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gerry coetzee

Southwest in 2025: Fires, Politics, and More

January 1, 2026

The Southwest faced a tumultuous year in 2025, marked by devastating fires, political turmoil, and significant legal battles. In California, the Palisades and Eaton Fires left a trail of destruction, claiming lives and homes. The Palisades Fire, which started on January 7, burned 23, 448 acres and d

politics

Redrawing the Lines: Politics and Power in 2025

December 25, 2025

In 2025, the political landscape saw a significant shift due to the efforts of former President Donald Trump. He urged Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps, aiming to secure more seats for his party in the House of Representatives. This move intensified the practice of partisan gerryma

opinion

Finding Common Ground Amidst Political Divides

December 21, 2025

During a recent Christmas gathering, attendees were asked to think about someone they'd like to reconcile with in the coming year. This sparked a reflection on the importance of looking beyond political differences and connecting on a human level. One story that stood out was that of Indiana State

politics

Ohio's Redistricting: Beyond the Noise

December 4, 2025

Ohio recently made headlines with a unanimous, bipartisan agreement on a new congressional district plan. This achievement came after a lot of drama and protests. Critics filled hearing rooms, wearing the same shirts and shouting familiar slogans. It's easy to question if these protests are genuine

politics

North Carolina's New Voting Map: What's the Big Deal?

November 27, 2025

In a recent decision, a group of federal judges gave the green light to North Carolina's new congressional map. This map, drawn by Republicans, will be used in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. The judges dismissed arguments from the NAACP, Common Cause, and several Black and Hispanic voters. The

politics

Utah's Redistricting Revolution: A Fight for Fair Representation

November 27, 2025

Utah's redistricting process has been a rollercoaster of political maneuvering and public advocacy. It all started with a simple question: why should lawmakers draw their own districts? This question sparked a movement that would change Utah's political landscape forever. In 2000, Utah's Democratic

politics

Texas' Bid to Boost GOP Seats Sparks Legal Battle

November 22, 2025

Texas is in a legal tussle with the U. S. Supreme Court over a new voting map. The state wants to use this map to increase Republican seats in the U. S. House of Representatives. This could help the GOP keep control of Congress in the next elections. A lower court blocked the map, saying it might d

politics

Utah's Fight for Fair Voting: A Grassroots Victory

November 21, 2025

In Utah, a group of determined citizens took a stand for fair voting. They wanted maps that truly represent the people, not just political parties. Proposition 4 was a big win in 2018. It set rules for fair maps and created a commission to draw them. But the state legislature ignored this and made t

politics

Texas' Redrawn Map Hits a Legal Speed Bump

November 20, 2025

In a surprising turn of events, federal judges recently blocked Texas' newly drawn congressional map. This decision highlights a significant misstep by both Texas Republicans and the Trump administration. They underestimated the legal boundaries set by the Supreme Court's 2019 Rucho v. Common Cause

politics

A Judge's Strong Words: A Clash Over Texas' Redrawn Maps

November 20, 2025

In a surprising turn of events, a federal judge has strongly criticized his colleagues for releasing their decision in a major Texas redistricting case before he could finish his dissent. Judge Jerry Smith, who serves on the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals, accused the other judges of acting in bad