News from 2024
Mayes releases unredacted indictment in Arizona's fake electors case
Attorney General Kris Mayes released an unredacted copy of the indictment issued in late April by the State Grand Jury. This is part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged fake elector scheme in Arizona.
Attorney general sues over secrecy clauses in long-term care facilities
Attorney General Kris Mayes has initiated legal action to nullify a secrecy clause imposed on the family of a man who died due to neglect in a long-term care facility. The clause, according to Mayes, contravenes Arizona law that mandates notifying the Attorney General when cases involve abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Taiwanese national arrested for operating a major dark web narcotics marketplace
Rui-Siang Lin, a 23-year-old Taiwanese national known by various aliases including Pharoah and faro, was arrested in connection with his operation of "Incognito Market." This online narcotics marketplace on the dark web allowed users to anonymously buy and sell illegal drugs worldwide. Lin was apprehended at John F. Kennedy Airport on May 18 and is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Willis in Manhattan federal court.
Red Lobster closures may impact consumer rewards and gift cards: AG Henry
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has issued a warning to consumers regarding the potential impacts of Red Lobster restaurant closures and the national chain's bankruptcy filing. Although most of the affected locations are in other states, Red Lobster's website indicates that a location in Erie, Pennsylvania has already been closed.
Three nominees forwarded to Governor for 22nd Judicial District vacancy
The Trial Court Vacancy Commission convened in Columbia today to evaluate five applicants for a circuit court judge vacancy in the 22nd Judicial District, encompassing Giles, Lawrence, Maury and Wayne counties. This vacancy arises from the impending retirement of Judge David Allen on August 3, 2024.
Partner C. Dabney O'Riordan to Speak at Securities Enforcement Forum West 2024 and Interview Director of SEC’s Enforcement Division
Quinn Emanuel Partner C. Dabney O'Riordan will be speaking at the Securities Enforcement Forum West 2024 event organized by Securities Docket. Dabney will interview Gurbir Grewal, the Director of the SEC’s Enforcement Division in a Q&A session.
Reed Smith advised Delta Auto Transport its sale to Proficient Auto Logistics
Global law firm Reed Smith served as counsel to Delta Auto Transport, a full-service automobile carrier and network logistics service provider, on its sale to Proficient Auto Logistics, a specialized freight company focused on providing auto transportation and logistics services.
2024 Small Business Government Contracting Judges Panel on May 21, 2024
The American Bar Association (ABA) Public Contract Law Section's Small Business Committee is hosting its annual judges panel and discussion.
Troutman Pepper’s Alana Sliwinski Receives Emerging Leader Award from The Stamford Jewish Community Center
Alana T. Sliwinski, a counsel in Troutman Pepper’s national Construction practice, has been recognized by The Stamford Jewish Community Center (JCC) for her exceptional contributions to the organization and greater community.
Attorney General Miyares Joins Lawsuit to Stop Biden Administration’s Electric-Truck Mandate
Attorney General Jason Miyares joined a lawsuit to stop the Biden Administration from imposing an electric-vehicle mandate on truck manufacturers. A 24-state coalition filed a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to challenge the Biden Administration’s new regulation of emissions from heavy-duty vehicles.
TN AG Skrmetti Leads 18 States in Lawsuit against Federal Agency’s Unlawful Attempt to Control Private Businesses
Leading a coalition of eighteen states, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti filed a lawsuit fighting federal agency overreach by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). On April 29, 2024, the EEOC issued new sexual harassment guidance that unlawfully extends Title VII’s protections against sex-based discrimination to cover gender identity.
Paxton secures restraining order against ATF's controversial rule
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has obtained a temporary restraining order from a federal judge, halting an allegedly unlawful rule set forth by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”). This order prevents the rule from taking effect while litigation is ongoing.
Federal judge allows some NAS claims to move forward
SAN FRANCISCO – A California federal judge has denied parts of a motion to dismiss some Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome claims against a management consulting company, allowing the claims of some West Virginia children to move forward.
Nonprofits, industry associations file amicus brief in support of upholding Prop 22
On April 3, five organizations - Chamber of Progress, NetChoice, Asian Industry B2B, the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and sf.citi - submitted an amicus brief urging the California Supreme Court to uphold Proposition 22. This voter-approved measure from 2020 classifies app-based transportation and delivery drivers as independent contractors.
The Buckeye Institute highlights rising hospital costs as a significant driver of healthcare prices
In a recent policy memo, The Buckeye Institute highlighted rising hospital costs as one of the most significant drivers of healthcare costs. Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, pointed out that hospital costs account for 30 percent of all healthcare spending.
Panera restaurants pull Charged Lemonades from their menus in the wake of lawsuits
Panera restaurants plan to remove their Charged Lemonade beverages from menus in the wake of two wrongful-death lawsuits filed against the company by the families of customers who consumed the drinks, including a Florida man.
Lawyers hit with $10K in sanctions over 'schoolyard bullying'
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - A California law firm must pay $10,000 in sanctions for behavior an appellate judge likened to “the adult equivalent of schoolyard bullying,” including refusing to respond to requests for evidence and sending sneering emails to opposing counsel.
New Jersey court rejects contractor's claim he was an employee
TRENTON, N.J. (Legal Newsline) - The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled against a real estate salesperson who entered into an agreement as an independent contractor but then sued under the theory he was an employee of the company.
Feds accuse PHEEA, student loan trusts of botching pandemic
SCRANTON, Pa. (Legal Newsline) - The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has filed suit against the trusts that administer student loans, arguing they failed to grant forbearance to debtors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Law firm wants client data back from debt-settlement company
CLEVELAND (Legal Newsline) - Following a split, a law firm representing clients troubled by debt has gone to court to retrieve their information from a settlement company.