Gerrymandering began as a nineteenth-century power play in Massachusetts, when Governor Elbridge Gerry signed a state senate redistricting bill whose oddly shaped Essex County district reminded a newspaper illustrator of a salamander. The nickname stuck, and so did the tactic: drawing electoral district lines to advantage a party or faction and to weaken cohesive communities of interest.
Brief #110 – Technology Policy Brief
by : Mindy Spatt
In Kara Swisher’s memoir “Burn Book,” she delves into the glamorous yet contentious world of the tech industry, offering insights into the lives of influential figures like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs. Swisher’s narrative navigates the intersection of power, wealth, and influence, shedding light on the untold stories behind Silicon Valley’s rise to prominence.
Brief #126 – Foreign Policy Brief
by: Aziza Taslaq
Within the chaos of relentless bombardments and displacement, Gazans like Samah plead urgently for a cease-fire, their lives shattered by the ongoing conflict. Their plea highlights the urgent need to end the cycle of suffering and work towards a future of peace and justice.
Brief #125 – Foreign Policy Brief
by: Aziza Taslaq
Amid the turmoil of the Gaza conflict, Tom, a Christian in the USA, emphasizes empathy and peace, distancing individuals from broader political tensions. Despite feeling overwhelmed by the devastation and media coverage, Tom advocates for compassion, highlighting the human toll and the importance of ceasefire for reconciliation and hope.
Brief #112 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Inijah Quadri
The impact is profound: elections become less competitive, voter disillusionment rises, and elected officials face less accountability.
Brief #106 – Elections & Politics Policy Brief
by Abigail Hunt
In the state of Georgia, Trump is currently out on a $200,000 bond for 13 felony indictments.
Brief #51 – Elections & Politics
By Ian Milden
After Democrat Mary Peltola (D-AK) won a special election for a U.S. House seat and the subsequent general election, Republicans in the Alaska state legislature are attempting to abolish the all-party primary system that was established by a voter referendum before the special election.
Brief #184 – Civil Rights
By Rodney A. Maggay
On November 4, 2021 in North Carolina the state legislature adopted a congressional map which gave the Republican Party in the state a huge advantage – it seemed likely that Republicans would win ten of the fourteen available congressional seats in the state despite total votes cast in state elections being evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.
Brief # 112 – Health and Gender Policy
By Erin McNemar
As President Biden continues with his first term , women’s issues remain high on his agenda. During his campaign, he introduced The Biden Agenda for Women. Through this plan, he highlights ways his administration will support gender equality in the US and around the world. Biden wants to help create a culture that protects and empowers women. In the final section of his policy proposal, Biden explains just how he plans to do that.
Brief #116—Environment
By Todd Broadman
The Biden Administration has recognized what previous administrations have not: that carbon-based energy has been destroying our planet and must stop, that greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced to net zero by 2050. Recognition is a major step forward. Government action to replace our fossil fuel economy with renewables is a colossal task and one that Biden aims to tackle.
What we know is that carbon-free energy is actually more mineral intensive than its oil-based counterpart. There are some 35 rare earth minerals that are key components to making the transition from fossil-fuels to clean energy. Lithium has recently garnered much attention for its essential role in the production of lithium-ion batteries that power our next generation of EV cars. (Other essential minerals include aluminum, cobalt, copper, and nickel).