Businesses
Here's a look at documents from U.S. and international businesses
Featured Stories
Sportservice to Bring Inventive Banana-Themed Menus to Several MLB Ballparks During Savannah Bananas' Nationwide Tour
BUFFALO, New York, March 21 -- Delaware North issued the following news release:
* * *
Sportservice to bring inventive banana-themed menus to several MLB ballparks during Savannah Bananas' nationwide tour
Banana Ball is taking over the country, and as the Savannah Bananas continue their nationwide tour, Sportservice - the sports hospitality and retail division of Delaware North - is stepping up to the plate with a bold lineup of banana themed food and beverage offerings designed to match the team's one of a kind energy.
Across multiple Major League ballparks where Sportservice provides hospitality
... Show Full Article
BUFFALO, New York, March 21 -- Delaware North issued the following news release:
* * *
Sportservice to bring inventive banana-themed menus to several MLB ballparks during Savannah Bananas' nationwide tour
Banana Ball is taking over the country, and as the Savannah Bananas continue their nationwide tour, Sportservice - the sports hospitality and retail division of Delaware North - is stepping up to the plate with a bold lineup of banana themed food and beverage offerings designed to match the team's one of a kind energy.
Across multiple Major League ballparks where Sportservice provides hospitalityservices, the company's culinary leaders developed a national menu framework featuring inventive, banana-inspired items - from playful twists on ballpark classics to signature beverages.
Local Sportservice leadership teams at each host ballpark will select from that lineup to create menus tailored to their venue and fans. With all items served in Savannah Bananas-themed vessels - including a popcorn bucket that transforms into a banana hat - fans are encouraged to arrive early, as quantities are available while supplies last. A taste of what's to come this spring and summer can be found below.
Entrees:
* Split's Nacho Supreme - Tortilla chips piled high with seasoned ground beef, zesty banana peppers, creamy nacho cheese, salsa and a dollop of sour cream. (Also available as a 2-foot-long shareable item.)
* Havana Banana Hot Dog - A black angus beef hot dog wrapped in crispy bacon, topped with roasted banana peppers, Oaxaca cheese and fresh banana pepper pico de gallo, drizzled with zesty banana pepper aioli on a soft bun.
* Havana Banana Pork Sandwich - Roasted plantains layered with tender mojo-marinated pork, smoked ham, crispy onions, melted Swiss cheese and jalapeno aioli on a soft potato roll.
* Banana Baller Torta - Chicken topped with fresh arugula salad, charred pineapple salsa and aji criollo mayo, served between two crispy tostones.
Desserts:
* Banana Bomb - A battered, fried banana tossed in sweet cinnamon sugar, topped with whipped cream, rich dark chocolate and caramel drizzle, finished with a cherry on top.
* Banana Royale - A Banana Ball take on Dubai chocolate. A frozen banana dipped in rich pistachio cream, coated with a chocolate shell and finished with crunchy pistachio pieces.
* Savannah Bananas Donuts - Classic doughnuts drizzled with vanilla and chocolate icing, topped with banana candies. (Also available as a 2-foot-long shareable item with 20 bite-sized donuts.)
Shareables:
* Savannah Sandwich Sampler - Three unique sandwiches tailored to the Savannah Bananas fan, including a Banana Baller Torta, Havana Banana Dog and Havana Banana Pork Sandwich.
Specialty Beverages:
* Banana Ball - White rum, Real banana puree and sparkling water, garnished with a Tajin rim and a dehydrated banana. (Available in concessions).
* Banana Bread Carajillo - Licor 43, Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur, Real banana puree, cold brew coffee and a splash of vanilla, garnished with cinnamon and a dehydrated banana. (Premium)
* Banana Old Fashioned - bourbon, Real banana puree and bitters, garnished with a dehydrated banana. (Premium)
* Savannah Bananas Beer - Ale brewed with ripe bananas and fermented on Bananza yeast. Layers of banana candy, balanced with a light and crisp finish.
