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Biden administration’s abortion-related rule challenged in litigation | Louisiana

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – 2024-05-14 13:01:00

(The Center Square) – The attorneys general of Louisiana and Mississippi have filed a lawsuit seeking to stop a new rule by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission that they say could impose a national abortion regime.

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch filed the complaint in the U.S. District Court in Lake Charles on Monday that seeks to challenge a rule that would require employers to accommodate employees’ abortions under the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. 

This bipartisan bill was intended to provide protections for pregnant women in the workplace, including “reasonable accomodations” related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. 

The two Republican attorneys general are seeking an injunction to stop the rule, which goes in effect 60 days after it has been filed in the federal register. The rule is intended to implement the provisions of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act passed by Congress in 2022.

“This new action by the EEOC is another example of bureaucrats rewriting acts of Congress to their own liking, and it’s unconstitutional,” Murrill said in a news release. “We will continue to challenge this administration’s overreach and protect pregnant women.”

In the complaint, the two attorneys general say the new rule, which doesn’t require employers to pay travel costs for an abortion or an employee’s insurer to pay for an abortion, runs afoul of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the Roe v. Wade decision and sent abortion policy back to the states.

The rule requires employers in states that have largely outlawed abortion such as Louisiana and Mississippi to accommodate abortions or else face federal lawsuits for monetary damages and injunctive relief as any violation of EEOC rules can draw.

“The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act was a bipartisan effort to help women in the workplace while they are pregnant and following childbirth,” Fitch said in a news release. “But the Biden administration is threatening to derail commonsense measures, like adequate seating, bathroom and water breaks, and relaxed dress codes, by reading into the law required accommodations for elective abortion, even where that overrides the will of the people or the religious liberty of the employer. 

“This administration will stop at nothing to undo the Dobbs decision, which gave the people back their power over abortion policymaking and to impose a national abortion regime.”

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Abbott directs state agencies to divest from investments originating from China | Texas

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-21 19:24:00

SUMMARY: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has issued multiple directives to prepare for the upcoming legislative session focusing on threats from China. One executive order aims to protect Texans of Chinese descent from CCP operatives, while another orders state agencies to prepare for potential attacks on critical infrastructure. Abbott emphasized the need for divestment from Chinese investments due to financial risks associated with CCP aggression. He called for immediate evaluation and divestment of state funds in China, fostering collaboration with other governors to encourage investment alternatives. These measures follow discussions by a select committee exploring foreign threats to Texas’ economy and security.

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Study: AI and data centers could drive cost of energy up by 70% over 10 years | Virginia

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Morgan Sweeney | The Center Square – 2024-11-21 19:07:00

SUMMARY: A report by the Jack Kemp Foundation warns that average American energy bills could rise by 25% to 70% over the next decade due to soaring energy demands driven by AI, hyperscale data centers, and advanced manufacturing. The surge is straining the U.S. power grid, leading to significant price increases in capacity markets. Dominion Energy disputes these findings, predicting only a 2.5% annual increase in Virginia. The report argues for policy changes, including charging data centers more for energy and halting subsidies for their construction to alleviate the burden on consumers. Recommendations also include implementing minimum take clauses for utility contracts.

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News from the South - Florida News Feed

St. Petersburg City Council votes to repair Tropicana Field’s roof | Florida

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Steve Wilson | The Center Square – 2024-11-21 17:01:00

SUMMARY: The St. Petersburg City Council approved spending $55 million to repair Tropicana Field, including $26.3 million for roof replacement, after Hurricane Milton damaged it in October. Insurance and FEMA funds will cover some costs. However, Rays co-President Brian Auld doubts the repairs will be ready by 2026. The council delayed a vote on $333.5 million in bonds for a new $1.2 billion stadium, scheduled for 2028. The Rays argue the delay jeopardizes the project, having already spent $50 million. The team will play next season at George Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, paying $15 million to the Yankees.

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