All articles tagged with #laws
The article highlights seven practices from the 1960s and 70s—such as indoor smoking, corporal punishment, drunk driving, casual drug prescribing, unregulated workplace behavior, children roaming freely, and deceptive advertising—that would be illegal or scandalous today, illustrating how social norms and laws evolve with increased understanding of health, ethics, and safety.
A deadly fireworks explosion on Keaka Drive in Hawaii resulted in six deaths, including a child, and dozens of injuries, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of illegal fireworks laws and community reflection on safety and culture. The incident, the worst in Hawaii's history, has led to increased legal penalties and a community debate about the risks of illegal fireworks celebrations.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced new laws to crack down on hate speech and antisemitism following a deadly shooting at Bondi Beach targeting a Jewish festival, including penalties for hate-promoting leaders, new visa powers, and educational initiatives, amid concerns over free speech and community safety.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has compiled a list of over 100 transgender individuals who attempted to update their gender on driver's licenses between August 2024 and August 2025, raising concerns about privacy and potential impacts on transgender rights amid recent restrictive laws in the state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation to limit immigration raids at schools and public spaces, ban masked federal agents, and increase transparency of law enforcement, as a response to aggressive federal immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, leading to tensions with federal authorities.
Seventeen EU countries have criticized Hungary for passing laws that restrict LGBTQ rights, including banning Pride marches and recognizing only two genders, prompting calls for legal action and raising concerns about violations of EU values and human rights.
Michigan's new laws and amendments that went into effect include gun safety measures such as red flag laws, firearm storage requirements, and universal background checks, expanded LGBTQ+ civil rights protections, repeal of the "right-to-work" law, reinstatement of prevailing wage law, removal of abortion barriers, changes to the third-grade reading law, a slight increase in minimum wage, and a climate action plan to lower household utility costs and create more green energy jobs.
Several new laws passed by Michigan lawmakers in 2023, including gun safety measures, LGBTQ+ civil rights protections, repeal of the "right-to-work" law, reinstatement of prevailing wage law, removal of abortion barriers, and a minimum wage increase, are set to take effect in 2024. Additionally, a climate action plan aimed at lowering household utility costs, protecting state water and air, and creating more green energy jobs will also be implemented.
New Michigan laws, largely supported by Democrats, have taken effect, including the repeal of the "right-to-work" law, reinstatement of prevailing wage, expansion of abortion access, LGBTQ+ anti-discrimination measures, new gun laws for background checks and safe storage, and changes to the state's education system. These changes reflect the influence of Democrats in the state Legislature and the governor's office.
Several new laws and amendments passed by Michigan lawmakers in 2023 are set to take effect in 2024, including measures related to gun safety, minimum wage, LGBTQ+ protections, the "Right to Work" policy, and more. These laws include requirements for firearm storage, universal background checks, and expanded civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, the state's controversial "right-to-work" policy has been repealed, a prevailing wage law has been reinstated, and barriers to abortion care and access have been removed. Minimum wage will see a slight increase, and a climate action plan has been enacted to lower household utility costs and prioritize clean energy.
Scientists at Skoltech have unraveled the mystery of superlubricity, a phenomenon where friction is extremely low and does not depend on the weight of the sliding body. They conducted experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical conceptualization to explain the atomistic mechanism behind this phenomenon and formulated alternative friction laws for superlubricity. The study reveals that synchronous thermal fluctuations, in sync with the sliding motion, play a crucial role in hindering relative motion between surfaces, leading to ultralow friction. Understanding this at the microscopic level could have significant implications for energy-saving mechanisms worldwide.
Spy cameras disguised as clothes hooks are being sold on Amazon, despite the company facing a lawsuit over the devices. The lawsuit was brought by a woman who claims she was filmed in a bathroom using a clothes hook camera purchased on Amazon. The misuse of such devices may violate British laws, according to a privacy expert. Similar cameras were found for sale on Amazon.co.uk, including ones disguised as alarm clocks, USB chargers, and smoke alarms. Experts warn that the misuse of these cameras could potentially break several UK laws, including those related to harassment, voyeurism, and child protection. Campaigners argue that retailers should do more to prevent the sale of hidden cameras.
Reese's may be violating state and federal laws with its sweepstakes offer advertised on packs of peanut butter cups. The promotion states "You could win $25,000," but only after purchasing and opening the package can consumers see the small print stating that no purchase is necessary to enter. Consumer advocate Edgar Dworsky raised concerns about the lack of signs indicating no purchase is necessary in candy displays across multiple states. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) stated it cannot comment on specific companies but enforces laws against "unfair and deceptive acts." Hershey Co., the owner of Reese's, has not responded to requests for comment.
New Zealanders are increasingly relying on supplements for various health concerns, including protection against colds and Covid. However, there are concerns that current laws may restrict access to potentially beneficial products.
Canada has issued a travel advisory for LGBTQ travelers planning trips to the United States, warning them to check how they might be affected by recently passed laws in some states. Anti-LGBTQ demonstrations in the U.S. have increased significantly, and legal moves to restrict LGBTQ rights are on the rise. The advisory urges LGBTQ travelers to be cautious and check relevant state and local laws. The U.S. is Canadians' top travel destination, and approximately 4% of the Canadian population identifies as LGBTQ. The Human Rights Campaign has declared a national state of emergency due to the proliferation of legislation aimed at regulating the lives of queer people.