What's Happening

US News

Federal Agency Reaches Settlement Over Pregnancy Discrimination

What's going on: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reached a $45 million settlement with over 1,000 female employees on Monday and agreed to update its policy for pregnant workers. The case against CBP dates back to at least 2016, with hundreds of employees alleging that the agency routinely downgraded their positions upon learning of their pregnancies. The women said they were placed on light duty regardless of their ability to do their work — undermining their career growth and ability to earn overtime pay. CBP did not admit to wrongdoing, but as part of a settlement to be finalized by next month, the agency will train all managers and supervisors on the rights of pregnant employees. The lawyers representing the female employees will also monitor the agency’s compliance for three years.

What it means: One lawyer involved in the case told The New York Times the settlement highlights the need to create work environments that support pregnant employees. It also demonstrates the importance of having laws like the 1978 Pregnancy Discrimination Act and the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act that went into effect last year (yup, just last year). Around 5,300 pregnancy discrimination charges are filed each year, but only about 2% are reported to federal or state regulators, according to a 2021 analysis. While CBP’s discrimination took place in a male-dominated workplace (only about 24% of CBP employees are women, according to recent agency statistics), it can happen anywhere — even in workplaces committed to empowering women.

Related: The WNBA Allegedly Discriminated Against One of Its Pregnant Players (CNN)

Politics

Another “Squad” Member Tested, As Some States Brace for Abortion Referendums

What's going on: Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) won her primary in Minnesota yesterday, turning the tide after two other members of Congress’ progressive “Squad” lost their primaries in recent weeks. Earlier this summer, Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) lost their races after the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the US’ largest pro-Israel lobby, spent millions of dollars to challenge them. Unlike the Bush and Bowman primaries, AIPAC — which has targeted candidates who aren’t supportive of Israel — didn’t invest heavily against Omar’s campaign. While Omar has criticized Israel, she also had the support of top House Democratic leaders. Omar is now expected to win the general election. Speaking of Election Day, other states are gearing up to weigh in on access to reproductive health care.

Tell me more: Arizona and Missouri just joined several other states that will have abortion on the ballot this November. Voters will decide whether to guarantee a right to abortion in each state’s constitution. At least 11 states have either approved or are attempting to put abortion-related questions on the ballot. Abortion — a hot button issue that has been favorable for Democrats in the post-Roe era — could help flip two Arizona seats in the House, where Republicans are fighting to hold on to their slim majority. The issue’s impact on turnout in the key swing state could also be decisive in the presidential election.

Related: The Wisconsin Senate Matchup Many Are Watching (NBC News)

Economy

Is Home Depot An Economic Bellwether? 

What's going on: Home Depot just issued a warning about the economy. Yes, you read that right — this specific news didn’t come from the Federal Reserve, economists, or Wall Street, but a store that sells toilets and drywall. In its second quarter report, the home improvement company lowered its sales expectations for the year, citing decreased customer spending on home renovation projects, partially due to fears about the current financial climate. CNN noted that Home Depot is “a bellwether of consumer spending and the housing market,” because its business is directly linked to folks having enough money for home improvements (or to build entirely new houses). The company partly blamed high interest rates for this. 

What it means: While Home Depot has a good sense of consumer spending in the home improvement arena, it’s clearly not the definitive measure of the overall economy — it’s no Waffle House hurricane index for finance. The company even noted in a disclaimer that its projections should not be relied on. To get a clearer picture of what’s happening at large, you’re better off looking at indicators like unemployment rates and interest rates. In fact, the Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates next month, with mortgage rates already trending down — a positive sign for homebuyers. Maybe, for now, the company should stick to what it knows: selling grills and creating the perfect setting for a proposal flash mob (remember that?). 

Related: Traveling Is Getting Better For The Rich...But Worse For Those Of Us Who Aren't (Vox)