Tighten

Ontario Courts Tighten Access to Zoom Hearings Amid Rising Disruptions from ‘Zoom Bombing’

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Ontario, Canada — Remote access to court proceedings will soon be limited as the Ministry of the Attorney General takes steps to mitigate disruptions caused by unauthorized viewers. The policy change comes in response to a rise in what has been termed “Zoom Bombing,” a frustrating trend where individuals join virtual meetings to create chaos and share inappropriate content. Beginning in mid-July, only specific individuals, including victims, complainants, and members of the media, will be permitted to access court hearings via Zoom after obtaining special approval. This change marks a significant shift, as the general … Read more

Western States Set to Tighten Reins on AI Development After Regulatory Proposal Withdrawn

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Salt Lake City, Utah — Following the removal of a proposal to impose a moratorium on state regulations for artificial intelligence from the budget reconciliation package, Utah, Colorado, and Texas are gearing up to establish new controls on AI developers and deployers. This shift comes after a significant vote of 99-1 on July 1. The prior proposal sought to stall any state-level regulations that would govern the burgeoning AI industry, but its removal reflects a growing consensus among state lawmakers about the necessity for oversight in a field that continues to evolve rapidly. Lawmakers across … Read more

East Feliciana Parish Moves to Tighten Subdivision Regulations, Establishes New Density Standards Amid Public Concerns

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Clinton, Louisiana — After a prolonged period of consideration, the East Feliciana Parish Police Jury took significant steps toward altering regulations governing residential subdivision development during a meeting on June 2. While no decision was made to lift an existing moratorium on new subdivisions, jurors indicated that their recent vote effectively nullified it. The proposed amendments to the subdivision ordinance, which originated from the Planning and Zoning Commission, initially recommended a minimum lot size of two acres for subdivisions. However, the jury opted for a modification, approving a “two-acre density” approach that allows for flexible … Read more

Utah Legislature Passes Bill to Tighten Age Restrictions on Youth Marriages Amid Polygamy Concerns

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Salt Lake City, Utah — The Utah Legislature recently passed a bill with unanimous support, designed to curb youth marriages, particularly those involving significant age differences. This legislative action comes amidst growing concerns reflected in multiple lawsuits against religious polygamous groups in Utah, accusing them of coercing minors into marrying older relatives. Such a case involves Lu Ann Cooper, who at 15, was wed to her 23-year-old cousin within the context of a polygamous group known as the Kingston clan. Cooper, who now presides over the advocacy group Hope After Polygamy, praised the bill, indicating … Read more