Philly Signs A Law Enacting Paid Sick Leave

Philadelphia is the 17th U.S. city so far, along with three states (California, Massachusetts, and Connecticut), to pass legislation mandating employers to issue paid sick leave to its workers, ThinkProgress reports. Philly is adding to the paid leave movement, which saw a huge upswing last year with 11 laws passed, to grant ill workers the ability to nurse themselves — or a family member — back to health without the added headache of lost wages.

[Madamenoire]

Imprisoned Women Still Handcuffed While Giving Birth Despite Law Against The Practice

The Correctional Association of New York, which serves as an advocacy organization, found that a large percentage of New York’s pregnant female prisoner population gave birth or received post-partum treatment while they were in shackles. New York State banned the use of restraints while giving birth in prison in 2009. The Correctional Association of New York interviewed over 950 women who are currently in prison, including 27 who gave birth after the law went into effect.

[Madamenoire]

Certified Fresh: Bobby Brackins – The Power Of The Pen

One could say the California sound has infused Hip-Hop with a new energy over the last few years… Our latest Certified Fresh, Bobby Brackins, highlights just how important and essential songwriters are to that process. At 26-years-old, he’s developed a penchant for penning hits, having a strong impact in the music industry last year via Chris Brown’s Grammy nominated smash single “Loyal” (co-written with Ty Dolla $ign) and Tinashe’s “2 On.”

[HipHopWired]

• Memphitz Debuts Risque Calendar [VibeVixen]
• SpongeBob SquarePants Star Out of Bikini Bottom and Into Some Crawfish [TMZ]
• This Supreme Court Decision Could Encourage One Of The Worst Forms Of Racism [HuffingtonPost]
• Jamie McShane Heads To The ‘Darker Side’ In Netflix’s ‘Bloodline’ [StarPulse]