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Religious Discrimination in the Workplace: What to Know 

Consider writing about:

Religious discrimination in the workplace; common employer (or manager) errors or misunderstandings involving this issue; potential legal pitfalls to avoid during hiring, training, and disciplinary, accommodation, or termination processes. Consider whether to do a general presentation of do’s and don’ts, or whether to examine a recent or otherwise noteworthy dispute that can serve as a cautionary tale or a starting point for presenting practical takeaways. Alternatively or additionally, consider whether to do a more trend-oriented writeup, focusing on how the landscape regarding religious discrimination and religious accommodation has evolved in recent years, recurring or emerging issues that have fueled religious discrimination allegations, and how courts have responded to such claims.

New York City Council Mulls Employee Sick Leave for Pet Care Needs 

Consider writing about:

A proposed measure that would allow employees in New York City to use sick leave to care for a companion animal or service animal; how the proposal would work, in terms of type of qualified sick leave (paid or unpaid), amount of leave that could be taken, advance notice, proof of need, employer size, etc.; whether this pet proposal breaks new ground locally or nationally; the measure’s prospects for passage by the city council; whether similar measures are being considered in other jurisdictions; what the New York City measure may indicate, more generally speaking, regarding evolving expectations and obligations involving employees’ right to time off (paid or unpaid), and how employers are (or should be) adapting to those changes.

Related information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/nyc-safe-and-sick-time-law-taking-care-of-pets

2 Live Crew Scores a Win in Copyright Battle 

Consider writing about:

A jury victory in favor of hip hop group 2 Live Crew; what to know about the copyright case at issue here, copyright termination right, and a bankruptcy filing’s impact on intellectual property rights; the verdict’s practical implications for intellectual property rights.

Related information:

https://apnews.com/article/2-live-crew-hip-hop-copyright-ruling-9315d65fd99be7bee20c9c361eb3af72

https://www.billboard.com/pro/2-live-crew-jury-verdict-retake-catalog-rights-from-lil-joe-records

U.S. Copyright Office Serves Up DMCA Exemption 

Consider writing about:

An exemption recently released by the U.S. Copyright Office involving the Digital Millennium Copyright Act; whom the exemption applies to; trends involving the “right to repair” movement, and their implications for manufacturers, business customers, end users, and others.

Related information:

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/more-mcflurrys-us-copyright-office-190006961.html

Distressed Companies: To Buy or Not to Buy? [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

Factors to weigh when deciding whether or not to buy a company that’s in bankruptcy; due diligence steps to be undertaken; asset and financing matters; union contract matters to consider; other obligations, liabilities, or red flags to watch out for. Decide whether to create a universal list of do’s and don’ts for these types of purchasing decisions or a do’s and don’ts list tailored to a specific industry or region.

How to Secure Approval for a Reorganization Plan [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

The bankruptcy reorganization process; top requirements or key elements in a restructuring and reorganization plan; guidance on how to maximize the odds of getting approval of a reorganization plan with a minimum of problems. Alternatively or additionally, consider whether to examine a real-life cautionary tale as an illustration of what not to do.

Bankruptcy Checklist [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

A checklist for the bankruptcy process, consisting of five or more steps, tips, or processes that someone should be aware of and should consider following at some phase of the bankruptcy process, either when deciding whether to declare bankruptcy, or during or after the process. You may choose to make your checklist reasonably universal in nature or, alternatively, whether to focus your presentation on a specific type of personal or business bankruptcy.

How Warehouse Operations Are Raising Environmental Concerns 

Consider writing about:

Legal trends involving pollution stemming from warehouse operations; how this issue is attracting attention from regulators or others on the state or federal level; what the logistics industry and affiliated businesses should know about potential environmental-related liability risks.

