Business
DOL cracks down on child labor while states loosen laws on July 28, 2023 at 3:26 pm Business News | The Hill
The Department of Labor (DOL) is cracking down on child labor violations even as multiple states have taken steps to loosen regulations around teenagers in the workplace.
At least 11 states have recently sought to make it easier to get minors in the workforce, including this year both Arkansas and Iowa, the latter of which moved to allow teenagers into meat packing facilities and for those as young as 16 to bartend.
Proponents say the changes will help young workers acquire valuable life skills and that parents should be the ones to decide when their kids are ready for a particular job.
But child advocates fear putting teenagers into increasingly dangerous work environments that are difficult to regulate and vulnerable to exploitation.
And on Thursday, the DOL and its Interagency Task Force to Combat Child Labor Exploitation announced new actions it will be taking after it found that child labor violations have risen 69 percent between 2018 and last year.
“Child labor is an issue that gets to the heart of who we are as a country and who we want to be. Like the President, we believe that any child working in a dangerous or hazardous environment is one child too many,” acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su said.
State efforts to change child labor laws come amid a tight labor market and a workers shortage.
“A lot of the legislators are citing that as a reason for weakening protections against child labor,” said Reid Maki, director of child labor advocacy for the National Consumers League and coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition. “We don’t think that’s a valid reason. We really don’t understand why you would want to balance the labor shortage against the backs of our vulnerable teen workers.”
In May, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds (R) signed a bill to expand the number of hours and places a teenager can work, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work in industrial areas such as meat coolers.
“With this legislation, Iowa joins 20 other states in providing tailored, common sense labor provisions that allow young adults to develop their skills in the workforce,” Reynolds said after signing the law.
“In Iowa, we understand there is dignity in work and we pride ourselves on our strong work ethic. Instilling those values in the next generation and providing opportunities for young adults to earn and save to build a better life should be available,” she added.
In Arkansas, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R) in March signed the Youth Hiring Act of 2023, doing away with the requirement that children under the of age 16 must get permission from the state government to work.
Nick Stehle, vice president of communications for the Foundation for Government Accountability, a group that led the push for reform in Arkansas, stressed the importance working young can make on a person’s life.
“Keeping a schedule and having to collaborate with other people, having to work with other people and discovering your skills and shortcomings while you’re still you’re still very young, those are just all lessons that not only complement what you’re learning in the classroom, they add some real world context to it,” Stehle said.
Stehle emphasized all the reforms his group supported were in line with federal child labor laws.
“There’s been allegations that this is about making it so that teenagers can work in dangerous jobs or that they can work really late at night, stuff like that. And none of that is true,” he said.
Meanwhile, the DOL says it concluded 765 child labor cases between Oct. 1 and July 20. finding 4,474 children were employed in violation of federal standards.
Federal investigators found one instance in which the owner of six Nevada Sonic locations had committed more than 170 child labor violations, including employing 14- and 15-year-olds to operate deep fryers, work more hours than allowed and work at hours not allowed under federal guidelines.
In one tragic case that made national headlines earlier this month, a 16-year-old boy from Guatemala was killed in an on-the-job accident at a Mississippi poultry plant. Workers under the age of 18 are not allowed in such facilities for safety reasons, and DOL said at the time that it is investigating.
DOL plans to partner with other government offices such as the Office of Refugee Resettlement to give training on how to identify and report instances of child labor violations and update their guidelines.
It is also teaming up with the Department of Agriculture to demand that the country’s 18 largest meat and poultry processors take steps such as find out if illegal child labor is used anywhere in their supply chain in order to combat exploitive practices.
One of the causes experts say is behind the increase in child labor violations is the uptick in unaccompanied minors coming into the U.S.
“These are very vulnerable young people that need money and they may — they may be sending money back to family and Central America and Mexico. So they have a desperate need for money,” Maki said.
A New York Times investigation earlier this year showed migrant children, some as young as 13, at the brunt of work that violates federal standards.
In response, the U.S. will be working with the embassies of Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico to take steps to combat child labor and educate migrants on the problem.
The increase in child labor violations combined with the changes to state laws have concerned advocates who are afraid the problem will only get worse.
“Our child labor laws are very common sense laws that really serve two purposes. They make sure children are not working in highly dangerous and hazardous jobs and that the work they do does not interfere with their development and their schooling,” said Laura Padin, director of work structures at the National Employment Law Project.
“These laws serve a really important purpose. It’s really disturbing to see this happening now,” Padin added.
Experts contend the new laws will harm poor children, children of color and undocumented children who would take these jobs out of necessity to survive.
