Illinois Set to Implement Landmark Laws in 2025, Including Minimum Wage Hike and Gas Tax Increase

CHICAGO — A sweeping set of laws aimed at improving various aspects of life in Illinois will come into effect on July 1, 2025, following the recent signing of the fiscal year 2026 budget by Governor JB Pritzker. This $55 billion budget marks the largest in the state’s history, symbolizing a significant investment in Illinois’ future. Among the notable changes is an increase in Chicago’s minimum wage. The new rate will rise to $16.60 per hour for all workers, while youth employed in subsidized programs will see an increase to $16.50 per hour. This adjustment … Read more

Maui Doctor Indicted in Attempted Murder of Wife During Scenic Hike on Pali Puka Trail

Honolulu, Hawaii – A Maui anesthesiologist has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly assaulting his wife during a hike on Oahu. The incident, which occurred on the Pali Puka Trail, left 36-year-old Arielle Konig severely injured after she was reportedly struck in the head multiple times with a rock. 46-year-old Gerhardt Konig, the accused, was indicted by an Oahu grand jury. Following the indictment, he was detained at the Oahu Community Correctional Center without the possibility of bail. The ruling came after a bench warrant was issued for his arrest. The case is drawing … Read more

Texas Driver Sues GEICO Over Alleged Misuse of Accident Forgiveness, Claiming Premium Hike Despite Clear Terms

AUSTIN, Texas – A Texas resident has filed a class action lawsuit against GEICO, claiming the insurance giant failed to honor its own Accident Forgiveness program after a first-time automotive accident involving his wife. Christopher Cude initiated the legal action on February 25, alleging that after his wife’s minor car accident in October, GEICO raised their auto insurance premium by a staggering 91%. Cude had previously enrolled in GEICO’s Accident Forgiveness program upon renewing his auto insurance in May which, according to the insurer’s policy, should have prevented the first at-fault accident from affecting their … Read more

Mexico’s 2025 Employment Reforms: Minimum Wage Hike, App-Based Couriers as Employees, and New ‘Chair Law’ Mandates

Mexico City, Mexico — A series of significant changes to Mexican labor laws is set to kick off in 2025, reshaping the landscape for employers and employees alike across the nation. These changes, highlighted by the implementation of the so-called Chair Law (Ley Silla), classification of certain app-based couriers as employees, a rise in the minimum wage, and revised units of measure for fiscal obligations, herald new compliance landscapes for businesses operating in Mexico. Beginning January 1, 2025, workers across Mexico will see an increase in the minimum wage, which came after a 12 percent … Read more