When the Worst Happens...

What comes after losing a loved one. [For the best experience, read in browser.]( August 17, 2023 We begin today with a story we hope you won't need anytime soon — but this look at [what happens at work when you lose a loved one]( is a must-read for us all. Speaking of difficult conversations, we're also sharing [an emotional update from Bruce Willis's wife]( and revealing how to spot [a subtle (and all-too-common) manipulation tactic](. And with the World Cup set to wrap up this weekend, we'll investigate [what it'll take to give women's sports the spotlight they deserve](.   In the News [the silhouette of a woman in the office]( Getty Images/KCM When the Worst Happens... How long does it take to grieve the loss of a loved one? Many would say that’s impossible to answer, but chances are that your employer’s bereavement leave policy is pretty strict — if they have one at all. Here’s a look at [where this very necessary benefit stands throughout the U.S.]( What are we guaranteed by law? There’s no federal bereavement policy. But since the pandemic, some states have moved to mandate paid-time off for grieving workers: This year, both California and Illinois enacted leave laws giving workers at least five days. What’s the standard? Most U.S. workers, however, get only three days. That’s just too little time to plan a funeral, settle any legal affairs, and handle the complicated (and often nonlinear) task of mourning, according to the head of Option B, a nonprofit started by Sheryl Sandberg. Thankfully, more companies have recognized that — and they’re creating more compassionate HR policies. We’ve got more on [why your PTO benefits could soon look very different]( and how Option B is working to make that a reality. [READ MORE]( PASS THIS STORY ALONG: mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20this%20story%20from%20Wake-Up%20Call%21&body=https%3A%2F%2Fkatiecouric.com%2Flifestyle%2Fworkplace%2Fbereavement-leave%2F P.S.: Want more thoughtful insights about our ever-changing professional world? A new edition of our LinkedIn newsletter Wake-Up Call at Work is coming today! [Sign up right here]( to make sure you're part of the conversation.   More Stories [A box of the abortion pill mifepristone]( Getty Images The debate continues: A federal appeals court has imposed restrictions on the abortion pill mifepristone, ruling that patients must obtain it through a series of mandatory in-person appointments, rather than via telemedicine appointments or by mail. But the order won't actually effect access to the drug until it's heard by the Supreme Court (potentially this fall), setting up yet another high-stakes battle over reproductive rights. Foul play? Hawaii’s biggest power utility company is facing backlash over its alleged role in the deadly wildfires in Maui last week. According to a lawsuit [obtained by NBC](, Hawaiian Electric has been accused of failing to take proper action to prevent the catastrophe in the first place. “They were grossly negligent by making conscious decisions to delay grid modernization projects that would have prevented this very tragedy,” said lead attorney Mikal Watts. Disturbing data: A [new study]( published Wednesday found that younger cancer patients are becoming more common. The disease is creeping up for all Americans under 50, but the spike is most pronounced in adults between 30 and 39 — that age bracket saw diagnoses rise by 19% between 2010 and 2019. If this inspires you to take action, don't miss [Stand Up To Cancer's telecast this Saturday](, where we'll be raising funds to fight this insidious illness. End of an era: After just 14 months of marriage, Britney Spears and her husband Sam Asghari have reportedly split. The pair had been apparently experiencing martial woes for a while — in April, they were spotted without their wedding rings. The news comes at a time that's already been tumultuous for the pop singer in the aftermath of her 13-year conservatorship ending in 2021, which Asghari actively supported.   On the Record Speaking at a legislative conference on Wednesday, former Vice President Mike Pence made his first public comments about Donald Trump’s indictment in Georgia. And while he said that Trump and his 18 fellow defendants are “entitled to the presumption of innocence that every American enjoys,” he made clear he doesn’t agree with his old running mate’s assessment of what happened in 2020: “Despite what the former president and his allies have said for now more than two and a half years — and continue to insist to this very hour — the Georgia election was not stolen, and I had no right to overturn the election on Jan. 6. It’s a hard truth.”   Must-Reads [Emma Heming Willis and Bruce Willis]( "I'm Not Good" Bruce Willis's wife Emma Heming shared an emotional message that will resonate with anyone who's in charge of caring for a loved one. [Read More »]( [A machine claw dangling a bouquet of roses]( What Is "Future Faking"? We're unpacking a common manipulation tactic that could be happening right under your nose — and we'll tell you how to spot it. [Read More »]( [Billie Jean King, Serena Williams, Megan Rapinoe]( Fierce Competition We've known for years that women's sports don't get the spotlight they deserve — but here's why experts say that's finally changing. [Read More »](   Extra Credit [Stills from The Flight Attendant, Dead to Me, Poker Face, and Bored to Death]( KCM/Peacock/Netflix/Max Up next: Are you the type who flies through new episodes of your favorite show, only to feel a little sad when it’s all over? We’re with you — but this list of [7 shows to try if you love Only Murders in the Building]( will keep you entertained for as long as you can handle. Highly recommended: If you’re looking to level up your lunch, [this beloved salad recipe]( is a social media favorite, and I gave it a try to see how easy it is to make. Add to cart: We’ve all had that moment when we randomly stumble upon a product that’s so fantastic, we wonder how we ever lived without it. We can just about guarantee you’ll discover something like that among our roundup of [Amazon finds you didn’t know you needed](.   Swim for Him [Men's bathing suits]( KCM Who says women should have all the fun with boldly patterned bathing suits? We went looking for men’s prints that’ll give your next swimming excursion a sophisticated dose of summertime spirit, and these options from [Line in the Sand](, [Peter Millar](, and [Tommy Bahama]( are definite winners. (Poolside drink unfortunately not included.)   [Know it all, and help your friends catch up, too. Share Wake-Up Call and you'll earn some superb swag.]( Thanks for reading Wake-Up Call and being part of our community! If you have questions or comments, drop us a line at info@katiecouric.com. See you tomorrow! [Alternate text] Update your preferences or [unsubscribe]( If you buy something through this email, KCM may earn a commission. 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