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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Short Period for Public Input on OR Voting Maps Begins

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Thursday, September 9, 2021   

PORTLAND, Ore. -- A small window for public input is open to discuss the Oregon Legislature's proposed voting maps.

After receiving detailed census data in August, lawmakers released their recommended redistricting maps Sep. 3. They began holding virtual public meetings in the state's five current Congressional districts Wednesday, with two scheduled for each district through Monday. There will also be a statewide meeting Monday.

Precious Edmonds, advocacy director for We Draw Oregon, encouraged people to get involved in the process.

"It really does matter what district you lie in," Edmonds asserted. "Particularly for communities that have been marginalized in the past, making sure that they have the opportunity to have their interests reflected in the government."

Edmonds pointed out people of color have seen their power diluted in the redistricting process in the past. Her group worked to make public meetings as accessible as possible. The Legislature is also taking public input online through Monday.

On the congressional level, Oregon received an extra seat, making the redistricting process especially important for power on the national level. Plans have also been released for the lines of the state's 30 Senate seats and 60 House seats. Edmonds emphasized drawing a line through communities can dilute their power.

"We advocate for, whenever possible, keeping communities as whole as possible to preserve that right," Edmonds explained.

Edmonds noted keeping communities whole also makes it more likely their representative will look like them. She added her organization already has identified some districts that could dilute power for Black, Indigenous and Latinx communities.

The Legislature aims to have new district maps completed by Sep. 27.


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