Federal

Federal Judge Dismisses Civil Lawsuit in Dallas Police Custody Death of Diamond Ross

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Dallas, Texas – A federal judge has dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by the family of Diamond Ross, more than five years after her death from an overdose while in Dallas police custody. Ross’ family had sought answers and disciplinary action regarding the 34-year-old’s death in 2018. Video footage released by the police in 2019 showed Ross repeatedly asking for water and help as she was taken to jail. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, sought damages and policy changes from those involved, including two police officers, the Dallas Police Department, Dallas Fire-Rescue, and the Dallas … Read more

Federal Judge Orders Redrawing of North Dakota Legislative Districts, Impact on Native American Representation Remains Uncertain

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MINOT, N.D. – A federal judge has implemented a new legislative district map on North Dakota, following a lawsuit that claimed the previous map did not adequately represent Native American voters. While some are celebrating this as a victory for voting rights, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on the state’s political landscape. The lawsuit argued that the districts were gerrymandered because Native Americans were not proportionally represented in the Legislature. However, it should be noted that the previous map, which was also designed to increase Native American representation, successfully elected two Native … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Overturns $223 Million Jury Award in Johnson & Johnson Talc-Related Cancer Case

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The federal appeals court has overturned a $223 million jury award in a case where New Jersey residents claimed they developed cancer from using Johnson & Johnson’s talc-based products, according to reports and a recent ruling. The appellate division of the Superior Court of New Jersey stated that the scientific testimony linking J&J’s products to the cancers was improper and should not have been presented to the jurors. The panel explained that the experts for the plaintiffs failed to provide sufficient explanations for the facts or methods supporting their claims. Erik Haas, Worldwide Vice President … Read more

Prominent Puerto Rican Lawmaker Convicted of Federal Corruption Charges

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San Juan, Puerto Rico – María Milagros “Tata” Charbonier, a well-known former legislator in Puerto Rico who is popular with conservatives, has been found guilty of federal charges related to corruption. Charbonier, an attorney who served in Puerto Rico’s House of Representatives from 2013 to 2020 and was the secretary general of the pro-statehood New Progressive Party, was indicted in August 2020. The charges against her included conspiracy, money laundering, theft, bribery, kickbacks involving federally funded programs, and obstruction of justice. She was also accused of destroying data on her mobile phone. Following the trial, … Read more