USA Archive - Law Commentary

Aerial view of a train derailment site in East Palestine, Ohio, showing smoke and flames from burning tank cars.

Federal Judge Approves $600 Million Settlement in Norfolk Southern Train Derailment Case

A federal judge has approved a $600 million class-action settlement offered by Norfolk Southern Railroad for residents and businesses affected by the catastrophic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which occurred in February 2023. The settlement, which compensates those who lived within 20 miles of the derailment site, clears the... Read More about Federal Judge Approves $600 Million Settlement in Norfolk Southern Train Derailment Case

Participants struggling in muddy conditions during a Tough Mudder race.

Lawsuit Filed After Tough Mudder Sickens Participants

Over 150 participants of a tough mudder race in California’s Bay Area last year were infected by contaminated water. Today, those participants and others are filing lawsuits against the race organizers and others. The 2023 Sonoma Raceway Tough Mudder, held last year in Sonoma, California, was hosed down and had... Read More about Lawsuit Filed After Tough Mudder Sickens Participants

New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaking at a press conference.

NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges Involving Foreign Contributions

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was charged with bribery, fraud, and campaign-finance offenses in a sweeping indictment unsealed Thursday. Federal prosecutors allege that Adams, a Democrat, illegally solicited contributions from Turkish donors in exchange for political favors, including helping facilitate the opening of a Turkish consulate building without a... Read More about NYC Mayor Eric Adams Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges Involving Foreign Contributions

Workers installing solar panels on a roof at sunset.

Five Solar Panel Companies Accused of Deceptive Practices in New Lawsuit

The rising popularity of residential solar panels has also cracked the door open for fraud. In that light, five solar panel companies have been accused of deceptive practices in a new lawsuit filed by the Legal Aid Society of New York City. The lawsuit says the companies engaged in deceptive... Read More about Five Solar Panel Companies Accused of Deceptive Practices in New Lawsuit

Group of students and advocates wearing blue shirts posing in a California legislative chamber.

Governor Newsom Vetoes Bill Allowing Undocumented Students to Work at California Public Universities

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have allowed undocumented students to work on public university campuses, citing potential conflicts with federal law. Assembly Bill 2586 aimed to grant students without legal immigration status the opportunity to hold on-campus jobs at the University of California (UC), California... Read More about Governor Newsom Vetoes Bill Allowing Undocumented Students to Work at California Public Universities

Laboratory equipment and vials for genetic testing analysis.

Seven Defendants Indicted in $40 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Genetic Testing

The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado has announced the indictment of seven individuals in connection with a scheme to defraud Medicare and Colorado Medicaid through fraudulent genetic testing claims. The defendants, including individuals from Florida, California, Arizona, Maine, New Hampshire, and New York, allegedly conspired to... Read More about Seven Defendants Indicted in $40 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Genetic Testing

A small Piper PA28 aircraft on the runway at sunset.

Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After 18-Year-old Pilot Dies During Training Flight

The family of a teenage student pilot has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against two separate flight schools they say each played a role in their son’s fatal crash. In September 2023, 18-year-old flight student Connor W. Quisenberry was in the cockpit with his flight instructor, 22-year-old Timothy A. McKellar.... Read More about Family Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit After 18-Year-old Pilot Dies During Training Flight

Firefighters in training during a simulated emergency response, with flames in the background.

Firefighters in Training Won’t Get Overtime Pay for Confinement During COVID

Brian Hunt wanted to be a firefighter. Fortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the City and County of Los Angeles offered a condensed four-week training course through the county’s Fire Fighting Training Academy. Hunt signed up and learned that during the training period, he and the other new recruits were required... Read More about Firefighters in Training Won’t Get Overtime Pay for Confinement During COVID

A young child covers her ears while two adults argue in the background, illustrating the impacts of domestic violence on family dynamics.

Domestic Violence Restraining Order Can Stop Child Custody Rights

California Family Code § 3044 (a) creates a rebuttable presumption that granting sole or joint custody to a person who has committed domestic violence is “detrimental to the best interest of the child.” In April 2023, Cassaundra Campbell (C.C.) requested custody of her children and explained to the judge that... Read More about Domestic Violence Restraining Order Can Stop Child Custody Rights

A man with a patriotic outfit and facial expression standing in front of a wall of international flags.

Man Indicted for Attempted Assassination of Former President Donald Trump at West Palm Beach Golf Course

A federal grand jury in Miami has indicted Ryan Routh on charges of attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump following a September 15 incident at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course. The indictment, filed late Tuesday, adds three new charges, including possessing a firearm in furtherance of a violent... Read More about Man Indicted for Attempted Assassination of Former President Donald Trump at West Palm Beach Golf Course

Cargo ship involved in the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, showing damaged structure and fallen containers.

DOJ Files $100 Million Lawsuit Alleging Negligence in Maryland Bridge Collapse Last March

The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the owners and operators of the cargo ship that drove into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March. The collapse resulted in the death of six construction workers. The owners and operators of the cargo ship include Singapore-based... Read More about DOJ Files $100 Million Lawsuit Alleging Negligence in Maryland Bridge Collapse Last March

ExxonMobil facility with large storage tank and industrial structures in the background.

California Sues ExxonMobil Over Plastic Waste and Deceptive Recycling Claims

California has filed a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil, accusing the energy corporation of deceiving the public for years about the environmental impact of plastic production. The lawsuit follows a nearly two-year investigation by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, which concluded that Exxon had intentionally misled consumers about the feasibility of... Read More about California Sues ExxonMobil Over Plastic Waste and Deceptive Recycling Claims

A SpaceX launch rocket taking off amidst a cloud of smoke and flames.

Cards Against Humanity Sues SpaceX for Alleged Trespassing and Property Damage on Texas Land

The creators of the party game Cards Against Humanity have filed a lawsuit against SpaceX, accusing the aerospace company of trespassing and damaging a plot of land owned by the game makers in Texas. The lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court, seeks $15 million in damages, claiming that SpaceX... Read More about Cards Against Humanity Sues SpaceX for Alleged Trespassing and Property Damage on Texas Land

A kit containing insulin supplies, including vials and pens, on a surface with a box labeled 'Insulin Aspart'.

FTC Sues Major Pharmacy Benefit Managers for 'Artificially Inflated' Insulin Prices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action against the three largest pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in the United States, accusing them of manipulating the insulin market to prioritize their profits over patient affordability. The lawsuit, filed against UnitedHealth Group’s Optum Rx, CVS Health’s Caremark, and Cigna’s Express Scripts, alleges... Read More about FTC Sues Major Pharmacy Benefit Managers for 'Artificially Inflated' Insulin Prices

A waiting area in an urgent care center with empty colorful chairs.

Urgent Care Center Immune From Liability for Refusing to Treat Maskless Man During COVID

In the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, Peter N. Yaya went to an urgent care center in Valencia, California, seeking treatment for his deviated septum, a condition that occurs when the cartilage and bone that separate the nasal cavity are not centered. As a result, breathing problems, congestion and headaches... Read More about Urgent Care Center Immune From Liability for Refusing to Treat Maskless Man During COVID