Welcome back to the Unify Brief, where we track growing developments facing our nation.
Virginia court strikes down House redistricting map
On May 8, the Virginia Supreme Court struck down a voter-approved measure that would allow Democratic state lawmakers to gerrymander the state’s House map right before midterms.
The decision is a loss for the Democratic party and grants Republicans the opportunity to secure almost four additional House seats in the upcoming elections.
This is not the only setback Democrats have faced among the ever-present redistricting war, with states like Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana attempting to redraw congressional districts.
Democrats may lose at least half a dozen House seats as a result of Republican redistricting maps.
National: A state-by-state guide to the fight for redistricting (PBS News)
Local: CO redistricting effort Level Playing Field receives $150k donation (ABC 7 Denver)
What other college campuses have to say: Explainer: What’s happening with gerrymandering in the United States (Harvard Kennedy School)
Trump plans to fire FDA chief Marty Makary
On May 8, President Donald Trump reportedly signed off on removing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chief Marty Makary, according to a senior administration official.
This decision follows growing tensions between Trump and Makary over disputes such as controversial drug approval rulings, management of the health agency and the handling of an effort to limit access to mifepristone.
While Makary has not been formally dismissed by the president, it is clear that mounting criticism against the FDA chief has proved problematic during his tenure. Should President Trump follow this plan, it would create yet another gap at the top of the ranks in the health department, with only months until midterm elections.
National: Trump administration live updates (New York Times)
Local: FDA’s new playbook: Lots of media announcements but not much rulemaking (Sentinel Colorado)
What other college campuses have to say: FDA blocking research findings “has no place in a democratic society,” (Northwestern Now)
Vote brings Mamdani’s ‘rent freeze’ plan closer to reality
During a preliminary vote on May 7, New York’s Rent Guidelines Board backed rents that included leases with no increases. With seven members of the board in favor, one against and one in abstention, Mamdani stated, “New Yorkers are being crushed by the cost of living, and they need real relief.”
The city is currently facing one of its worst affordability crises, with a housing shortage that has caused rent and mortgage costs to increase rapidly. In contrast, a stabilized-rent system would protect renters from any drastic price shocks.
The final vote is on June 25, and supporters of Mamdani are eagerly waiting to see the change this legislation could bring.
National: US housing slowdown leaves buyers squeezed between high prices, rents and down payments (Investment News)
Local: Metro Denver housing market in a holding pattern (Denver Post)
What other college campuses have to say: NYU housing patterns (Washington Square News)
Take Action:
At DU:
- Attend the Women, Policy, and Politics Panel
- Attend this RSO Harm Reduction Workshop
On your own:
- Reach out to your representatives
