Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:

• President Obama on Monday spoke at the White House Summit on Working Families, where he talked about his own family’s struggles to balance work and family and called on Congress to take action to help Americans find an easier balance between the two. President Obama specifically mentioned expanding flexibility in the workplace and increasing paid parental leave, noting that the United States is the only developed country to not offer paid maternity leave. President Obama said, “When a new baby arrives or an aging parent gets sick, workers have to make painful decisions about whether they can afford to be there when their families need them the most. Many women can’t even get a paid day off to give birth. Now, that’s a pretty low bar.” The President also asked for the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which would require employers to make accommodations for pregnant workers to be able to keep working while pregnant and prevent them from having to take unpaid leave.

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Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:

• Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor of Virginia lost his U.S. Representative primary to Tea Party candidate Dave Brat. Cantor, who had been speculated to be the next speaker of the House when John Boehner retires, now finds himself out of office. Cantor said, “It’s disappointing, sure, but I believe in this country. I believe there is opportunity around the next corner for all of us.” This comes as a major shock, as Cantor is considered a staunchly conservative Republican and no one predicted the race would be close, let alone a victory for Brat. It is also looking less likely that Speaker Boehner will retire soon without Cantor to replace him.

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Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:

• The Obama Administration on Monday announced a plan that will try to cut carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants by 30% by, and could also help speed up our country’s shift away from coal. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said, “This is not just about disappearing polar bears or melting ice caps. This is about protecting our health and our homes. This is about protecting local economies and jobs.” This controversial Environmental Protection Agency plan is President Obama’s largest climate change effort so far and could help other countries such as China follow suit. The rule will not take effect for at least two more years. Environmental groups welcomed the proposal, citing both its climate and public health benefits. Opponents of it say it will cost jobs and raise prices on electricity.

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