Law

Step Back in Time: Actor Brings Lincoln’s Law Partner to Life at Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Event

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Sterling, Illinois — In an intriguing blend of history and performance, Brian “Fox” Ellis will embody the spirit of William Herndon, Abraham Lincoln’s law partner, during an upcoming event hosted by the Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society. Scheduled for 2 p.m. on Feb. 9, the portrayal will take place at the Lincoln Learning Center located at 611 E. Third St. in Sterling. William Herndon is notable for authoring one of the seminal, though contentious, biographies of Abraham Lincoln. His work involved extensive interviews with individuals who had direct interactions with Lincoln, providing a unique perspective on … Read more

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

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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

Illinois Judge Refuses to Block Law Limiting Credit Card Swipe Fees on Tips and Taxes, Banking Groups Vow to Fight On

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In a significant legal ruling, a federal judge on Thursday refrained from halting an Illinois law designed to limit certain charges by credit card companies, which is set to alter transaction fee structures statewide. These companies typically impose “swipe fees” on merchants for processing credit and debit card payments. Last spring, the Illinois Legislature enacted the Interchange Fee Prohibition Act, a pioneering law that prohibits these fees on the taxation and gratuity portions of credit and debit card transactions, effective from July 1. This legislative move, part of the state’s budget resolution, … Read more

Campus Conflict: Ohio University Grapples with New Anti-Trans Bathroom Law and Federal Cutbacks on Diversity Programs

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Athens, Ohio – A new Ohio law, SB 104, which was signed into law on November 25 and takes effect on February 25, has sparked controversy among students and faculty at Ohio University. The legislation bans transgender individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity within educational institutions from kindergarten through universities in Ohio. This development comes in conjunction with an executive order signed by President Donald Trump aiming to terminate what he referred to as “radical and wasteful” government-funded Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The university, known for its diverse community … Read more