Cheers to More Cheers: Pennsylvania Set to Extend Happy Hours and Permanently Expand Outdoor Dining Post-Pandemic

Pittsburgh, PA — Amid ongoing efforts to rejuvenate local economies affected by the pandemic, Pennsylvania is set to extend and revise its liquor laws, potentially offering a lifeline to bars and restaurants across the state. The proposed legislation, which has cleared the state legislature and is awaiting the governor’s signature, aims to increase the permissible hours for happy hours from 14 to 24 hours per week, as well as make permanent certain pandemic-era provisions like expanded outdoor seating. Len Semplice, proprietor of Redbeard’s Bar & Grill in Mount Washington and downtown Pittsburgh, hailed the legislative … Read more

Kentucky Committee Approves Controversial Bill to Extend Teen Work Hours, Raises Concerns for Safety and Education

FRANKFORT, Kentucky — The safety and educational success of Kentucky teenagers may be at risk as a bill proposing longer and later working hours for minors has gained approval from a House committee. House Bill 255, sponsored by Rep. Phillip Pratt, aims to repeal Kentucky’s existing child labor laws and align them with less restrictive federal laws for 16 and 17-year-olds. Currently, Kentucky law limits the number of hours minors in this age group can work on a school day to six, with an increase to eight hours on non-school days and a total of … Read more

Inequity and Injustice: Black Woman’s Lawsuit Against LSU Dismissed by All-White Jury in 3 Hours

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana — Sharon Lewis, a Black woman who was fired from Louisiana State University (LSU) after two decades in the athletics department, recently faced a dismissive all-white jury in her lawsuit against the university. Despite her slim odds, Lewis sought justice in U.S. District Court, seeking compensatory and emotional damages totaling $6.6 million for wrongful termination and retaliation due to her reporting of sexual harassment by a high-profile coach. Lewis, a former LSU student-athlete, had served as the assistant athletic director of football recruiting and alumni relations until her abrupt termination in 2021. … Read more

Cheers to Extended Hours: Wineries Toast to New Laws Allowing Late-Night Operations

MADISON, Wis. — Wineries in Wisconsin can now stay open later due to new laws that have recently been implemented. The legislation allows these establishments to extend their operating hours, providing more opportunities for visitors to enjoy wine tastings and other activities. Under the new laws, wineries are permitted to remain open until 12:00 a.m., giving wine enthusiasts an additional three hours to indulge in their favorite beverages. Previously, wineries were required to close at 9:00 p.m., limiting the options for those looking to experience the local wine scene during the evenings. These extended hours … Read more