News from December 2023
FCC Adopts New Policy to Combat Unwanted Telemarketing Robocalls and Robotexts, Attorney General Miyares Advocates for Consumer Protection
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has announced the adoption of a new policy to address the issue of unwanted telemarketing robocalls and robotexts. This policy, which was requested by Attorney General Jason Miyares of Virginia, aims to protect consumers from deceptive practices employed by lead generating businesses.Under the previous rule, consumers were often misled into consenting to receive telecommunications from a single company, only to be bombarded with numerous unwanted calls and text messages from multiple industry competitors. The FCC's new policy...
Wisconsin Inmate Sentenced for 2018 Bomb Scare Against Governor
Wisconsin inmate, Terrance Grissom, was sentenced to three years of incarceration and two years of extended supervision for his involvement in a bomb scare threat against the Governor in 2018. The sentencing was carried out by Dane County Circuity Court Judge John Hyland on December 14, 2023. Grissom had previously pled guilty to Bomb Scare, as a Habitual Criminal on December 7, 2023.Attorney General Josh Kaul emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for making criminal threats. He stated, "Those who make criminal threats to harm others must be held...
Attorney General Bonta Announces 19 Arrests as Part of Child Sexual Predator Apprehension Operation in Kings County
California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrests of 19 suspects as part of a three-day multiagency operation that targeted child predators.
Immigrant Rights Center: 'Not that big of a deal' if you lie about identity when seeking to sue employer
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Legal Newsline) - The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center intake operator told a caller identifying as an illegal immigrant that it's "not that big of a deal" if they've previously lied about their identity and status when seeking legal damages from an employer.
Kroger attacks gouda class action and the lawyer who brought it
ST. LOUIS (Legal Newsline) - "Copycat" and "frivolous" are some of the terms used by Kroger as it asks a federal judge to throw out a class action lawsuit over smoked gouda.
Law passed to help with medical malpractice insurance rates struck by Washington justices
OLYMPIA, Wash. (Legal Newsline) - Answering a question posed by a federal court, the Washington Supreme Court said an eight-year time limit for filing medical malpractice suits passed by state legislators in 2006 is unconstitutional because it takes away the right to sue from some plaintiffs while leaving it in place for others.
Plastic surgeon who sued over bad Yelp review loses verdict
TOPEKA, Kan. (Legal Newsline) - A plastic surgeon who won a jury verdict against a former patient who submitted bad Yelp reviews under a fake name failed to prove his reputation took a hit, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled, affirming the reversal of a finding of defamation.
Wrongful death lawsuit filed over man's electrical shock in fountain
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Legal Newsline) – A Florida lawsuit says the owner of a shopping and luxury hotel area is to blame for the death of one of its visitors.
Woman says she was sterilized after giving birth
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) — Health care entities face a lawsuit after a difficult birth.
Florida Officials Warn About Dangers of Impaired Driving During Holiday Season
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—As National Impaired Driving Prevention Month kicks off, Attorney General Ashley Moody is issuing a stern warning to Floridians about the perils of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the holiday season. With over 6,200 impaired-driving crashes and more than 1,100 fatalities reported in 2022, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard paints a grim picture of the consequences of impaired driving.To tackle this issue head-on, Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze, Osceola County Sheriff Marco Lopez,...
Illinois native Circuit Judge Millett authors ruling on Trump's gag order, partially upholding restrictions
After receiving attention last month for yelling at former President Donald J. Trump’s lawyer for refusing to answer a hypothetical question, Marine native and Circuit Judge Patricia A. Millett delivered an opinion for the U.S. Court of Appeals in the D.C. Circuit partially upholding his gag order.
Attorney General Miyares Sends Letter Condemning Anti-Semitism in K-12 Schools
Attorney General Jason Miyares of Virginia has taken a stand against the rise of anti-Semitism in K-12 schools. In a letter addressed to all Virginia Public School Principals and Superintendents, Miyares emphasized the importance of creating inclusive and discrimination-free environments for students.Miyares expressed concern over the increasing threats faced by Jewish families and students in the Commonwealth. He highlighted instances where biased materials were promoted, false narratives were spread, and violent anti-Jewish slogans were shouted within school premises....
Minneapolis Office Managing Partner Karla Vehrs Named to Twin Cities Business' 100 People to Know
Ballard Spahr Minneapolis Office Managing Partner Karla M. Vehrs has been named to Twin Cities Business’ list of 100 People to Know in 2024.
38th Annual Advanced Bankruptcy Seminar on December 14, 2023
Brett A. Axelrod will be speaking at the 38th Annual Advanced Bankruptcy Seminar.
Boston Intellectual Property Law Association Recognizes Morgan Lewis Associate Micah Jones for Pro Bono Efforts
The Boston Intellectual Property Law Association (BIPLA) honored Morgan Lewis associate Micah Jones with its 2023 Pro Bono Award during the association’s annual meeting in Boston.
20 Reed Smith lawyers endorsed in Virginia Business Legal Elite lists
Twenty lawyers from Reed Smith’s Virginia offices won recognition in 10 practice categories in Virginia Business magazine’s Legal Elite 2023 edition, cementing the firm’s reputation as one of the most capable law firms in the Commonwealth.
Attorney General Brown Urges U.S. Supreme Court to Ensure States Can Regulate Social Media Platforms
Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 22 Attorneys General urging the U.S. Supreme Court to make it clear that states have the authority to regulate social media platforms.
Attorney General Griffin Announces Sentencing in Garland County Elder Abuse Case
Following a sentencing hearing Monday in a case prosecuted by his office, Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement.
Attorney General Platkin Announces Paterson’s Participation in New Jersey’s ARRIVE Together Alternative Response Program
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced that the City of Paterson, New Jersey’s third largest city, will be the first municipality in Passaic County to participate in the Alternative Responses to Reduce Instances of Violence and Escalation (ARRIVE) Together program.
Defendant files counterclaim in 'Rich Men North of Richmond' case
CHARLESTON – The defendants in a civil lawsuit that focuses on a soured business relationship that includes the musician behind “Rich Men North of Richmond” have filed an answer and counterclaim.