The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (a Women’s Foundation Grantee Partner) has released the top five findings that their rigorous data analysis has revealed in the past year.

A new report from Washington Area Women’s Foundation highlights the devastating effect that HIV/AIDS continues to have on the Washington metropolitan region.

In today’s rundown: It’s World AIDS Day.  Find out where you can get a free HIV test.  The story of a young woman who died after being stigmatized for having HIV.  The social impact of long-term unemployment.

In today’s rundown: The public will testify as the D.C. Council considers $188 million in proposed budget cuts.  How the loss of unemployment benefits would affect the entire economy.  And this holiday season, a majority of Americans are planning to donate to a nonprofit or charity.

In today’s rundown: Can 2011 be the “Year of Giving?” | Local housing isn’t just unaffordable for low-income residents. | Northern Virginia could be getting a memorial to honor a group of suffragists that were badly beaten after a protest.

The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. For the week ending 11/19/2010: The Census Bureau is planning to incorporate broader definitions of family when measuring poverty, a shift caused partly by recent jumps in unmarried couples living together.

This weekend, U.S. Representative-elect Allen West (R-FL) made some comments on Meet the Press that were incredibly frustrating in their inaccuracy and divisiveness.  He was responding to a question from anchor David Gregory about Bush-era tax cuts.  Here’s part of the transcript from NBC:

In today’s rundown: Budget issues are addressed by local officials. | A lack of public transportation makes living in the suburbs difficult for low-income residents. | Food pantries struggle to meet record demand.

In today’s rundown: 13% of D.C. homes struggle with hunger. | How locals are responding to a proposal to limit welfare benefits and the announcement that a big box store is coming to D.C. | A Women’s Foundation donor is named a Philanthropist of the Year.

The latest news, analysis and opinion on the state of low-income women and their families from Spotlight on Poverty and Opportunity. For the week ending 11/12/2010: A comprehensive look at the lives of homeless women across America.