FTC Proposes Rule Banning Non-Compete Clauses Nationwide

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposed a ban on the use of non-compete provisions in employment contracts. The ban would also require employers to nullify any existing non-compete clauses within six months of activation. The proposed rule applies to all employees and independent contractors, paid and unpaid workers, and businesses of all sizes and location. This is a far-reaching move that has the potential to raise wages and increase competition among businesses.

Kraken Settles with the SEC in a $30 Million Deal

Sophie Shapiro Associate Editor Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024 Kraken will pay $30 million to settle SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) allegations that it broke the agency’s rules with its cryptoasset staking products and will discontinue them in the United States as part of the agreement with the regulator. What is Kraken? …
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U.S. Sanctions Nine Companies Involved in Iranian Oil Operations

Hannah Newman   Associate Editor   Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024  On February 9, 2023, the United States imposed sanctions on companies accused of producing, selling, and shipping hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of Iranian petrochemicals and petroleum. Iran, a major producer of hydrocarbons, holds some of the world’s largest deposits of oil …
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Too Big to Fail?: Ticketmaster and the Live Entertainment Debacle

After months of near-total silence, Beyonce opened Black History Month with a bang when she finally blessed the Beehive with what they had been impatiently waiting for since the release of her seventh studio album: the announcement of the Renaissance World Tour. Her loyal fans have been anticipating this news since Renaissance was released too much acclaim at the end of July 2022. However, alongside anticipation, fans are battling a strong feeling of anxiety at the prospect of not being able to secure tickets for the coveted shows. And no wonder. Ticketmaster – the vendor through which tickets for the Renaissance tour are being sold – recently, and very publicly, bungled another highly awaited ticket sale.

Regulating the Black Experience

Taelor Thornton Associate Editor Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024 Advanced Placement (AP) Music History, AP World History, AP Art History, AP European History, and now AP African American History. The College Board (the Board) offers 39 AP classes on many different subjects, and has recently added an African American history course. The …
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A Blizzard of Controversy: Activision-Blizzard Settles with the SEC Amid Controversy

A Blizzard of Controversy: Activision-Blizzard Settles with the SEC Amid Controversy Jacob Taylor Associate Blogger Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2024   Activision-Blizzard became one of the largest gaming companies in the world after the merger between the two companies in 2008. The company is known for its games, and more recently for …
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Proposing to Ban Noncompete Agreements, the FTC Plays its Strongest Hand

On January 5, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) published a proposed rule that would categorically ban noncompete agreements between employers and a broad class of “workers,” including independent contractors, volunteers, apprentices, and even sole proprietors who provide services to clients. By pushing for markedly extensive change, the FTC has played its strongest hand. Consequently, the federal government should anticipate that an abundance of litigation will be initiated by the corporate sector’s major players, who will fight for middle-ground legislation.

The FTC Non-Compete Ban Proposal

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently proposed a ban on non-compete clauses in contracts between employers and their employees. The FTC estimates this ban could increase American earnings in the range of $300 billion per year, while also allowing for lateral movements across business sectors and more career opportunities for employees. The FTC’s primary mission is to protect both competition and consumers with this proposed ban. Through Section 5(a) of the FTC Act, the FTC has the power to investigate and prevent unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices affecting commerce.

The SEC’s Proposal for Regulation Best Execution and Its Effect on Broker-Dealers

Megan Aldworth Associate Editor Loyola University Chicago School of Law, JD 2023   On December 14, 2022, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a proposal for Regulation Best Execution (Reg BE). The regulation would broadly affect those buying and selling securities in a wide array of markets. Reg BE would generally require broker-dealers …
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On the Brink of Dead Pool: The Colorado River at Risk

The Colorado River provides water to seven U.S. states and has been experiencing drought since 2000. Tensions are now rising among the seven states that depend on water from this river. At the request of the Bureau of Reclamation, states were supposed to reach an agreement for how to limit their water usage by January 31, 2023. However, as of February 14, 2023, no such agreement has been met.