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 8/27/2010: A look at one foundation’s achievements in helping low-income and at-risk girls find confidence and empowerment.  Plus, more than half of babies born into poverty are being raised by mothers who show symptoms of depression.

In today’s rundown: A Women’s Foundation Grantee Partner has a new CEO. | For the first time, voters in Maryland can begin heading to the polls tomorrow.

– The Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital (a Women’s Foundation Grantee Partner) has a new chief executive officer.  Lidia Soto-Harmon took over as CEO last month.  Click here to watch the introductory message she videotaped.

In today’s rundown: A Grantee Partner talks about empowering girls on DCTV.  |  It’s going to get “oppressively hot” this weekend.  |  The Living Wage Rate for the District remains unchanged.

In today’s rundown: A one-day, no-cost medical clinic for D.C. residents.  |  A breakthrough vaginal gel could help decrease a woman’s risk of becoming infected with HIV.  |  The Senate will take another go at extended unemployment benefits.  |  A look at the rising number of girls in the juvenile justice system.

In today’s rundown: Faith community leaders want the District to put more money towards green jobs.  | Local student are less than proficient in reading at a critical point and it could affect their futures.  | Donations to charities are on the rise in the first part of 2010.

In today’s rundown: D.C. could become the first jurisdiction to take advantage of new Medicaid health-care savings.  |  Two Grantee Partners are featured in a story about child trafficking.  |  The National Capital region has the second strongest economy in the country.

In today’s rundown: More than 100 D.C. child welfare workers have been laid off.  |  A controversial stance on female circumcision in the United States.  |  Do women make better doctors?

– More than 100 D.C. child welfare workers have been laid off from their positions at the Child and Family Services Agency.  The cuts were announced at a meeting yesterday.  Click here for more.

In today’s rundown: Getting girls interested in tech careers.  |  Why women politicians aren’t involved in the same scandals in which men are involved.

In today’s rundown: The health care bill and you; a call to help single moms at welfare hearings; a new report on why there are so few women in science and math careers; and a Women’s Foundation’s Grantee Partner is losing its executive director to retirement.

In the film “Inglourious Basterds,” Lt. Archie Hicox loses his life for counting on his fingers.  I’m pretty sure that won’t happen to me, but it’s a habit I’m going to break anyway.