County

Multnomah County Jury Grants $50 Million to Wildfire Survivors, Holding PacifiCorp Accountable for 2020 Disaster

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A Multnomah County jury awarded approximately $50 million to ten survivors of Oregon’s 2020 Labor Day wildfires, marking a significant development in a series of legal actions against PacifiCorp, a Portland-based electric utility. This decision increases the company’s financial liability to more than $385 million, stemming from a ruling in 2023 that determined PacifiCorp was negligent in its failure to cut off power during hazardous fire conditions, leading to four major wildfires. Among those receiving compensation are Wanda and Bill Ford, an elderly couple whose home in the Otis area was destroyed by the Echo … Read more

Columbiana County Election Recount Underway as Menning’s Lead Narrows to Just 33 Votes

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LISBON, Ohio — The tight race for the Columbiana County Municipal Court judgeship has led to a recount due to a razor-thin margin of victory. Danielle Menning’s lead over incumbent Judge Kelly Linger reached 33 votes, prompting the county Board of Elections to initiate an automatic recount of the votes from the May 6 primary election. The Board of Elections confirmed the results of the election on Thursday, stating that the recount would commence at 9 a.m. Tuesday at their office on Dickey Drive. The automatic recount was triggered because the difference in votes between … Read more

Unlocking New Beginnings: Suffolk County Lawyer Jason Bassett Guides Residents on Sealing Criminal Records Under New York’s Clean Slate Act

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In Central Islip, New York, individuals looking to lessen the impact of past criminal convictions can explore the process of sealing their records. Jason Bassett, a criminal defense attorney in Suffolk County, emphasizes that obtaining a sealed record can significantly improve various aspects of a person’s life, including job opportunities and housing options. His law firm, the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C., specializes in guiding clients through this legal process in accordance with New York state law. Sealing a criminal record can make a considerable difference for those who have completed their sentences yet … Read more

Kalamazoo County Joins Legal Battle Against EPA Over Termination of $19 Million Climate Grant

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KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Kalamazoo County has decided to participate in a class-action lawsuit against the federal government following the abrupt termination of a significant Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant. This decision was made during the county commissioners’ meeting held on Tuesday. The county had initially applied for the Community Change Grant last December, receiving approval in January. However, shortly after, the Trump administration issued directives that froze federal funding, which halted the grant before any work could begin. Kalamazoo County’s Climate Sustainability Coordinator, Taylor VanWinkle, explained that the EPA informed them the grant did not … Read more