Spouses

New Law Bolsters Military Spouses’ Businesses: North Dakota Enhances Cottage Foods Act to Permit Interstate Sales

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Bismarck, North Dakota — On a recent legislative day, Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a pivotal bill that broadened the scope of North Dakota’s Cottage Foods Act, allowing for a significant expansion of home-based food businesses, including those run by military spouses. The newly revised law, which includes an emergency clause ensuring its immediate enactment, now permits these entrepreneurs to market and ship their products across state lines and via online platforms. Previously, North Dakota counted among the minority of states that restricted interstate commerce for cottage food operations, tying the hands of home-based entrepreneurs who … Read more

Judge Approves Settlement in ACLU Lawsuit to Protect Noncitizen Spouses During Citizenship Process

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Boston, MA — A Massachusetts judge has recently given the green light to a significant legal settlement related to a high-profile immigration lawsuit initiated by the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. This decision marks a pivotal moment for many noncitizen spouses embroiled in the U.S. immigration system. At the heart of the lawsuit was Lilian Calderon, a Rhode Island woman originally from Guatemala, brought to the U.S. at the tender age of three. Her case gained national attention when, in 2018, she was detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a marriage interview—a … Read more

Judge in Zantac Case Declines Recusal Despite Potential Conflict Over Spouse’s Employment

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Harrisburg, PA — A state judge in Pennsylvania presiding over a widespread lawsuit involving the heartburn medication Zantac ruled against a motion to step down from the case on Wednesday. The motion revolved around concerns raised by plaintiffs who questioned the judge’s impartiality due to his wife’s employment at a law firm representing the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline in unrelated cases. The judge, whose identity has not been disclosed, expressed his doubts regarding the plaintiffs’ assertion that his marital connection could subconsciously influence his judicial duties. He decided to continue overseeing the litigation, asserting his ability … Read more

RHOBH Celebrity Faces Tense Moments in Jury Selection For Spouse’s Court Case

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Los Angeles, CA — The legal drama surrounding “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne continues as jury selection commences for her husband Tom Girardi’s trial. Girardi, a once-celebrated attorney known for his role in major legal battlegrounds such as the case depicted in “Erin Brockovich,” faces allegations that could undermine his decades-long career in law. Girardi is accused of embezzling millions from the settlements of various clients, including families who lost loved ones in plane crashes. The case not only highlights significant claims of financial misconduct but also marks a stark fall from … Read more