Louisiana’s state senate has passed a new congressional map, eliminating one of two majority-Black districts in the state. On this week’s On the Media, hear why the Supreme Court’s blessing of that move rests on a basic statistical error. Plus, how an unprecedented storm of conspiracy theories beset FEMA during Hurricane Helene. [01:00] Host Brooke Gladstone sits down with G. Elliott Morris, journalist, statistician, and author of the data-driven news website Strength in Numbers, to talk about the statistical error he found in the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling, and the widespread consequences for our democracy. [15:38] Host Micah Loewinger presents the third part of our investigation American Emergency: The Movement to Kill FEMA. This week, Micah takes a deep dive into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in 2024, when conspiracy theories surged online, including the old rumors about FEMA camps. And we hear from a library worker who was rescued by raft during the storm, about the greatest obstacle she faced after the storm: bureaucracy. Further reading / watching:

“The simple statistical error Republican Supreme Court justices used to gut the VRA,” by G. Elliot Morris
“This year’s U.S. House elections will be least competitive on record,” by G. Elliot Morris
“Some N.C. residents distrust FEMA so much they’re hesitant to apply for hurricane aid,” by Brianna Sacks
“How a conspiracy-fueled group got a foothold in this hurricane-battered town,” by Brianna Sacks

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