Tag Archives: state and local

Group Plants Doubt

While the looming construction of a battery plant may threaten the existence of three species of wildlife in a Big Rapids, MI neighborhood, an organization has promised to take the necessary legal steps to endanger the progression of the project. The Mecosta Environmental and Security Alliance (MESA) is offering the owners of the proposed electric vehicle battery plant, Gotion Inc., less than 60 days to respond to the group’s notice of intent to sue. MESA predicts that Gotion may either sell the property or work directly with wildlife agencies to ensure the safety of the at-risk species.

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Building Opposition

For over a year, a portion of Center City Philadelphia residents who fear an interruption to neighboring Chinatown have battled against the $1.3 billion proposed construction of a new 76ers arena. While the residential criticism has remained consistent, a new revitalization effort has sparked additional scrutiny. In the beginning of August, 76 Devcorp disclosed the plan to construct next to the arena a high-rise building, which would offer multiple functions and a section for housing. Of the 395 units projected, about 20% of them would be marketed as affordable to the community.

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Fight for Freedom

In Texas, a newly introduced TikTok ban and its apparent subsequent restraints on the ability to exercise full academic freedom is the subject of a recent lawsuit filed by the group, The Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University. Academic freedom not only affords the opportunity for professors to conduct research and teach an array of topics and ideas without the fear of censure, but also allows students to engage in thought processes and debates without the anxiety of potential retaliation. The lawsuit names Texas Governor Greg Abbott and additional state entities and public university personnel as defendants.

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Settlement is a Juul

E-cigarette marketing mishap

Initially filed in 2019, King County, WA targeted the company that produces and markets Juul e-cigarette products, Juul Labs Inc. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff claimed that Juul purposefully advertised its flavored vapor devices to teenagers and a younger generation. Although the e-cigarette company challenged the claims brought against the company, the parties involved have agreed to settle the Washington state lawsuit for $23 million. While based on the settlement agreement, King County may accumulate an additional $1.8 million, the compensation awarded in the lawsuit will aid in the funding of local tobacco-use prevention programs. Continue reading →

Whistling for Change

On the right track

In Massachusetts, the state’s highest court must consider a lawsuit that was filed towards the end of March, targeting designated quiet zones enforced in pedestrian crossings. According to the Federal Railroad Administration, throughout the state, 29 quiet zones are in place. Five of those listed zones are located in the city of Beverly, a suburb of Boston. The number of quiet zones in this city may be classified as excessive, as no other community, township, or neighborhood acknowledges more than one quiet zone. State law and federal train regulations do not require the existence of these quiet zones. Continue reading →