Latest News
National Restaurant Association emphasizes importance of planning against foodborne illnesses
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 22, 2024
Washington, D.C. – In over one million restaurants across the United States, employees are responsible for ensuring both a delightful dining experience and adherence to food safety protocols. Consistent food safety practices, such as those outlined in ServSafe® training, significantly reduce the likelihood of foodborne illness incidents.
Construction employment rises across majority of US states
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 16, 2024
Construction employment increased in 39 states in July from a year earlier, while 29 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between June and July, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials noted that demand for projects—and the workers to execute them—remains robust in most states but there is a pressing need to prepare more people for careers in construction.
Increases in motor vehicle insurance higher than average inflation
By A. I. Benavidez | Aug 15, 2024
Motor vehicle insurance rates increased by 1.2% in July, higher than the national average inflation rate of 0.2%, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) summary from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Utah AG candidate signs transparency pledge; opponent yet to respond
By K. R. Nelson | Aug 8, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) announced today that Utah attorney general candidate Rudy Bautista (D) has signed ATRA’s 2024 Attorney General Transparency Code pledge. This move is seen as a commitment to transparency and accountability should he be elected.
National Restaurant Association joins American Beverage Licensees as platinum member
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 6, 2024
American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that the National Restaurant Association has joined its associate membership program as a platinum member. This partnership will focus on issues such as food safety and responsible alcohol service education and training.
Construction spending declines as industry calls for regulatory relief
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 1, 2024
Construction spending decreased by 0.3 percent from May to June, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2.148 trillion, according to a new government report analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America. The decline was driven by drops in single-family homebuilding and major public project types, which outweighed gains in certain private nonresidential categories. Association officials have called on the Biden administration to ease regulatory barriers hindering infrastructure projects.
National Restaurant Association wins dual honors at 2024 ASAE awards
By A. D. Bamburg | Jul 31, 2024
The National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation have been honored with two 2024 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Power of Associations Awards.
ATRA labels Missouri 'Lawsuit Inferno' due to stalled tort reform
By C. D. McHugh | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) announced today that Missouri has been labeled a "Lawsuit Inferno" in its new Legislative HeatCheck report. The report highlights the state legislature's failure to address bills aimed at curbing lawsuit abuse.
American Tort Reform Association labels New York 'lawsuit inferno' amid liability expansion
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has designated New York as a “Lawsuit Inferno” in its latest Legislative HeatCheck report, citing the state legislature’s ongoing efforts to expand liability.
ATRA recognizes Indiana's efforts with 'Tort Reform Trailblazer' title
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has recognized Indiana as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in its latest Legislative HeatCheck report, commending the state for enacting two significant legal reforms during this year’s legislative session.
West Virginia praised for key legal reforms amid ongoing tort cost concerns
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has recognized West Virginia as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in its latest Legislative HeatCheck report, commending the state for enacting two significant pieces of litigation reform this year.
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.