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Kohl’s has abruptly fired CEO Ashley Buchanan just five months into his tenure following an explosive investigation that uncovered serious violations of company policy.
The iconic department store chain announced Thursday that Buchanan directed the company to engage in vendor transactions riddled with undisclosed conflicts of interest.
Ashley Buchanan, who took the reins in November 2024, was seen as a potential game-changer after the brief leadership of Tom Kingsbury, who himself stepped down after only a year.
But hopes for a turnaround were dashed when a board-led investigation revealed Buchanan’s involvement in shady vendor deals that violated Kohl’s strict ethical policies.
“This is a serious breach of trust and company policy,” Kohl’s stated in a press release that sent shockwaves through the retail sector.
Ashley Buchanan’s ouster marks the third CEO departure at Kohl’s in less than three years. Before Buchanan, Kingsbury held the position, following the 2022 exit of Michelle Gass, who left under pressure from activist investors.
The rapid turnover at the top raises serious questions about the company’s corporate governance and future stability.
As Kohl’s scrambles to stabilize, the board has launched a search for Buchanan’s successor. Analysts warn that the leadership chaos could spook investors and further erode customer confidence.
“This level of executive turnover is highly unusual and deeply concerning for a retailer of Kohl’s size,” said retail industry expert Maria Edwards. “The vendor conflict scandal could have long-term financial and reputational consequences.”
Following the announcement, Kohl’s stock experienced a sharp dip in after-hours trading, with market watchers bracing for possible lawsuits or regulatory scrutiny stemming from the vendor dealings.
Buchanan’s dismissal marks the third CEO departure at Kohl’s in less than three years, underscoring deeper challenges at the struggling retailer.
Before Buchanan, Tom Kingsbury served as CEO beginning in early 2023, after previously leading Burlington Stores.
He was brought in as a stabilizing figure following the departure of Michelle Gass in December 2022, who had faced mounting pressure from activist investors, including Ancora Holdings, over disappointing sales and strategic missteps.
Michelle Gass, who had steered the company since 2018, was initially credited with modernizing Kohl’s and launching partnerships with brands like Amazon and Sephora.
However, critics argued her initiatives failed to reverse declining store traffic and sluggish e-commerce growth. Under her leadership, Kohl’s also faced a failed acquisition bid and activist investor campaigns demanding leadership changes.
Tom Kingsbury attempted to streamline operations and refresh Kohl’s merchandise strategy, but persistent profit margin pressures and competitive threats from online retailers like Amazon and discounters like TJX Companies continued to plague the company.
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DLA Piper has welcomed Mark Bennett as a new partner in its Sydney office, continuing its expansion in Australia’s competitive legal market.
Mr. Bennett, who brings more than two decades of experience practicing in Sydney, London, Hong Kong, and Mumbai, joins the firm with a focus on technology and real estate law.
The appointment reflects growing demand for legal expertise at the intersection of technology, finance, and real estate, a complex space shaped by rapid innovation and cross-border transactions.
Throughout his career, Mr. Bennett has built a reputation for advising clients on a broad range of matters, from digital commerce and outsourcing to data governance, software development, and the commercialisation of digital content.
Mr. Bennett also advises on digital infrastructure projects, including data centres and fibre networks, and has worked extensively on issues involving artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Mark Bennett’s practice includes guiding clients through global sourcing deals, acquisitions, and joint ventures, with a particular focus on helping companies navigate the legal and commercial challenges of technological change.
"Mark's extensive experience and impressive practice bring a unique opportunity for us to support both the technology and real estate needs of transactions." said Shane Bilardi, DLA Piper’s Country Managing Partner for Australia. "He will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to our teams."
Tim Lyons, head of the firm’s Intellectual Property and Technology group in Australia, noted that: "From a Tech & Sourcing perspective, our ability to present a strong, connected Asia-Pacific team is a key differentiator that enables us to deliver seamless, regionally integrated solutions for our clients."
Joel Cox, who leads the firm’s Technology sector in Australia, added: "Mark's appointment bolsters our technology offering, providing our high-growth and technology investor clients with the advice they need in the evolving legal landscape surrounding AI regulation."
