Latest News
American Tort Reform Association places California on 'Heat Watch' list
By A. I. Benavidez | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has placed California on its “Heat Watch” list in the new Legislative HeatCheck report, citing an increase in legislation that could expand liability within the state.
ATRA names Colorado 'Lawsuit Inferno' amid legislative changes
By A. D. Bamburg | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has labeled Colorado a "Lawsuit Inferno" in its new Legislative HeatCheck report. The Democratic-controlled legislature of Colorado has pursued extensive liability-expanding legislation this year, despite opposition from the business community and Governor Jared Polis' vetoes of several significant bills. As a result, Colorado is now considered one of the worst state legislative bodies for expanding liability.
New Hampshire labeled 'lawsuit inferno' by ATRA over expanded liability risks
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 31, 2024
Today, the American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) announced that New Hampshire is a “Lawsuit Inferno” in its new Legislative HeatCheck report.
ATRA places New Jersey on 'Heat Watch' due to liability-expanding legislation
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has placed New Jersey on its “Heat Watch” list in the new Legislative HeatCheck, citing potential liability-expanding legislation that could worsen the state’s legal climate.
ATRA recognizes Alabama's asbestos litigation reform as pioneering
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has recognized Alabama as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in its latest Legislative HeatCheck report, commending the state for passing significant asbestos litigation reform.
Michigan placed on 'Heat Watch' due to liability-expanding legislation
By K. R. Nelson | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has placed Michigan on its “Heat Watch” list in the new Legislative HeatCheck report, citing a surge of liability-expanding legislation that could further deteriorate the state’s legal climate.
ATRA warns of increased litigation risks in Maryland's latest legislative actions
By E. F. Cullerton | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) announced today that the Maryland Senate is creating a “Lawsuit Inferno” in its new Legislative HeatCheck report, citing the upper chamber’s focus on liability expansion.
Construction employment rises in majority of U.S. metro areas from June '23 to June '24
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 30, 2024
Construction employment rose in 215, or 60 percent, of 358 metro areas between June 2023 and June 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that while demand for certain types of construction is soft, overall construction activity remains robust and firms are still having a hard time finding workers to hire.
Nevada confirms two cases of rabies in bats
By A. D. Bamburg | Jul 23, 2024
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) Animal Disease Laboratory has confirmed two cases of rabies this year. The detections were made in bats from Carson City and Clark County.
Court vacates 2023 NLRB Joint Employer Rule
By A. I. Benavidez | Jul 19, 2024
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has been granted a request to withdraw its appeal of the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Texas decision vacating the 2023 Joint Employer Rule. This development reinstates the long-established "direct and immediate" joint employer standard, offering clear guidance for foodservice employers and employees.
Bureau of Labor Statistics announces June CPI decrease for the West Region
By J. N. Schierl | Jul 19, 2024
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that in June, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the West Region decreased by 0.2 percent due to lower gasoline prices. Over the past year, the CPI-U increased by 2.8 percent, with food prices rising by 2.6 percent and energy prices increasing by 1 percent.
National Restaurant Association advocates at nominating conventions
By K. R. Nelson | Jul 17, 2024
Staff from the National Restaurant Association brought a pro-restaurant message to attendees of the Republican National Convention this week in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and will share a similar message at the Democratic National Convention next month in Chicago.
Motor vehicle insurance costs rising faster than overall inflation
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 11, 2024
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic (BLS) reported that the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) decreased by 0.1% in June, after showing no change over the month of May. Over the last year, the all items index has increased an average of 3% nationwide.
American Gaming Association announces Hall of Fame Class for 2024
By A. I. Benavidez | Jul 10, 2024
The American Gaming Association (AGA) announced the Gaming Hall of Fame Class of 2024, honoring three leaders for their significant contributions to the industry: Jim Allen, Alan Feldman, and Debi Nutton.
AGA endorses anti-human trafficking employer certification legislation
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 9, 2024
The American Gaming Association (AGA) has endorsed new legislation introduced by Congressmen David Valadao (R-CA) and Troy Carter (D-LA). The proposed bill aims to establish a certification program under the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, recognizing employers who train their workforce in identifying and combating human trafficking.
Construction sector adds jobs as unemployment falls; wages rise
By J. N. Schierl | Jul 5, 2024
The construction sector added 27,000 jobs in June while its unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent, the lowest rate for the month, and pay levels in the industry continued to rise, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials indicated that construction firms are increasing pay and taking other measures to recruit workers amid tight labor conditions.
AGC responds critically to OSHA's proposed federal heat safety rule
By M. N. Tirado | Jul 2, 2024
Construction Association Officials Note that New Proposal, However, Fails to Address Regional Weather Variations, Should Outline Steps Workers Must Take to Protect Themselves from Heat Exposure
Construction job growth seen across majority of U.S. metro areas from May '23 to May '24
By A. K. Howerter | Jul 2, 2024
Construction employment increased in 225, or 63 percent, of 358 metro areas between May 2023 and May 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that employment levels in some parts of the country have been impacted by changing demand for construction and ongoing labor shortages.
Construction spending drops slightly despite increase since last year
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 1, 2024
Construction spending declined by 0.1 percent between April and May to a seasonally adjusted rate of $2.139 trillion, amid declines in demand for a range of nonresidential and residential construction projects. However, construction spending levels are up 6.4 percent compared to May 2023, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America released today of new federal data. Association officials noted that public construction demand was up 0.5 percent for the month, helping offset declines in other types of activity.
Nevada inflation outpaces national average rates
By R. B. Pepalis | Jun 20, 2024
Inflation rates in the Western Region, which includes Nevada, saw an increase of 0.1% in May of 2024, with a 3.3% increase over the past twelve months.