Daily Skimm: A new law is expanding protections for pregnant workers.

Closing the Gap

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A new law is expanding protections for pregnant workers.

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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.”

theSkimm

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.

What's saying 'case dismissed'...

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.

Who the Fox dragged in…

Jesse Watters.

What’s sweeter than sour…

Olivia Rodrigo’s new album.