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Rachel Cohen Booth

@rcobooth.bsky.social
17K followers 620 following 991 posts

Vox reporter - covering housing, homelessness, family policy trying to prod productively

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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
appreciated the opportunity to speak about my reporting on some of America’s needlessly difficult divorce laws today on NPR www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2...
wbur.org
The divorce laws that make it hard to get divorced
One in three Americans in 2023 who had ever been married said their first marriage ended in divorce, according to the Pew Research Center.
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Thomas Silverstein @tsilverstein.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
...from operators of group homes for disabled people. Those challenges don't strike down the laws in their entirety, but they point to the value of repeal: disability inclusion (not that group homes are the epitome of that) is more meaningful if you don't have to make an RA request in the first...
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Thomas Silverstein @tsilverstein.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Great piece from @rcobooth.bsky.social. Some aspects of this issue not explored in the article but worthy of attention: - There is a long track record of successful litigation challenges to occupancy limits in the context of rejected reasonable accommodation requests... www.vox.com/the-highligh...
vox.com
America’s empty bedrooms are up for grabs
A 20th-century backlash banned a popular affordable housing option. It’s now seeing a revival.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Cities spent decades banning cheap rooms for rent. Now a possible Supreme Court case and 'Golden Girls' bills are trying to bring them back. I wrote about who's behind the push, from conservative legal orgs to progressive YIMBYs and the AARP www.vox.com/the-highligh... .
vox.com
America’s empty bedrooms are up for grabs
A 20th-century backlash banned a popular affordable housing option. It’s now seeing a revival.
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Jenn Dowd @drjenndowd.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
I was also pretty stunned by the wording of this NBER abstract 🫠. As @rcobooth.bsky.social lays out very nicely, there are many important questions to be explored here, but language, especially around reproductive choices, matters. substack.com/home/post/p-... #econsky #demography
substack.com
On prospective grandparents
(a tiresome thing from the internet this weekend, and some new stories)
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
There are lots of important questions to explore about our complicated intergenerational shifts and dynamics, and I do believe we can make loving space to do it rcobooth.substack.com/p/on-prospec...
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
New: I wrote about the AI-in-schools backlash roiling inside the GOP www.vox.com/technology/5...
vox.com
Why so many Republicans are rejecting Trump’s AI vision for education
Trump sees a fast-growing AI school network as the future. But a conservative tech backlash is building.
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Vox @vox.com · 22/09/2026
Sen. Susan Collins cast the pivotal vote to confirm Brett Kavanaugh in 2018. He then helped overturn Roe v. Wade four years later. Now she’s battling for her Senate seat in the midterms, and abortion rights groups are betting that voters haven’t forgotten how she contributed to the fall of Roe.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Abortion has faded nationally as a major midterms issue, but it's a top focus in the Maine Senate race, where Democrats are banking that Collins's Kavanaugh vote will cost her in a way it didn't back in 2020. I went deep for @vox.com. gift link: www.vox.com/policy/50331...
vox.com
Susan Collins is the abortion rights movement’s biggest test of 2026
Will Maine voters punish the Republican senator for the end of Roe? It’s complicated.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
great @kendrahurley.bsky.social piece, and I so agree. the most realistic path forward for universal child care involves allowing parents the option to stay home with their infants. Paid leave can reduce so much pressure from the system, and so many yearn for it www.theatlantic.com/family/2026/...
theatlantic.com
The Biggest Obstacle to Universal Child Care: Babies
Infant care is incredibly expensive to provide. But one solution could reduce the burden on both states and parents.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
a smart @robinsonmeyer.bsky.social read on how to build climate change policy amid our climate change politics www.nytimes.com/2026/09/14/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | Mary Peltola’s Energy Politics Fits Alaska. Democrats Need Her.
To win in states such as Alaska, the party needs a faction that can live with fossil fuels.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
just an incredible piece written about Alfred Marchand and the 25 years that followed his death, by my friend Bill Petrich substack.com/home/post/p-...
substack.com
My cousin was on the second plane. 9/11 was just the beginning.
How Alfred Marchand ended up on United 175, and the quiet tragedies that followed
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Natalie Alms @almsnatalie.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Something that surprised me about this story: the breadth of people that rely on the census for demographic data -- even businesses doing market research. "Procter and Gamble is not going to figure out this new breakfast cereal by talking to every single person in the country."
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
I interviewed Anna Louie Sussman about her new insightful book, INCONCEIVABLE — on fertility, families, and economic insecurity. We talked about AOC, eugenics in 2026, and our role as journalists writing about these issues www.vox.com/policy/50238...
