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Ahead of the Second Anniversary of the Overturn of Roe v. Wade, New IWPR Analysis Shows State Abortion Bans Cost the US Economy $68 Billion Annually

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WASHINGTON, June 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) has unveiled a new data model demonstrating that abortion bans in extremely restrictive states are costing the US economy $68 billion per year. This significant economic loss is attributed to reduced workforce participation among women, leading to a substantial decrease in wages and economic power for women and their families.

Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of IWPR: “Reproductive rights—including accessible abortion care—are essential to women’s full participation in society. Less talked about is the impact these extremist bans have on the health of the national economy, where women are half of the workforce.

“Sixty-eight billion dollars. That is how much the 16 states that ban or extremely restrict abortion are costing the US economy each year,” said Dr. Jamila K. Taylor, president and CEO of IWPR. “Reproductive rights—including accessible abortion care—are essential to women’s full participation in society. Less talked about is the impact these extremist bans have on the health of the national economy, where women are half of the workforce. States that have taken proactive measures to protect access to reproductive health services offset these costs some, but the economic consequences of abortion bans remain staggering.”

Since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, several states have passed bans and extreme restrictions that harm all women of reproductive age, particularly Black, Latina, low-income, young, and rural women, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals who already face systemic obstacles in accessing health care and economic opportunities. IWPR’s research demonstrates that these bans also impose tremendous costs on the US economy. Abortion bans not only reduce women’s participation in the workforce but also result in significant losses of wages for women. For businesses, restrictions on access to reproductive health care can affect their ability to build a strong workforce, impacting their bottom line and adversely affecting state economies.

Key Findings

Economic Loss from Restrictions—IWPR estimates that the 16 states with either an abortion ban or extreme restrictions cost the national economy $68 billion annually. (See map here.)Protective States Mitigate Costs—States that protect abortion rights are reducing these economic losses. If the eight states with strong protections for the right to abortion did not have these in place, the cost of reproductive rights restrictions to the national economy would rise an additional $45 billion.Impact on Labor Force Participation—In states with bans and extreme restrictions, labor force participation among women aged 15 to 44 would be higher if these bans were absent. For example:

In North Dakota and South Dakota, women’s labor force participation would be 2.6 percent higher.
In Mississippi, women’s labor force participation would be 4.0 percent higher. 

National Impact on Labor Force—Nationally, an estimated additional 0.8 percent of women aged 15 to 44 would enter the labor force in the absence of reproductive health restrictions, adding 360,588 more women to the nation’s labor force annually.GDP Growth—Elimination of these restrictions would increase the national gross domestic product (GDP) by half a percentage point, boosting the most recent GDP growth rate estimate of 1.3 percent for June 2024 by over a third.State-Specific GDP Increases—Three states with bans—Arkansas, Mississippi, and Missouri—would have GDPs that are 1.28 percent, 1.28 percent, and 1.29 percent higher, respectively, equating to the most recent estimate of national GDP growth.Additional Earnings for Women—Without these bans and restrictions, employed women aged 15 to 44 would earn significantly more annually, contributing to economic stability and growth.

“States that insist on restricting women’s reproductive freedoms are hurting everyone who lives there,” said Kate Bahn, IWPR chief economist and senior vice president of research. “Women are key drivers of the American economy; the more far right lawmakers block access to reproductive health services and hinder the ability of women to participate in the workforce, the more local communities and families suffer. It is a classic lose-lose situation: these laws harm women and hurt state economies in the process.”

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research strives to win economic equity for all women and eliminate barriers to their full participation in society. As a leading national think tank, IWPR builds evidence to shape policies that grow women’s power and influence, close inequality gaps, and improve the economic well-being of families. Learn more at IWPR.org and follow us on Twitter.

Media Contact

William Lutz, IWPR, 2027855100, media@iwpr.org, iwpr.org

View original content:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ahead-of-the-second-anniversary-of-the-overturn-of-roe-v-wade-new-iwpr-analysis-shows-state-abortion-bans-cost-the-us-economy-68-billion-annually-302178282.html

SOURCE IWPR

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America’s Largest Political Group Is Getting Its Own Election Night

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22 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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A record 45% of Americans identify with neither party. On November 3, they get the first nationally televised Election Night built around the independent voter bloc, presented by United Independents, the organization behind the Independent National Convention, in partnership with DeFiance Media.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can the country’s largest bloc of voters turn identity into representation? Independents now make up 45% of U.S. adults, a record high in Gallup’s 2025 data, yet partisan coverage continues to dominate mainstream mediums. On November 3, one broadcast will cover the election from the Independent point of view.

