Latest News
America First Legal identifies former Kamala Harris staffers in Biden-Harris administration
America First Legal (AFL) has revealed the identities of over 40 political appointees in the Biden-Harris administration who previously worked for Vice President Kamala Harris. The information was obtained through AFL's Freedom of Information Act lawsuits, which secured employment records such as resumes, SF-50s, and ethics pledges. These documents detail the appointees' names, salaries, titles, work histories, and agencies.
Ohio man sentenced for concealing Croatian war crime charge
An Ohio resident, Jugoslav Vidic, has been sentenced to three years in prison for immigration fraud. Vidic, 56, of Parma Heights, concealed his past war crime charges in Croatia when applying for U.S. residency. According to court documents, he falsely claimed no legal charges and understated his military service history during the civil war in the former Yugoslavia.
Former Louisiana sheriff's deputy sentenced for civil rights violation
A former deputy from the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana, Javarrea Pouncy, was sentenced to 37 months in prison for assaulting a detainee. Pouncy, aged 31, admitted to using excessive force during a strip search in September 2019, where he and another deputy repeatedly punched the detainee who posed no threat. The assault led to severe injuries including a broken eye socket and nose.
Attorney General warns local officials about ignoring state laws
Attorney General Todd Rokita has issued a warning to local officials regarding the enforcement of state laws. This action is part of his ongoing efforts against what he refers to as 'sanctuary cities.' The Attorney General emphasizes the importance of adhering to state legislation, signaling that any deviation will not be tolerated.
Chief Judge DeWeese receives award from Going Home Hawaiʻi
Third Circuit Chief Judge Wendy M. DeWeese has been recognized with the Ka Lehua Kea Hiwahiawa Award by Going Home Hawaiʻi for her significant contributions to the community on Hawaiʻi island. The organization, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, focuses on helping individuals reintegrate into society through employment, education, housing, and other services.
Georgia Supreme Court welcomes new term law clerks for 2024-25
The Supreme Court of Georgia has announced the new class of term law clerks for the 2024-25 year. These clerks, who will serve for one year, are tasked with assisting Justices through legal research, drafting and reviewing opinions, and preparing for oral arguments.
Attorney General challenges Biden-Harris electric-truck mandate
Attorney General Mike Hilgers, representing a coalition of 24 states, has filed a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to challenge the Biden-Harris Administration's electric-vehicle mandate for truck manufacturers. The case, Nebraska v. EPA, contests the new rule that imposes stringent emissions standards on heavy-duty vehicles, effectively pushing manufacturers toward producing more electric trucks.
Ohio Supreme Court indefinitely suspends ex-Toledo councilman after corruption conviction
The Supreme Court of Ohio has indefinitely suspended the law license of former Toledo City Councilman Tyrone Riley following his federal public corruption conviction. Riley, who has been under an interim suspension since September 2023 after pleading guilty to violating the federal Hobbs Act, began serving a two-year prison sentence in January. The court's per curiam opinion denied him credit for time served under the interim suspension. Typically, an attorney with an indefinite suspension can seek reinstatement after two years.
North Carolina man arrested for alleged solicitation and exploitation charges
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced the arrest of Joseph Daniel Headrick, a 35-year-old resident of Waynesville, North Carolina. Headrick faces three charges related to the attempted sexual exploitation of a minor. The arrest was made by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force investigators from the Greenville Police Department. The investigation also involved assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Waynesville Police Department.
Albuquerque seeks partial end to police consent decree after achieving high compliance
The Justice Department and the City of Albuquerque have jointly filed a motion seeking court approval to terminate certain parts of the consent decree involving the Albuquerque Police Department (APD). This move follows an independent monitor's report indicating that APD has achieved full compliance with 99% of the decree's terms, marking its highest level of compliance.
Michigan Senate passes bills enhancing protections for vulnerable adults
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has expressed approval for the Michigan Senate's recent passage of Senate Bills 922-925. This legislative package, supported by both the Attorney General and the Department’s Elder Abuse Task Force, aims to enhance protections for vulnerable adults. The bills focus on increasing penalties for abuse and financial exploitation while promoting prevention programs.
America First Legal files amicus brief urging Supreme Court review of school curriculum
Today, America First Legal (AFL) and co-counsel Christopher Mills submitted an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States. The brief urges the court to review a case involving Montgomery County Public School District's (MCPS) curriculum on sexuality and gender identity. According to AFL, MCPS does not permit parents to opt their children out of this curriculum, which they argue infringes upon parental rights.
Dielectric Materials fined $90k for alleged hazardous waste violations in Wisconsin
Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced a civil judgment against Dielectric Materials, Inc. for alleged hazardous waste violations at its Ozaukee County facility. The company is required to pay a $90,000 penalty as part of the settlement approved by the Ozaukee County Circuit Court on October 8, 2024.
Attorneys general seek Supreme Court support for Tennessee's ban on gender treatments
Attorney General Tim Griffin, along with attorneys general from Kentucky and Indiana, has filed an amicus brief to the United States Supreme Court. The brief supports a Tennessee law that bans certain medical treatments for gender dysphoria in minors, including puberty blockers and hormones. Griffin emphasized the role of state representatives in determining safe procedures for children within their states.
Connecticut fisherman sentenced for tax evasion on fishing income
A Connecticut man has been sentenced to one year and one day in prison for tax evasion related to his earnings from commercial fishing activities in Massachusetts.
Alexandra Katich Selected for 2024 Colorado General Counsel Mentor Program
Nelson Mullins is proud to announce Denver-based partner Alexandra Katich was chosen for the 2024 Colorado General Counsel Mentor Program.
P&A Attorney Benjamin J. Hochberg Appointed to the New Jersey Supreme Court’s District Vc Ethics Committee
Peckar & Abramson, P.C. (P&A) is pleased to announce that Benjamin J. Hochberg, Senior Counsel in the firm’s River Edge, NJ office, was appointed to the New Jersey Supreme Court’s District VC Ethics Committee.
'Slammed the door in my face': Key cog in South Carolina's asbestos court not at U.K. showdown
A London judge hearing a U.K. company’s challenge to receivership orders handed down by his judicial counterpart in South Carolina called the procedure “a bit sort of odd,” given the U.K. company has never done business in South Carolina and has no assets there.
Supreme Court declines to hear appeal in rideshare driver misclassification suits
On October 7th, 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a crucial appeal by Uber Technologies, Inc. and Lyft, Inc. regarding ongoing lawsuits initiated by the State of California.
Attorney General Alan Wilson co-leads lawsuit against federal agency over staffing rule that would shut down some nursing homes and raise costs
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announces that he has co-led a coalition of 20 state attorneys general and groups that represent hundreds of not-for-profit aging services providers across the country in filing a lawsuit to overturn a new nursing home staffing mandate that’s impossible to implement.