— What a man carved into Rome's Colosseum. Authorities didn't find it very Rom(e)antic.
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Closing the Gap
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A new law is expanding protections for pregnant workers.
Tell me more.
Today, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) goes into effect, nearly six months after President Biden first signed it into law. There are already federal laws that protect employees from being fired or discriminated against because of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. However, employers have not been legally required to provide accommodations — potentially putting workers' pregnancies and safety at risk. Now, the PWFA requires any employer with at least 15 workers to provide "reasonable accommodations."
What does that mean?
Pregnant employees can ask their workplace for things like a closer parking spot, flexible working hours, and the ability to sit or drink water. Workers can also ask for time off to recover from childbirth. Employers will need to grant the requests, unless doing so creates a major expense or challenge on the business. Meanwhile, pregnant workers will also be able to file a claim with the federal gov, if their needs aren't being met under the new law. One legal expert said the expanded protections will "improve the health and economic security of women."
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About 3 million women work while pregnant every year, according to one report. Now, they'll have greater legal protections so they can do their jobs without risking their health.
The Supreme Court. Yesterday, it dismissed a GOP effort to keep Louisiana's new congressional map. State Republicans had appealed a lower court ruling that found the map diluted the voting power of Black constituents, who make up one-third of the state's population. The lower court had also ordered the state to draw a second majority-Black district. However, legal challenges from Republicans put the ruling on hold. Now, Louisiana may have to redraw its map ahead of the 2024 election and as an appeals court reviews the case.
Where there are updates...
Colorado Springs, CO. Yesterday, the shooter who killed five people and injured 19 others at Club Q — an LGBTQIA+ nightclub — pleaded guilty to five counts of murder and 46 counts of attempted murder. The shooter, who waived the right to appeal, will now serve five consecutive life sentences. During sentencing, the shooter's attorney said they are reportedly "deeply remorseful and deeply sorry." A victim's family member said they will never forgive the shooter for the "heinous crime."
Who's speaking out…
Yevgeny Prigozhin. Yesterday, the Wagner Group leader defended his armed rebellion in Russia. In an audio message, Prigozhin said the revolt was a demonstration protest and that the goal wasn't to topple the Kremlin. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin maintained the group "would have been suppressed anyway." Prigozhin and Putin's public remarks were the first since the rebellion. Russia has since dropped the charges against Wagner and Prigozhin.
Who's dialing up a plan…
President Biden. Yesterday, he announced a nearly $42 billion plan to bring affordable high-speed internet access to every American family by 2030. It comes as more than 8.5 million homes and small businesses are underserved.
How would Miranda Hobbes celebrate Pride? Cynthia Nixon sat down with us to answer this question and more, as "Sex and the City" reboot "And Just Like That…" returned last week for another season. Stay tuned for the full interview – hitting our feeds soon.
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
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4. An award-winning baby shower gift they'll love.
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On Our Radar
PSA: Summer just got hotter. All thanks to MysteryVibe's doctor-recommended, FDA-registered flexible vibrator. We're talking 12 app-controlled preset patterns and 16 intensities. The best part? It's currently 25% off. Vibe on.*
Skimm'rs
We like to celebrate the wins, big and small. Let us know how your friends, neighbors, coworkers (and yes, even you) are making career moves, checking off goals, or making an impact in the community.
Jumping for joy…Nicole B (IN). Her daughter's passion for leaping and jumping and years of training paid off as she won first place in her region for NGA gymnastics and third in the nation. Flipping cool.
