Packers running back Josh Jacobs’s first court appearance has been moved from November 17 to September 10 due to urgency in his paid-leave case stemming from multiple misdemeanor charges (including battery); an expedited hearing could lead to a plea deal and potentially affect any future NFL suspension timing.
Three NFL players—Terrion Arnold (Seahawks), Jonathon Cooper (Broncos), and Josh Jacobs (Packers)—were placed on the commissioner's exemption list, meaning they cannot play but will still receive game checks. The move, described as the league's paid leave, follows criminal charges ranging from kidnapping and armed robbery to intimate-partner violence; the designation carries no fixed end date and often precedes investigations or roster cuts.
Paid leave typically lasts until the league's disciplinary decision and any appeals are resolved, but the Jabrill Peppers reinstatement in 2024 shows a return before a case ends is possible; Jacobs, Cooper, and Arnold could also return earlier depending on charges and potential suspensions, though the rule is not fixed.
Maryland will begin collecting payroll contributions for the Family and Medical Leave Insurance program (FAMLI) on Jan. 1, 2027, at a 0.9% wage rate (employer-employee split for employers with 15+ workers; employees pay up to 0.45%). For a $75,000 salary, the annual employee contribution would be about $337.50. Benefits—up to 12 weeks of paid, job-protected leave for childbirth, a serious health condition, or caring for a family member—aren’t available until Jan. 1, 2028, funded by a dedicated insurance trust. Supporters say paid leave boosts productivity and competitiveness, while critics warn of added payroll costs for workers; Gov. Wes Moore notes there are no new taxes or fees in the budget, though FAMLI is separate from it.
Six days after agreeing to sign cornerback Terrion Arnold, the Seahawks have not completed the deal because Arnold would be placed on paid leave and unavailable to play while his eight felony charges are unresolved. With an October 5 court date and no trial date yet, Seattle could wait until the preseason ends to add him to the 90-man roster or sign him later if/when he’s cleared, potentially avoiding pay until he’s eligible. The big risk is Arnold could sign with another team if the process drags on.
A Boston-area real estate development and operations professional explains pausing her 20-year career to be present for her college-bound sons, after previously returning 10 days after giving birth with a four-day workweek and a night nanny; she notes paid leave has evolved and she intends a flexible next chapter to stay connected with her kids during a major life transition.
North Carolina placed football GM Michael Lombardi on paid administrative leave as it investigates allegations tied to a former front-office employee; Lombardi, through his attorney, says he’s cooperating and expects a swift, fair outcome and remains paid during the inquiry.
UNC will cover the general manager duties during Michael Lombardi's paid leave, detailing how the football program will operate in his absence over the coming weeks.
More than 100 Google employees rallied outside the Mountain View headquarters, delivering a petition signed by 4,500 workers to CEO Sundar Pichai demanding job-security protections, including guaranteed severance, an end to performance quotas, and access to extended paid leave amid rising tech layoffs.
Los Angeles Unified School District announced that superintendent Alberto Carvalho has been placed on paid leave as federal investigators examine the district’s leadership; the probe’s specifics haven’t been disclosed publicly.
Starting January 1, 2026, Minnesota has implemented several new laws including stricter absentee ballot application requirements, specific work break and meal break regulations, a repeal of hunting restrictions in the south, and the activation of a paid leave program. These changes aim to enhance election security, worker rights, and hunting regulations across the state.
There are calls for legal rights to paid leave for women undergoing IVF treatment, as current laws do not guarantee time off, leading many to use sick days or hide their treatment, which impacts their well-being and productivity. Campaigners argue that recognizing fertility treatment as a medical procedure and providing legal leave could benefit both employees and employers, with some political efforts underway to introduce legislation for this purpose.
MLB has placed Cleveland Guardians pitcher Emmanuel Clase on non-disciplinary paid leave amid a gambling investigation, joining teammate Luis Ortiz, as concerns grow over gambling's influence in professional sports.
The NFL is likely to delay placing Browns rookie Quinshon Judkins on paid leave until he signs his contract, as the decision depends on his contractual status and ongoing investigation into allegations of domestic violence, with past cases influencing the approach.
The U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with 22 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, significantly higher than countries like Sweden, Switzerland, and Norway. Black women in the U.S. face nearly 50 deaths per 100,000 births, highlighting severe racial disparities in maternal care. Contributing factors include lack of postpartum support, insufficient maternity care providers, and absence of mandated paid leave, unlike other high-income countries. Addressing these issues with a focus on equity is crucial to reducing maternal mortality rates.