Each ballpark will have limited quantities of select items listed above. Fans can catch select menu items at:
* Petco Park, San Diego - March 21-22 (Savannah Bananas vs. Loco Beach Coconuts)
* Truist Park, Atlanta - May 8-10 (Party Animals vs. Savannah Bananas)
* American Family Field, Milwaukee - June 6-7 (Party Animals vs. Loco Beach Coconuts)
* Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati - June 19-21 (Indianapolis Clowns vs. Savannah Bananas)
* Target Field, Minnesota - August 8-9 (Loco Beach Coconuts vs. Savannah Bananas)
* Busch Stadium, St. Louis - August 21-22 (Savannah Bananas vs. Loco Beach Coconuts)
* Comerica Park, Detroit - September 18-19 (Party Animals vs. Firefighters)
* Globe Life Field, Texas - September 25-27 (Texas Tailgaters vs. Savannah Bananas)
* Progressive Field, Cleveland - September 25-26 (Party Animals vs. Indianapolis Clowns)
* * *
Original text here: https://media.delawarenorth.com/sportservice-to-bring-inventive-banana-themed-menus-to-several-mlb-ballparks-during-savannah-bananas-nationwide-tour/
[Category: BizTravel]
SRP's Community Irrigation Revitalization Initiative Supported by $275,000 Grant from the James M. Cox Foundation
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 21 [Category: BizEnergy] -- The Salt River Project, a public power utility and electricity provider, issued the following news:
* * *
SRP's Community Irrigation Revitalization Initiative Supported by $275,000 Grant from the James M. Cox Foundation
*
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) has been awarded a $275,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation in support of Salt River Project's Community Irrigation Revitalization Initiative (CIRI). The investment supports ongoing work to modernize and upgrade the private flood irrigation system in a South Phoenix neighborhood
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 21 [Category: BizEnergy] -- The Salt River Project, a public power utility and electricity provider, issued the following news:
* * *
SRP's Community Irrigation Revitalization Initiative Supported by $275,000 Grant from the James M. Cox Foundation
*
The Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) has been awarded a $275,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation in support of Salt River Project's Community Irrigation Revitalization Initiative (CIRI). The investment supports ongoing work to modernize and upgrade the private flood irrigation system in a South Phoenix neighborhood- an underserved community facing significant economic barriers and designated as a high-poverty census tract.
The Estrella-Rancho and Monte Vista Gardens neighborhoods face longstanding infrastructure challenges because the private flood irrigation systems, built between the 1920s and 1970s, have far exceeded their intended lifespan. System failures lead to inefficient water use, neighborhood flooding, safety concerns, and loss of community green space. CIRI helps address these challenges by providing upfront infrastructure improvements and long-term irrigation support, advancing water efficiency for up to 238 homes and enabling the community to save an estimated 76 million gallons of water over five years.
"We are grateful for the James M. Cox Foundation's support of this project as it delivers meaningful environmental and community benefits to Phoenix neighborhoods," said Susan Anable, Phoenix Market Vice President, Cox Communications. "Cox has a longstanding local partnership with SRP, one built on a history of shared commitments - from advancing sustainable energy to supporting critical water conservation efforts. Revitalizing these irrigation systems reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and conservation by helping reduce water waste, protect from flooding, and maintain vital green spaces in the community."
CIRI is part of SRP's commitment to conserve 5 billion gallons of water as part of their 2035 Sustainability Goals. Responsibility for the long-term maintenance of the private flood irrigation system will remain with the neighborhood.
"CIRI is an impactful new initiative rooted in SRP's commitment to empowering water conservation in our community," Elvy Barton, SRP Senior Manager of Water and Forest Sustainability said. "We are grateful for the generous grant from the James M. Cox Foundation that significantly increases the scope and scale of this vital work, demonstrating the power of partnerships to solve complex community challenges. Together, we can create meaningful water savings, improve access to affordable irrigation, and contribute to a stronger foundation for long-term neighborhood resilience."
The James M. Cox Foundation grant supports Phases 2, 3 and 4 of the project, covering 44% of the estimated cost to repair and modernize the aging private flood irrigation system.
***
Original text here: https://media.srpnet.com/srps-community-irrigation-revitalization-initiative-supported-by--275000-grant-from-the-james-m-cox-foundation/
IHeartMedia World Premieres New Singles From BTS, Muse
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 21 -- iHeartMedia issued the following news release:
* * *
iHeartMedia World Premieres New Singles from BTS, Muse; Launches "Bob Kingsley's Countdown Classics"
iHeartMedia recently highlighted new music and artists alike with special programming, including new World Premiere debuts and more.
This week, BTS's new single "Swim" had a World Premiere debut on March 20 across all iHeartRadio CHR and Hot AC stations, and Muse's new single "Be With You" had a World Premiere debut on March 19 across all iHeartRadio Alt stations.
Additionally, iHeartRadio launched "Bob Kingsley's
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, March 21 -- iHeartMedia issued the following news release:
* * *
iHeartMedia World Premieres New Singles from BTS, Muse; Launches "Bob Kingsley's Countdown Classics"
iHeartMedia recently highlighted new music and artists alike with special programming, including new World Premiere debuts and more.
This week, BTS's new single "Swim" had a World Premiere debut on March 20 across all iHeartRadio CHR and Hot AC stations, and Muse's new single "Be With You" had a World Premiere debut on March 19 across all iHeartRadio Alt stations.
Additionally, iHeartRadio launched "Bob Kingsley'sCountdown Classics" this week, a new streaming station dedicated to the legendary countdown show hosted by one of country radio's most beloved voices, Bob Kingsley. Fans can listen to classic episodes of the Bob Kingsley Country Top 40 countdown show anytime by opening the iHeartRadio app and searching "Bob Kingsley."
