A politics reporter from the Colorado Sun was removed from the state Republican party assembly by the party chair, Dave Williams, who claimed her reporting was "very unfair." The reporter, Sandra Fish, had covered the party's activities, including a pro-Trump mailer and controversial actions by Williams. Despite criticism from elected officials and media outlets, Williams defended the decision, stating that the reporter and the Colorado Sun are "an extension of the Democratic party."
Voters in New Jersey participated in the state Senate and Assembly elections to determine the candidates who will serve in the state Legislature. Democrats aim to maintain control of both chambers, while Republicans seek to gain ground. The election results will be updated as mail-in and provisional ballots are counted.
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin State Assembly has passed a bill to change the process of drawing legislative maps, aiming to bypass the state Supreme Court, which now has a liberal majority. The plan establishes a redistricting advisory committee and requires bipartisan approval for the proposed district lines. Democrats have criticized the lack of public input and the potential for lawmakers to be drawn out of their seats. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos has pushed for the new plan to render moot lawsuits challenging the current maps and has floated the possibility of impeaching a liberal justice if she does not recuse herself from the cases.
The California State Assembly has passed SB 58, a bill that aims to decriminalize psychedelics such as magic mushrooms. Authored by State Senator Scott Weiner, the bill would allow individuals aged 21 and older to possess and use small amounts of naturally occurring substances like psilocybin and DMT. Proponents argue that psychedelics can be used for monitored treatment of addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD. However, opponents, including the Coalition for Psychedelic Safety and Education, express concerns about potential hallucinations, paranoia, and psychological trauma. The bill will now be sent back to the Senate floor for final approval before reaching Governor Gavin Newsom's desk.