DLA Piper is a global law firm with a strong reputation for providing legal services across a broad spectrum of industries and sectors. With offices in more than 40 countries, the firm offers comprehensive legal solutions in areas such as corporate law, litigation, intellectual property, real estate, and regulatory matters. DLA Piper serves a diverse range of clients, including multinational corporations, governments, and individuals, delivering innovative and strategic advice. The firm is known for its collaborative approach, providing tailored legal expertise to address complex, cross-border issues while maintaining a commitment to exceptional client service.
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A newly uncovered video is making waves among scientists and conspiracy theorists. In the clip, Dr. John G. Trump, the late MIT physicist and uncle of President Donald Trump opens up about his extraordinary role in assessing Nikola Tesla’s secret research after Tesla’s death.
Dr. Trump, who was commissioned by the U.S. government in 1943, was one of the few people ever granted access to Tesla’s vast trove of private papers and prototypes.
In the video, he reveals that he not only reviewed Tesla’s scientific work but also discovered letters between Tesla and members of British and Russian royalty.
These letters reportedly discussed a “devastating secret weapon” with properties far beyond the technology of the era.
The legend of Tesla’s so-called “death ray”, also known as teleforce, has long captivated imaginations. Some believe the device could have changed the course of global power if it had been fully realized.
However, Dr. Trump’s official report to the government painted a different picture. According to declassified documents, he concluded that while Tesla’s ideas were bold and imaginative, they held no practical or revolutionary military application at the time.
Still, mystery surrounds the contents of Tesla’s missing papers, some of which remain classified or lost to history. The newly uncovered video has reignited speculation: Did Tesla create a weapon so advanced it scared world leaders? And did Dr. Trump uncover more than he revealed?
As the video circulates across social media, the debate continues fueling the ongoing fascination with Tesla’s genius and the secrets he may have left behind.
Dr. John George Trump (1907–1985) was an American electrical engineer, inventor, and physicist who made groundbreaking contributions to high-voltage engineering, particle accelerators, and medical radiation therapy.
A longtime professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Dr. Trump’s innovations helped shape modern cancer treatments and radar technology during World War II. In 1943, he was tasked by the U.S. government with reviewing the scientific papers of the late Nikola Tesla, a mission that has since fueled countless theories about advanced technology and secret weapons.
Beyond his technical achievements, Dr. Trump was also the uncle of future U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Known for his brilliant mind and humble nature, he left behind a legacy of innovation and mystery that still sparks curiosity today.
Did You Know?
Dr. John G. Trump once turned down offers to develop weapons, choosing instead to focus his talents on medical technology that would save lives rather than take them.
He co-developed one of the first rotational radiation therapy machines, revolutionizing cancer treatment.
Despite his quiet, academic life, his brief involvement with Tesla’s papers has made him a recurring figure in modern conspiracy theories—from secret energy weapons to lost Tesla inventions.
In 1983, he was awarded the prestigious National Medal of Science by President Ronald Reagan for his contributions to science and engineering.
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The Texas House has passed Senate Bill 326, which cleared the Senate earlier this year.
The measure mandates that public schools and universities adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism when reviewing student conduct cases.
Governor Greg Abbott is expected to sign the bill into law.
“Antisemitism will not be tolerated in Texas,” Mr. Abbott said recently, underscoring his administration’s strong backing of the legislation.
The new law does not create new categories of misconduct.
Instead, it requires that existing violations of student conduct codes be reviewed for possible antisemitic motivation using the IHRA’s definition.
That definition controversially includes certain forms of criticism of the Israeli government.
Senator Phil King, who authored the bill, defended its language.
“Texas must lead the way in protecting Jewish students and making sure hate has no home in our schools,” he said during floor debate.
Supporters argue that with antisemitic incidents rising nationwide, schools need clear, consistent guidance to identify and respond to antisemitism.
“We’ve seen too many cases where antisemitic actions were brushed aside or mischaracterized,” said Rep. Craig Goldman (R-Fort Worth), who sponsored the bill in the House. “This gives educators and administrators the tools they need to recognize and stop it.”
Not everyone agrees the bill strikes the right balance.
Some lawmakers and civil liberties groups worry that adopting the IHRA’s language could suppress legitimate political speech, especially criticism of Israeli policies.
Among the most prominent critics was Representative Jon Rosenthal (D-Houston), the only Jewish member of the Texas House.
“It may surprise some of you to learn that Jewish communities do not uniformly support this bill,” Mr. Rosenthal told his colleagues.