For the latest news, music fans can download the iHeartRadio app; follow iHeartRadio on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X, Facebook and YouTube; and visit iHeartRadio.com.
* * *
About iHeartMedia, Inc.
iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, with nine out of ten Americans listening to iHeart broadcast radio in every month. iHeart's broadcast radio assets alone have a larger audience in the U.S. than any other media outlet and over four times the ad-enabled audience of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to both Podtrac and Triton, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined, has the most recognizable live events across all genres of music, has the number one social footprint among audio players, has the highest-reach and most engaged influencers, and is the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.iheartmedia.com/press/iheartmedia-world-premieres-new-singles-bts-muse-launches-bob-kingsleys-countdown-classics
[Category: BizMedia]
Hilton To Double Lifestyle Portfolio in EMEA
MCLEAN, Virginia, March 21 -- Hilton Worldwide Holdings posted the following news release:
* * *
Hilton To Double Lifestyle Portfolio in EMEA
More than 100 lifestyle properties now trading across Europe, Middle East & Africa, with a further 100 in the pipeline
*
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is set to grow its lifestyle portfolio to more than 200 trading and pipeline properties in EMEA. As part of this growth, the company has announced multiple new signings across its lifestyle and Collection brand portfolio, including the debut for Motto by Hilton in France and Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Germany.
With
... Show Full Article
MCLEAN, Virginia, March 21 -- Hilton Worldwide Holdings posted the following news release:
* * *
Hilton To Double Lifestyle Portfolio in EMEA
More than 100 lifestyle properties now trading across Europe, Middle East & Africa, with a further 100 in the pipeline
*
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is set to grow its lifestyle portfolio to more than 200 trading and pipeline properties in EMEA. As part of this growth, the company has announced multiple new signings across its lifestyle and Collection brand portfolio, including the debut for Motto by Hilton in France and Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Germany.
Withowner demand and traveller appetite for experience-led stays continuing to rise, Hilton has now surpassed 100 trading lifestyle hotels across EMEA, reinforcing lifestyle as one of the company's most dynamic growth segments.
Hilton's lifestyle portfolio in the region has more than doubled over the past three years, driven by both new build and conversion opportunities across urban, resort and culturally significant destinations. This growth reflects increasing demand for brands that combine distinctive, locally inspired experiences with the scale, performance and commercial strength of Hilton's global platform.
Building on this momentum, Hilton plans to more than double its lifestyle presence across EMEA with more than 100 additional hotels under development.
Simon Vincent, executive vice president and president, EMEA, Hilton, said, "Our Lifestyle and Collection brands continue to be a powerful growth engine for Hilton, combining distinctive, locally rooted experiences with the scale and strength of our platform. Having surpassed 100 lifestyle hotels trading across EMEA, we expect to more than double our presence in the years ahead. Today's seven signings, including the first Motto by Hilton in France and Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Germany, reflect both the breadth of opportunity and the strong confidence owners have in Hilton."
As part of this continued growth, Hilton is announcing seven new lifestyle signings across Europe. These signings further strengthen Hilton's presence across the region and highlight the flexibility of its lifestyle portfolio across a wide range of markets and destination types.
Motto by Hilton Paris La Villette
The hotel will mark the debut of the Motto by Hilton brand in France. Located directly opposite Halles de la Villette, the 153 room new-build hotel is scheduled to open in 2028. The hotel will embody Motto's "plugged into place" ethos, combining cleverly designed, flexible guest rooms - including a high proportion of connecting rooms - with social-centric food and drink spaces created to be part of the local scene. Anchored by an original bar and restaurant concept and designed to encourage connection throughout the day, the hotel will offer guests a dynamic, community-driven stay. The project is developed by Groupe Galia with Studio Belem as architect and Cigue as interior designer.
Hotel Ventura Saint-Tropez, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
The hotel is set to open this summer, offering guests a relaxed, leisure-focused stay in one of the Cote d'Azur's most iconic destinations. The hotel will feature a lobby bar, breakfast room and fitness area, while all 97 guest rooms will include a balcony, many also offering a kitchenette. Located in the heart of the old town and port, the hotel is within walking distance of popular landmarks such as the Citadel and the port and well positioned for exploring the wider Southern France coastline, with easy access to Marseille, Cannes and Nice. The property is developed and will be operated by Sohoma.
Quiete Taormina Naxos, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Set to open in summer 2026, the hotel will bring 103 rooms to a prime location overlooking the Bay of Capo Taormina. Located in the municipality of Giardini Naxos, the property will offer convenient connections to Taormina and the area's key cultural attractions. Reflecting Tapestry Collection by Hilton's focus on authentic experiences, the hotel will feature two restaurants with locally inspired food and drink, three outdoor swimming pools, a spa with an indoor pool, landscaped gardens, event space for up to 500 guests and a dedicated beach club, creating a vibrant stay for all guests.
