California Takes Stand Against Housing Ban: Norwalk to Repeal Restrictions and Invest in Affordable Housing

California’s City of Norwalk has reached a settlement with state officials following a lawsuit over a housing ban that targeted vulnerable populations. The settlement was announced by Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Gustavo Velasquez, the director of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The lawsuit, filed on November 4, 2024, claimed that Norwalk’s prohibition on emergency shelters, supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, and transitional housing violated several state laws. The state sought a court order to compel Norwalk to repeal the housing ban and comply with California housing regulations. … Read more

UK’s Online Safety Act Sparks VPN Surge as Minors Seek to Bypass New Age Restrictions

LONDON, United Kingdom — The Online Safety Act officially came into effect on July 25, establishing new regulations aimed at protecting children from harmful online content, including pornography and materials promoting eating disorders. As a result, some of the internet’s most popular platforms, including Pornhub, X, and Reddit, are implementing or planning to implement age verification systems to restrict access for minors. The challenges posed by age-restriction laws have created a dilemma for websites that depend on user-generated content. Platforms like Reddit find it difficult to monitor and prevent underage users from accessing inappropriate material. … Read more

Twenty-One Democratic Attorneys General Unite to Challenge Trump Administration’s Restrictions on Immigrant Access to Essential Social Services

WASHINGTON — A coalition of 21 Democratic state attorneys general initiated legal action on Monday opposing new restrictions on social services for undocumented immigrants imposed by the Trump administration. This lawsuit targets essential programs, including Head Start, health clinics, and adult education initiatives, that traditionally serve vulnerable populations. Historically, individuals without legal status have faced considerable limitations in accessing various public benefits such as food stamps and financial aid for college. However, the administration’s recent regulatory changes have further diminished their access to community programs funded by federal money. These alterations are designed to enforce … Read more