One of the most common critiques you'll hear from conservatives and Republicans when it comes to their ideological and political opposition is that Democrats and liberals literally hate America. Is it a completely fair criticism? Actually, yeah. It is. And if you needed yet another example of this maxim, look...

It was Generation X for the win in last week's landslide victory for Republican Donald Trump over Democrat Kamala Harris. However, Millennials and Generation Z also shifted to the right. Only the Baby Boomer generation, which Trump is part of, moved slightly to the left since the 2020 election. Business...

This writer is 100 percent serious about this: If you're doing something to trigger the shrill co-hosts of "The View," you're probably doing something that's invariably good for this country. After all, when the panel of co-hosts is made up of despicable racists, gutless cowards, unhinged feminists, and Joy Behar...

There appeared to be a definite frost between first lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during a Veterans Day event at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. A close-up of the two showed Biden facing straight forward with a stern look on her face, while Harris seemed a bit...

Living with Lemmy, Sharing a tour bus with Bo Diddley, refusing to get out of bed for Martin Scorsese - these are the stories of Topper Headon, legendary drummer with The Clash

They may have been called “the thinking man’s metal band” but comparing themselves to ELP, Jethro Tull and King Crimson, they assert there was a lot more progressive thinking going on than many realised

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As abortion rights remain a hotly debated issue in the United States, voters in ten states recently had the opportunity to change reproductive freedoms at the state level. More than two years after the Supreme Court decided to overturn Roe v. Wade, which destroyed the federal right to abortion, states have pursued a variety of ways to either safeguard or limit access. With the stakes high, this year’s ballots produced a mix of victories and defeats for reproductive rights activists. In a historic stride forward, voters in seven states approved initiatives to maintain or extend abortion rights, countering the tide of restrictive legislation that has emerged in recent years. At the same time, similar efforts to strengthen abortion rights in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska failed, demonstrating how deeply divided the country remains on the issue. Wins for abortion rights in seven states Abortion rights supporters celebrated victories in Missouri and Arizona, where voters approved proposals to entrench the right to abortion until fetal viability in their state constitutions. These modifications will have a tremendous impact, particularly in Missouri, where abortion is now illegal with no exceptions for rape or incest. By creating a constitutional right to abortion, both states want to avoid future legislation that would further restrict access. “Abortion rights supporters are hopeful this will lead to a widespread increase in access to reproductive care,” as advocates noted following the passage of these measures in Missouri and Arizona. Similarly, Colorado took a significant step by passing a bill that goes beyond simply safeguarding abortion rights. In addition to enshrining the right to abortion, the state’s amendment allows for public funding of abortions, which might increase access for low-income people by potentially paying for abortion services through Medicaid and state employee health insurance. Maryland also approved a resolution to include reproductive rights in the state constitution. Abortion is already lawful in Maryland with no gestational limit, but the legislation strengthens these rights, particularly as the state has become a hub for patients from neighboring states with tougher regulations. Maryland also passed a “shield law” in 2023 to protect abortion providers from investigations conducted by other states, demonstrating its dedication to reproductive rights. In New York, voters passed an addition to the state’s equal protection provision that specifically provides safeguards for “pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive healthcare and autonomy.” This amendment not only protects abortion rights, but also prohibits discrimination based on age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Montana has joined these states in promoting reproductive rights. Voters confirmed the 1999 Montana Supreme Court verdict that protected abortion under the state’s right to privacy when they approved a proposition to protect the freedom to make pregnancy-related decisions up to fetal viability. With Montana Republican Governor Greg Gianforte challenging this precedent, the vote ensures abortion access despite efforts to restrict it. Measures rejected in Florida, South Dakota, and Nebraska Despite these advancements, attempts to protect abortion rights were met with opposition in other states. In Florida, a measure to protect the right to abortion until viability was expected to win a majority of votes but fell short of the 60 percent threshold required to pass. Previously a shelter for Southern patients seeking abortion care, Florida has recently implemented a six-week abortion restriction, thus cutting off access for many. In South Dakota, a proposal to give a constitutional right to abortion during the first and second trimesters was likewise defeated. This would have restored abortion access, particularly for survivors of rape or incest, who have few options under existing restrictions. Meanwhile, Nebraska had two competing proposals on the ballot. Voters supported a measure establishing a 12-week abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest, and medical emergencies, but rejected a rival amendment that would have guaranteed the right to abortion until fetal viability. This was the first time in Nebraska history that two opposing proposals appeared on the same ballot, with intense campaigns on both sides accusing the other of misleading methods. A broader context of state-level actions Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, reproductive rights groups have advocated for state-level protections. So far, every popular vote aimed at safeguarding abortion access has passed, while