Cologne City Centre, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
This hotel will mark the brand debut of Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Germany when it opens in 2027. Centrally located close to Cologne Cathedral and Museum Ludwig, the property will feature 183 guest rooms, alongside a bar and breakfast area offering locally inspired culinary experiences, and a fully equipped fitness space with Peloton bikes and high-quality strength, core and cardio equipment. Positioned within walking distance of the city's cultural attractions and surrounded by an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars and nightlife, the hotel will offer guests a vibrant gateway to one of Germany's most dynamic cities.
Cork City Centre, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Cork City Centre, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, will comprise of 103 stylish guest rooms, including a mix of standard rooms and extended-stay accommodation with kitchenettes, and will be located on South Terrace, in the heart of Cork city. Expected to open in 2027, the new-build property will offer a distinctive, design-forward experience, complemented by a restaurant and breakfast area, a bar, and a fitness space. Ideally positioned within walking distance of Cork's cultural attractions, business district, universities and transport links, the hotel is designed to appeal to both leisure and business travellers.
Hotel Paris Vaugirard, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hotel Paris Vaugirard, Tapestry Collection by Hilton will join Hilton's portfolio of independent, original hotels. Moments from Porte de Versailles, the 89-room hotel is scheduled to open in 2027 following a full refurbishment of a historic Haussmann-style building. Reflecting the "individually vibrant" ethos of Tapestry Collection by Hilton, the hotel will feature thoughtfully designed guest rooms and a ground floor food and beverage venue inspired by the local neighbourhood. The property is developed and will be operated by Sohoma.
New Continental Plymouth, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Originally built in 1865 and recognised as one of Plymouth's oldest hotels, long celebrated for hosting performers, dancers, and musicians, the New Continental Plymouth will join Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Ideally located in Plymouth city centre on Millbay Road, the hotel will feature 120 fully renovated guest rooms, along with meeting facilities, a fitness centre, and a restaurant and bar. Scheduled to open in spring 2027, the hotel will provide an ideal base for exploring Devon's south coast with Plymouth Hoe less than a 10 minute walk away, as well as nearby bars, restaurants and cafes.
Both Collection brands have delivered strong growth across EMEA in recent years. Curio Collection has more than doubled its presence over the past five years, as owners increasingly seek distinctive, one-of-a-kind hotels supported by Hilton's strong commercial engine. Recent and upcoming openings for the brand include The BoTree London, Curio Collection by Hilton; Palacio de Godoy Caceres, Curio Collection by Hilton; The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton; Hotel Palacio Bellas Artes San Sebastian, Curio Collection by Hilton and Elika Cave Suites Cappadocia, Curio Collection by Hilton - Hilton's first cave hotel.
Tapestry Collection by Hilton has also expanded rapidly, with its EMEA portfolio more than doubling over the past three years, driven by conversion demand and the brand's individualised positioning. Zaria Court Kigali, Tapestry Collection by Hilton marked the brand's Sub-Saharan Africa debut, while The Ritus Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, which opened in 2025, signalled the brand's entry into Turkiye.
Hilton's lifestyle momentum is further reinforced by the continued expansion of Canopy by Hilton. The brand now has 32 properties trading or in the pipeline across vibrant neighbourhoods in key gateway cities and leisure destinations across the region, including its recent debut in Turkiye. Meanwhile, Tempo by Hilton - Hilton's contemporary lifestyle brand introduced to EMEA in 2025 - already has six properties in the pipeline, including its Middle East debut with Tempo by Hilton Riyadh Al Narjis.
Guests of all Hilton properties benefit from the award-winning Hilton Honors guest loyalty programme, allowing nearly 250 million members who book directly with Hilton to earn Points for hotel stays and experiences, alongside benefits such as contactless check-in with room selection and exclusive member discounts.
This growth in EMEA is bolstered by Hilton's recently announced exclusive agreement with YOTEL filling a distinct customer need in the growing lifestyle segment, as part of its newly launched Select by Hilton brand.
* * *
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 27 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 143 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the nearly 250 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
* * *
Original text here: https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-to-double-lifestyle-portfolio-in-emea
[Category: BizTravel]
Fisher Phillips Issues Commentary: Japan Expands Gender Pay Data Reporting Rules - What Employers Need to Know for 2026
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 21 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 20, 2026, by visiting legal professional Gustavo Jose Villaca Borin Gaviao De Almeida and partner Nan Sato:
* * *
Japan Expands Gender Pay Data Reporting Rules: What Employers Need to Know for 2026
If you have operations in Japan with more than 100 employees, your disclosure obligations are changing this spring. While Japan has required larger employers to publicly report gender pay data since 2022, the framework will be expanding to cover more companies, as well as an additional data point (the
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 21 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 20, 2026, by visiting legal professional Gustavo Jose Villaca Borin Gaviao De Almeida and partner Nan Sato:
* * *
Japan Expands Gender Pay Data Reporting Rules: What Employers Need to Know for 2026
If you have operations in Japan with more than 100 employees, your disclosure obligations are changing this spring. While Japan has required larger employers to publicly report gender pay data since 2022, the framework will be expanding to cover more companies, as well as an additional data point (theratio of women in management). Depending on your headcount in Japan, this could bring new reporting obligations that you'll need to put together soon. Here's what you need to know about the law, what changed, and the steps you should consider taking ahead of April 1.
