Slate contributing writer Dahlia Lithwick explains the origins of the hobby lobby case before the Supreme Court, the companies behind the hobby lobby case, why the ACA does not mandate birth control specifically, the specific language of the ACA on reproductive coverage, Justice Scalia’s contradictory history on religious freedom, the role of the corporate personhood in the lead up to the case, the tension between religious rights and the general public, why everyone is watching Chief Justice Roberts and the broad public health implications of the hobby lobby case.

On The Fun Half: the activism of the judicial right, more Bitcoin failure, why Democrats have freaked out about Nate Silver’s Senate prediction, Alaska Senator Mark Begich campaigns on increasing Social Security, why its political and policy malpractice to not support increasing Social Security, the Sam Seder Learning Annex returns to session, the role of welfare and your calls and IMs.

Also take a look here for all of the links for today’s show here!

And keep the conversation going on our morning thread

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