“They’re seeking to expand employment to workers that can be paid less in order to keep wages low and still maintain the same levels of employment,” said Nina Mast, a state economic analyst for the Economic Policy Institute. “At the same time, you also have our broken immigration system that has resulted in many unaccompanied migrant youth in this country without work authorization and sort of compelled by their economic circumstances to work. And that’s really a recipe for exploitation because they lack sort of the legal rights and support to demand safe and age-appropriate work.”
Education, Administration, Business, State Watch, child labor laws The Department of Labor (DOL) is cracking down on child labor violations even as multiple states have taken steps to loosen regulations around teenagers in the workplace. At least 11 states have recently sought to make it easier to get minors in the workforce, including this year both Arkansas and Iowa, the latter of which…
Paramount Global has secured the exclusive U.S. rights to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in a groundbreaking deal worth $7.7 billion over seven years, beginning in 2026. This agreement marks a major shift in UFC’s distribution, moving away from the traditional pay-per-view model currently offered by ESPN to a new streaming-focused strategy centered on Paramount’s platform, Paramount+. All 43 annual UFC live events, including 13 major numbered events and 30 Fight Nights, will be available exclusively on Paramount+ at no additional cost to subscribers, with select marquee events also simulcast on the CBS broadcast network.
The deal comes just days after Paramount completed its merger with Skydance Media and represents the company’s first major sports rights acquisition under its new leadership. Paramount CEO David Ellison emphasized the uniqueness of partnering exclusively with a global sports powerhouse like UFC, highlighting the move as a key part of Paramount’s strategy to enhance viewer engagement and grow its streaming subscriber base.
For UFC, the deal ends the pay-per-view model common in the sport, greatly increasing accessibility for fans and potentially expanding the sport’s U.S. audience. The contract also doubles the yearly average payment compared to the $550 million ESPN currently pays, reflecting the growing value and popularity of UFC content.
TKO Group Holdings, UFC’s parent company, sees this agreement as a milestone in their decade-long growth, with TKO’s CEO Ari Emanuel affirming trust in Paramount’s vision to leverage technology to improve storytelling and the viewing experience.
This landmark deal reflects the rapidly evolving sports media landscape, with streaming services increasingly vying for premium content to attract and retain subscribers. Paramount’s move to bring UFC to its platform exclusively is a strong statement of commitment to live sports as a vital driver of engagement in the streaming age.
Key Points:
- Paramount secured UFC U.S. media rights for $7.7 billion over 7 years, starting 2026.
- UFC events will be exclusively streamed on Paramount+, ending ESPN’s pay-per-view model.
- The deal includes 13 major numbered events and 30 Fight Nights annually.
- Some marquee events will also air on CBS broadcast TV.
- The yearly payment doubles ESPN’s previous contract.
- The deal was announced shortly after Paramount’s merger with Skydance.
- Paramount aims to use UFC to boost Paramount+ subscriber growth and engagement.
- TKO Group (UFC parent company) supports the deal and foresees enhanced tech-enabled storytelling.
- Streaming services continue to disrupt traditional sports broadcasting models.
Apple has dramatically increased its commitment to American industry, announcing a monumental $600 billion investment earmarked over the next four years. The initiative, unveiled on August 6, 2025, represents a new high-water mark for domestic technology manufacturing, with sweeping implications for jobs, industrial infrastructure, and America’s position in global tech supply chains.
What Is the $600 Billion Investment For?
The $600 billion commitment is the result of Apple’s expanded American Manufacturing Program (AMP), designed to build advanced supply chains, expand domestic part production, and increase manufacturing of key product components within the U.S. The plan includes:
- Expanding partnerships with U.S.-based suppliers: Apple is doubling down with companies like Texas Instruments, Corning Inc., Applied Materials, and more. This network will help manufacture everything from silicon wafers to advanced display glass for the iPhone and Apple Watch.
- Building an end-to-end silicon supply chain: The program is on track to produce over 19 billion chips for Apple in 2025 in 24 factories across 12 states, spearheaded by sites in Arizona (TSMC), Texas, and other tech hubs.
- Investing in rare earths and sustainable materials: Partnerships like the one with MP Materials will ensure Apple sources American-made rare earth magnets and develops a new recycling facility for critical materials in California. This bolsters U.S. supply chain security for components core to Apple devices.
- Data center and campus expansions: Apple is growing its U.S. campus footprint with new data centers in Iowa, Nevada, Oregon, and the continued construction of a second Austin campus, which includes research and development labs for next-generation hardware and software teams.
- Job creation and workforce development: The investment is expected to support more than 450,000 jobs among Apple employees, suppliers, and partners across all 50 states. In Texas alone, Apple is adding significant operations and facilities, reinforcing the region’s status as a tech manufacturing leader.
Context: Why Now?