“The IHRA definition dangerously conflates legitimate criticism of the Israeli government’s policies with antisemitism. This could actually bolster and reinforce antisemitic tropes and stereotypes of Jews as privileged and influential.”
Mr. Rosenthal initially opposed the bill but ultimately voted for it after an amendment clarified that it was not meant to restrict constitutionally protected speech.
“I could not support the bill without that amendment,” he explained.
“With that safeguard in place, I felt it was important to address antisemitism, even while continuing to advocate for free expression.”
Texas joins a growing number of states adopting the IHRA definition in some form.
Similar measures have passed or are under consideration in Florida, Tennessee, and New York.
The legislation comes at a time when many universities face rising tensions over the Israel-Palestine conflict, campus protests, and accusations of antisemitism.
The debate over how to define and combat antisemitism without infringing on free speech, shows no signs of easing.
“This is not a perfect bill,” Mr. Rosenthal acknowledged.
“But it’s a step toward confronting a real problem while trying to preserve the rights and freedoms we all value.”
The IHRA working definition of antisemitism now required by Senate Bill 326, has gained global traction.
It’s been embraced by over 1,200 entities worldwide, including national governments, universities, and international organizations.
Yet it has also sparked considerable debate.
Groups like the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) champion the definition as a comprehensive tool for identifying antisemitism.
Others, including Jewish Voice for Peace and some chapters of J Street, argue it could suppress legitimate criticism of Israeli government policies and infringe on free speech.
The Texas bill comes amid a troubling rise in antisemitic incidents nationwide.
The ADL reported record-high levels of antisemitic harassment, vandalism, and assaults in both 2023 and 2024.
College campuses have become frequent hotspots for controversy and conflict.
Civil liberties organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), warn that laws like SB 326 could cross constitutional boundaries.
They fear such measures may punish speech protected by the First Amendment — particularly in academic settings where political debate is often robust and controversial.
Texas lawmakers have actively shaped how schools address both discrimination and free speech.
In 2019, the state passed a law requiring public universities to uphold free expression rights and banning restrictive "free speech zones."
This history makes SB 326’s potential impact on campus speech especially sensitive.
Representative Jon Rosenthal’s role has been especially noteworthy.
As the only Jewish member of the Texas House, he initially opposed the bill, fearing it could conflate political criticism with bigotry and reinforce harmful stereotypes.
After securing amendments to protect constitutionally protected speech, he ultimately supported the measure — a decision reflecting the complex balance lawmakers must strike.
The resurgence of the Israel-Palestine conflict in 2024 and 2025 has only intensified national discussions around antisemitism and free speech.
As protests and heated debates continue on campuses and beyond, Texas’ new legislation places the state at the center of a broader cultural and legal struggle.
At issue is how best to define and respond to hate in an increasingly polarized environment — while preserving the fundamental rights of free expression.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently supervised the testing of a supersonic cruise missile from the country’s first modern destroyer, the Choe Hyon. The move underscores Pyongyang’s growing maritime ambitions and raises pressing questions about international maritime law, sanctions enforcement, and regional security.
On April 28 and 29, 2025, North Korea conducted inaugural weapons tests from the Choe Hyon, a newly commissioned 5,000-ton destroyer. The tests included supersonic and strategic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft systems, and electronic warfare technology.
The development is not just a technological leap but a potential breach of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions prohibiting ballistic missile technology development and testing.
Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) and advanced armaments aboard the destroyer suggest design influences from Russian military technology, which, if verified, could point to deeper North Korea-Russia military cooperation, raising complex legal challenges under international arms transfer controls.
Sanctions, Proliferation, and Maritime Law
The international community, particularly the United States and South Korea, has condemned these advancements as violations of longstanding sanctions.
The testing of supersonic cruise missiles from a modern destroyer may complicate future enforcement efforts of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), an international effort aimed at preventing the transfer of weapons of mass destruction.
Additionally, Pyongyang’s stated intention to accelerate the nuclearization of its navy brings potential violations of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), to which North Korea once adhered before withdrawing in 2003.
Russia’s Alleged Role: Legal and Diplomatic Implications
Military analysts and Western intelligence suggest the Choe Hyon’s technological sophistication may stem from Russian input, which, if proven, could expose Russia to accusations of violating international non-proliferation norms and bilateral arms control agreements.
This growing military-technical relationship between Pyongyang and Moscow could reshape legal discussions at the UN and intensify debates about the effectiveness of sanctions regimes.