Related information:

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-approves-south-coast-aqmds-groundbreaking-rule-reduce-southern-california-air

Election Day, the Environment, and the Energy Industry: What to Watch For 

Consider writing about:

Election Day’s potential implications for the environment, the energy industry, and related legislation, litigation, or enforcement actions. What are the stakes this year for key players, and how might the election results tilt the scales? Consider whether to focus on a particular political race, government agency, regulatory trend, or industry activity.

Walmart Inc. to Pay $7.5 Million Over Hazardous Waste Disposal 

Consider writing about:

A $7.5 million settlement that Walmart Inc. will pay to resolve allegations regarding its methods of disposing hazardous waste and medical waste; additional points in the settlement regarding an outside auditor; what this case illustrates regarding companies’ compliance obligations or liability risks pertaining to waste disposal; related trends involving federal or state enforcement actions (in the industry or region of your choice, or more broadly speaking).

Related information:

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-announces-75-million-settlement-walmart-illegal-disposal

What Lessons Does McDonald’s E. Coli Outbreak Serve Up to Other Companies? 

Consider writing about:

Implications of an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders; consumer litigation over the outbreak; potential for regulatory action; respective obligations or liability risks on the part of franchisees, the parent company, or the food supplier thought to be linked to the outbreak; related information regarding any of the following issues: food-borne illnesses, prevention, or related trends; how to conduct a product recall; reminders regarding supply chain management and third-party risks; best practices for interacting with regulators in the event of a product alleged to be a health hazard.

Related information:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/mcdonalds-e-coli-proposed-class-action-lawsuit-rcna178047

https://apnews.com/article/mcdonalds-e-coli-outbreak-quarter-pounder-a38666eaf2c38dccc99c00d72879928c

Hershey Co. Sued Over Alleged PFAS in Candy Packaging 

Consider writing about:

Allegations that the packaging for some of Hershey Co.’s best-known candy products contains unsafe levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); related trends involving PFAS-related lawsuits against food manufacturers; how federal or state authorities are treating the issue of PFAS content in food packaging; what food manufacturers should know about their potential legal risk on this front, and how to head off or minimize related fallout.

Related information:

https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/east/2024/10/31/799283.htm

Blue Cross Blue Shield Agrees to Pay More Than $2 Billion in Antitrust Case 

Consider writing about:

Blue Cross Blue Shield’s agreement to pay $2.8 billion to resolve antitrust claims against the insurer; key allegations leading up to the proposed settlement; how the company plans to change its claims process under the terms of the settlement; what else stands out to you about this settlement and the overall antitrust case.

Related information:

https://www.reuters.com/legal/blue-cross-blue-shield-agrees-pay-28-bln-settle-us-health-provider-class-action-2024-10-14

Insurers Sued Over Access to Mental Health Care 

Consider writing about:

A lawsuit filed against Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield over insurance coverage for mental health care; what to know about the No Surprises Act; any related legal, business, or legislative trends of note regarding insurance for mental health care, and overall access to mental health care.

Related information:

https://www.axios.com/2024/10/24/health-coverage-provider-ghost-networks

What’s Next for Proposed Merger Between UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys? 

Consider writing about:

The status of a proposed merger deal between UnitedHealth Group and Amedisys; significance of a merger of this magnitude; noteworthy issues that the two companies have had to contend with so far; related antitrust trends; how M&A activity in the insurance and/or healthcare sectors has been faring, either during 2024 in particular or under the Biden administration as a whole.

Related information:

https://www.fiercehealthcare.com/payers/unitedhealth-amedisys-meet-regulators-hopes-pushing-33b-merger-over-finish-line-report

When Can Private Property Owners Forbid Firearms on Their Premises? 

Consider writing about:

A recent federal appeals court ruling regarding the property owners’ right to ban or restrict the presence of firearms; key points in the ruling; how the 9th Circuit ruling compares to rulings by other federal appeals courts on these issues; options, obligations, and potential liability risks for property owners as regards gun control and personal safety on their property’s premises.

