– The Washington Post is previewing the book Notes From the Cracked Ceiling: Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin and What It Will Take for a Woman to Win.  The book takes a look at the 2008 election along with the careers of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Homeland Security Director Janet Napolitano and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.  Click here to read more about Anne E. Kornblut’s book.

– Earlier today the Senate voted ”to reinvent the nation’s health care system, passing a bill to guarantee access to health insurance for tens of millions of Americans and to rein in health costs as proposed by President Obama.”  Click here to read more about the vote.

– Parents consider cutbacks but still feel compelled to fill kids’ stockings.  Read about their choices by clicking here.

– Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner says job growth should resume by springtime.  Click here to watch his latest interview.

Well, the final countdown is here!  We’re way past 12 days ’til Christmas (although there’s still a little time left until Kwanzaa) and, if you’re like me, that “monster snowstorm” we just had put you way behind in the gift-gathering process.  If you’re still looking for the perfect gift, I have a suggestion: contribute to Washington Area Women’s Foundation on behalf of someone on your gift list.  No book, or sweater, or fruitcake, or gift card could possibly be better than giving someone the knowledge that they inspired you to make a donation on their behalf.  Your gift will let that person know that she/he is the reason that someone’s life will change in the New Year.  Just click here to get started and be sure to fill out the “tribute name” field.

– An early morning vote in the Senate put Democrats two-thirds of the way to their goal of passing a healthcare reform bill before Christmas.  Republicans will continue to try to delay voting on the bill.  The last vote is scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon.  Click here to read more details.

– Some residents of an Alexandria public housing complex are upset over orders to relocate.  This Washington Post article details the difficulties that some residents are facing, and explains why they have to relocate.

– Three local residents, including a D.C. AIDS activist, were named Rhodes Scholars over the weekend.  Click here to find out who they are.

– Later today, Mayor Adrian Fenty will sign legislation that legalizes same-sex marriage in Washington, DC.  After the bill is signed, it goes to Congress for review.  To read about the historic location that was selected for the bill signing, click here.

– A Prince George’s County woman who has been battling HIV and breast cancer may be evicted from her home today because a DC program that was supposed to pay a portion of her rent often sent the money in late.  You can watch her story by clicking here.

The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity.

Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity, a national foundation-led initiative, is excited to collaborate with the Women’s Foundation to bring you the latest news and analysis on women and poverty.