Hands-Free Laws Successfully Reduce Distracted Driving in Four States, New Report Finds

Columbus, Ohio – Four states in the United States experienced a decrease in distracted driving incidents after implementing hands-free laws, according to a new report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) and Cambridge Mobile Telematics. The report highlights the growing concern over smartphone-induced distracted driving and emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate crash risk. Distracted driving is a pervasive issue that poses significant dangers on the roads. In 2021 alone, distracted driving led to 12,405 fatalities and an estimated societal cost of $158 billion. Recognizing the urgency of the matter, the … Read more

Southwest Minnesota Law Firm Introduces First Legal Assistant to Reduce Client Costs

New Ulm, Minnesota – Verna Markert recently assumed her new role as a legal assistant for a law firm in New Ulm, making her the first legal assistant in the southwest region of the state. Despite not being a lawyer herself, Markert is responsible for handling a variety of tasks previously carried out by attorneys. From conducting interviews with individuals involved in bad check cases to preparing financial reports for guardianships and estates, Markert has quickly become an invaluable asset to the law firm. One of the primary reasons for creating this new position, according … Read more

Louisiana Senate Passes Bill Requiring Ignition Interlocks for First-Time DUI Offenders, Aiming to Reduce Alcohol-Related Crashes

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – The Louisiana Senate has unanimously approved a measure aimed at curbing drunk driving by imposing stricter penalties on first-time offenders. Sponsored by Senator Rick Edmonds, the bill mandates the use of ignition interlock devices for at least six months following a first conviction for driving while intoxicated (DWI). This move is seen as a significant step toward creating a safer environment on Louisiana’s roads. Currently, judges in Louisiana can decide whether or not to order the use of ignition interlock devices. However, the newly passed legislation will require their implementation for … Read more

Supreme Court Case Threatens to Drastically Reduce Federal Regulatory Power in Environmental and Healthcare Sectors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Supreme Court heard oral arguments on Jan. 17, 2024, in two cases that could have far-reaching implications for federal regulatory power. The cases, Loper Bright Enterprises vs. Raimondo and Relentless Inc. vs. Department of Commerce, focus on fisheries management but carry implications for broader federal enforcement of environmental and health care regulations. The central question in these cases is whether the Secretary of Commerce, through the National Marine Fisheries Service, has the authority to require commercial fishers to pay for onboard observers on fishing voyages, as mandated by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery … Read more