Trump AI order introduces ‘unstable regulatory landscape’: analysis

The executive order opens a “pandora’s box of not only constitutional issues, but also issues pertaining to the EO’s interpretation and scope,” legal analysts said.

By Alexei Alexis • Dec. 16, 2025

Poor treatment after WFH accommodation not evidence of disability bias, 11th Circuit says

While a former animal services employee’s relationships with colleagues began to deteriorate after her accommodation, it was because “they believed she performed poorly,” the court said.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 16, 2025

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 all could be harmed by a $100,000 fee on all new visas.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 15, 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.

By Ginger Christ • Dec. 15, 2025

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.

By Makenzie Holland • Dec. 12, 2025

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.

By Laurel Kalser • Dec. 12, 2025

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.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 12, 2025

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.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 12, 2025

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.”

By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 11, 2025

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.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 11, 2025

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.”

By Ginger Christ • Dec. 10, 2025

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.

By Alexei Alexis • Dec. 10, 2025

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.

By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 10, 2025

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.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 9, 2025

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.

By Sid Lewis • Dec. 9, 2025

AT&T drops DEI, gets $1B acquisition of UScellular greenlit

The telecommunications company committed to scrapping policies and programs focused on diversity, equity and inclusion in a bid to get a deal approved by the FCC.

By Zoya Mirza • Dec. 9, 2025

SCOTUS poised to deal blow to federal agency independence

Multiple members of the high court’s conservative majority criticized a 90-year-old decision that blocked presidents from firing regulatory leaders at will.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 8, 2025

Jury hits SHRM with $11.5M verdict in racial bias, retaliation trial

The HR organization said the claim had no merit and vowed to appeal the decision.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 8, 2025

6 recent lawsuits alleging ADA violations at work

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers must provide a reasonable accommodation to workers with disabilities unless doing so would pose an undue hardship.

By Ginger Christ • Dec. 8, 2025

EEOC: Refusing to hire applicants for taking methadone violates ADA

Although the ADA doesn’t cover people currently using illegal drugs, it does protect those with a past addiction, per the agency.

By Laurel Kalser • Dec. 5, 2025

NYC to move ahead with pay data reporting after mayor’s veto overridden

States and localities continue to advance pay equity legislation while federal action stalls.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 5, 2025

State laws regulating AI take effect in the new year. Here’s what HR needs to know.

Employers will have to wrestle with tension between federal policy and state legislation.

By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 5, 2025

San Diego restaurant chain owners settle sexual harassment allegations for $650K

The restaurant operator “engaged in a pattern of hiring teenage girls as young as 16 years old based on their appearance and vulnerability,” according to a 2023 complaint from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 4, 2025

This week in 5 numbers: Trial in SHRM’s 3-year-old lawsuit begins

Here’s a roundup of numbers from the last week of HR news — including how many U.S. workers say they’re burnt out.

By Ginger Christ • Dec. 4, 2025

H-1B visa applicants will now have their social media scrutinized

The move is the latest measure from President Donald Trump’s administration to make the immigration process more stringent.

By Caroline Colvin • Dec. 4, 2025