Florida School District Faces Lawsuit Over Removal of Books on Race and LGBTQ+ Identities, Judge Rules

PENSACOLA, Fla. – A federal judge has ruled that a lawsuit can proceed against a Florida Panhandle school district for removing books about race and LGBTQ+ identities from library shelves. U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II, based in Pensacola, made the ruling on Wednesday, granting standing to the writers’ group PEN America, publisher Penguin Random House, banned authors, and parents to pursue their claims under the First Amendment’s free speech protections. However, the judge denied a claim under the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause. “We are gratified that the Judge recognized that books cannot … Read more

Mother Found Guilty on All Charges in Daughter’s Coldwater Shooting Incident, Faces Minimum Two-Year Prison Sentence

COLDWATER, Michigan — Kathleen Rowe faces the possibility of a two-year prison sentence after being found guilty by a jury on all charges in the shooting of her daughter, Kasey Stringer, on January 26, 2023. The jury deliberated for just under an hour after hearing testimonies from Rowe and her 34-year-old daughter. The incident occurred at Rowe’s home on Pamela Drive, just north of the Coldwater city limits. Rowe, a 66-year-old woman with multiple long-term illnesses, rejected a plea bargain in October for a four-year felonious assault charge with no jail or prison time. The … Read more

Owner of Dogs in Warren Dog Attack Requests Jury Trial, Faces Misdemeanor Charges

HUNTINGTON COUNTY, Ind. – Megan Anderson, the owner of two dogs that allegedly bit a Warren man and killed his dog, appeared in court on Wednesday for her initial hearing. Anderson requested a jury trial during the hearing, where she faced two Class C Misdemeanor charges of dog bite liability resulting in injury. If convicted, she could face a minimum of 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. This case dates back to December when a judge in Huntington County ordered the removal of the dogs from Anderson’s care. The animals … Read more

Delaware Climate Change Lawsuit Against Big Oil Faces Major Setback as State Court Partially Dismisses Claims

Wilmington, Delaware – A lawsuit filed by the government of Delaware against major fossil fuel companies over their greenhouse gas emissions and impact on global warming has been partially dismissed by a top state court. Judge Mary Johnston of the Delaware Superior Court ruled that the state’s claims for damages related to out-of-state or global greenhouse gas emissions and interstate pollution are preempted by the federal Clean Air Act and fall beyond the limits of state statute. Although other claims can still be pursued, the ruling significantly weakens the case. The lawsuit, which dates back … Read more