Kim Jong Un has publicly committed to developing a nuclear-powered submarine, signaling further challenges to international maritime law and non-proliferation efforts.
Related Facts & Background
The Choe Hyon Destroyer: Named after a prominent North Korean general, the Choe Hyon is the largest and most advanced surface combatant in North Korea’s navy. Its deployment marks the country’s strategic push to modernize its aging fleet.
Supersonic Cruise Missiles: Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles can fly at low altitudes and maneuver mid-flight, making them harder to detect and intercept. North Korea’s claim of a “supersonic” variant suggests it may now possess weapons comparable to Russia’s 3M22 Zircon or China’s DF-100.
North Korea–Russia Military Ties: U.S. and South Korean officials have voiced concerns over increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. Alleged technology sharing could potentially breach international sanctions and arms control agreements.
Legal Perspective: The United Nations Security Council has passed more than ten resolutions sanctioning North Korea’s weapons programs. Each missile test and now, advanced naval armament - further isolates Pyongyang diplomatically and may trigger calls for tighter maritime monitoring and interdiction.
Future Naval Developments: Kim Jong Un announced plans for developing nuclear-powered submarines, a move that would escalate North Korea’s second-strike nuclear capability and present new challenges under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP has advised Capital Group as it teams up with private equity giant KKR to broaden access to private market investments, a space long dominated by institutional investors and the ultra-wealthy.
The partnership kicks off with the launch of two interval funds - Capital Group KKR Core Plus+ and Capital Group KKR Multi-Sector+, which will focus on credit strategies.
Unlike traditional funds, these new vehicles are designed to blend public and private market assets, aiming to balance risk, return, and liquidity while catering to the evolving needs of financial advisors and investors.
Both funds will, over time and depending on market conditions, target a mix of roughly 60% public fixed income and 40% private credit, including direct lending and asset-based finance.
Notably, each fund will offer quarterly liquidity of up to 10% at net asset value - double what’s typically available in similar alternative investments.
"These solutions demonstrate the power of our combined scale and experience. We believe what Capital Group and KKR can do together is unmatched — blending best-in-class public and private market exposures to deliver diversified and differentiated investment outcomes at a compelling fee. I think of these public-private solutions as the best of both worlds." said Mike Gitlin, Capital Group’s President and CEO.
For KKR, the move represents a broader effort to open private investments to a much wider range of investors.
"Together with Capital Group, we are aiming to unlock the benefits of private investments for the 95%3 of individual investors who have not historically been able to invest in the private markets. We have only scratched the surface of what we can offer investors as we look to expand our collaboration across additional asset classes, geographies and formats. We entered this partnership knowing that our firms are highly aligned with collaborative cultures and complementary strengths―the launch of these first two funds shows what’s possible when our teams come together." said Joe Bae and Scott Nuttall, KKR’s Co-CEOs, in a joint statement.
Simpson Thacher team advising Capital Group includes Ryan Brizek, Debbie Sutter, and Andy Madore (Registered Funds), along with Russell Light (Tax).
Capital Group, founded in 1931, is one of the world’s largest and most respected investment management firms. The company provides a wide range of equity, fixed income, and multi-asset investment solutions to individual investors, financial advisors, and institutions globally. Known for its long-term perspective and rigorous research, Capital Group pioneered the Capital System, an investment approach that combines the insights of multiple portfolio managers and analysts to deliver consistent results. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the firm operates offices throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is one of the world’s leading law firms, providing cutting-edge legal advice to a diverse range of clients including corporations, financial institutions, private equity firms, investment funds, and governments. With a global team spanning offices in key financial centers such as New York, London, Hong Kong, and Tokyo, the firm is known for its deep expertise in mergers and acquisitions, banking, capital markets, private funds, real estate, litigation, and regulatory matters. For over 135 years, Simpson Thacher has built a reputation for handling complex, high-profile transactions and delivering innovative solutions that help clients navigate today’s most challenging legal and business issues.
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Ropes & Gray has advised Cohen & Company Capital Markets, serving as lead book-running manager, in the initial public offerings of two special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs): Digital Asset Acquisition Corp. (DAAQ) and Real Asset Acquisition Corp. (RAAQ).
Each offering raised $172.5 million, closing successfully on April 30. The units are now trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbols DAAQU and RAAQU, respectively.
