Authority

Buffalo Court Battle: Acting Mayor and Comptroller Face Off Over Bond Authority in $110 Million Budget Dispute

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Buffalo, N.Y. — A court hearing on Monday brought to light a contentious legal battle between Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon and Comptroller Barbara Miller-Williams over fiscal authority within the city. The lawsuit, spearheaded by Scanlon and Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski, challenges Miller-Williams’ refusal to issue bond anticipation notes tied to a significant $110 million capital budget. No ruling was immediately forthcoming from Judge Emilio Colaiacovo, who indicated that he would provide a written decision by the end of the week. This ongoing dispute centers around claims that the comptroller lacks the jurisdiction to block the … Read more

Court Rules in Favor of Downtown Development Authority, City of Cairo’s Executive Session Deemed Unlawful

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CAIRO, Ga. — The city has been ordered by a Grady County Superior Court to reverse its decision to dismiss several members from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) after failing to adhere to the Georgia Open and Public Meetings Act. This ruling followed an executive session held on June 10, 2024, during which the city council voted to remove Nola Knighton Daughtry, Howard Thrower, III, Melinda Drew Johnson, and Hansell Bond Bearden without proper legal justification. The lawsuit initiated by the affected DDA members revealed that the executive session was neither publicly announced nor included … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Unlawful, Challenging Presidential Authority

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A federal appeals court has declared that the tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump are largely unconstitutional. The ruling, which comes from the U.S. Court of Appeals, supports a previous decision by the Court of International Trade (CIT) regarding the legality of the Trafficking and Reciprocal Tariffs enacted through executive orders. The court’s opinion concluded that the tariffs exceeded the authority granted to the president under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). It emphasized that the orders in question are invalid as they conflict with existing legal frameworks. The decision marks a significant … Read more

Ex-Housing Coordinator Wins $2.3 Million Verdict, Exposing Hostile Work Environment at Charlotte Housing Authority

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A federal jury has awarded a former housing coordinator over $2.3 million after determining that her exit from the Charlotte Housing Authority was precipitated by a hostile work environment. The verdict has prompted significant reflection and scrutiny of the agency’s leadership and practices. During a brief deliberation that lasted just over an hour, the jury concluded that Tonya Lightner, a former homeownership coordinator, faced an unlawful workplace situation. The issues emerged after she expressed concerns regarding discriminatory practices against elderly and disabled veterans seeking housing assistance. The jury found that Monica Nathan, … Read more