Reform
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.
Federal Gov
Judge grants an extra dozen depositions for the FTC in case against Amazon
Federal Court
Troubles with Fosamax label lead to troubles in court for Merck
PHILADELPHIA (Legal Newsline) - State law claims were wrongly tossed from plaintiffs in a multidistrict litigation proceeding over the drug Fosamax, the Third Circuit has found.
Federal Gov
Rent-to-own company says CFPB has no authority over it
SHERMAN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - The federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants a Texas federal judge to throw out claims it lacks the authority to prosecute a company offering lease-to-own financial products.
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.
Attorneys & Judges
Attorney General Garland praises law enforcement partnerships during visit to Rhode Island
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island on October 2, 2024, to deliver remarks and meet with local law enforcement officials. He expressed gratitude for their efforts in maintaining safety and highlighted the importance of partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies.
Lawsuits
Records release delayed until post-election at request of Obama-Biden legal teams
America First Legal (AFL) has reported that the Biden-Harris Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted an extension under the Presidential Records Act, delaying the release of records from Joe Biden's vice presidency. This delay, requested by representatives of both President Biden and former President Obama, postpones the public availability of these documents until November 6, 2024, the day after Election Day.
State AG
State attorneys general sue FCC over new inmate call cost regulations
Attorney General Todd Rokita is spearheading a legal challenge against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alongside 13 other states. The coalition opposes a new FCC rule that limits phone call costs for inmates, which they argue could impede local law enforcement's ability to monitor inmate communications.
State AG
Attorney General shuts down Utah-based AR Industries over illegal ghost gun sales
Attorney General William Tong announced today that Utah-based AR Industries will cease operations following a settlement with the State of Connecticut. The company was involved in selling illegal untraceable ghost gun parts.
Attorneys & Judges
Justice Department settles with Maryland State Police over alleged discriminatory hiring
The Justice Department has announced a settlement with the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP) concerning allegations of discriminatory hiring practices. The United States claims that MDSP's hiring process for state troopers violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. According to these allegations, the written test used by MDSP discriminates against Black candidates, while the physical fitness test discriminates against female candidates. The settlement agreement is pending approval from a federal judge.
Lawsuits
America First Legal sues White House Council over concealed records
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal action against the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), accusing it of illegally concealing records related to political appointees within the agency. This lawsuit is part of AFL's broader effort to identify individuals implementing the Biden-Harris agenda within federal institutions.
State AG
Foster County Courthouse announces closure due to power outage
The Foster County Courthouse will close on October 3 at 1:00 PM for the rest of the day. The closure is due to a planned power outage. Those needing immediate assistance during this period can reach out to the Wells County Clerk’s office at 701-547-3122.
State AG
Randolph E. Stefanson passes away; no services planned per his wishes
Randolph E. Stefanson, a graduate of the UND Law School, passed away on September 27, 2024. He is survived by his wife Corinne, daughters Susan, Lisa, and Leslie, as well as five grandchildren: Clare, Will, Eleanor, John, and Nathanael. Stefanson was known for his dedication to advocating for those in need within the community.
Attorneys & Judges
GSA invites feedback for sixth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan
The U.S. Open Government Secretariat, part of the Government Services Administration (GSA), is inviting public comments for the development of the Sixth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan (NAP). This initiative is part of the United States' commitment as a founding member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The GSA seeks input from various stakeholders, including those in public, private, advocacy, not-for-profit, and philanthropic sectors. Contributions are also encouraged from state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
Records release delayed until post-election at request of Obama-Biden legal teams
America First Legal (AFL) has reported that the Biden-Harris Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted an extension under the Presidential Records Act, delaying the release of records from Joe Biden's vice presidency. This delay, requested by representatives of both President Biden and former President Obama, postpones the public availability of these documents until November 6, 2024, the day after Election Day.
America First Legal sues White House Council over concealed records
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal action against the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), accusing it of illegally concealing records related to political appointees within the agency. This lawsuit is part of AFL's broader effort to identify individuals implementing the Biden-Harris agenda within federal institutions.
America First Legal investigates Biden-Harris Administration over promotion of gender-affirming care
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated an investigation into the Biden-Harris White House and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) over their promotion of youth "gender-affirming" care. This term refers to medical interventions such as puberty blockers, sex hormones, and surgeries for transgender youth. The AFL claims these practices may cause irreversible harm to children and adolescents.
America First Legal files brief supporting Montana's Secretary of State on election integrity
America First Legal (AFL), along with co-counsel Christopher Mills, has filed a brief in the United States Supreme Court. The brief supports Montana’s Secretary of State's request for Supreme Court review in the case Christi Jacobsen v. Montana Democratic Party, et al.
America First Legal challenges Biden-Harris policy redefining 'sex' as 'gender identity
America First Legal (AFL) has filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, challenging the Biden-Harris Administration's redefinition of "sex" as "gender identity." The brief was submitted in the case State of Louisiana, et al. v. United States Department of Education, et al., with AFL arguing that this redefinition is an unlawful attack on women's rights.
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
Lawsuit challenges CA laws targeting online election parody videos the state considers 'deceptive misinfo'
The lawsuit was filed by online content creator "Mr. Reagan," who famously published a video mocking Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris using AI tech to make it seem she described herself as "the ultimate diversity hire" and which drew pointed direct attacks from Gov. Newsom
Attorney General Garland praises law enforcement partnerships during visit to Rhode Island
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland visited the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Rhode Island on October 2, 2024, to deliver remarks and meet with local law enforcement officials. He expressed gratitude for their efforts in maintaining safety and highlighted the importance of partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies.
Group urges Kentucky voters to support amendment to secure citizen-only voting
A non-profit organization officially has launched its campaign in support of Kentucky’s proposed amendment to codify that only American citizens can vote in state elections.
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.
J&J asks for $63M jury verdict in S.C. talc case to be set aside, or a new trial
COLUMBIA, S.C. (Legal Newsline) – Johnson & Johnson is seeking judgment notwithstanding the verdict or a new trial outright, in the case of a man who won a $63 million verdict against it for talc-related asbestos exposure claims – claims which the company says were not properly substantiated at trial and erroneously allowed to proceed.
J&J's talc plan gains supporter, which gets him sued by Beasley Allen
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (Legal Newsline) – After Johnson & Johnson made an offer to increase its settlement proposal by $1 billion to plaintiffs claiming its cosmetic talcum powder gave them cancer, the offer garnered the support of one member of plaintiff counsel who had previously rejected such proposals.
Greenpeace attempts to use new European Union directive to sideline Energy Transfer lawsuit
A new legal tactic that Greenpeace International has deployed to sideline Energy Transfer’s lawsuit to recover damages stemming from the 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests has yet to gain much traction in North Dakota.
Court: If you want lethal dose from a New Jersey doctor, you better live there
CAMDEN, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - Though New Jersey can offer medical aid in dying, not just anyone can come to the state to seek a doctor's help to end their life.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce ILR report sheds light on third-party litigation funding
The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR) has released a report on third-party litigation funding (TPLF). It asserts that TPLF operates with little transparency and often at the expense of those its mission is to help.