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Judge Orders Lycoming County DA to Step Away from High-Profile Homicide Case Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns

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Williamsport, PA — In a notable legal decision in Lycoming County, District Attorney Tom Marino has been completely removed from the forthcoming homicide trial of Kenneth Michaels. Michaels faces charges for the alleged fatal shooting of his brother-in-law John Roskowski, 69, inside the lobby of Cable Services on August 17, 2023. The ruling arrived Monday and resonates with profound implications for all parties involved. Judge Ryan Tira’s directive specified that despite defense demands, the case would not be transferred to the state attorney general’s office. This decision followed extensive discussions during a May 28 hearing, … Read more

New York Takes Historic Step: Convicted Felons to Regain Jury Service Rights

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Albany, N.Y. — In a transformative legislative move, New York is poised to offer convicted felons a chance to serve on juries, lifting a longstanding ban that has been a point of contention in discussions about civil rights and criminal justice reform. This change, pending approval from Governor Kathy Hochul, underscores a significant shift in how the state addresses reintegration and the rights of its formerly incarcerated residents. The revised legislation, which successfully passed through both the Assembly and Senate, would allow individuals with felony convictions to be called for jury duty upon completion of … Read more

Implementing Just-Cause Eviction Policies: A Key Step Toward Solving the Homeless Shelter Crisis

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Cambridge, MA — As homelessness continues to be a pressing issue in many urban centers across the nation, local communities like Cambridge are exploring innovative solutions to the crisis, centered around housing stability. One significant proposal on the table is the enactment of just-cause eviction laws, which could serve as a critical tool in preventing unnecessary evictions and, consequently, reducing the number of people forced into homelessness. Just-cause eviction laws require landlords to provide a valid reason before evicting tenants. These reasons typically include non-payment of rent, breach of lease terms, or the landlord’s need … Read more

Massachusetts Takes Bold Step with New Legislation to Curb Ghost Gun Spread

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Boston, MA — Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker signed a pivotal piece of legislation aimed at addressing the growing concern over ghost guns in the state. The newly signed bill empowers law enforcement agencies with the tools necessary to regulate these untraceable firearms, which lack serial numbers and are often assembled from parts purchased online. Ghost guns, typically homemade and assembled from kits that can be bought without background checks, have become increasingly prominent in criminal activities due to their ability to circumvent traditional gun-control laws. This new legislation mandates that any firearm, rifle, shotgun, or … Read more