Trumbull Commissioners Reach Settlement in Controversial Sunshine Law Case

TRUMBULL, Ohio — Trumbull County Commissioners have reached a settlement in a lawsuit that claimed violations of Ohio’s Sunshine Law, which mandates public access to governmental meetings and records. The resolution follows months of disputes regarding transparency and the public’s right to be informed about local governance. The lawsuit was brought forth by a local resident who alleged that the commissioners conducted private meetings without proper notice, denying the community their right to participate in discussions affecting public policy. The Ohio Sunshine Law serves to ensure that meetings of public bodies are open to the … Read more

Lewis Brisbois Expands Reach by Welcoming Pond North’s 12-Lawyer Team, Enhancing Product Liability Expertise

Los Angeles, Calif. — Lewis Brisbois Brisgaard & Smith LLP, a prominent law firm, announced Monday that it has merged with Pond North LLP, a boutique firm specializing in product liability and toxic tort cases, adding 12 attorneys to its roster. This strategic move aims to enhance Lewis Brisbois’s ability to navigate complex litigation surrounding product safety and environmental hazards. By bringing in the skilled team from Pond North, the larger firm hopes to bolster its services and better serve clients in these ever-evolving legal areas. The integration of Pond North’s expertise aligns with Lewis … Read more

Jury Struggles to Reach Consensus in State Sen. Emil Jones III Corruption Trial

CHICAGO — Deliberations in the federal corruption trial of Illinois State Senator Emil Jones III moved into the fourth day, amidst signs of difficulty in reaching unanimity on several charges. The senator faces allegations that he solicited bribes and lied to FBI agents about his interactions with a red-light camera company executive during the summer of 2019. The jury, which adjourned Thursday without reaching a verdict, previously signaled to U.S. District Judge Andrea Wood that they were struggling with the bribery and lying charges, questioning the necessity of unanimous agreement on the particular elements of … Read more

ISU and Pride Center Reach Settlement in Landmark Lawsuit

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Indiana State University and the group formerly known as the ISU Pride Center have reached a settlement in a lawsuit that accused the university of discrimination, marking a significant resolution to a contentious legal battle. This agreement, detailed in recent court filings, effectively closes a chapter that highlighted the complexities of LGBTQ rights within academic institutions. The lawsuit, originally filed by the then-named ISU Pride Center, alleged that the university had engaged in discriminatory practices by denying them affiliation because of their advocacy for LGBTQ rights. Such an affiliation is pivotal … Read more