Housing

Buffalo’s Housing Court Welcomes New Judge, Phillip Dabney Jr., Amid Renewed Focus on Lead Violations and Community Engagement

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Buffalo, N.Y. — Following weeks of anticipation, Phillip Dabney Jr. has officially been appointed the new judge of Buffalo City Court’s Housing Court. Judge Dabney, 55, brings substantial experience, having served as a temporary judge in Housing Court multiple times earlier this year, an experience he and others feel have well-prepared him for his new role. Judge Kevin Carter, from the Eighth Judicial District, shared high praise for Dabney’s earlier assignments in Housing Court. He highlighted Dabney’s serious approach and eagerness for the position, both of which played a key part in determining the recent … Read more

Controversy at Women’s Prison: Inmate Alleges Sexual Assault by Transgender Cellmate Amidst Department of Corrections Housing Policy Debate

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GIG HARBOR, Wash. — A former inmate at the Washington Corrections Center for Women has filed a federal lawsuit alleging she was sexually assaulted by her transgender cellmate, an individual with a history of sexual offenses, according to court documents. The plaintiff, Mozzy Clark-Sanchez, claims the assaults occurred over a period during which they shared a cell, sparking concerns about the incarceration policies for transgender inmates in state facilities. Clark-Sanchez’s lawsuit asserts severe allegations against Christopher Scott Williams, who after legally being recognized as a female by the state, was transferred from a men’s to … Read more

Maryland Welcomes 2025 with Sweeping New Laws: Enhanced Road Safety, Opioid Recovery Measures, and Housing Reform Among Key Changes

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Maryland is poised to ring in 2025 with a suite of new laws impacting everything from road safety to opioid treatment following a busy legislative session. Governor Wes Moore, having reviewed hundreds of bills, approved a diverse array of new measures set to take effect starting January 1. In a move to enhance the safety of road construction zones, the Maryland Road Worker Protection Act is introducing tougher measures against speeding in such areas. The law now authorizes expanded use of speed cameras and establishes higher fines for traffic infractions within work … Read more

California Jury Awards $7.4 Million to Disabled Professor After 7-Year Battle for Accessible Housing

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Los Angeles, CA – A federal jury awarded Dr. Emma Adams, a paraplegic and Southern California college professor, $7.4 million in damages for violations of the Fair Housing Act by AQUA 388 Community Association, AQUA Maintenance Corporation, and FirstService Residential California LLC. The verdict, reached on December 19, 2024, includes $7 million in compensatory damages and $400,000 in punitive damages. Dr. Adams, who utilizes a powered wheelchair for mobility, faced significant challenges after purchasing a condominium at the AQUA towers in Long Beach, which consist of 556 units and nearly a thousand parking spaces. Despite … Read more