Quick Background
Japan's Act on Promotion of Women's Participation and Career Advancement in the Workplace has been on the books since 2016, but its reporting requirements for businesses with at least 101 employees have grown over time.
Companies with more than 300 employees have been required since 2022 to publicly report their gender pay gap between male and female employees each year. The data collected includes base wages, bonuses, and allowances for the overall workforce, as well as a separate analysis for certain employee groups, like full-time employees and part-time or fixed-term employees. Publicly traded companies have also had to include this data in their annual securities filings since January 2023.
Notably, companies with more than 100 employees in Japan have been required to create a general employer action plan to share with the public and to file with the government for review, including information on the measures taken to improve workplace gender equality. They also need to disclose certain information about workplace opportunities and work-life balance, and the required disclosure items vary based on employer size.
What's Changing?
This year, the reporting requirements will be expanded in two ways, effective April 1:
* Companies with more than 300 employees must now disclose the ratio of women in management in addition to their prior reporting obligations.
* Companies with 101 to 300 employees must begin disclosing both the ratio of female managers and their gender pay gap data for the first time.
These disclosure requirements supplement existing disclosure obligations effective April 1, 2026. As in prior years, data should be reported within three months of the fiscal year-end.
Why is it Important?
The goal of this law is to promote participation and advancement of women in the workforce. Guiding principles focus on:
* providing opportunities to hire and promote women;
* creating an environment where women and men can balance work and family life; and
* respecting women's choices on balance between work and family life.
Japan has expanded the law gradually, with the latest changes impacting more employers and requiring additional reporting. Since these disclosures need to be published on your company website or a government portal, job seekers, investors, clients, and competitors can view them. So, in addition to being a best practice, closing the gender pay gap will impact how people perceive your organization.
Your 7-Step Compliance Plan
1. Determine if reporting requirements apply. If you have more than 300 employees in Japan and you're already reporting on gender pay gaps, you'll need to add the new management ratio requirement. If your headcount is in the 101 to 300 range, note that existing obligations still apply, but you should now review the expanded requirements and develop a system to gather and report this information annually. If your employee population is near the 100 employee threshold, you may want to consult an attorney to determine when the obligations are triggered.
2. Develop your general action plan. All employers with more than 100 employees are required to maintain and disclose an action plan with defined goals, measures, and an analysis of challenges facing female employees.
3. Audit your pay data and HR systems. Ahead of your reporting window, it's a good idea to run a preliminary analysis of your gender pay data. Make sure your HR systems properly capture this information for your overall workforce, and that it can be sorted based on full-time, part-time, or fixed-term employment. You'll also need to ensure your payroll system captures base wages, bonuses, and allowances, as needed for the reporting requirements.
4. Properly designate managers. Be sure your records indicate whether an employee is considered a manager under the law, so the share of women in manager-level roles can be measured against your total management population.
5. Communicate your improvement plan effectively. In addition to disclosing gender pay gap data, you'll need to report certain information on the measures you've taken to improve gender equity in your workplace. Your legal, HR, and communications teams should work together to create an honest, constructive, and compliant report.
6. Confirm your disclosure channels. Disclosures should appear on your company website or a designated government platform, such as the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan's Database on Promotion of Women's Participation and Advancement in the Workplace. In addition to being made available to the general public, action plans must also be submitted to employment authorities for review.
7. Work with legal counsel. Reach out to your FP attorney to help you navigate new workplace laws and create a compliance plan.
Conclusion
We'll continue to monitor developments and provide the most up-to-date information directly to your inbox, so make sure you are subscribed to Fisher Phillips' Insight System. If you have questions, contact your Fisher Phillips attorney, the authors of this Insight, or any attorney in our Tokyo office or International Practice Group.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/insights/japan-expands-gender-pay-data-reporting-rules
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fisher Phillips Issues Commentary: Can Your AI Chat History Be Used Against You in a Lawsuit? 5 Practical Takeaways for Employers as Courts Start to Split
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 21 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 20, 2026, by executive partner of the management committee Danielle H. Moore, chief knowledge and innovation officer Evan Shenkman and partners Keia James Atkinson and Usama Kahf:
* * *
Can Your AI Chat History Be Used Against You in a Lawsuit? 5 Practical Takeaways for Employers as Courts Start to Split
If you or your employees use ChatGPT or other generative artificial intelligence to help during a lawsuit, are the AI chat histories and other archived data fair game during discovery, or are
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, March 21 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following commentary on March 20, 2026, by executive partner of the management committee Danielle H. Moore, chief knowledge and innovation officer Evan Shenkman and partners Keia James Atkinson and Usama Kahf:
* * *
Can Your AI Chat History Be Used Against You in a Lawsuit? 5 Practical Takeaways for Employers as Courts Start to Split
If you or your employees use ChatGPT or other generative artificial intelligence to help during a lawsuit, are the AI chat histories and other archived data fair game during discovery, or arethey protected by the attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine? As the use of GenAI tools expands into business operations and transforms employment litigation, more courts are beginning to address this critical question. We'll cover two recent federal court decisions that reached nearly opposite conclusions and offer five practical takeaways for employers.
