good news: Shorts are issued to us in North Carolina. You will want to wear these as boxers with your new sports bra. This may help you feel just a little more right. You will, of course, be reprimanded because “sleepwear is not underwear” and because anything suggesting individuality and agency could be scrutinized.
If you ever find yourself held in minimum custody, sometimes known as honor-grade housing, you’ll have the opportunity to order personal clothing items like undergarments, a pair of shoes and an outfit for work release. Hope will rise, then fade. Boxers will not be on offer, and you’ll watch in frustration while women order their choice of bras, panties or boy shorts from catalogs.
Navigating the Gender Red Tape
Prisons are socially archaic and only make changes by force. Do not be discouraged. Recently, the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction introduced committees dedicated to transgender accommodation reviews at the state and facility level. This allows individuals to declare themselves trans and receive accommodations like chest binders and boxers.
What about those of us who blur the lines?
“Transgender” is not a label I had ever applied to myself. I’ve never needed to. The prison system, however, needs to shove everyone into a nice, tiny box.
Plus, making this declaration means seeing a therapist and discussing the most private and personal aspects of your identity. It will be the talk of the yard. The entire compound will pass judgment, some in whispers, some to your face. You will often hear statements like, “This is a women’s prison. There are no men here; why would someone need boxers?”
Some people have chosen to come out as trans while in prison, and there are many who like to shame them by calling out their past of gender-conforming practice, saying, for example: “She used to wear makeup; now she wants to be a little boy.” One option is to be quiet, let it ride and try to avoid controversy.
Life Inside
Essays by people in prison and others who have experience with the criminal justice system
But if you decide to no longer let things slide, or to apologize for who you are just for the sake of others’ comfort, then go ahead and fill out the mental health request, a prerequisite for transgender accommodation reviews. Overlook the insinuation behind having to see a therapist. She — it’s usually a she — will actually be supportive and understanding. You will wish she was the face of society, your friends and family.
It’s OK to cry, to unleash the torrent of pain and grief you did not even know you carried. The therapist has the soft tissues. After discussing your needs and what to expect from the system, she will submit a request for a meeting with your Facility Transgender Accommodation Review Committee (FTARC).
This day will be a critical juncture in your life. It’s your only chance, but it will take a lot out of you. You will be asked about personal feelings that may still be unresolved. Yet, as the words flow, a relief may wash over you. You may hear yourself declare, “I am transgender.” While nothing has changed, absolutely everything has changed. Relax into this moment. This was the easy part because there is no judgment here — just talk of practicalities and policy allowances.
For transgender men, FTARC may accommodate items such as boxers, binders and male-typical hygiene products such as Dove men’s body wash or Axe deodorant. One may request a gender pronoun change if desired. But even with all of these changes, you should know that most staff will not honor pronoun changes, either out of malice or by mistake.
For most needs requiring medical care, such as starting hormone treatments, the individual must appear before Division TARC, the review committee that functions at the state level.
After a meeting with DTARC, a request is sent to the department of corrections. Until they grant approval, it is as though your identity is in limbo. What if they question your authenticity or your truth? How can you prove a feeling, an all-pervading and long-suffered ache?
No matter. Soon you will be called to the clothes house. Not the previous one, but a new one, with an open-minded supervisor. The day of measurement is awkward, but exciting. If others are with you, know they are feeling the same hope and relief. They, too, have suffered.
Finally, a Win
When your order finally arrives and you pick up your five pairs of white cotton boxers and five black chest binders, walk, do not run, back to your cell. Give yourself these moments to think about how far you have come. The battles you have fought, both within and against the system, not just for a pair of underwear, but for your own identity, which cannot be bought at any price.
Then, stand in front of the mirror, and see yourself as the person you want others to see. Stand up straight, flex those muscles, witness the strength you hold inside. Now, get dressed — before you get ragged for checking yourself out. Step out into your world, wherever it may be. Be proud, and own it.
K.C. Johnson is a student and writer incarcerated for second-degree murder and robbery. A contributor to the Prison Journalism Project, Johnson is working toward a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University. Their goal is to travel and do investigative journalism on issues that represent a microcosm of larger social and cultural challenges.
A communications officer from the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction stated that prior to the agency’s 2007 establishment of the federally required Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) Office, “there was no policy nor any standards that addressed staff searches to determine an offender’s sex.” They also stated that “based on lack of complaints made to the PREA Office, there is no indication that the practice was occurring.” There was no policy put in place to protect trans and intersex people from such searches until 2012.
