Lawsuits
Meta, social media operators can't pull plug on states' suit over young people's 'addiction'
An Oakland federal judge said a bipartisan coalition of nearly three dozen state attorneys general had provided enough evidence to this point that Meta and other social media companies knew their products were addictive to young people and misled the public about the risks, leading to societal harms
Federal Court
Xockets, Inc. secures hearing date in case against Nvidia, Microsoft and RPX Corporation
Reform
University of Missouri law professor: Third-party litigation funding presents 'significant ethical concerns'
On October 11th, Dennis Crouch, a law professor at the University of Missouri School ofLaw, published a detailed breakdown of third-party litigation funding (TPLF) in patent cases, emphasizing the ethical and transparency issues surrounding this growing practice.
From WV Record
U.S. Supreme Court denies stay of EPA’s new rule on power plants
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court is allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce its new rules for greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants while the legal challenge play out in lower courts.
In the wake of escalating auto insurance rates in Georgia, a small but significant legal reform could signal the beginning of relief for drivers across the state - if the House would take action…
From WV Record
From WV Record
TOPDOG Legal Marketing Named Finalist of 2024 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics in Greater Arizona
Better Business Bureau Serving the Pacific Southwest (BBB) has named TOPDOG Legal Marketing, LLC as a finalist for the 2024 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics, sponsored by Desert Financial Credit Union. The program raises awareness in marketplace ethics and honors businesses that operate with integrity.
Arizona Estate Law Firm Unveils New Brand, Website
Chandler, Arizona (AZ) attorney Bernard M. Strass is excited to announce fresh branding and a new website for his AZ estate law firm, Desert Rose Estate and Elder Law. The law firm’s new name reflects a full concentration on estate and life planning that enables Strass to provide focused and dedicated legal services for these matters. It also honors Strass’s father, Luke, who owned Desert Draperies and Interiors in Phoenix for many years and Strass’s mother’s family, the Roses.
State AG
Ohio AG supports veteran transportation needs
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost visited Joseph House in Cincinnati to fulfill a promise made earlier this year. The visit marked the unveiling of an accessible van aimed at assisting military veterans dealing with addiction. The initiative stemmed from a conversation in May between Yost and Joseph House Executive Director Alicia Patterson, during which Patterson highlighted the need for such a vehicle.
State AG
Attorney General settles with EnergyBillCruncher over misleading solar claims
Attorney General William Tong has reached a $20,000 settlement with EnergyBillCruncher.com following an investigation into misleading claims made on social media. The company, which acts as a referral service for solar installers, had shared 1,456 inquiries from Connecticut consumers with various installers.
State AG
Xcel Energy ordered to refund customers after Public Utilities Commission ruling
Attorney General Keith Ellison announced that Xcel Energy will refund tens of millions of dollars to Minnesota consumers. This decision follows a ruling by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) on October 15, 2024, which agreed with Ellison’s Office and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.
State AG
Texas Attorney General's office participates in Go Purple Day for domestic violence awareness
For the tenth year in a row, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and employees from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) are participating in "Go Purple Day" as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On October 17, OAG employees donned purple attire to show solidarity with survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence.
State AG
Texas Attorney General highlights efforts during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
For the tenth year, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and employees from the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) are set to participate in "Go Purple Day" as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. On October 17, OAG employees will wear purple to express solidarity with survivors and raise awareness about domestic violence.
State AG
Attorney General Bonta advises Californians on cybersecurity measures during awareness month
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued guidance for consumers and businesses to enhance their online security as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed each October. Emphasizing the importance of proactive measures against cyber threats, Bonta stated, “During Cybersecurity Awareness Month and beyond, I urge Californians and businesses to take online threats seriously. Don’t wait for a cyberattack or data breach to prioritize your protection – the time to act is now."
State AG
Attorney General Yost sues Marysville couple for failing to deliver services
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against a couple from Marysville, Ohio, alleging they failed to deliver promised services and provided subpar workmanship. The suit, filed in Union County Common Pleas Court, accuses Ransom and Maggie Kulasa and their business, MBR, of accepting payments for window and door installations without completing the agreed-upon work.
Attorneys & Judges
Alabama man charged over alleged hack of SEC social media account
An Alabama resident, Eric Council Jr., was arrested by the FBI in Athens for his alleged involvement in hacking the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) social media account on X, previously known as Twitter. The incident occurred in January when unauthorized control of the SEC’s account led to a false announcement regarding bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds, attributed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler. This misinformation caused bitcoin prices to rise by over $1,000 before plummeting more than $2,000 after the SEC clarified the breach.
State AG
Southern California dentist charged with nearly $900k Medi-Cal fraud
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced criminal charges against Husam Aldairi, a Southern California dentist, and five of his employees. The group is accused of defrauding the state's Medi-Cal program of nearly $900,000 through a fraudulent billing scheme.