Quick Background
During the discovery phase of a lawsuit, the parties are required to collect and exchange evidence, including electronically stored information (ESI) to understand the facts of the case. However, discovery requests are limited by relevance, proportionality, and other rules, and certain materials and communications are protected. For example:
* The attorney-client privilege shields certain communications from discovery if they are between a client and their attorney, intentionally kept confidential, and for the purpose of obtaining or providing legal advice.
* The work product doctrine protects certain materials from discovery if they were prepared in anticipation of litigation, such as legal strategies, notes, and analyses.
Just as we predicted in our FP Forecast 2026, AI-generated ESI - especially from notetakers, meeting summaries, auto-drafted emails, and chat assistants - is becoming a core discovery battlefield in employment cases, as highlighted by two recent cases discussed below. We also recently covered how the rise of the "ChatGPT plaintiff" and how AI is transforming employment litigation, driving up defense costs, and what in-house counsel can do about it.
Warner v. Gilbarco, Inc. - Pro Se Plaintiff's ChatGPT Interactions Were Protected "Work Product"
In an ongoing employment discrimination case, a federal court in Michigan ruled on February 10 that materials reflecting the pro se plaintiff's use of ChatGPT to help draft filings for the lawsuit were protected by the work-product doctrine.
Key Facts and Arguments
A woman sued her former employer in 2024, alleging gender, race, and national origin discrimination, as well as retaliation, under Michigan and federal law. She filed her suit pro se, which means she represented herself without the aid of a lawyer. During discovery, the company asked the court to compel the plaintiff (who admitted during a deposition to using ChatGPT to help draft filings for the lawsuit) to produce "all documents and information concerning her use of third-party AI tools in connection with this lawsuit" - including, for example, her prompts/queries and the AI outputs.
* The company argued that the ChatGPT materials were relevant, discoverable, and not protected by the work product doctrine since the plaintiff is self-represented and not an attorney, and because she voluntarily disclosed such information to ChatGPT, a third party. In a December 23 court filing, the company claimed that "any ruling to the contrary would effectively confer upon generative AI tools the status of 'attorney,' and would give plaintiffs the encouragement and license to displace actual human lawyers with generative AI tools and assert privilege and work product protections for all communications with the tool."
* The plaintiff objected, arguing that such discovery requests were for her "internal analysis and mental impressions - i.e., her thought process - rather than any existing document or evidence, which is not discoverable as a matter of law."
How the Court Ruled
The court rejected the company's arguments and sided with the plaintiff, holding that the ChatGPT materials were not discoverable because they were not relevant (or, even if relevant, not proportional) and, in any event, protected by the work-product doctrine.
* The court said that the pro se plaintiff was permitted to assert work-product protection, and that she did not waive it by using ChatGPT because such waiver must be "to an adversary or in a way likely to get in an adversary's hand" and "ChatGPT (and other generative AI programs) are tools, not persons, even if they may have administrators somewhere in the background."
* The court also agreed with the plaintiff that the company's theory "would nullify work-product protection in nearly every modern drafting environment, a result no court has endorsed."
The court therefore denied the company's request for the court to overrule the plaintiff's attorney-client privilege and work-product objections to the AI materials, though it did not specifically address the privilege issue.
United States v. Heppner - No Privilege or Protection for Criminal Defendant's AI-Generated Legal Advice
One week after the Warner v. Gilbarco decision, a federal district court in New York reached a much different conclusion. This court held that when an AI user communicates with a publicly available AI platform in connection with a pending criminal investigation, the communications are not protected by attorney-client privilege or the work product doctrine. While the circumstances in this case are much different than those in the case discussed above, the court's take demonstrates how disputes around whether certain AI materials are privileged or protected may play out differently across jurisdictions.
Key Facts and Arguments
After Bradley Heppner was indicted on various fraud-related charges, FBI agents arrested him and executed a search warrant at his home. During that search, the agents seized numerous documents and electronic devices, including documents reflecting Heppner's communications with Claude, a GenAI platform operated by Anthropic. (Heppner pleaded not guilty to all charges and is awaiting trial, which is set to begin in April).
* The defendant's counsel asserted privilege over the Claude communications, claiming that Heppner created those documents for the purpose of speaking with counsel to obtain legal advice and by inputting information he had learned from counsel. The attorney, however, admitted that he had not directed Heppner to run Claude searches.
