Hawaiian Judge Reinstates Ocean Protections, Halting Commercial Fishing in Pacific Marine Monument

HONOLULU, Hawaii — A federal judge has ordered a halt to commercial fishing in a significant area of the Pacific Ocean, siding with environmentalists who argued against a rollback of federal protections implemented during the Trump administration. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Micah W. J. Smith, reinstates protections for the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, home to diverse marine life including turtles, seabirds, and mammals. Environmental advocates assert that longline fishing, which involves baited hooks on lines measuring 60 miles or longer, poses a significant threat to these species. The Trump administration’s … Read more

Hawaii Judge Restores Ocean Protections, Halting Commercial Fishing in Pacific National Monument After Environmentalists’ Challenge

HONOLULU — A federal judge in Hawaii has supported environmental advocates by ordering a halt to commercial fishing in a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, a move that challenges an earlier decision made under the Trump administration to roll back ocean protections. The ruling affects the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a designated area that shelters various marine species such as turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Environmental organizations argue that longline fishing, which uses baited hooks on lines stretching up to 60 miles, poses a significant threat to these vulnerable species. In 2017, … Read more

Missouri Simplifies Commercial Financing: New Law Exempts Insurance Premiums from Disclosure Requirements

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Recent changes to Missouri’s commercial finance regulations include a significant exemption for insurance premium financing. The new provisions are part of a broader effort to clarify the state’s approach to commercial finance disclosures, a move that industry stakeholders are closely monitoring. Under the revised law, insurance premium financing will be exempt from certain disclosure requirements that typically apply to other forms of commercial financing. This exemption aims to reduce the regulatory burdens placed on businesses seeking to finance insurance premiums, which are crucial for maintaining the operations of various enterprises. The … Read more

Veteran Attorney Joins Shook Hardy & Bacon, Bolstering Chicago Office Expertise in Mass Tort and Commercial Disputes

Chicago, Ill. — Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP has bolstered its Chicago office with the hiring of a veteran attorney specializing in mass tort cases and commercial disputes. With nearly four decades of experience, this new addition aims to enhance the firm’s capacity to serve a diverse clientele. The attorney, whose name has not yet been disclosed, brings extensive legal expertise in handling complex cases, which is crucial for Shook Hardy & Bacon as they continue to strengthen their presence in the competitive legal landscape of Chicago. This strategic hire reflects the firm’s commitment to … Read more