attempts to limit it have failed. This year’s findings reveal a strong trend in certain states to strengthen abortion rights, but the road ahead is difficult for those with deeply conservative attitudes. A look ahead As the debate over reproductive rights continues, the results of these ballots provide a snapshot of the United States during a period of deep disagreement. While seven states took decisive steps to enhance or safeguard abortion rights, defeats in Florida and South Dakota highlight the challenges that activists now confront. The conflicting results highlight the importance of state-level action in determining access to reproductive healthcare. As laws vary greatly, state-level measures are becoming increasingly important in the ongoing debate over reproductive rights, with votes reflecting the perspectives of communities on both sides of the issue.The post 7 states secure abortion rights as voters push back against restrictive measures first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM As political news and debates fill the airwaves, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to avoid the stress that comes with it. For many, the current climate causes increased anxiety and tension, with families and friendships being tested by opposing political beliefs. According to Dr. Michelle Riba, a psychiatrist and member of the University of Michigan Eisenberg Family Depression Center, “Given this political climate, I hear from patients who even say they’re changing plans to avoid meeting with friends or family members who have differing views.” Riba takes a compassionate and proactive approach to handling politically induced stress, recommending five ways to keep you informed while safeguarding your mental health. 1. Keep track of how much time you spend engaging with political content. One of the first steps toward reducing political stress is to track how much time you spend reading political news. “Think about how this content makes you feel when you consume it,” Riba tells me. Excessive exposure to political content, whether through news apps, radio discussions, or social media, might make you feel nervous, overwhelmed, or even angry. Riba suggests focusing on credible, fact-based sources and limiting your time on platforms that flood you with trending headlines and heated themes. Instead of scrolling or turning in at all times of day, try setting aside specific times to monitor the news. Prioritizing quality over quantity in news consumption might help you stay informed without feeling overwhelmed. 2. Be mindful of your surroundings when sharing opinions. Sharing thoughts and discussing political issues can be enjoyable, but it is critical to remember how others may be affected, especially in a mixed environment. Political discussions can occasionally cause unexpected tension, particularly when others are merely trying to enjoy a meal or a social function. “Never make assumptions about other people, even your friends and family,” Riba says. “They might not think or feel the way you do.” It’s also important to be mindful of any younger or more sensitive family members who may be present. Children, for example, may require assistance in comprehending complex concepts but benefit from balanced, calm discussions. If a family member or friend appears uninterested in political discourse, respect their boundaries and avoid bringing up themes that might make them uncomfortable. 3. Be open to learning about different points of view. If a political discussion happens, especially in a family or social setting, view it as an opportunity to learn about other people’s points of view. Instead of perceiving disagreements as a source of strife, consider them opportunities to grow. Riba recommends asking inquiries and displaying curiosity. “If you’re not familiar with something brought up, ask questions about it, and where they learned that from or why that’s important to them,” she recommends. Empathy and actively listening to others can help to alleviate stress and widen your perspective, making political talks feel more like learning experiences rather than disputes. 4. Walk away from conversations when necessary. If you find yourself in a politically charged or difficult conversation, don’t be afraid to leave. “Maybe there’s dishes that could be washed, or a sports or movie topic you could change the subject to, or you could excuse yourself to go for a walk,” Riba points out. You can politely excuse yourself or redirect the discussion to something more neutral. Taking a mental vacation allows you to refresh and prevent potential confrontation. Creating mental space from charged conversations can help you feel more balanced and enjoy time with friends and family, even during politically charged situations. 5. Assess your interest in political engagement. It’s easy to become engrossed in the fast-paced news cycle, but Riba invites individuals to consider their reasons for engaging with political content. “If you want to be politically active or engaged, be proactive,” she urges. Consider why you consume political content, how much you consume, and how it affects your physical and emotional health. Some people engage in politics for personal or professional reasons, while others do so because they enjoy watching the news in the background. Regardless, keep in mind that social media and news platforms are designed to catch attention, which can sometimes lead to increased stress. While remaining informed is crucial, Riba reminds us that “you need to take care of yourself and your mental health too.” Practicing self-care in politically charged times Navigating the news and political debates in today’s world can be difficult, but it is possible to do it in a way that protects your mental health. You can remain informed without having politics affect your well-being by following Dr. Riba’s suggestions to regulate your intake, interact carefully, and take breaks when needed. Finally, a balanced approach enables you to contribute to civic discourse in ways that are relevant, manageable, and in line with your mental health objectives. Remember that self-care is not about avoiding problems, but about finding healthy methods to remain active and resilient.The post 5 tips for managing political stress: expert advice for protecting your mental health first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.