Broadcast live from the National Press Club’s television studio in Washington, D.C. Election Night 2026: Independent Edition is an eight-hour program hosted by Christopher Life, founder and CEO of United Independents, and Macy Gunnell, NewsForce’s White House correspondent. DeFiance Media will be producing and streaming the broadcast.

Built on live election data from The Associated Press (AP), the program will call the national races as the returns come in. Then it goes where other broadcasts don’t: race-by-race coverage of independent candidates in consequential congressional contests, and guest conversations with the strategists and organizers behind them.

Built for the Voters Both Parties Are Chasing

Two generations of Americans have come of age as independent voters, and in 74 years of nationally televised Election Night broadcasts, not one has been built around them. This one is: national results and the balance of power, dedicated coverage of the independent candidates who could tip the next Congress, and a live chat with selected viewer questions put to the hosts and guests on air.

Open to Every Newsroom

Television pool feed. U.S. television outlets, including local stations, can carry the program live, in full or in part, separate from DeFiance Media’s full-program streaming.Social streaming. The broadcast streams through participating social media partners. Channels that want to carry it can sign up at Election2026.live.Live clips and excerpts. Newsrooms, commentators, and creators can pull portions of the program for reporting and social distribution while the broadcast is underway.

Request access through the Media & Distribution Access Form at Election2026.live.

Free and Accessible Nationwide

Going live Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, from 6 PM- 2 AM ET. Updates, guest announcements, and viewing instructions: Election2026.live.

Media Contact

Shaun Saunders
shaun@graffiticreativegroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-largest-political-group-is-getting-its-own-election-night-302919753.html

SOURCE DeFiance Media

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Pianist Michael Weinstein Wins Best Social Media Music Collaborations at the 2026 Vega Awards

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22 minutes ago

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October 26, 2026

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With more than a million followers across social media, Weinstein’s piano collaborations bring together vocalists from around the world to create unique musical performances and reach new audiences.

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pianist, entrepreneur and social media creator Michael Weinstein has been recognized at the 2026 Vega Digital Awards in the Social Media Collaboration category for his music collaboration series, Piano Sessions: Bringing Voices Together Through Music.

“I love collaborating with talented singers including building friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

Weinstein has built a social media audience of more than a million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms by sharing piano performances and collaborations with singers from around the world. His videos feature vocalists performing alongside his piano accompaniment, creating intimate musical performances that showcase each artist’s individual talent and style.

While Weinstein has spent much of his professional career building businesses and marketing consumer brands, music has always remained one of his greatest passions.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life and one of the things I enjoy most is collaborating with other musicians,” said Weinstein. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredibly talented singers and I love being able to play alongside them and create something special together. It’s also rewarding to introduce these artists to new audiences while building relationships and friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

An accomplished pianist and keyboardist, Weinstein has collaborated with an impressive range of vocalists, including artists who have performed and recorded with Maroon 5, Sting, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Usher, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. He has also collaborated with standout performers from American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.

Weinstein is also planning a live concert in New York City in 2027, bringing together several of the talented vocalists featured on his social media channels for a special collaborative performance. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Outside of music, Weinstein is the Founder and CEO of JAM Direct, a marketing and advertising agency, and former Chief Marketing Officer of Allstar Products Group, where he was responsible for marketing some of the most successful products in “As Seen On TV” history, including the Snuggie, ShamWow and Shake Weight.

Watch Michael Weinstein’s performances here:

https://linktr.ee/mweinsteinmusic

About the Vega Digital Awards

The Vega Digital Awards is an international competition recognizing excellence in social media, digital marketing and brand strategy. Judged by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the competition honors work that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and measurable impact across the global marketing landscape.

Media Contact

Michael Weinstein, JAM Direct, 1 9146610053, mw@jamdirect.com, https://michaelweinstein.me/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/pianist-michael-weinstein-wins-best-social-media-music-collaborations-at-the-2026-vega-awards-302919551.html

SOURCE JAM Direct

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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1 hour ago

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October 26, 2026

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html

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