News from June 2024
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Fort Pierce poet accuses Taylor Swift of stealing lyrics, choreography
A Fort Pierce woman alleges Taylor Swift has stolen lyrics songs using poems from two of her books as well as choreography.
No decision on climate change appeal from SCOTUS; Biden Admin asked for input
WASHINGTON (Legal Newsline) - Rather than grant or reject a petition seeking appeal of a key ruling in a climate change lawsuit against the oil industry, the U.S. Supreme Court has instead asked the Biden Administration its thoughts.
Lawsuit: Treadmill abruptly stopped, started, sending runner tumbling
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida woman is suing the maker of a treadmill she says would occasionally stop and then restart without warning, causing her to fall on her face.
Woman accuses Fla. city of wrongful arrest after mistaken ID
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A woman with an unlucky name is suing a Florida city after she was arrested for a crime allegedly committed by someone with the same name.
BTI Consulting Group Recognizes Troutman Pepper’s Anna Dix, Richard Pratt Among 2024 Client Service All-Stars
Troutman Pepper partners Anna Altizer Dix and Richard J. Pratt have been recognized as 2024 BTI Client Service All-Stars by BTI Consulting Group.
Student conduct chief reinstated after domestic violence arrest
HARTFORD, Conn. (Legal Newsline) - A Connecticut state university must reinstate the director of student conduct, who was fired after he was arrested for domestic violence in an incident where he allegedly threatened to kill himself and his wife and refused to allow police into his home.
Roofer's records to be inspected by judge as insurer looks for fraud
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Legal Newsline) - A Florida judge will review the records of a roofing company caught up elsewhere in allegations it conspired with lawyers while purporting to be representing customers.
Justice Department announces agreement on language access improvements in NY drug treatment court
The Justice Department announced today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New York State Court System, Office of Court Administration (OCA), to improve access to the Rockland County, New York, Drug Treatment Court for people with limited English proficiency (LEP). The department enforces Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, and national origin by recipients of federal financial assistance. Prohibited discrimination may include a failure to provide meaningful language access.
Bipartisan coalition backs new act targeting child exploitation via AI
Attorney General Josh Stein today led a bipartisan group of 44 Attorneys General in sending a letter to Congress endorsing the Child Exploitation and Artificial Intelligence Expert Commission Act of 2024. The Act would establish a commission to investigate and make recommendations on solutions to protect kids online and improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to prevent, detect, and prosecute child exploitation crimes committed using artificial intelligence (AI).
Federal court blocks Biden administration's transgender policy directive
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a significant victory against the Biden Administration’s Department of Education (DOE), halting its attempt to reinterpret Title IX to mandate the adoption of transgender policies in Texas schools.
Commission considers eight applicants for circuit court judge in Tennessee
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission will consider eight applicants when it meets on July 11, 2024, in Sevierville, Tennessee, to select nominees for a circuit court judge in the 4th Judicial District. This district covers Cocke, Grainger, Jefferson, and Sevier counties.
Kobach leads 17-state coalition against Biden's temporary farm worker unionization rule
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach is leading a coalition of 17 states in a lawsuit against a Biden administration rule that allows temporary farm workers in the country on H-2A visas to unionize. Under federal law, American farm workers are prohibited from collective bargaining.
Attorney General Frey announces $700 million settlement against Johnson & Johnson
Attorney General Aaron M. Frey has announced a $700 million nationwide settlement involving Johnson & Johnson, in collaboration with 42 other attorneys general. The settlement addresses allegations concerning the marketing of the company's baby powder and body powder products containing talc.
Coalition reaches $700M settlement with J&J over deceptive marketing
On June 11, 2024, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum and 42 other attorneys general announced a $700 million nationwide settlement to resolve allegations related to the marketing of Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder and body powder products containing talc. Oregon will receive approximately $15 million from the settlement, pending judicial approval, with $4.7 million earmarked for women's health initiatives.
Attorney General Raoul seeks Supreme Court ruling on state regulation of pharmacy benefit managers
Attorney General Raoul asks Supreme Court to rule on states’ authority to regulate pharmacy benefit managers
Paxton sues Biden administration over labor rights for foreign agricultural workers
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, along with a coalition of state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit against the Biden Administration’s Department of Labor (DOL) over a new regulation that aims to grant foreign nationals working in American agriculture more rights than American citizens.
North Dakota Court System seeks electronic court reporter/transcriptionist
The North Dakota Court System has announced an opening for the position of Electronic Court Reporter/Transcriptionist in Minot, ND. The role offers an annual salary of $49,896 and is classified as a full-time, regular position under job number 2024-U4-MIN-15-ECRT2.
Phil Mlsna fined over $200K for violating Wisconsin's wastewater laws
MADISON, Wis. – Attorney General Josh Kaul, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), announced that Monroe County Judge Mark L. Goodman has ordered Phil G. Mlsna and Mlsna Dairy Supply, Inc. to pay $209,641.47 for violations of Wisconsin’s wastewater laws at their concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO) in Sparta, Wis.
Safe2Tell sees record-breaking report volumes during spring semester
June 11, 2024 (DENVER) – Safe2Tell experienced its third highest reporting month ever in May 2024, meaning that the top three highest months of reports all occurred during the spring 2024 semester. According to the monthly report released today, the program received 3,053 reports in May, with only February 2024 (3,224) and April 2024 (3,188) hitting higher monthly volumes in the program’s history.
Colorado secures $14 million from J&J baby powder settlement
June 11, 2024 (DENVER) – Attorney General Phil Weiser and 42 other attorneys general have reached a $700 million nationwide settlement to resolve allegations that Johnson & Johnson deceptively promoted and misled consumers in advertisements related to the safety and purity of some of its baby powder and body powder products containing talc.