* The government agreed to temporarily set the Claude documents aside and asked the court for a ruling that neither the attorney-client privilege nor the work product document protected the Claude documents.
How the Court Ruled
The court held that the Claude communications were not protected by the attorney-client privilege because they were:
* not between Heppner and his counsel - and the court even quoted this recent commentary (JOLT Digest) to suggest that communications with platforms like Claude could never be privileged because all recognized privileges require "a trusting human relationship."
* not confidential, especially given that Claude users must consent to the company's privacy policy, which states that Anthropic reserves the right to collect users' inputs and Claude's outputs and disclose it to various third parties - including governmental regulatory authorities.
* not created by Heppner for the purpose of obtaining legal advice, as his lawyer did not direct him to communicate with Claude (though the court noted that if that had been the case, this third prong would've been a closer call as "Claude might arguably be said to have functioned in a manner akin to a highly trained professional who may act as a lawyer's agent within the protection of the attorney-client privilege").
The court also ruled that the work-product doctrine did not apply because even if the Claude documents were prepared "in anticipation of litigation," Heppner was not acting as his counsel's agent because he "communicated with Claude of his own volition" (and his counsel conceded that the Claude documents did not reflect his strategy at the time they were created).
5 Practical Takeaways for Employers
Though these cases reflect two courts' initial forays into this very new subject matter, a split appears to be emerging over whether interactions with generative AI tools can be protected by the attorney-client privilege or the work-product doctrine. As a result, employers may benefit from reassessing how GenAI is used across their organizations. Here are five steps you should consider taking now to help protect - or, when advantageous, leverage - AI-related materials in litigation:
* Vet your AI vendor before deploying their technology. When choosing an AI vendor for your organization, evaluate critical areas to ensure the AI system won't bring you any unanticipated legal liability and disastrous reputational harm. (For example, the Heppner decision highlights how using AI platforms may be viewed as disclosing information to a third party - potentially waiving privilege.) We covered the essential questions to ask your AI vendor, and for more personalized assistance throughout the entire selection process, contact a member of our AI, Data, and Analytics Team.
* Limit or ban GenAI usage for sensitive or confidential HR matters. AI use for business purposes or day-to-day operations is unlikely to be viewed by courts as privileged information, so you should consider training your managers and HR staff to limit or avoid AI use for hiring, firing, or other personnel matters that could potentially become relevant in litigation. This may be especially true in jurisdictions seeking to regulate, if not outright ban, the use of AI when making such determinations (such as in California, where lawmakers are once again considering a "No Robo Bosses" bill - read more here). Beyond HR-specific protocols, make sure to refresh your broader policies as needed (here are 10 things all workplace AI policies should include).
* Tread carefully when using AI for legal advice. You should train your leadership (from C-level executives to day-to-day managers) on the risks tied to using GenAI for legal advice. When non-lawyers use GenAI to research the issues in a new legal claim or to help draft their communications with a plaintiff's attorney before they have engaged defense counsel or without the involvement of legal counsel, all of those AI chat histories could very likely be discoverable and potentially become evidence that could be used against the company in court. Consider enacting policies for management that require any AI use for legal advice to be directed or approved by in-house or outside counsel and conducted within secure, company-approved systems. Searches and queries should be clearly labeled as prepared at the direction of counsel - but again, tread carefully here as this is a new and unsettled area of the law.
* Anticipate discovery risks and determine the impact on record retention. Work with counsel to identify where AI data resides and how to preserve it appropriately. If you have questions, contact any member of our eDiscovery and Digital Workplace team.
* Make AI-related discovery requests when advantageous. If opposing parties have used AI tools, their prompts and outputs could potentially be discoverable if they are relevant to the claims or defenses in the case. As the use of GenAI becomes more ubiquitous, employees are likely to rely on it for answers to their everyday questions outside their areas of expertise, including legal issues. We recommend working with counsel to challenge privilege claims, especially if the plaintiff used third-party AI tools without any attorney direction.
Want more? Last month, the DOL released a roadmap for training workers for AI literacy, and FP's Dave Walton testified on Capitol Hill about what responsible AI use means for employers. Our attorneys also recently covered best employer practices for using AI-driven tools to screen resumes, moderate job interviews, conduct gamified hiring assessments, scan candidates' social media, boost employee engagement and retention, and support employee performance management.
