Labor & Employment

Idaho County Population Growth 2025

The Idaho Department of Labor released U.S. Census Bureau population estimates showing 36 of Idaho's 44 counties (80%) experienced population growth in 2025. Five urban counties—Ada, Canyon, Kootenai, Bonneville, and Twin Falls—each added at least 1,000 new residents, with Ada leading at over 10,000 new residents.

ASCEND Grant for Texas Employer Workforce Training

The Texas Workforce Commission announced the ASCEND grant program, a $5 million fund to help Texas employers train their workforce in high-demand industries. Employers can receive reimbursements up to $500,000 or $4,000 per trainee for approved training projects. The program dedicates $1 million specifically to domestic shipbuilding training. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Cosmos Restaurant settles pregnancy discrimination lawsuit, Bay St. Louis

The EEOC announced a settlement resolving a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit against Cosmos Restaurant in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The restaurant allegedly discriminated against a pregnant employee, resulting in a settlement that includes monetary compensation and injunctive relief. This case demonstrates the EEOC's continued enforcement of pregnancy discrimination protections under federal law.

St. Vincent Hospital Sued for Disability Discrimination

The EEOC filed a lawsuit against St. Vincent Hospital alleging the hospital failed to provide reasonable accommodations to an employee with a disability and subsequently terminated the employee. The enforcement action seeks to enforce federal civil rights protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Healthcare employers should review their accommodation policies and interactive process procedures.

Motor Vehicle Dealer Facility Requirements Markup

The Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission proposes amendments to 23 CAR § 410 establishing facility requirements for motor vehicle dealers. The proposed rules cover building specifications (permanent structure, minimum 120 sq. ft. display and service areas), signage, hours of operation, and office standards. Separate provisions address branch location restrictions and modified requirements for ATV and low-speed vehicle dealers.

Arkansas Motor Vehicle Commission Rule Changes Incorporating Act 233 of 2025

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing Motor Vehicle Commission has proposed amendments to its Administrative Rules to incorporate changes from Act 233 of 2025. The commission is accepting public written comments from April 3, 2026 through May 4, 2026. A detailed summary of the proposed changes is available on the Board's website.

Storm recovery grants awarded to Florida communities

FloridaCommerce awarded over $1.5 million in storm recovery grants to eight Florida communities through the Rebuild Florida 2023 and 2024 Storms Hazard Mitigation Grant Match Program. Funds support critical infrastructure projects including generator installations, facility hardening, and flood risk reduction measures. Awards require a 25% local match and target communities affected by Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene, Milton, and 2024 North Florida Tornadoes.

Arkansas ATV, LSV dealer rules proposed amendments

Arkansas ATV, LSV dealer rules proposed amendments

Dig Safely Month Declaration - Colorado 811 40th Anniversary

Governor Jared Polis declared April 2026 as 'Dig Safely Month' in Colorado to mark the 40th anniversary of Colorado 811, the state's One-Call Notification System. The Underground Damage Prevention Safety Commission within CDLE's Division of Oil and Public Safety oversees damage prevention and announced the Damage Prevention Fund reached over $336,626 in 2025. A second round of grants totaling $20,000 is available for safe digging education initiatives, with applications due April 24, 2026.

Dr. King Career Fair, 150 employers, 4,000 jobs

Dr. King Career Fair, 150 employers, 4,000 jobs