Safety

Massachusetts Lawmakers Reach Deal on Sweeping Gun Safety Bill, Targeting Ghost Guns and Expanding Public Firearm Bans

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BOSTON, MA — A significant legislative measure is poised to enhance Massachusetts’ gun control laws by targeting the proliferation of ghost guns and expanding prohibited zones for carrying firearms. The comprehensive bill, a result of months-long negotiations among House and Senate Democrats, is expected to be presented to Governor Maura Healey for approval as early as Thursday. The agreement, concluded on Wednesday evening, marks a pivotal update to the state’s firearm regulations, impacting ghost guns, firearm licensing, dealer inspections, and more. House Speaker Ronald Mariano highlighted the bill as “the most significant gun safety legislation … Read more

Israel’s Escalating Assassination Policy Questions the Balance of International Law and Civilian Safety

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Tel Aviv, Israel — Over decades, Israeli military tactics and the use of targeted assassinations have evolved, marking a dramatic shift in the approach taken towards Hamas and other Palestinian groups. This evolution is evident when examining Israel’s increasing reliance on what some see as disproportionate force in conflicts, notably in Gaza. Historically, Israel has targeted key figures within Palestinian groups whom they deem threats to national security. The list of these targeted assassinations, which includes notable figures such as Ghassan Kanafani and Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, spans over six decades beginning in 1956. The figures … Read more

Governor Hochul Enacts Critical Safety Reforms for E-bikes and Scooters Amid Rising Lithium-Ion Battery Mishaps

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Albany, NY – Governor Kathy Hochul of New York has signed a series of legislative measures aimed at regulating the use of devices powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as e-bikes, mopeds, and scocontinuingers. The new laws come in response to a sharp increase in the number of fires and accidents associated with these devices in New York City. During a press conference in Albany on Thursday, Hochul cited a particularly tragic incident that illuminated the dangers posed by malfunctioning lithium-ion batteries. In February, a fire triggered by such a battery resulted in the death of … Read more

$68.5 Million Awarded in Philadelphia Construction Death Lawsuit, Highlighting Critical Worker Safety Failures

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Philadelphia, PA – A Philadelphia court awarded $68.5 million in damages Wednesday to the family of a construction worker who died in 2021 after a fall from an unsafe balcony at a luxury dwelling development. The jury found OCF Construction LLC, the project’s general contractor, liable for the worker’s death due to negligence and safety violations. The incident, which took the life of 38-year-old Siarhei Marhunou and left his widow Hanna and their young son grappling with the loss, occurred at a construction site in the Fitler Square neighborhood. The site at 2330 Sansom St. … Read more