Paid Parental Leave Expands in U.S.

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Big Stories

200,000 Abused in New Zealand State and Faith-Based Care Facilities

A major investigation in New Zealand revealed that around 200,000 children and vulnerable adults suffered abuse in state and faith-based care over the past 70 years.

• Nearly one in three kids in care between 1950 and 2019 were abused, facing horrors like rape, electric shocks, and forced labor. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon apologized for these findings, calling it a very dark day in New Zealand's history.

• The investigation found that marginalized communities, including Māori and Pacific people, faced higher rates of abuse. The report also highlighted that faith-based institutions had higher rates of sexual abuse than state care, with many cases being covered up by moving abusers around. Many victims died without seeing justice.

• The government is still determining how much compensation will be paid to the victims. Prime Minister Luxon promised a formal apology and emphasized the need to do better in the future. The report outlined 138 recommendations for change, and there are calls for these to be fully implemented. The economic cost of the abuse has been estimated to be between NZ$96bn and $217bn.

Paid Parental Leave Access is Expanding in the U.S.

Paid parental leave is not guaranteed in the U.S., but new and promised state laws are increasing access.

• In the U.S., some workers can take 12 weeks of unpaid family leave, but there's no paid federal parental leave. Only about 27% of private sector workers get paid family leave for a new child. Most other countries, in contrast, offer paid maternity and paternity leave.

• In the U.S., there are three main ways to get paid during parental leave:

  1. Through your employer: Policies vary widely. Some employers offer nothing, while others may pay for up to a year after birth, adoption, or foster care placement. Often, you must work for a certain period before qualifying for these benefits.

  2. Via state laws: Ten states and D.C. offer paid parental leave, typically covering part of your paycheck for 8 to 12 weeks. Rules can differ for local government and school employees.

  3. From short-term disability: Birthing parents may receive benefits before and after birth by applying for short-term disability. In some states, this is mandatory, while in others, workers need to buy insurance before they’re pregnant. Some states offer additional weeks for pregnancy complications.

• New laws in Delaware, Maine, Maryland, and Minnesota are expected to take effect in 2026, potentially expanding access to paid family leave.

Netanyahu Speaks to Congress

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended Israel’s actions in Gaza and criticized American protesters in a speech to Congress.

• He promised to continue the war until "total victory" and sought U.S. support against Hamas and other groups. Netanyahu criticized protesters, calling them "useful idiots" and condemned those who support Hamas.

• Netanyahu's speech was met with protests outside the Capitol, with demonstrators calling for a cease-fire and condemning the war. Over 50 Democratic lawmakers and Bernie Sanders boycotted the speech. Vice President Kamala Harris and Sen. Patty Murray were notably absent. Critics accused Netanyahu of turning the humanitarian issue into a political one.

• Netanyahu's visit is his first abroad since the war began. There are arrest warrants against him from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes against Palestinians, but the U.S. doesn't recognize the ICC.

Little Stories

• President Biden spoke with the nation for the first time since abruptly dropping out of the 2024 Presidential race. In his address, he said it’s time to "pass the torch to a new generation." He emphasized the importance of "defending democracy" over personal ambition and called for unity. Biden acknowledged that while his record could earn him a second term, it's crucial to allow new, younger voices to lead now. (More)

• Tesla plans to start using humanoid robots for its own needs next year, CEO Elon Musk said. The robot, named Optimus, may be available for other companies by 2026. The robots are expected to help with labor shortages and do repetitive or dangerous tasks like logistics and manufacturing. (More)

• Twice-yearly shots used to treat AIDS were 100% effective in preventing new infections in women, according to a study with about 5,000 participants in South Africa and Uganda. The shots, made by Gilead and sold as Sunlenca, are approved in several countries for treating HIV, but the company is waiting for results in men before seeking approval for infection prevention. (More)

• A surprise steam eruption at Yellowstone's Biscuit Basin sent people running for safety as big rocks shot into the air. The explosion destroyed the boardwalk and sent steam, water, and rocks about 100 feet into the air. No one was hurt. (More)

• Two fishermen are safe after a whale crashed onto their boat, flipping it over near the New Hampshire shore, says the U.S. Coast Guard. The men had seen the whale earlier and tried to avoid it, but it suddenly came up and hit their boat, capsizing it, and throwing them into the water. Nearby witnesses pulled them out of the water unharmed. (More)

Extra Credit

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