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Darren Cohen @darrencohen.me · 08/09/2026
Really good. Reminded me of this from a few months ago. Also it should be tied in with no cash businesses for the same reason. Some places are banning that practice so could tie in non digital options into that legislation. sports.yahoo.com/articles/no-...
sports.yahoo.com
No Smartphone, No Ticket: LA Dodgers' Digital-Only Policy Blocks Loyal Fan
The team's all-digital policy has prevented 82-year-old Errol Segal from obtaining season tickets for the first time in 50 years because he doesn't own a smartphone.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
my case for why there should always be a non-smartphone option to do basic things, and how we get there www.vox.com/technology/5...
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Vox @vox.com · 03/09/2026
27 Republican-controlled states have imposed measures to restrict trans athletes from playing in girls’ and women’s sports since 2020, but this November will be the first time voters have a chance to weigh in on the question directly in Washington, Arizona, Colorado and Nebraska.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Washington’s proposed ban would go further than red-state bans in one key way. All girls seeking to participate in athletics would need to verify their sex assigned at birth, not just those whose eligibility is challenged www.vox.com/politics/501...
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
New: 27 states have passed bans on trans athletes in girls' & women's sports, but those have all been in GOP-controlled states, and no ban has gone directly before voters. This fall four states have ballot measures on it. I wrote about the one playing out in Washington www.vox.com/politics/501...
vox.com
What happens when a blue state votes on trans sports?
Four states have midterm ballot measures on the issue. Washington’s would go further than any law in the country.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
this is a stunning piece by Courtney Martin about her journey to donate her dad's brain to science www.vox.com/the-highligh...
vox.com
Why is it so hard to give away my dad’s brain?
Scientists need fresh samples to research new treatments. But the donor process is an odyssey.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
"both competitive drive [of men] and male friendship have suffered under the weaponized application of Title IX" @heritagefdn.bsky.social claims...adding that "cheerleading, dance, yoga...and recreational intramurals" are "more aligned with average female interests" www.heritage.org/gender/repor...
heritage.org
Title IX’s Failed Experiment: Why Accommodating Sex Differences Beats Engineered Parity
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
this new Heritage Foundation report is much broader than "protect women's sports". It argues Title IX imposed a male model of competition on women, encouraged us to become dominant and aggressive, and pulled us away from traditional femininity and motherhood
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Kelcie Moseley-Morris @kelciemmorris.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Unfortunately my daycare is owned by private equity, and I pretty much think about it every day.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Why is private equity interested in child care? Sen. Merkley is asking that question. England is asking. @jhb-econ.bsky.social and Chris Herbst are too, and I wrote today about what they found in their new research, & what might come next www.vox.com/life/500695/...
vox.com
What happens when private equity owns your childcare?
A new study shines a light on institutional investors’ interest in daycare.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
important piece from the always sharp @jessicavalenti.bsky.social jessica.substack.com/p/gop-2028-a...
jessica.substack.com
The GOP’s 2028 Abortion Strategy in One Word: Massachusetts
Republican candidates will lean into “late” abortion. Democrats need to be ready.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
fascinating, persuasive piece about the consequence of our CPR dummies never having breasts www.vox.com/future-perfe...
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Natasha Murphy @nzmurphy.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Healthcare reform doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. We can pursue ambitious, long-term change while taking practical steps now to lower costs for patients and families.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
over at my newsletter I talk about my recent reporting and give background about how they both came to be and some of the post-publication reaction rcobooth.substack.com
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
clarifying piece from @shefali.bsky.social on why abortion opponents are turning their attention to banning surrogacy, and how those arguments connect to their IVF opposition 19thnews.org/2026/08/surr...
19thnews.org
Why abortion opponents are turning their attention to banning surrogacy
Surrogacy has largely escaped the political fight over reproductive rights. Now, anti-abortion activists see an opening to restrict the practice in Texas and across the country.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
revealing look at a 2020 "unity" health care task force Biden convened after winning the primary, which @abdulelsayed.bsky.social sat on. members recall him as being passionate, constructive, but not dogmatic
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
I wrote about the changing debate over Medicare for All, and what this means for Democrats and health care reform www.vox.com/policy/49993...
vox.com
Why this year’s Medicare-for-all debate is different
Democrats never resolved their health care war, but they may have found a way around it.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Cerina Fairfax had been trying to end her marriage for nearly two years in Virginia before her estranged husband, former Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax killed her this past spring. Essentially no one gets married thinking they'll need to divorce, but life is messy and people need laws that reflect this
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I think most people would be surprised how hard it is to end a marriage in some states. For @vox.com I spoke with women who lived it, and with reformers who think this is the moment it could finally change. gift link: www.vox.com/policy/49921...
vox.com
It doesn’t have to be this hard to get divorced
These women couldn’t escape their marriages. Now they’re fighting to change the law.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Money matters in politics, but do we know how much? Is it changing? Is there a point not just of diminishing returns but backlash? I had a very clarifying conversation with political scientist @daniellethomsen.bsky.social about campaign finance dynamics in 2026 www.vox.com/politics/498...
vox.com
How money actually works in American elections
The midterms are flooded with cash, but donors don’t always get what they want. A political scientist explains where the money matters most.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
I like this answer from @nithyaforthecity.bsky.social in her Q&A with @mbolotnikova.bsky.social www.vox.com/future-perfe...
