Ban

New Cellphone Ban in New Hampshire Schools Sparks Mixed Reactions: Focus on Face-to-Face Engagement and Academic Productivity

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WEST LEBANON, N.H. — As students at Lebanon High School settle into their daily routines, a newfound quiet has emerged in the hallways and cafeteria, driven by a statewide ban on cellphones during school hours. The ban, which took effect this academic year, has forced students to rethink their relationship with technology, shifting the focus from screens to face-to-face interaction and academic engagement. Seventeen-year-old Nehemiah Billings, who typically would have pulled out his phone during lunch, now dedicates that time to schoolwork, such as drafting an introductory letter for his Shakespeare class. “This is forcing … Read more

Federal Judge Halts Georgia’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Inmates, Citing Eighth Amendment Violations

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ATLANTA — A federal judge has temporarily halted the enforcement of a Georgia law that restricts prison inmates from accessing gender-affirming healthcare. The ruling came following a class-action lawsuit filed by nearly 300 transgender individuals incarcerated in the state. Judge Victoria M. Calvert determined that the plaintiffs are likely to prevail in their argument that Georgia Senate Bill 185 breaches the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment. This preliminary injunction permits the reinstatement of hormone therapy and necessary evaluations for treatment, signaling the court’s concern about the potential constitutional violations associated with the … Read more

Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging PFAS Ban, Leaving Environmental Advocates Disappointed

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A federal judge in Cranston, Rhode Island, dismissed a lawsuit that sought to halt the state’s ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These substances, prevalent in various consumer products, have raised significant health concerns due to their persistence in the environment and potential links to serious health issues. The case, brought forth by a group of manufacturers, argued that the ban imposed on certain PFAS compounds would lead to substantial economic harm and infringe on their rights. However, U.S. District Judge Mary S. McElroy ruled against the plaintiffs, affirming … Read more

Pilot’s Nantucket Flying Saga Ends: Court Issues Permanent Ban Amid Controversial Dispute

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NANTUCKET, Mass. — A longtime island resident and pilot faces a permanent ban from Nantucket Memorial Airport following a ruling from the Nantucket Superior Court that concluded a lengthy dispute between him and airport authorities. Judge Maureen Hogan’s decision last Thursday prohibits Robert Walsh from flying to or from the airport and accessing secure areas, reinforcing the airport’s stance against what it termed “unauthorized activity” and repeated violations of trespass orders. Judge Hogan’s ruling is the latest development in a legal battle that started with a lawsuit from the Nantucket Airport Commission filed in February … Read more