Digital Asset Acquisition Corp. aims to pursue business combinations within the digital asset and cryptocurrency-adjacent sectors, leveraging the team’s deep expertise in emerging financial technologies and innovation-driven markets.
Real Asset Acquisition Corp. plans to target businesses backed by tangible assets, including companies operating in quantum computing, metals and mining, rare earth elements, and infrastructure—sectors where the team brings significant sector-specific experience.
The Ropes & Gray team advising on the transactions was led by capital markets partner Christopher Capuzzi and tax partner Dan Zuckerman.
DAAQ is a blank check company formed to effect mergers, asset acquisitions, or similar business combinations, with a focus on opportunities in the digital asset and cryptocurrency sectors. RAAQ holds a similar mandate, targeting real asset-focused industries.
Cohen & Company Capital Markets (CCM) is a full-service boutique investment bank specializing in M&A, capital markets, and SPAC advisory. As part of J.V.B. Financial Group, CCM combines personalized service with the capabilities of a larger institution. Its experienced team provides strategic guidance and deep industry knowledge, serving a diverse client base including institutional investors, corporates, and private equity firms.
Ropes & Gray is a global law firm providing comprehensive legal services to clients across a wide range of industries. With a reputation for excellence, the firm is known for its expertise in areas such as corporate law, private equity, M&A, intellectual property, litigation, regulatory matters, and finance.
Founded in 1865, Ropes & Gray has grown to include offices in major cities around the world, including New York, London, Hong Kong, and Boston.
Linklaters has advised Montagu Private Equity on its acquisition of U.S.-based Tyber Medical and the company’s integration with Intech and Resolve Surgical Technologies, two existing Montagu portfolio companies to form a new global platform in the surgical device space.
Tyber Medical, headquartered in Pennsylvania, develops and manufactures orthopedic implants sold under private label by other med-tech brands. Its strength lies in helping companies get to market faster with FDA-cleared products.
That expertise will now be integrated with Intech’s advanced manufacturing capabilities and Resolve’s lifecycle design services, creating an end-to-end solution for medical device OEMs.
Montagu’s goal is to offer a one-stop platform that allows OEMs to move from design to delivery more efficiently. The combined entity will focus on devices for the spine, trauma, extremities, sports medicine, and enabling technologies.
Plans to grow into additional markets are already in the works, driven by increasing demand for speed, flexibility, and supply chain stability across the industry.
“We look forward to partnering with Jeff Tyber and his talented team, as well as extending our successful collaboration with Intech and Resolve. The involvement of Linklaters played an important part in making this business combination a success.” said Ugo Baudry, Investment Director at Montagu.
Leading the legal side of the transaction were Linklaters corporate partner Manfred Müller and counsel Maxime Bertomeu-Savalle. They worked closely with colleagues across multiple offices in Europe to navigate the cross-border aspects of the deal, coordinating corporate, finance, tax, and litigation advice.
We are thrilled to have advised Montagu on another strategic transaction. Private equity’s interest in healthcare is growing rapidly and Montagu is well-positioned to support the need for innovation in the sector with about 20 years of expertise in this field.” said Manfred Müller and Bertomeu-Savalle in a joint statement.
The cross-border, multi-practice Linklaters team advising on the deal was led by corporate partner Manfred Müller and counsel Maxime Bertomeu-Savalle, both based in Luxembourg. They were supported by managing associates Eugenie Syx, Irene Sanna, Anne Mauske, Anna Romanova, and Ida Jacotey, along with associates Aleksei Glazunov, Nathalie Zurel, Sarra Razzouk, Hamza Hacham, Yang Zhang, Benjamin Machet, Marion Chaudière, Mathias Adjaout-Ponsard, María Granados, Salomé Maugé Prud’homme, and Andréa Challuau.
Legal tech advisors included Tamar Nager (Brussels), Zuleikha Abbasakoor-Aksener (London), and Isabella Strauß (Frankfurt), with paralegal support from Elisabetta Diacci and Liz Mbu (London).
The tax team featured partners Danièle Buchler and Edouard Chapellier (Paris), counsel Leila Megdoud (Paris), managing associate Cyrielle Nis, and associates Pit Glesener and Andréa Midy (Paris). Also contributing were FRG partner Raoul Heinen and managing associate David Alexandre, Banking and Finance partner Melinda Perera, managing associate Thibaud Muller, associate Maëva N'Zogho, and litigation managing associate Louis-Eudes Giroux.
