State AGs launch third lawsuit seeking to block Trump’s H-1B order

The plaintiffs alleged that public schools, university-level research institutions and healthcare systems could be harmed by a $100,000 fee on all new visas.

Updated Dec. 17, 2025

JPMorgan conducted ‘fake’ interviews of Black candidates, lawsuit alleges

The bank’s treatment of the plaintiff is part of a decades-long “unbroken pattern of systemic race discrimination against African Americans,” per the lawsuit.

Leadership should not be a ‘sink or swim’ experience

New leaders are expected to manage conflict, communicate expectations clearly and more — without ever learning how, writes Jerame Johnson, an HR lead in the entertainment industry.

As diversity commitments lessen, corporate America risks losing progress for women

For the first time, an ambition gap has also emerged, where women say they’re less interested in promotion, a LeanIn.org and McKinsey report found.

Trump calls for federal policy framework preempting state AI laws

The executive order comes as Big Tech pushes back on local AI regulation while pouring billions into building out AI infrastructure and deploying new products.

Marriott companies settle EEOC claim they revoked employee’s Sabbath accommodation

The former worker, a Seventh-Day Adventist, had received Saturdays off until a change in management ended the religious accommodation, according to the agency.

DOL: Subcontractor made workers fork over wages in alleged kickback scheme

Regulators barred the employer from federal contract work for three years, citing the “willful” nature of the violations.

Verizon dealer didn’t violate ADA by firing employee with depression, court finds

Employers don’t have to retroactively accommodate an employee to excuse past performance problems, even if the problems resulted from a disability, a federal district court said.

Evolving economic conditions — not AI — will drive cautious 2026 hiring

“What we’re seeing is employers responding to the economic signals with a measured and deliberate approach,” ManpowerGroup’s CEO said.

More workers say they will job hunt in early 2026, but competition is tight

Workers most likely to job hunt include tech and healthcare professionals, Generation Z workers and working parents, Robert Half said.

Starbucks’ ‘illegal race-based’ DEI at center of Florida AG’s lawsuit

Starbucks said its hiring practices are “inclusive, fair and competitive, and designed to ensure the strongest candidate for every job, every time.”

2026 may mean an extra biweekly pay period. Here’s how HR can prepare.

The phenomenon occurs approximately every 11 to 12 years for affected employers, necessitating a 27th pay day.

This week in 5 numbers: Workers say they’re losing control of their professional future

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including what might be the “largest age discrimination verdict ever recorded in the United States,” per attorneys.

‘Autonomy crisis’ may be leaving workers burned out

Instead of continuing to treat growth opportunities for workers as optional, view them as essential, the University of Phoenix white paper said.

AI barriers, complex application processes lead to job search burnout, report finds

Employers can address these challenges by simplifying the hiring process and making it more transparent, LiveCareer says.

7 in 10 employers say they have high confidence in higher ed

The AAC&U-Morning Consult findings contrast with recent polling showing large shares of adults are questioning whether college is worth the cost.

Jury slams Liberty Mutual with $103M verdict after age bias trial

Lawyers for the plaintiff said this is “believed to be the largest age discrimination verdict ever recorded in the United States.”

Employers’ flat 2026 pay plans point to ‘disconnect,’ Mercer says

Organizations seek in-demand skills and market competitiveness, but most plan to spread pay increases evenly rather than keying in on certain employees, according to the firm.

Trump pledges order addressing patchwork of state AI laws

The move comes after the president and big tech unsuccessfully pushed for congressional action on the issue.

AT&T’s promise to scrap DEI decried as ‘short-sighted’

Many corporate analysts, talent strategists and ESG advocates have condemned the decision, which was tied to the Federal Communications Commission’s pending approval of an acquisition.

‘No holiday cheer’ for job seekers as BLS reports a near-stall in hiring

Despite a five-month peak in job openings, “almost no one is getting hired right now,” economist Heather Long said.

Health insurance, PTO still king among benefits, Indeed finds

While better pay leads among job seeker desires, “better benefits” — particularly traditional offerings — comes in second.

EEOC opens claims process in $21M Columbia University settlement

The agency alleged the university engaged in a pattern or practice of harassment against Jewish employees since at least Oct. 7, 2023.

FLSA misclassification is common, costly and completely avoidable

Compliance can be easy, writes Jones Walker partner Sid Lewis, but employers too often fall asleep at the wheel.

Workers are serious about L&D, but heavy workloads hold them back

Training is no longer a “nice to have,” but a business necessity for retention, a recent survey showed.