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Court Upholds Historic Preservation in Derry Rail Trail Lawsuit, Halting Controversial I-93 Expansion Design

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CONCORD, N.H. — Efforts to protect the Derry Rail Trail and the historic Manchester & Lawrence Railroad corridor received a major boost on July 1, when a federal judge ruled in favor of local advocacy groups in their lawsuit against the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The dispute stemmed from plans related to the Exit 4A expansion of Interstate 93 in Derry, which posed significant risks to the integrity of the historic district. The litigation, initiated in August 2024, focused on a controversial design alteration approved by the … Read more

Marin County’s Civil Grand Jury Calls for Increased Transparency Amidst Confusion of Nearly 100 Local Agencies

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San Rafael, California – The latest report from Marin County’s Civil Grand Jury raises pressing concerns about the management of nearly 100 local agencies, which collectively oversee a budget nearing $1 billion and employ over 1,800 individuals. These entities, which include special districts and joint powers authorities, are responsible for vital services such as water, sewer, electricity, police, fire protection, and waste management. The grand jury identified 62 special purpose districts and 37 joint powers authorities that often operate with limited transparency. While larger agencies like Marin Municipal Water District and the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail … Read more

Johnson & Johnson Faces Legal Setback Over Talc Cases as Bankruptcy Court Decision Shakes Industry

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Johnson & Johnson faced significant legal setbacks concerning its talc products and their alleged link to cancer, culminating in a recent ruling that could reshape how such cases are managed. In Wilmington, Delaware, bankruptcy courts weighed in on the company’s strategy to address thousands of claims from individuals who believe the talc products caused serious health issues. The ruling comes after Johnson & Johnson attempted to resolve an extensive number of lawsuits involving its talc-based powders by declaring bankruptcy for its subsidiary, which was designed to shield the parent company from the financial repercussions of … Read more

Escambia County Seeks Community Input on Rebranding ‘Gulf of Mexico’ to ‘Gulf of America’ in Local Ordinances

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Pensacola, Fla. – In a significant move for the region, the Escambia County Commission is set to convene a public hearing next week concerning a proposal to revise the language in local ordinances to refer to the “Gulf of America.” The update aims to align with recent legislative changes that have sparked discussions across the state. Currently, nearly 20 county ordinances that govern various issues, including those related to Perdido Key, dog parks, and littering, utilize the term “Gulf of Mexico.” This proposed amendment comes on the heels of laws enacted by Governor Ron DeSantis … Read more