New Hanover County Schools Votes to Hire Additional Legal Counsel for Exceptional Children Caseload

Wilmington, North Carolina – The New Hanover County Schools board has voted to hire additional legal counsel to handle exceptional children (EC) matters, following a split between the current representative, Vogel Law Firm, and two attorneys who previously handled the caseload. The decision was prompted by a motion from board member Josie Barnhart, who advocated for seeking different legal counsel for EC cases. Ultimately, the board voted in favor of this move, with some members who had previously opposed hiring Vogel Law Firm now supporting the decision. Barnhart initially suggested hiring the law firm of … Read more

Verdict Looms: Riveting Deliberations Continue in Riveting Rickey Payne Murder Trial

WACO, Texas – The jury has begun deliberating in the murder trial of Rickey Payne, a case that has captivated the community and garnered significant attention. Payne is accused of a heinous crime that shook the residents of this Texas city. The trial, which has been closely watched by the public, is expected to bring justice to the victim, offer closure to their family, and provide answers to a concerned community. Throughout the trial, gripping testimonies and compelling evidence were presented, illuminating the heinous nature of the crime. Prosecutors argued that Payne was responsible for … Read more

Democratic and Republican Senators Unite to Oppose Controversial Texas Two-Step Legal Tactic

WASHINGTON (AP) — In a rare show of bipartisan unity, Democratic Senators Dick Durbin and Sheldon Whitehouse, along with their Republican counterpart Josh Hawley, have come together to oppose a legal tactic known as the Texas Two-Step. This maneuver, used by large corporations facing mass tort claims, involves creating a new subsidiary to divert liability and then filing for bankruptcy. The senators have urged the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling by the U.S. Appeals Court that allowed paper giant Georgia-Pacific to utilize this legal strategy to avoid millions in asbestos liability claims. The … Read more

Minnesota Implements New Earned Sick and Safe Time Policy: What You Need to Know

Minneapolis, Minnesota – Starting January 1, 2024, Minnesota implemented a new Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) policy, causing HR leaders to work quickly to update their policies and ensure compliance. As these sweeping changes take effect, there are several key points to consider. ESST is defined as paid leave for employees who are sick, caring for sick family members, or seeking help due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. The policy aims to provide support for employees facing difficult circumstances. To be eligible for paid sick and safe time, workers must meet certain … Read more