Local Attorney Brennan Keeler Appointed as Judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit by Governor DeSantis

HOBE SOUND, Fla. – Governor Ron DeSantis has appointed attorney Brennan Keeler as a judge for the 19th Judicial Circuit in Hobe Sound. Keeler, who is based in Hobe Sound, has a background in criminal prosecution and legal counsel on the Treasure Coast. This appointment comes after the retirement of former Circuit Court Judge Robert Belanger, who had held the seat for nearly two decades. Before his appointment, Keeler represented the Palm Beach County police officers’ union. His career history, as detailed in his application to the nominating commission of the 19th Judicial Circuit, shows … Read more

City Employee Files Lawsuit Alleging Racial and Age Discrimination against Topeka’s Government

TOPEKA, Kansas – A lawsuit filed against the city government of Topeka accuses them of racial and age discrimination. Keith Bennett, an employee of the utilities department, claims he has been a victim of these unfair practices. The lawsuit, filed on December 22, alleges that Bennett, who is 54 years old and Black, received a “right to sue” letter from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on September 27. The lawsuit specifically cites one count each of discrimination and retaliation based on race, as well as discrimination and retaliation based on age. Bennett is seeking … Read more

Social Media Trade Group Files Lawsuit Against Ohio Over Controversial New Law

Columbus, Ohio – A trade group representing multiple social media sites has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Ohio over a new law that requires companies to obtain verifiable parental consent for children under the age of 16. NetChoice, the trade group behind the lawsuit, argues that the law is unconstitutional. They have previously taken legal action against other states that have passed laws regulating social media use and internet privacy. The Parental Notification by Social Media Operators Act, set to go into effect on January 15, has faced significant opposition. NetChoice, which … Read more

Federal Jury Awards $9.5 Million in Civil Rights Lawsuit Against Correction Officers After Inmate’s Death

ALBANY, N.Y. – A federal court jury in Albany awarded $9.5 million to Tracy Yvonne Cooper after finding that correction officers at Clinton Correctional Facility in Dannemora violated her son’s civil rights. The verdict came after hours of deliberation and followed Tracy Cooper’s claim that the guards used excessive force, resulting in the death of her son, Terry L. Cooper. Terry Cooper, a 25-year-old inmate, died during a confrontation with the baton-wielding guards at the maximum-security prison in 2016. The jury reached its decision only a few hours after hearing closing arguments in the case. … Read more