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The right to privacy in the wake of Dobbs

Opinion

Abortion rights protest

Supporters of abortion rights protest outside the Supreme Court on June 24, 2023.

Sha Hanting/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

In the latest episode of The Afakasi Podcast, host KJ Mauwong delves into a crucial topic: the right to privacy and its implications in the wake of recent developments in the Supreme Court.

Mauwong and his guests talked about Roe v. Wade and the Dobbs decision that reversed it. The discussion revolved around the broader context of personal rights, autonomy and the shadow of the law known as "penumbra." The podcast explores the Supreme Court's role, potential judicial overreach, and the constant evolution of interpretations.


The conversation takes a contemporary turn as the trio delves into the impact of technology on privacy rights, considering the intrusion of companies into personal lives, data collection, and the challenges posed by the democratization of information. The conversation prompts listeners to think about the complexities of privacy, especially in the digital age.

As the dialogue unfolds, the participants touch on historical cases, from Dred Scott to present-day challenges, emphasizing the ongoing struggle to define and protect privacy rights. The discussion evolves into a call for civic engagement, urging listeners to be informed voters, to scrutinize their elected officials, and to actively participate in the democratic process.

In the closing remarks, Mauwong emphasized the importance of education and encouraged listeners to be proactive in shaping their democracy. This episode serves as a reminder that democracy is a living entity, requiring constant care and engagement from its citizens.

Remember to check out The Democracy Group Podcast Fellowship, where passionate individuals, especially college and high school students, can learn to launch their podcasts. Apply at democracygroup.org/fellowship. The fellowship is sponsored by the Bridge Alliance, which operates The Fulcrum.

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Democrats’ Redistricting Gains Face New Court Battles Ahead of 2026 Elections
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Democrats’ Redistricting Gains Face New Court Battles Ahead of 2026 Elections

Earlier this year, I reported on Democrats’ redistricting wins in 2025, highlighting gains in states like California and North Carolina. As of December 18, the landscape has shifted again, with new maps finalized, ongoing court battles, and looming implications for the 2026 midterms.

Here are some key developments since mid‑2025:

  • California: Voters approved Proposition 50 in November, allowing legislature‑drawn maps that eliminated three safe Republican seats and made two more competitive. Democrats in vulnerable districts were redrawn into friendlier territory.
  • Virginia: On December 15, Democrats in the House of Delegates pushed a constitutional amendment on redistricting during a special session. Republicans denounced the move as unconstitutional, setting up a legal and political fight ahead of the 2026 elections.
  • Other states in play:
    • Ohio, Texas, Utah, Missouri, North Carolina: New maps are already in effect, reshaping battlegrounds.
    • Florida and Maryland: Legislatures have begun steps toward redistricting, though maps are not yet finalized.
    • New York: Court challenges may force changes to existing maps before 2026.
    • National picture: According to VoteHub’s tracker, the current district breakdown stands at 189 Democratic‑leaning, 205 Republican‑leaning, and 41 highly competitive seats.

Implications for 2026

  • Democrats’ wins in California and North Carolina strengthen their position, but legal challenges in Virginia and New York could blunt momentum.
  • Republicans remain favored in Texas and Ohio, where maps were redrawn to secure GOP advantages.
  • The unusually high number of mid‑decade redistricting efforts — not seen at this scale since the 1800s — underscores how both parties are aggressively shaping the battlefield for 2026.
So, here's the BIG PICTURE: The December snapshot shows Democrats still benefiting from redistricting in key states, but the fight is far from settled. With courts weighing in and legislatures maneuvering, the balance of power heading into the 2026 House elections remains fluid. What began as clear Democratic wins earlier in 2025 has evolved into a multi‑front contest over maps, legality, and political control.

Hugo Balta is the executive editor of the Fulcrum and the publisher of the Latino News Network

Kelly Sponsors Bipartisan Bill Addressing Social Media

Sen. Mark Kelly poses for a selfie before a Harris-Walz rally featuring former President Barack Obama on Oct. 18, 2024.

Photo by Michael McKisson.

Kelly Sponsors Bipartisan Bill Addressing Social Media

WASHINGTON – Lawmakers have struggled for years to regulate social media platforms in ways that tamp down misinformation and extremism.

Much of the criticism has been aimed at algorithms that feed users more and more of whatever they click on – the “rabbit hole” effect blamed for fueling conspiracy theories, depression, eating disorders, suicide and violence.

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The “Big Beautiful Bill” Becomes Law: From Promise to Fallout
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Photo by Nappy on Unsplash

The “Big Beautiful Bill” Becomes Law: From Promise to Fallout

When I first wrote about the “One Big Beautiful Bill” in May, it was still a proposal advancing through Congress. At the time, the numbers were staggering: $880 billion in Medicaid cuts, millions projected to lose coverage, and a $6 trillion deficit increase. Seven months later, the bill is no longer hypothetical. It passed both chambers of Congress in July and was signed into law on Independence Day.

Now, the debate has shifted from projections to likely impact and the fallout is becoming more and more visible.

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Federal employees sound off
Government shutdown
wildpixel/Getty Images

Fulcrum Roundtable: Government Shutdown

Welcome to the Fulcrum Roundtable.

The program offers insights and discussions about some of the most talked-about topics from the previous month, featuring Fulcrum’s collaborators.

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