Related information:

https://cdn.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2024/09/06/23-16164.pdf

https://www.abajournal.com/web/article/states-cant-ban-guns-in-banks-hospitals-and-churchesbut-the-property-owners-can-9th-circuit-says

Eviction Do’s and Dont’s [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

The right and wrong ways to evict a tenant from a commercial or residential property; relevant information and practical guidance regarding any of the following points: compliance with state or local laws; coordination with existing landlord-owners in the case of a planned property purchase, and respective rights and obligations; what constitutes a protected class; requirements involving advance notice, deadlines, or time limits; definition of a nuisance tenant; feasibility of incentive payments for prompt or accelerated vacating of a property; negotiation tactics; etc.

What’s Ahead for Provisions in Tax Cuts and Jobs Act? 

Consider writing about:

Next year’s anticipated expiration of many provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; timeline and provisions at issue; how the outcome of the November election could affect TCJA provisions’ status and future; how individuals or businesses should be thinking about their tax strategies right now.

Tax Issues for Voters This Year 

Consider writing about:

Tax-related ballot measures, candidate positions, or other tax-related matters occupying voters’ attention this November. Consider doing either a heads up about issues or trends worth noting, or, alternatively, do a post-election wrap-up on how tax measures fared on Election Day.

What’s Happening With State Supreme Court Races This Year? 

Consider writing about:

State Supreme Court races worth watching this November; any high-stakes races or others of note; issues that may be causing voters to pay attention to these races; any interesting trends from recent years related to state Supreme Court races.

Are Trial Preparation Methods Evolving in the Face of Conspiracy Theories? 

Consider writing about:

How trial lawyers may need to adapt in an era of political divisiveness, at a time when wild conspiracy theories are widely disseminated on social media and even by elected officials, and when people seem to be losing trust in science or government, and commonly deride facts or beliefs they don’t agree with as “fake news.” How are these persistent trends changing the stakes for trial attorneys? Do trial lawyers need to rethink their approach to trial preparation, juror screening, and courtroom strategies – and if so, how?

Reflections on Giving Thanks: Share Your Thoughts 

Consider writing about:

Accomplishments, milestones, clients, colleagues, or other events or people (in your current or past professional or personal life) for whom you’re grateful, in time for a Thanksgiving season article. You can choose to be serious or lighthearted, as you reflect on their meaning, impact, inspiration, or lessons learned, or as you take a more philosophical approach toward the value of practicing gratitude, whether during the holiday season or all year ’round.

Temporary Protected Status Developments and Outlook: What to Know 

Consider writing about:

Your choice of noteworthy developments or issues involving the Temporary Protected Status designation for immigrants to the United States. Among the possible points to explore: nationalities that have either recently lost or gained this status; what rights are available under this status category; related issues involving eligibility, residency, work permits, deportation risks, and more; how Temporary Protected Status actions have evolved under the Biden administration and how they are likely to unfold under either a Harris or a Trump administration; what a reduction in Temporary Protected Status designations could mean for labor shortages and employment trends in the United States; how employers may need to rethink their hiring, staffing, and operational practices if the Temporary Protected Status program is scaled back or rescinded.

Jury Finds Consulting Firm Discriminated Against American Workers 

Consider writing about:

A recent guilty verdict in a discrimination case against IT consulting firm Cognizant Technologies; what this case may illustrate regarding loopholes in the H-1B system; how the H-1B visa process works; how employers can avoid discrimination risks stemming from their hiring practices.

USCIS Updates Guidance on International Entrepreneur Rule 

Consider writing about:

Updated guidance from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding the International Entrepreneur Rule; what new applicants or existing program participants should know about the guidance; related trends or practical tips regarding the International Entrepreneur Rule, how it works, whom it benefits, and how to navigate the system.

Related information:

https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/uscis-updates-guidance-on-the-international-entrepreneur-rule

Primer on Executor Powers and Duties [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

The role of an executor; executors’ powers and obligations; what qualifies someone to be an executor; how to choose an executor; grounds, and procedure, for challenging an executor’s actions.