Rhode

Judge Melissa R. DuBose’s Historic Approval Paves the Way for Diversity on Rhode Island’s Federal Bench

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Providence, Rhode Island – The U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary has given its approval to the nomination of District Court Judge Melissa R. DuBose to the federal bench. With a vote of 12-9, mainly along party lines, DuBose is now one step closer to taking the U.S. District Court seat relinquished by Judge William E. Smith. If the nomination is confirmed by the full Senate, DuBose will make history as Rhode Island’s first person of color and LGBTQ+ judge. DuBose’s nomination was put forward by President Joe Biden in January, following the recommendation of … Read more

Nintendo Takes Legal Action Against Rhode Island Firm for Enabling Video Game Piracy with Yuzu Software

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Warwick, Rhode Island – Nintendo of America has filed a lawsuit against a company based in Warwick, alleging that it facilitated video game piracy. Tropic Haze, LLC, the accused company, developed a software named Yuzu, which enables users to play pirated games on the Nintendo Switch. According to Nintendo, Yuzu provides an easy way to bypass the safeguards in place that prevent unauthorized downloading and illegal gameplay. Seeking legal action, Nintendo has requested a court order to prohibit the marketing and manufacturing of this software, as well as financial restitution. Tropic Haze has refrained from … Read more

Rhode Island District Court Nominee Faces Unexpected Question About Marxist Past During Confirmation Hearing

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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island – Melissa DuBose, a former history and civics teacher in the Providence public school system, faced scrutiny during her confirmation hearing for a position on the Rhode Island District Court. Republican Senators John N. Kennedy and Marsha Blackburn questioned DuBose about an article from over two decades ago in which she mentioned being in a “Marxist phase.” Despite the line of questioning, DuBose adamantly denied being a Marxist and stated that she does not espouse Marxist theory or ideology. The article in question was written by an undergraduate student who interviewed DuBose … Read more

Rhode Island Woman Sues Panera Bread, Claims Charged Lemonade Caused Long-Term Heart Complications

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SMITHFIELD, R.I. – A Rhode Island woman is suing Panera Bread after alleging that the chain’s Charged Lemonade caused her long-term heart issues. Lauren Skerritt, a 28-year-old occupational therapist and vegetarian, consumed two-and-a-half Charged Lemonades at a Panera Bread location in Smithfield, Rhode Island, last April. Skerritt claims she chose the caffeinated beverage because she believed it was “plant-based and clean” based on its advertising. After drinking the lemonade, Skerritt reportedly began experiencing heart palpitations and dizziness. She sought medical treatment at Rhode Island Hospital, where she was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, an irregular and … Read more