Clayton City Council Faces Fallout from Grand Jury’s Damning Report: Urgent Calls for Reform and Transparency

CLAYTON, Calif. — A recent report by the Contra Costa County Civil Grand Jury has cast a harsh light on the Clayton City Council, revealing a troubling pattern of dysfunction and mismanagement. The report, released on June 2, highlights significant issues, including legal violations, chronic turnover among city leadership, and a lack of transparency that has contributed to an erosion of public trust. The Grand Jury’s investigation was prompted, in part, by concerns raised by local residents and earlier editorials advocating for scrutiny of the city council’s operations. It pointed out that the city has … Read more

Johnson & Johnson Faces Fallout as Bankruptcy Court Rejects Talc Litigation Strategy

Indianapolis, Indiana — Johnson & Johnson faces significant legal repercussions as a federal bankruptcy court ruled against the company’s strategy to resolve thousands of lawsuits linked to its talc-based products. The ruling marks a notable backlash against corporate maneuvers intended to shield entities from liability resulting from consumer health claims. This decision comes after Johnson & Johnson sought refuge in the bankruptcy court to expedite its liability process, a move that has garnered scrutiny and criticism from various legal experts and consumer advocates. The company’s attempts to manage claims relating to its talc powders, which … Read more

Judge Dials Down Baltimore’s $266 Million Opioid Verdict Against Drug Giants, Reducing It to $52 Million Amid Fallout

Baltimore, Maryland — A judge has ruled that jurors overstepped by awarding the city an excessive sum in a recent verdict against two major drug distributors, McKesson and AmerisourceBergen. The decision follows a November trial where jurors determined that these companies had unreasonably supplied large quantities of painkillers that contributed significantly to Baltimore’s opioid crisis. Jurors held McKesson and AmerisourceBergen accountable for an alarming 97% of the city’s opioid epidemic and awarded Baltimore $266 million in damages. However, Baltimore City Circuit Judge Lawrence Fletcher-Hill indicated that this amount was disproportionate to the evidence presented, suggesting … Read more

Arkansas Corrections Board Faces Audit Fallout Over $200,000 Attorney Payment Dispute with Governor Sanders

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — An audit released by the Arkansas Legislative Joint Auditing Committee has revealed that the state Board of Corrections owes attorney Abtin Mehdizadegan over $230,000 related to a lawsuit against Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. The report, unveiled during Friday’s committee meeting, stated that the board lacks the means to fulfill the payment obligations under the contracted agreement. According to the audit, as of February 11, the total amount owed to Mehdizadegan stands at $230,108. The auditors suggested that future contracts should be vetted through the State Procurement office and approved during public … Read more