Federal

Federal Court Denies Attorney’s Bid to Write Off Racing Expenses as Business Deductions

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Denver, Colorado — A federal appeals court has made a ruling that will steer a personal injury attorney away from claiming car racing expenses as a deductible business marketing cost. On Monday, the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver decided against James William Avery, who sought to deduct over $300,000 spent on his high-speed hobby, according to Law360. Avery, who relocated to Indiana from Colorado in 2003 but continued his legal practice in Colorado, sought to grow his client base in his new home state. To achieve this, he began participating in car … Read more

Federal Judge in Oregon Puts Temporary Halt on Kroger-Albertsons Merger Plans

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PORTLAND, Ore. — A federal judge in Oregon has issued a temporary injunction against the planned merger between supermarket giants Kroger and Albertsons. This legal move puts a hold on what would be one of the largest consolidations in the grocery industry. The decision comes amid concerns that the merger might lead to higher prices for consumers, reduced choices, and negative impacts on workers. The case, presided over by Judge Michael H. Simon, saw arguments that the $24.6 billion deal could stifle competition and create a near-monopoly in certain markets. Legal representatives for various consumer … Read more

Federal Judge Strikes Down CFPB’s $8 Credit Card Late Fee Rule, Upholding Higher Charges as Per CARD Act

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FORT WORTH, Texas — A federal judge in Texas has handed a significant setback to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) by ruling against its recent regulation that would drastically lower credit card late fees to $8, describing the move as an overreach of the bureau’s authority. The decision emerged from U.S. District Judge Mark T. Pittman, who is predicting a likely failure for the CFPB’s initiative based on his assessment. Judge Pittman, appointed under the Trump administration, articulated that the rule contradicted the provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of … Read more

Jury Awards $4 Million in Wrongful Death Case of Air Force Cadet, Family Seeks Federal Probe into Police Investigation Missteps

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ORLANDO, Fla. — A federal court jury has awarded $4 million to the family of Alex Bello-Ortiz, an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student and Air Force cadet, in a verdict that contradicted initial findings by local police that his 2020 death was a suicide. The family’s assertion, supported by evidence, suggested that Bello-Ortiz was fatally shot by his roommate following an altercation. Maria Lourdes Ortiz, Alex’s mother, expressed relief following the civil court’s decision. “I know the police department is supposed to do their job, but they did not do justice for my son. Thank God … Read more