News from February 2024
Tort lawsuits cause social inflation, raise insurance costs for Dahlonega drivers
Dahlonega, Georgia, ranks among the most expensive cities in the state when it comes to the cost of living. The city's high costs are attributed to a surge in tort lawsuits across the state, leading to increased expenses for necessities such as car insurance.
Lawsuit questions whether VA nurse can receive millions from man's estate
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - The estate of a New York man worth millions is looking for clarity as to whether it is legal for a Veterans Administration employee to be named in the will.
Man bashed on 'Are We Dating The Same Guy' sues over 'pushy' accusation
TAMPA, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida court will have to decide if a man accused of being pushy sexually on a first date has a defamation claim after the woman took to "Are We Dating The Same Guy" to call him out.
Taylor calls opponent 'most liberal justice' on Alabama Supreme Court
Bryan Taylor sees himself as the only true conservative in the race to be chief justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. Associate Justice Sarah Stewart is the only other Republican candidate for the seat. The primary election is March 5.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues Frisco ISD for Illegal Electioneering
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has taken legal action against the Frisco Independent School District (“FISD”) for alleged illegal electioneering, accusing the district of using official resources to sway voters in favor of specific policies.According to Attorney General Paxton, the Government Affairs department of Frisco ISD has been utilizing official resources to promote certain policies and political measures, a practice that violates the Texas Election Code's prohibition on the use of public funds for electioneering purposes.In response to these allegations, the...
Attorney General Miyares Demands Answers from Biden Administration on Trafficking of Migrant Children
Attorney General Jason Miyares, along with 21 other Attorneys General, has demanded answers from the Biden Administration regarding the trafficking of migrant children. In a letter addressed to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra, and FBI Director Christopher Wray, Miyares expressed grave concern over the recent report by the HHS Office of Inspector General revealing that unaccompanied migrant children are being released into unsafe situations, including human trafficking.Miyares emphasized...
Judge: Student-athletes likely the victims of unfair NIL negotiating restrictions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) - Limits on the Name, Image and Likeness market for collegiate athletes likely violate antitrust laws, a federal judge has ruled in a lawsuit brought by the attorneys general of Tennessee and Virginia.
'Ghost guns' still likely guns and probably need to be regulated as such, judge rules
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge has rejected a motion to dismiss in a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James against sellers of so-called ghost guns.
Favorable recommendation for Dechert as it fights hacking lawsuit
NEW YORK (Legal Newsline) - The global law firm Dechert LLP should defeat a lawsuit that accused it of illegally obtaining privileged emails from opposing parties in cases.
The Buckeye Institute: Ohio State Agencies Earn Solid B for Cutting Regulations
Columbus, OH – The Buckeye Institute released a new policy brief on Wednesday, grading Ohio's state agencies on their efforts to cut regulations. According to Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at The Buckeye Institute, Ohio’s state agencies earned a solid B grade in cutting regulations due to legislative oversight and vigilance. Lawson highlighted the importance of utilizing artificial intelligence to improve Ohio's grade and further reduce regulatory redundancies.In the paper, Lawson urged lawmakers to hold state agencies accountable for maintaining regulatory burdens...
Attorney General Neronha to host Expungement Clinic
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha announced the return of the Office’s expungement clinics on February 29, 2024.
Attorney General Ken Paxton Sues School District for Illegal Electioneering with Public Tax Money
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Denton Independent School District (“DISD”) for illegal electioneering by using taxpayer-funded resources to stump for specific candidates during an election.
Justice Department to Implement Groundbreaking Executive Order Addressing National Security Risks and Data Security
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed the need for the groundbreaking Executive Order, stating, “Our adversaries are exploiting Americans’ sensitive personal data to threaten our national security.”Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized, “Today, we make clear that American citizens' sensitive and personal data is not for sale to our adversaries.”Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division highlighted the significance of the Executive Order, stating, “Hostile foreign powers are weaponizing bulk data...
AG Ferguson: Providence debt collector Harris & Harris to pay $1 million for failing to inform patients of their medical debt collection rights
Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced that debt collection agency Harris & Harris will pay his office $1 million to resolve a lawsuit, which asserted the company unlawfully collected medical payments from more than 160,000 Washington patients without providing them with disclosures about their rights when faced with medical debt.
Attorney General Clark Leads Coalition in Asking EPA to ‘Pump the Breaks’ on Vehicle Emissions Settlement
Attorney General Charity Clark has led a coalition of state Attorneys General in filing public comments on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) latest vehicle emissions settlement regarding “defeat devices” installed in a group of RAM truck models.
Attorney General Kaul Intervenes in Clean Air Act Litigation to Defend Rules that Promote Transparency and Flexibility for States
Attorney General Josh Kaul, along with 15 other attorneys general, has moved to intervene in State of West Virginia, et al. v. EPA (D.C. Cir. Case No. 24-1009).
The Buckeye Institute Challenges NLRB's Influence on Courts
The Buckeye Institute Challenges NLRB's Influence on CourtsColumbus, OH – On Wednesday, The Buckeye Institute raised concerns about the influence of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) on court decisions, specifically in the case of Starbucks v. McKinney. The institute filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to consider a more balanced approach when granting preliminary injunctions."When the National Labor Relations Board sues a private company, the government should not get special treatment on its request for a preliminary injunction," emphasized...
Carlos Dorego Arrested on Charge of Improper Influence, Sending Unsolicited Text Messages to Circuit Court Judge
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the arrest of Carlos Dorego, 55, of Shelburne, New Hampshire, on one class B felony count of improper influence contrary to RSA 640:3.
Drummond requests Pardon and Parole Board reject clemency for Michael Dewayne Smith
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is requesting the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board deny clemency for Michael Dewayne Smith, who was convicted of murdering a 40-year-old mother and a 24-year-old store clerk in separate incidents on Feb. 22, 2002.
AG Henry Files Lawsuit to Shut Down Con Artist Posing as Internet Provider
Attorney General Michelle Henry announced a lawsuit against Davis Communications Internet, Inc., and its owner, David Davis, for operating as an internet provider — but in reality were reselling internet services they purchased from a legitimate provider.