Gloria Feldt
The debate over reproductive rights has raged in America almost since the nation’s founding. Things got particularly ugly in the early 1900’s when Margaret Sanger came on the scene. She was arrested several times for trying to educate women about birth control. But she didn’t allow her stints in jail to stop her; Sanger founded Planned Parenthood of America. The controversial organization that’s devoted to educating women about reproductive health and choices.
The Alabama chapter of Planned Parenthood began in Birmingham in 1930. It now provides services to women in other parts of the state as well as Mississippi. This is its 75th year in operation and a big name came to town to help celebrate the anniversary.
Gloria Feldt spent almost nine years as president of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America. During her tenure she helped increase the organization’s revenue and led the fight to make sure insurance companies covered the cost of contraception.
But her time there wasn’t without controversy — most recently Feldt came under fire for backing John Kerry in the November election, the first time Planned Parenthood backed a political candidate in its history. She stepped down from her position in January of this year. But she says that hasn’t stopped her from speaking out on reproductive rights. If anything, she says, it’s actually made her more vocal.
Feldt is also the author of the book The War on Choice: The Right-Wing Attack on Women’s Rights and How to Fight Back.
Elon Musk’s $1 million-a-day voter sweepstakes can proceed, a Pennsylvania judge says
Common Pleas Court Judge Angelo Foglietta in Pennsylvania — ruling after Musk’s lawyers said the winners are paid spokespeople and not chosen by chance — did not immediately explain his reasoning.
Puerto Rico holds general election that promises to be historic
Puerto Rico is holding elections that will be historic regardless of which of the top two gubernatorial candidates wins.
Boeing machinists approve contract, bringing an end to a bruising seven-week strike
Striking machinists voted to approve an agreement that will hike wages by 38%. The deal was endorsed by union leaders, who warned that Boeing’s next offer might be worse.
States and cities beef up security to prepare for potential election-related violence
Washington state's governor activated the National Guard to stand by to help local law enforcement as needed. Meanwhile, extra security is in place at locations across Washington, D.C.
When will mail-in and absentee ballots be counted?
Various state rules regarding when election officials can process and count mail ballots means it will likely take some time after Election Day before the results from these ballots are fully known.
When do polls close in every state? Here’s a timeline
The Associated Press can't call any races until polls close in their respective state. Here's a breakdown of when that will happen.
