Renowned Director Sudhir Mishra to Lead Jury at Kerala State Film Awards 2023

Thiruvananthapuram, India – Esteemed filmmaker Sudhir Mishra has been appointed chairperson of the jury for the prestigious Kerala State Film Awards 2023. Mishra, a venerated figure in the Indian film industry, initially garnered critical acclaim with his debut “Yeh Woh Manzil To Nahin,” which clinched the National Film Award for Best Debut in 1987. His cinematic contributions have since continued to provoke thought and stir debate, notably with the National Award-winning “Dharavi” and the politically charged “Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi.” The latter dives into the lives of three young idealists during the emergency period in India. … Read more

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita Sues East Chicago Over Sanctuary City Ordinance, Claims Violation of State and Federal Immigration Laws

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita has initiated legal action against the East Chicago Common Council, asserting a failure to comply with federal immigration regulations. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, marks the first instance Rokita has targeted any of the four entities he warned in May, including Gary, West Lafayette, and Monroe County, after they were asked to rescind local immigration ordinances or face litigation. The legal challenge arose from a 2017 ordinance passed by the East Chicago Common Council, which Rokita claims obstructs local officials from cooperating fully with federal immigration authorities. Stating … Read more

Landmark Tenant Protection Law Faces Supreme Test in Washington State Eviction Case

OLYMPIA, Wash. — In a crucial case that could reshape the handling of eviction procedures in Washington state, tenant rights are being vigorously defended after a 2021 law aimed at protecting renters is put to the test. This new legislation, which prohibits eviction settlement agreements that require tenants to waive inherent protections, is now under scrutiny as the case heads toward the state Supreme Court. The legislation, established with bipartisan support, ensures that renters retain rights such as mediation in disputes, repayment plans, and sufficient notice before eviction. These provisions are central to controversy stirred … Read more

Iowa Governor Advocates for Leniency in Federal Child Labor Fines Amid State Law Changes

DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds is challenging fines imposed by the U.S. Department of Labor on several Iowa businesses, which have been cited for violations of federal child labor laws. The governor is advocating for a review or renegotiation of these penalties, suggesting that the fines are overly punitive. This plea from the governor comes after a change in the state’s legislation, which Reynolds signed last year, permitting teens in Iowa to work later hours than previously allowed. The new state laws enable 14 and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school … Read more