New Jersey Judge Upholds Implementation of Groundbreaking Affordable Housing Law Amid Municipal Pushback

TRENTON, N.J. — A Mercer County Superior Court Judge issued a decision on Tuesday that supports the continuation of New Jersey’s rigorous new affordable housing legislation, striking down a request to halt the law’s implementation. The motion to pause, brought forward by two dozen municipalities known for their resistance to inclusive housing policies, was decisively rejected by Judge Robert T. Lougy. In September, these municipalities had jointly filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s affordable housing framework. The legislation mandates every city allows a quota of affordable housing to accommodate its population’s needs. A hearing to … Read more

Scottsdale Enacts Tweaked Housing Laws Amid State Pushback, Straining Local Control Over Residential Development

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Scottsdale City Council passed new ordinances on Monday adhering to Arizona’s state housing mandates, albeit with modifications to curtail their impact. The state legislation, enacted earlier this year, mandates a portion of commercial and mixed-use buildings to incorporate housing and allows greater freedom for the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) such as casitas on residential properties. These changes, designed as a response to the growing housing crisis in Arizona, aim to increase housing supply by facilitating the transformation of commercial spaces and the expansion of residential properties. However, implementation has been … Read more

Judge Weighs Rejecting Boeing Plea Deal Amid Strong Pushback From Victims’ Families Over 737 Max Crashes

FORT WORTH, Texas — A highly contested plea agreement involving Boeing and the U.S. Department of Justice reached a critical moment Friday as U.S. District Court Judge Reed O’Connor weighed arguments over the aerospace giant’s responsibility in two fatal crashes involving its 737 Max jetliners. The 2018 and 2019 disasters resulted in the loss of 346 lives, spurring global scrutiny and grounding of the aircraft model. At issue is whether Judge O’Connor should accept a plea bargain wherein Boeing would admit to conspiracy, pay fines, and enhance safety measures while avoiding further criminal prosecution. Under … Read more

Iowa’s New THC Regulations Stand Firm in Court Despite Industry Pushback

DES MOINES, Iowa — A recent decision by a federal judge has upheld Iowa’s new regulations on consumable hemp products containing THC, denying multiple challenges from industry stakeholders. The companies involved have expressed concerns, arguing that the law’s provisions were overly vague and potentially unconstitutional. The litigation surfaced shortly after Iowa legislated strict guidelines on THC levels permissible in consumable products. Under the new law, these items are restricted to containing no more than 4 milligrams of THC per serving and a maximum of 10 milligrams in each container. This decision is part of a … Read more