Legal News Line News
NGE Achieves Sixth Consecutive Mansfield Certification
We are proud to announce that the firm has achieved Mansfield Certification for a sixth straight year.
Expert pushing talc-causes-cancer theory must ID patients in her disputed study
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - A New York appeals court ordered an expert to turn over the names of patients she cited in a paper that provided crucial support to disputed claims talcum powder can cause cancer.
Ex-Caseworker for Division of Child Protection and Permanency Indicted on Sexual Assault and Official Misconduct Charges After Alleged Abuse of Two Minors
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) announced the indictment of an ex-caseworker for the New Jersey Department of Children and Family Services’ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP), for his alleged sexual abuse of two children.
Judgment issued against bankrupt Vision Solar over unfair trade practices
Attorney General William Tong has announced a $5 million judgment against Vision Solar, following a lawsuit by the Office of the Attorney General. The lawsuit accused Vision Solar of using high-pressure sales tactics, making misrepresentations, causing delays, and conducting unpermitted work.
Attorney general secures refunds for canceled hotel bookings during solar eclipse
New York Attorney General Letitia James has secured refunds for consumers whose hotel reservations at the Aloft Buffalo Airport Hotel were unexpectedly canceled before a total solar eclipse. The cancellations occurred in March 2024, prompting complaints to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) from individuals who had booked months in advance to witness the eclipse in Buffalo.
Former program director indicted for alleged sexual misconduct at Georgia clinic
Roderick Branscomb, a former program director at a methadone treatment clinic in LaGrange, Georgia, has been indicted on multiple charges of sexual misconduct. Attorney General Chris Carr announced the indictment, which includes counts of Improper Sexual Contact by an Employee in the First and Second Degrees and Sexual Battery. Branscomb allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct with seven female patients between April 2021 and November 2023.
Ferguson challenges FDA's mifepristone restrictions in federal court
Attorney General Bob Ferguson is advocating for a federal judge in Spokane to declare the Food & Drug Administration's restrictions on mifepristone unlawful. Ferguson, along with Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, leads a multistate lawsuit against the FDA, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. In April 2023, Judge Thomas O. Rice granted a preliminary injunction preventing the FDA from limiting mifepristone availability in Washington and other states.
Ken Paxton supports new Texas election advisory aimed at preventing noncitizen voting
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a statement regarding the recent amendments to an election advisory from Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson.
Arkansas Solicitor General team wins national award for best brief
Attorney General Tim Griffin has announced that the Office of Solicitor General, part of the Arkansas Attorney General's Office, received a 2024 United States Supreme Court Best Brief Award. The recognition comes from the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) for their work on a multistate brief in the case Muldrow v. St. Louis, which focused on Title VII claims.
Michigan AG helps cut proposed electric rate hike by over half
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved a settlement regarding Upper Michigan Energy Resources' (UMERC) request for an electric rate increase. The decision, announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, significantly reduces the initially proposed hike.
Florida attorney general warns against hurricane-related scams after Hurricane Milton
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential scams and fraud in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane struck Florida's West Coast on Wednesday night, causing severe weather conditions such as storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, and high winds across much of the state. In response to these events, Attorney General Moody advises residents to be cautious of scams related to debris removal, contractor services, and other disaster-related schemes.
California home health agency settles over false claims act allegations
Allstar Health Providers Inc., a home health agency based in California, and its owner, Maria Chua, have reached a settlement with the United States to pay $399,990. This resolves allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by receiving and retaining more than one Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan before December 31, 2020.
Buckeye Institute proposes extended deadline for amicus briefs in Ohio Supreme Court
The Buckeye Institute has submitted a proposal to amend the Ohio Supreme Court's Rules of Practice, specifically Rule 7.06. The proposed change aims to extend the deadline for filing amicus briefs supporting jurisdiction from one day to thirty days after the appellant's deadline for submitting a memorandum in support of jurisdiction.
Justice Department sues Virginia over alleged violation of federal voter registration law
The Justice Department has initiated legal action against the State of Virginia, its State Board of Elections, and the Virginia Commissioner of Elections. The lawsuit challenges a state program that aims to remove voters from election rolls too close to the upcoming November 5 general election, allegedly violating the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).
AGs challenge FDA's mifepristone restrictions in federal court
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is advocating for the removal of restrictions imposed by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on mifepristone, a medication used for abortions. The call to action was directed at a federal judge in Spokane, Washington. AG Rosenblum, alongside Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, is leading an 18-state coalition challenging the FDA's regulations in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
Justice Department convenes interagency meeting on equity in artificial intelligence
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division recently held a meeting to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and civil rights. This marks the fourth gathering of its kind by the division, coinciding with the upcoming one-year anniversary of President Biden’s Executive Order on AI development and use.
Ramsey County Courthouse closed due to power outage
The Ramsey County Courthouse is not open today, October 11, 2024, because of power outages. Individuals with emergencies are advised to contact the clerk of court office at 701-662-1309 or Juvenile Court at 701-662-1307.
Justice Department sues South Bend over alleged discriminatory police hiring practices
The Justice Department has initiated legal action against the City of South Bend, Indiana, accusing it of discriminatory practices in its police officer hiring process. The lawsuit claims that the South Bend Police Department's (SBPD) methods violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by employing a written examination that discriminates against Black applicants and a physical fitness test that disadvantages female applicants.
Pittsburgh theft ring dismantled; seven charged including pawn shop owner
Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced charges against seven individuals associated with the "Six Figure Boys," a group involved in retail theft and firearms trafficking based in Pittsburgh. Among those charged is Osman Muya, a pawn shop owner accused of purchasing and reselling stolen items from these activities.
Attorney General Stein addresses price gouging amid Hurricane Helene
Attorney General Josh Stein has provided an update on the issue of price gouging related to Hurricane Helene. He emphasized the resilience of people in western North Carolina, stating, “The people in western North Carolina are tough, but we must do all we can to help.” Stein assured that his office is actively working to protect residents from fraudulent activities and individuals who might exploit the crisis for profit.