Aimed

Court Blocks Arkansas’ Latest Social Media Law Aimed at Protecting Minors, Citing Free Speech Concerns

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — In a significant decision, a court has once again declared Arkansas’ latest effort to regulate minors’ access to social media unconstitutional, marking a continued struggle between state governments and advocates of free speech and privacy. The struck-down Social Media Safety Act, also known as SB 689, follows the trajectory of its predecessor, SB 396, which fell to a similar fate earlier in 2023. The legislation aimed to impose stringent controls over how young people interact with social media platforms, requiring users to prove they are at least 18 or obtain parental … Read more

Boulder Takes on Big Oil: Colorado Supreme Court Reviews Landmark Climate Lawsuit Aimed at Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy

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Boulder, Colo. – In a bold legal move, Boulder and Boulder County took major fossil fuel companies to court in 2018, seeking to hold them accountable for their contributions to climate change. The lawsuit directly targets giants Exxon Mobil and Suncor Energy, accusing them of exacerbating environmental impacts including wildfires, floods, and extensive road damage throughout the region. This legal challenge is a pioneer of its kind, with Boulder and Boulder County arguing that the effects of climate change have imposed substantial financial burdens on their administrations, largely due to increased disaster mitigation and repair … Read more

Federal Judge Overturns Kansas City Ordinance Aimed at Protecting Tenants Using Housing Vouchers

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Kansas City, Missouri – A federal court has overturned a Kansas City ordinance intended to prevent housing discrimination based on the source of income, such as Section 8 housing vouchers. This legal decision followed extensive controversy and a lawsuit that highlighted a sharp divide between tenant advocates and property owners. The local ordinance, which was initially enacted to expand current protections against discrimination, was challenged in court by landlords. They argued that the measure violated rights by imposing obligations on property owners who participate in the Section 8 program, a federal initiative that assists low-income … Read more

Illinois Set to Boost Minimum Wage to $15 in 2025, Completing Scheduled Increases Aimed at Enhancing Worker Support

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Springfield, IL — Illinois is setting a new standard for minimum wage as it rises to $15 per hour starting January 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in the state’s approach to economic equity. This final step in a series of increases reflects a broader movement toward supporting the state’s workforce, as initiated by legislation signed in 2019 by Governor JB Pritzker. The adjustment not only elevates the standard wage from $14 to $15 but also modifies wages for other groups. Tipped employees will now earn $9 per hour, an upgrade intended to better align … Read more