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
something I do love about the anti data-center movement is how much they totally perplex the AI industry, which constantly treats AI progression as inevitable and obviously correct, even if there may be some regrettable tradeoffs. the data center protestors reject this passivity
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Casey @berniebro69.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
I was a Head Start kid in Maine and I honestly attribute my luck in escaping the poverty my family has had for generations to it, so this is just outrageous and awful stuff. Like my mom didn't graduate from high school and I graduated college and this outcome was only possible because of Head Start.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
The Trump administration today unveiled a radical proposed overhaul of Head Start, framed as “expanding access” but achieved through larger class sizes, fewer staff and credential requirements, reduced health and family services, and potentially shorter hours
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
very good Sara Herschander piece on something I had no real prior knowledge about www.vox.com/future-perfe...
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
"She came in and was running the organization while being a federal judge, and it got very weird" www.politico.com/news/2026/08...
politico.com
‘Is she even allowed to be doing this?’: Inside a federal judge’s side gig running a PR firm
Jennifer Mascott’s tenure at public affairs firm Adfero sparked questions around conflicts of interest and partisanship.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
come be my new @vox.com editor! Apply here: job-boards.greenhouse.io/voxmedia/job...
job-boards.greenhouse.io
Senior Politics, Policy, and Ideas Editor, Vox
NYC or DC
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Kelcie Moseley-Morris @kelciemmorris.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
It seems like this is probably a more specific case about this organization itself and some accusations of abuse, but people might be surprised to know how many anti-abortion groups are against organ donation.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
hi bluesky, i am logging back in after a really special time on maternity leave. i'm back at Vox today. will be around here more now and please do help me cope with the transition by saying hi and sending me all your great tips/story ideas email: rcohen.booth@voxmedia.com, or Signal: 202-681-6194
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
my last article for a few months is about parental leave — and why U.S advocates should consider pushing for it as a standalone program (like every other country has) rcobooth.substack.com/p/parental-l...
rcobooth.substack.com
Parental leave for all
new parenthood and the path to national parental leave
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
“I started this story thinking it was about the state of feminized forms of activism in 2026. I’m ending it thinking that a lot of the questions opened up by the Women’s March haven’t been answered yet.” Read @annanorth.bsky.social on ‘craftivism’ www.vox.com/the-highligh...
vox.com
Want to fight fascism? Join a knitting circle.
The resurgence of resistance crafting.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 03/04/2026
The all-in-one approach to paid family + medical leave has been failing in Congress for 30+ years. Even when it passes in blue states, too many new parents are left out. A stand-alone parental leave benefit would reflect how other countries have gone about it gift link: www.vox.com/the-highligh...
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Mitch Ryals @mitchryals.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
DCHA Executive Director Keith Pettigrew was just hired as CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority: chicago.suntimes.com/real-estate/...
chicago.suntimes.com
Chicago Housing Authority appoints Keith Pettigrew as new CEO
The agency has been without a CEO for 16 months, and its vote also marks a win for the board over Mayor Brandon Johnson, who pushed for the appointment of retired Ald. Walter Burnett.
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Jessica Clarke @jessicaclarke.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
I spoke with Vox about the assault on transgender rights. www.vox.com/policy/48276...
vox.com
The fight over transgender rights in America has entered a new phase
The policy fight is moving well beyond sports and youth medicine. The political response hasn’t caught up.
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Rachel Cohen Booth @rcobooth.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
In my newsletter I wrote about my Vox piece on the expanding fight over trans rights and some personal reflections on the reporting rcobooth.substack.com/p/were-in-a-...
rcobooth.substack.com
We're in a new stage of restrictions for transgender Americans
The policy fight is moving well beyond school sports and youth gender medical treatment, but the political class is slow to catch up
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Shefali Luthra @shefali.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
“The reason I got a vasectomy is to make sure my girlfriend could be cared for if she wasn’t able to have the same options,” he said. “And me doing my part to help our relationship and our future, that is masculine: helping your partner.”
19thnews.org
The snip shift: March Madness used to drive vasectomies. Now abortion bans do.
Once marketed as an excuse to watch basketball, vasectomies are now a way men say they can support their partners after the fall of Roe v. Wade.
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