A men’s movement takes reins in a nationwide quest to end abortion
Male-dominated network of militants, academics, attorneys, judges, activists lead drive to restrict, remove reproductive rights
by Sofia Resnick | Georgia Recorder | Sep 14 | tinyurl.com/Iguana1710
Wendell Shrock, a Tennessee street preacher, doesn’t believe in condoms. “We should leave the uterus to God,” the street preacher from Tennessee says. Overwhelmingly, men are driving the quest to restrict and remove women’s reproductive rights in as many states as possible.
Congress starts trying to figure out how to set AI ‘rules of the road’
Congress should pursue comprehensive standards for companies developing, depoloying AI to ensure consumers are protected
by Jacob Fischler | Florida Phoenix | Sep 13 | tinyurl.com/Iguana1697
The development of artificial intelligence presents far-reaching challenges for virtually every aspect of modern society, including campaigns, national security and journalism. Political operatives could use AI to impersonate opposing candidates. And there are risks to national security if the United States falls behind China or other adversarial countries in developing AI.
Gainesville City Commission approves EO Director contract for $172,500
Also, postpones decision on Thelma Boltin Center, approves taxes and utility rates on second reading
byJennifer Cabrera | Alachua Chronicle | Sep 21 | tinyurl.com/Iguana1709
This summary of the Sept. 21 Gainesville City Commission meeting also includes a breakdown of the City of Gainesville’s Charter Officer current compensation, and how it compares with the midpoint of a salary range based on two studies.
Linda Taggart, Rest in Power
Pensacola was once center for abortion violence. Late nurse who ran clinic wasn’t scared.
by Molly Barrows | Pensacola News-Journal | Sep 18 | pnj.com/obituaries
Linda Taggart, 85, the nurse who ran one of Pensacola’s first abortion clinics during its most tumultuous times, has passed away. In 1974, she signed on as administrator for a new clinic, The Ladies Center, which provided healthcare services including pregnancy termination. The clinic was a target of violence for years, including bombings, arson fires and deadly shootings. Despite being attacked and threatened, Taggart remained steadfast in her position for 30 years until her retirement. She was a passionate, longtime advocate for women’s reproductive rights. She passed peacefully from heart issues on Aug. 20, in her North Carolina home, and was laid to rest in Pensacola.
Seven ways to feel hopeful about climate change
You can shift your mindset and take small actions to combat climate anxiety and despair
by Sahar Habib Ghazi | Greater Good Magazine | Sep 13 | tinyurl.com/Iguana1705
Climate crisis is all around us. In a world where billionaires Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are charging millions of dollars for private trips to space while releasing extraordinary amounts of planet-heating greenhouse gases, our individual actions, such as swapping plastic straws for metal ones or walking to work instead of driving, may seem too small. But small things can lead to big changes. Check out these seven ways to build hope.
States and cities eye stronger protections for gig economy workers
At least 10states have considered sick leave and other benefits for gig workers
by Caitlin Dewey | Stateline | Sep 19 | tinyurl.com/Iguana1706
While gig jobs (e.g., Uber, Lyft, DoorDash) promise flexibility and a low barrier to entry, they often pay less on an hourly basis than the prevailing minimum wage and lack basic protections such as overtime, sick pay and unemployment insurance. At least 10 states have considered sick leave and other benefits for gig workers.
Three questions for Alex Gino, whose book ‘Melissa’ has been banned in 4 states
‘Melissa’ was No. 1 on the American Library Association’s most challenged books list from 2018 to 2020
by Marquise Francis | National Reporter | Sep 23 | tinyurl.com/Iguana1699
Melissa, which chronicles the story of a trans girl in fourth grade who is seen by the world as a boy named George, has been banned by at least seven school districts across four U.S. states. Alex Gino, the nonbinary author of one of the most banned novels in the country, believes the more that books are challenged in school districts, the more those stories need to be told.
U.S. House passes Wounded Knee memorial bill
The wounds from the massacre, which included the killing of noncombatant women and children, remain fresh.
by Jacob Fischler | Florida Phoenix | Sep 21 | tinyurl.com/Iguana1715
The U.S. House passed a bill that would help protect land at the site of the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre in South Dakota, where an estimated 350 Lakota were killed by U.S. soldiers.The site is within the Lakota Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The Oglala Sioux Tribe and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe would retain possession of the land under the bill.