National

Federal Judge Blocks National Labor Relations Board’s Expansion of Joint Employment Definition, Protecting Franchisor-Franchisee Relationships

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Houston, Texas – A federal judge in Texas has temporarily blocked the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from implementing a new rule that would expand the definition of joint employment. The ruling comes one day before the rule was set to take effect. The regulation, which aimed to increase franchisors’ responsibility for labor violations committed by their franchisees and require both entities to negotiate with employee unions, was challenged in court by a coalition of business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the International Franchise Association, the Restaurant Law Center, and the Texas Restaurant … Read more

Hong Kong Government Introduces New National Security Law with Lengthy Prison Terms and Increased Sentences

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Hong Kong, China — The Hong Kong government has unveiled a new national security law for the Chinese territory, which includes harsh prison terms for offenses such as treason and longer sentences for acts classified as sedition. Chief Executive John Lee expressed the urgent need for the legislation to be passed quickly. The Safeguarding National Security Bill, as it is officially known, is being debated in the territory’s Legislative Council. The draft bill, spanning 212 pages, introduces new laws governing treason, espionage, external interference, state secrets, and sedition. Those convicted of treason could face life … Read more

Berkshire Hathaway Energy Joins Lawsuit Accusing National Association of Realtors of Conspiring to Keep Real Estate Commissions High Nationwide

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KANSAS CITY, Missouri – In a lawsuit filed on Monday, Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway was named as a defendant alongside several brokerages and the National Association of Realtors. The suit alleges that these entities conspired to artificially inflate real estate commissions across the nation. The addition of Berkshire Hathaway Energy to the case, which owns HomeServices of America, could potentially increase the financial exposure of the conglomerate. HomeServices was previously ordered to pay $1.78 billion in a similar antitrust lawsuit, a verdict that they plan to appeal. The complaint specifically accuses Berkshire Hathaway Energy of … Read more

New York National Guard Members Accused of Sexually Exploiting Migrants in Shocking Lawsuit

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CHEEKTOWAGA, New York – Five New York National Guardsmen and a contract worker are facing allegations of sexually exploiting asylum seekers at a hotel in Cheektowaga. According to a report, seven migrants have come forward, detailing instances of sexual exploitation by at least six National Guard soldiers at the Quality Inn. The soldiers were deployed to assist with the influx of migrants being bussed to the state. The allegations, outlined in a federal lawsuit filed on February 8, accuse the soldiers of soliciting sexual favors and attempting to form romantic relationships with vulnerable migrants, including … Read more