Montagu Private Equity is a leading European mid-market private equity firm, specializing in management buyouts of businesses valued between €200 million and €1 billion. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in London, the firm focuses on companies in essential sectors such as healthcare, data, financial services, digital infrastructure, and education. With over €12 billion in assets under management, Montagu partners with management teams to drive long-term growth through operational excellence and strategic investment.
Linklaters is a global law firm recognized for its deep expertise in banking, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and dispute resolution. Operating in over 21 countries, the firm advises multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments across the world’s major financial hubs. With nearly 200 years of experience, Linklaters has built a reputation for navigating clients through complex commercial, economic, and regulatory change. The firm is also known for its leadership in innovation, diversity, and sustainability, continuing to shape the future of the legal industry.
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More than 5,000 public employees in Washington state will not see the 3% pay increase that most other state workers will receive this July, a hard blow that stems from both a $28.5 million budget oversight and the collapse of contract negotiations with a key union.
For the affected employees, including those working in community colleges and various state agencies, the result is the same: no raise, no updated contract, and little clarity on what comes next.
The trouble began with a budgeting mistake. According to the Office of Financial Management (OFM), the state’s 2023–2025 budget mistakenly included duplicated funds meant for salary adjustments at community and technical colleges.
Placeholder dollars were never removed after final figures were approved, effectively inflating the budget by tens of millions of dollars.
Now, the state wants that money back.
But college officials say the funds have already been spent, used to cover operational costs, salaries, and program expenses. Reclaiming the $28.5 million would be devastating, they argue, leading to cuts, layoffs, and hiring freezes.
At the same time, nearly 5,000 state government and community college employees represented by the Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA) rejected a proposed two-year contract that included a 5% total wage increase 3% of it set to take effect this July.
Union members said the offer simply wasn’t good enough. With inflation outpacing wages and years of salary stagnation behind them, many demanded a 30% raise instead calling the proposal "out of touch" with the economic reality of public service workers.
Because the contract was voted down, employees covered by the WPEA’s general government and higher education bargaining units will not receive the 3% raise in July, unless a new agreement is reached soon.
Labor law experts say the situation illustrates two vulnerabilities: budget mismanagement and broken trust in the collective bargaining process. The overlap between financial planning errors and rejected union deals could have ripple effects, both legally and politically.
“It’s rare to see both a fiscal and contractual breakdown at the same time,” said an employment law professor at the University of Washington.
“If left unresolved, this could lead to legal challenges and possibly set precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.”
Some lawmakers have already called for emergency funding measures to shield colleges from the effects of the budget error. Meanwhile, the WPEA has said it’s open to returning to the bargaining table, but with firmer demands.
For workers caught in the middle, frustration is growing. Many had budgeted their lives around the expected raise, only to learn some via internal memos, that the money wouldn’t be coming.
In recent years, rising inflation has intensified demands for more substantial wage increases. In 2023, Washington’s inflation rate reached approximately 6.5%, placing immense pressure on unions to secure cost-of-living adjustments that reflect the realities of the state’s high cost of living, particularly in urban centers like Seattle and Olympia.
The Washington Public Employees Association (WPEA), a union affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), has represented state employees since 1963.
When members reject a proposed contract, as happened in this case, state law requires them to continue working under the terms of their previous agreement. That means wages remain stagnant until a new contract is successfully ratified.
Legal analysts point out that if a resolution isn’t reached soon, the situation could escalate into formal grievances, unfair labor practice complaints, or even legislative intervention.
The episode has already sparked wider concerns about fiscal oversight and the state’s responsibility to honor labor agreements, particularly in sectors where staffing shortages and burnout are already critical.
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A new paid sick leave law, overwhelmingly supported by Missouri voters, is set to take effect Thursday after the state’s Supreme Court gave it the green light.
In a ruling issued Tuesday, the court upheld Proposition A, the ballot measure that requires most employers to provide paid sick time and gradually increases the minimum wage. Although one judge took issue with the legal reasoning, all seven justices agreed: the law is valid and will move forward.
“There was no election irregularity and the election results are valid,” wrote Chief Justice Mary Russell in the court’s opinion.
The decision delivers a major blow to business groups that have fought the measure since it passed with nearly 58% of the vote in November. But with the court now out of reach, opponents are pressing lawmakers to act quickly and repeal the sick leave mandate before the legislative session ends in mid-May.