Meta, social media operators can't pull plug on states' suit over young people's 'addiction'
An Oakland federal judge said a bipartisan coalition of nearly three dozen state attorneys general had provided enough evidence to this point that Meta and other social media companies knew their products were addictive to young people and misled the public about the risks, leading to societal harms
Investors sue Starbucks over alleged securities fraud
A class action lawsuit against Starbucks has been filed in Washington by investors who accuse the coffee chain of making "false and misleading" statements about its financial health.
America First Legal identifies former Kamala Harris staffers in Biden-Harris administration
America First Legal (AFL) has revealed the identities of over 40 political appointees in the Biden-Harris administration who previously worked for Vice President Kamala Harris. The information was obtained through AFL's Freedom of Information Act lawsuits, which secured employment records such as resumes, SF-50s, and ethics pledges. These documents detail the appointees' names, salaries, titles, work histories, and agencies.
Supreme Court reviews Tennessee's child protection law on gender transition
America First Legal (AFL) has filed a brief in the Supreme Court of the United States concerning the case United States v. Skrmetti et al. The brief supports Tennessee's stance against medical procedures related to gender transition for minors, which AFL describes as "inhumane medical experiments."
Investors seek final OK for $60M deal to end class action vs Okta; Lawyers seek $13M
Lawyers representing investors in cybersecurity firm Okta have asked a San Francisco federal judge to sign off on a $60M deal to end their class action vs Okta over a 2022 data security breach that allegedly dropped stock 11% at the time. The lawyers want 22% of the settlement for their fees.
New Jersey Appellate Court upholds arbitration agreement in McGinty v. Uber technologies
On September 20, the Superior Court of New Jersey, Appellate Division, reversed a lower court's decision by upholding the enforceability of Uber Technologies, Inc.'s arbitration agreement.
W.Va. attorneys secure key victory in Pa. contamination case
HARRISBURG, Pa. – Some West Virginia attorneys are declaring a key victory in a Pennsylvania case regarding properties contaminated with arsenic and lead decades after a U.S. Steel facility was shuttered.
Damien Patton: 'Escaping hate is always possible
Damien Patton, founder and former CEO of Banjo, said a lesson he learned from his own experiences is that "escaping hate is always possible," but it is made much easier when opportunities for rehabilitation are available.
Rosen law firm reminds investors of class action deadline against Starbucks
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, has issued a reminder to purchasers of securities in Starbucks Corporation (NASDAQ: SBUX) who acquired Starbucks shares between November 2, 2023, and April 30, 2024, to take note of the October 28, 2024, deadline for lead plaintiff applications.
Google privacy settlement a $62M windfall for trial lawyers, left-wing groups: Court filings
Twenty GOP state attorneys general have filed a brief in the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in support of a group of objectors, seeking to undo approval of a settlement that would steer most of $62 million from Google to trial lawyers and the ACLU and other groups to advance left-wing social and political causes
Alabama man charged over alleged hack of SEC social media account
An Alabama resident, Eric Council Jr., was arrested by the FBI in Athens for his alleged involvement in hacking the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) social media account on X, previously known as Twitter. The incident occurred in January when unauthorized control of the SEC’s account led to a false announcement regarding bitcoin Exchange Traded Funds, attributed to SEC Chair Gary Gensler. This misinformation caused bitcoin prices to rise by over $1,000 before plummeting more than $2,000 after the SEC clarified the breach.
Kansas City has ability to let non-citizens vote in municipal elections
Missouri law gives any city with a population of more than 400,000 the right to regulate its own elections. Amendment 7 would change that.
NYC's food delivery law deemed unconstitutional
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - A New York City law that requires food delivery companies like DoorDash and Uber Eats to supply restaurants with customers' personal information is unconstitutional.
'Slammed the door in my face': Key cog in South Carolina's asbestos court not at U.K. showdown
A London judge hearing a U.K. company’s challenge to receivership orders handed down by his judicial counterpart in South Carolina called the procedure “a bit sort of odd,” given the U.K. company has never done business in South Carolina and has no assets there.
Let's talc about the personal-injury lawyers controlling South Carolina's legislature
South Carolina’s asbestos-litigation industry is aiming at Johnson & Johnson, adding supposedly deadly talcum powder to the long list of products plaintiffs claim made them sick. And if history is any guide, J&J is in for a rough time in the Palmetto State.
Bench warrant recall clinic aids over 100 in Waiʻanae
Hawaiʻi State Judiciary judges and staff gathered at the Waiʻanae Public Library to assist individuals with bench warrant and penal summons recalls related to traffic and petty misdemeanor cases. The event, held on a Saturday afternoon, saw the processing of 46 ex-parte motions prepared by the Office of the Public Defender. These motions were assigned new hearing dates for those seeking assistance.
U.S. Supreme Court denies stay of EPA’s new rule on power plants
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Supreme Court is allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to enforce its new rules for greenhouse gas emissions from coal-fired power plants while the legal challenge play out in lower courts.
124 companies urge third-party litigation funding disclosure rule for federal courts
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) – A total of 124 companies have sent a letter to the Advisory Committee on Civil Rules urging creation of a new rule that would require a uniform process for the disclosure of third-party litigation funding in federal cases nationwide.