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In Minnesota, Democratic Grandmothers Gather Data About Their Neighbors
Much of the data the Grandma Brigade collects is prosaic: records of campaign donations or voters who have recently died. But a few volunteers see free information everywhere. They browse the listings of names on Tea Party websites. They might add a record of what was said around the family Thanksgiving table — Uncle Mitch voted for Bachmann, cousin Alice supports gay marriage.
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In Minnesota, Democratic volunteers scour their local newspapers each morning for letters to the editor with a political slant. They pay attention to the names of callers on radio shows. They drive through th… more »
2012, A Dubious Banner Year: From State Family Planning Funding to Reproductive Toxins
Against the backdrop of a contentious presidential campaign in which abortion and even contraception were front-burner issues supporters of reproductive health and rights were able to block high-profile attacks on access to abortion in states as diverse as Alabama, Idaho, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Virginia.
2012 Saw Second-Highest Number of Abortion Restrictions Ever
January 2, 2013
Reproductive health and rights were once again the subject of extensive debate in state capitols in 2012. Over the course of the year, 42 states and the District o… more »
If The Cup Fits, Wear It
Roberta McReynolds writes: There are circumstances when a degree in algebra would certainly be beneficial. Never once did any of my instructors say, "Pay attention young ladies! You’re going to need to know how to calculate your correct bra size someday and it won’t remain the same throughout your life. You don’t want people to look at your chest and realize you flunked algebra, do you?" more »
The Most Interesting New State Laws of 2013
A California law prohibits mental health providers from engaging in efforts to change the sexual orientation of patients under the age of 18. Illinois law enhances the penalties for manufacturing and selling bath salts. Oregon school districts must adopt a policy on teen dating violence. California law adds breastfeeding as a category of sexual discrimination in housing and employment.Illinois created the Toxin-Free Toddler Act banning manufacturers and wholesalers from selling children's food and beverage containers containing bisphenol A(BPA). more »