Pressure from tariffs, the need for robust supply chain security, and high-level policy incentives have accelerated Apple’s plans. The announcement, made jointly by Apple CEO Tim Cook and President Donald Trump at the White House, was widely seen as both a response to geopolitical uncertainty and a strategic move to align with domestic manufacturing priorities.
The Broader Economic Impact
- Onshoring advanced manufacturing: Apple’s massive increase in domestic production is expected to incentivize further onshoring by other tech giants and their suppliers.
- Supplier expansion: Ten major U.S. companies will benefit from expanded product lines, job growth, and capital investment.
- Shareholder confidence: Following the announcement, Apple’s stock price rose nearly 6% as markets responded positively to the alignment with U.S. policy and supply chain resilience.
- Long-term tech leadership: By solidifying an American silicon supply chain and supporting green energy at new data centers, Apple is positioning itself—and the U.S.—at the forefront of advanced manufacturing for devices and AI infrastructure.
What’s Next?
With construction underway at new and expanded facilities, the effects of Apple’s program are already rippling across sectors from semiconductors to advanced glass manufacturing. The commitment sets a new industry standard for investment in American innovation, job creation, and technological self-sufficiency.
Netflix is making a bold move to reshape the future of filmmaking on the East Coast by breaking ground on a state-of-the-art production campus at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. This ambitious project represents a landmark $1 billion investment to transform a 292-acre former U.S. Army base into a powerhouse film and television hub unlike anything else in the region.
The Vision: Hollywood of the East
The new Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth campus will feature 12 cutting-edge soundstages, covering nearly 500,000 square feet, along with extensive backlot areas, post-production suites, and administrative offices. The site will also introduce community amenities, such as potential fitness centers, child care, and other local businesses, integrating the facility with the surrounding neighborhoods.
While the proximity to New York City gives Netflix direct access to the rich talent pool and resources of the Northeast, the New Jersey location benefits from significant state support. The project leveraged $387 million in Aspire tax credits and competitive media production incentives—up to 35% for production costs and 40% for digital post-production.These factors, combined with enthusiastic backing from local governments, helped Netflix realize this vision and outmaneuver traditional film capitals like Los Angeles.
Economic and Social Impact
Netflix’s investment is expected to be a game-changer for the Garden State. The studio complex is projected to:
- Create around 3,500 construction jobs in the short term and 1,400 permanent studio jobs once operational.
- Drive billions of dollars in economic output to New Jersey, while boosting local hospitality, retail, and service businesses.
- Deliver new educational and career pathways, especially for young filmmakers and technical talent in the area1.
New Jersey leaders, including Governor Phil Murphy, have hailed the studio as a return to the state’s roots as the “birthplace of the motion picture industry,” following the legacy of Thomas Edison. The move further solidifies New Jersey’s reputation as a hotspot for entertainment innovation.
Construction Timeline
Demolition and site preparation at Fort Monmouth began in May 2025, with a targeted opening in 2028. The first phase includes building a production campus for actors and crew, plus the first four soundstages, with the remaining infrastructure rolled out as additional approvals come in. This phased approach ensures the studio will grow alongside the region’s job market and production needs.
Rethinking Film Production
Netflix’s East Coast flagship isn’t just about size—it’s about a new model of movie-making. The company is exploring live experiences, immersive sets, and a hybrid campus concept complete with restaurants and attractions themed around signature Netflix content10. All of this signals Netflix’s commitment to not just creating content, but building a vibrant creative ecosystem.
The Big Picture
As fierce competition reshapes the streaming wars, Netflix’s investment in New Jersey is both a business decision and a cultural statement. Owning physical production facilities gives the streaming giant more control over costs, schedules, and creative output, while helping revitalize local economies and provide new opportunities for American workers.
Netflix Studios Fort Monmouth is poised to help New Jersey reclaim its status as a leading force in cinema—ushering in a new era, one blockbuster at a time.
Why HIM Movie Sparks Talk About Satanism and Occult Rituals
How Los Angeles United to Stand Up Against ICE Operations
The Special Olympics Athlete Who Found Strength Through Forgiveness
Politics3 weeks agoKenya Is the New Home of the United Nations
- Entertainment4 weeks ago
Dakarai Akil: Reinventing Success from the Court to the Camera
- News3 weeks ago
Ciara Granted Benin Citizenship in Powerful Homecoming
- Entertainment4 weeks ago
Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Star of “The Cosby Show,” Dies at 54
- News3 weeks ago
FBI Raids 7M TikTok Cult in LA: Sex Trafficking & Fraud Allegations
- Business1 week ago
Paramount Seals $7.7B Deal for Exclusive UFC Streaming Rights
- Entertainment4 weeks ago
Faith, Nostalgia & Belle Guillory: TV’s New Powerhouse
- Business4 weeks ago
How to Succeed in the Music Industry: Insights from Hanz & Theo of Room 380