Conclusion
This emerging question - whether AI-generated legal advice can be protected by the attorney-client privilege or work-product doctrine - is poised to become a frequently litigated issue and may be treated inconsistently across jurisdictions. We will continue to monitor developments in this area and provide updates as warranted, so make sure you are subscribed to Fisher Phillips' Insight System to get the most up-to-date information directly to your inbox. If you have questions, please contact your Fisher Phillips attorney, the authors of this Insight, or any member of our Litigation Practice Group or our AI, Data, and Analytics Practice Group.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/insights/can-your-ai-chat-history-be-used-against-you-in-a-lawsuit
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
FiscalNote Expands Access to Its U.S. Policy Intelligence Across Asian Markets Through Partnership With Advisory Arm of Leading Korean Law Firm, D&A LLC
WASHINGTON, March 21 [Category: BizComputer Technology] -- FiscalNote, a technology company, posted the following news release on March 20, 2026:
* * *
FiscalNote Expands Access to its U.S. Policy Intelligence Across Asian Markets through Partnership with Advisory Arm of Leading Korean Law Firm, D&A LLC
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Establishes Foundation for Long-Term Collaboration to Expand Access to Trusted U.S. Legislative and Regulatory Intelligence Across Asia
*
FiscalNote Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NOTE), a global leader in AI-driven policy and regulatory intelligence, today announced
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 21 [Category: BizComputer Technology] -- FiscalNote, a technology company, posted the following news release on March 20, 2026:
* * *
FiscalNote Expands Access to its U.S. Policy Intelligence Across Asian Markets through Partnership with Advisory Arm of Leading Korean Law Firm, D&A LLC
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Establishes Foundation for Long-Term Collaboration to Expand Access to Trusted U.S. Legislative and Regulatory Intelligence Across Asia
*
FiscalNote Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: NOTE), a global leader in AI-driven policy and regulatory intelligence, today announceda Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with D&A Advisory LLC, the Washington, D.C.-based consulting arm of D&A LLC, one of South Korea's premier law firms. The MOU establishes a foundation for long- term collaboration to bring FiscalNote's authoritative U.S. policy intelligence to Korean and Asian enterprises, law firms, and government affairs professionals across Asia.
As Korean and Asian organizations face an increasingly complex and consequential U.S. policy environment -- shaped by sweeping tariff actions, supply chain legislation, AI governance frameworks, and shifting trade and foreign policy priorities -- the demand for real-time, authoritative intelligence on Washington has never been greater. Organizations operating at the intersection of Asia and the United States require more than headlines. They require structured, verified, and actionable intelligence they can act on with confidence.
Through this MOU, D&A's clients will gain access to PolicyNote's full suite of U.S. policy intelligence capabilities, drawing on the trusted reporting and analysis of CQ and Roll Call, the gold standard for U.S. congressional intelligence. The parties have also agreed to collaborate on go-to-market strategies, transaction models, and joint initiatives to further expand the reach of U.S. policy intelligence across Asia.
This MOU reflects FiscalNote's continued commitment to expanding access to authoritative U.S. policy intelligence across Asia, meeting the growing demand from Korean and Asian organizations that require a trusted, real-time window into Washington.
"The organizations that win in today's environment are the ones that can see Washington clearly in real time, with depth, and with trust," said Josh Resnik, CEO and President of FiscalNote. "Asian enterprises and institutions are making decisions every day that are shaped by what happens in Congress, in federal agencies, and in state capitals across America. FiscalNote exists to give those decision-makers the intelligence layer they need. Signing this MOU with D&A, one of Korea's most respected legal and advisory institutions, is the right way to bring that intelligence where it's needed most."
D&A's Policy Navigator Reports, a flagship subscription product co-developed by D&A Advisory and D&A LLC to provide clients with structured intelligence on U.S. policy developments, will cite FiscalNote and CQ & Roll Call as the source of policy data, reflecting the parties' commitment to transparency and the attribution of authoritative
intelligence. These reports are widely subscribed to by a diverse range of Korean clients, including large private sector entities like Hyosung (a major South Korean industrial conglomerate with roughly $11 billion in annual sales) and public sector clients like the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in the United States.
"U.S. policy has never been more directly consequential for Korean business and government," said Hochang Song, Partner and Director of U.S. Strategy Division, D&A LLC. "Our clients need more than analysis. They need a continuous, trusted window into the legislative and regulatory forces shaping the American market. This collaboration with FiscalNote gives our clients that advantage, and I am proud to bring it to them."
* * *
About FiscalNote
FiscalNote (NYSE: NOTE), the global leader in AI-driven policy intelligence, delivers its deep expertise in legislative tracking, regulatory analysis, and stakeholder engagement through PolicyNote, its flagship platform. Built to ensure the most complete, real-time view of the policy landscape, PolicyNote delivers synthesized, expert-driven analysis integrated with AI-powered monitoring, fueled by the trusted analysis and reporting of CQ and Roll Call, and the grassroots mobilization power of VoterVoice. From the committee room to the board room, FiscalNote's PolicyNote Suite ensures every user has the unmatched clarity and speed needed to understand and impact policy.
* * *
Original text here: https://fiscalnote.com/newsroom/fiscalnote-expands-access-to-its-u-s-policy-intelligence-across-asian-markets-through-partnership-with-advisory-arm-of-leading-korean-law-firm-d-a-llc
