Ruling in Vernon Hills toy companies' lawsuit over President Donald Trump's tariffs also delayed by appeals court
Share and Follow

VERNON HILLS, Ill. (WLS) — Amid the confusion over tariffs after an appeals court ruled in one case, earlier Thursday, a second federal court also ruled to block the Trump’s administration’s tariffs, with the decision impacting a Vernon Hills toy company.

However, the government has already appealed.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

It was a momentary win for a pair of sister companies in Vernon Hills Thursday.

“Today, we had a ruling in our favor on the lawsuit,” said Elana Ruffman, VP of marketing and product development at hand2mind. “The ruling supported our opinion that the tariffs are illegal.”

The temporary triumph came after a federal judge blocked the Trump administration from collecting tariffs from Learning Resources and hand2mind.

“It’s encouraging to see that… but it’s not done yet, so we’ll have to see how it plays out over the coming days and weeks, as it gets through the appeal process,” Ruffman said.

The Trump administration already issued an appeal after U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras said in an order the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give the president the power to impose most of his recent tariffs.

It’s a case that is escalating towards the U.S. Supreme Court.

Our products are mission driven. They’re used to educate kids… The sad part about this is, if the products become less available or they become more expensive, then it’s the kids who suffer.

Elana Ruffman, hand2mind VP of marketing and product development

Ruffman said they are ready to see this legal battle through.

“We wanted to do something,” Ruffman said. “We believe in ourselves, we believe in our company, and most importantly, we want to stand up for employees.”

The family-owned educational toy companies currently employs about 500 people.

“We have a responsibility to those employees, to stand up for them and to make sure that their jobs are safe,” Ruffman said.

Ruffman said they also have a responsibility to the children they serve.

“Our products are mission driven. They’re used to educate kids. They’re very intentional,” Ruffman said. “The sad part about this is, if the products become less available or they become more expensive, then it’s the kids who suffer.”

Adding to the confusion around tariffs, this is just one of many lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s economic policy, in a fight that could quickly play out in front of the Supreme Court.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Space debris seen over the First Coast Saturday morning

Space Debris Observed Over First Coast on Saturday Morning

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Residents of the First Coast who were up and…
Trump wants his name on new Commanders stadium: Report

Report: Trump Expresses Interest in Naming Rights for New Commanders Stadium

According to a report released on Saturday, President Trump is advocating for…
Hundreds turn out for emergency food distribution in Jacksonville amid federal shutdown

Massive Turnout in Jacksonville: Emergency Food Distribution Amid Federal Shutdown Sparks Community Response

Cars snaked around Regency Square Mall, filled with families seeking respite from…
Chicago-area groups helping neighbors in need as Illinois SNAP benefits lapse, funding order blocked by Supreme Court justice

Urgent Aid: Chicago Groups Step Up as Illinois SNAP Benefits Face Supreme Court Hurdle

CHICAGO (WLS) — Families are grappling with uncertainty over how to secure…
Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, The White Stripes and more introduced at 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony

Outkast, Cyndi Lauper, Salt-N-Pepa, and The White Stripes Among Esteemed Inductees at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Ceremony

The city of Los Angeles buzzed with energy as the Rock &…
Colorado woman injured bull moose attack while walking unleashed dog

Colorado Woman Survives Bull Moose Attack: The Dangers of Walking Unleashed Dogs in Wildlife Areas

DENVER (KDVR) — In a startling turn of events in Boulder County,…
Hochul remains hopeful Tisch will remain NYPD commissioner

Governor Hochul Optimistic About Keeping Tisch as NYPD Commissioner: What it Means for New York’s Future

Governor Kathy Hochul expressed her confidence on Saturday that Jessica Tisch will…
Housing director confirms Trump admin. ‘working on’ 50-year mortgage

Trump Administration Explores Potential Introduction of 50-Year Mortgage Option, Confirms Housing Director

The Trump administration is actively crafting a proposal to introduce 50-year mortgage…