Under the new law, businesses with more than $500,000 in annual receipts must offer at least one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
Companies with fewer than 15 employees must allow workers to earn up to 40 hours annually, while larger employers will be required to provide at least 56 hours.
Advocates say the law represents a historic shift in Missouri labor policy - one that will bring relief to low-wage workers across the state who have long gone without even the most basic workplace protections.
“For years, we’ve been fighting for the right to stay home when we’re sick without losing a paycheck,” said Terrence Wise, a Kansas City fast-food worker and leader with the Missouri Workers Center. “This proves that when workers organize and speak up, we can win real change.”
According to the Missouri Budget Project, the new sick leave provisions will cover roughly 728,000 workers, over one-third of the state’s workforce.
The lawsuit that landed before the Missouri Supreme Court was brought by a coalition of business groups and individual plaintiffs. They argued the ballot measure violated state constitutional requirements by bundling unrelated subjects together and failing to provide a clear and accurate title.
But the justices dismissed those claims, ruling the court lacked jurisdiction to overturn the results of a certified election based on those grounds.
The ruling closes the door on further legal challenges to Prop A, at least for now.
Although business interests failed to stop the law in court, they are redoubling their efforts in Jefferson City.
A bill pending in the Missouri Senate, House Bill 567 - would roll back the sick leave requirement entirely. It would also freeze minimum wage increases once the rate hits $15 an hour in 2026, eliminating the inflation adjustment voters approved years ago.
Kara Corches, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, issued a statement immediately after Tuesday’s ruling, urging the General Assembly to act before it’s too late.
“In light of today’s decision, it is now imperative that the Missouri General Assembly pass HB 567.” she said.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Mike Bernskoetter (R-Jefferson City) and Rep. Sherri Gallick (R-Belton), cleared the House earlier this session but has since stalled in the Senate amid mounting opposition and procedural delays.
The Senate has become the latest arena for the fight over the future of Prop A. Democrats have used procedural tactics, including two extended filibusters this month, to block progress on the repeal bill.
Sen. Brian Williams, a Democrat from University City, took to the floor Tuesday morning and spoke for over two hours, accusing some lawmakers of breaking promises made during negotiations.
“There’s been bad faith, deception, and complete disregard for what Missouri voters supported,” he said. “This isn’t how democracy is supposed to work.”
Republican leadership, meanwhile, remains determined to push the bill through before the session adjourns on May 16. Senate President Pro Tem Cindy O’Laughlin (R-Shelbina) has been among the most vocal advocates for full repeal, arguing that the law is too burdensome for small business owners.
“It is financially burdensome, just short of devastating,” said Buddy Lahl, CEO of the Missouri Restaurant Association. “These are complex mandates for mom-and-pop operations already struggling to stay afloat.”
The ruling places Missouri among a growing number of states expanding worker protections through ballot initiatives, a trend that’s gained momentum in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. At least 15 states now require some form of paid sick leave, though requirements vary widely.
Supporters argue such policies not only benefit workers but also help public health by reducing the spread of illness in workplaces.
In Missouri, the law’s passage reflects a broader shift in public sentiment, particularly among low-wage and hourly workers who bore the brunt of the pandemic without access to basic benefits like sick days.
Labor organizers say Proposition A is part of a larger push to close those gaps and that the court’s decision reinforces the power of voter-led reform in states where legislative efforts have stalled.
Clifford Chance Names 31 New Partners in Latest Promotion
Clifford Chance announces the promotion of 31 lawyers to its global partnership, effective May 1, 2025, highlighting its commitment to nurturing top legal talent.
DLA Piper Advises Cantor Fitzgerald in $253M SPAC IPO
DLA Piper provides legal counsel to Cantor Fitzgerald on a significant $253 million SPAC IPO, marking a notable development in capital markets.
Schubert Jonckheer Investigates Estée Lauder Fraud Claims
Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP launches an investigation into Estée Lauder over alleged misleading statements related to gray-market sales in China.
UK, US Strike Houthis in Yemen as Red Sea Crisis Grows
The UK and US conduct joint airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen, aiming to address threats to international shipping in the Red Sea region.
Catherine Austin Fitts Exposes Legal Elites on Tucker Carlson
Catherine Austin Fitts discusses with Tucker Carlson the alleged betrayal by U.S. legal elites, offering a critical perspective on institutional dynamics.
