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Former Deadspin Editor Timothy Burke Seeks Permanent Dismissal of Hacking Charges

Former Deadspin Editor Timothy Burke Seeks Permanent Dismissal of Hacking Charges

Attorneys for Timothy Burke, a former Deadspin video editor, have filed a motion to permanently dismiss the hacking charges against him. Burke was indicted two years ago on charges of conspiring to break into computer systems of media outlets and sports organizations, specifically mentioning his alleged access to Fox News video transmissions via LiveU Matrix. His legal team argues that federal prosecutors violated his constitutional rights under the Speedy Trial Act due to a prolonged and ultimately unsuccessful appeal process. Prosecutors had initially charged Burke with 14 counts, including wiretapping, but a federal judge dismissed seven of these counts last year, leaving only conspiracy and computer trespass charges. The Justice Department attempted to appeal the dismissed charges but withdrew their appeal earlier this month after failing to secure necessary approval, leading to a year-long delay. Burke's attorneys contend that this delay, during which no opening brief was filed for the appeal, constit...

Federal Judge Orders Former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne to Pay Hunter Biden $1.7 Million in Defamation Case

Federal Judge Orders Former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne to Pay Hunter Biden $1.7 Million in Defamation Case

A federal judge has mandated that former Overstock CEO Patrick Byrne pay Hunter Biden $1.7 million. This ruling concludes a defamation case that has been described as one of the year's most unusual. The decision was handed down on July 10. The case involved allegations of defamation, with the court finding in favor of Hunter Biden. The specific details of the defamatory statements made by Byrne were not elaborated upon in the provided source, but the outcome signifies a legal victory for Biden and a financial penalty for Byrne. This judgment brings to a close a significant legal battle involving a prominent former business executive and a member of a politically notable family.

Midland County Judge Terry Johnson Suspended with Pay Following Felony Indictment

Midland County Judge Terry Johnson Suspended with Pay Following Felony Indictment

Midland County Judge Terry Johnson has been suspended from office with pay by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, effective August 26, 2026. This suspension follows his indictment by a Midland County grand jury on criminal charges related to a Facebook post. The post allegedly contained a resident's personal identifying information, including their Social Security number and date of birth, alongside a caption reading 'Convicted felon trying to be a player.' Johnson has acknowledged posting the document but claims he was unaware of the sensitive personal information it contained. He was indicted on two counts of Misuse of Official Information and one count of Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information, both third-degree felonies, and one count of Abuse of Official Capacity, a Class A misdemeanor. Johnson has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney states he never intended to cause harm.

The Commercial Appeal

New leadership in Shelby County DA's Office; Nichols suit hits roadblock

New leadership in Shelby County DA's Office; Nichols suit hits roadblock

Also this week, a federal judge seems poised to rule in favor of activists and the ACLU in a lawsuit over Tennessee's Halo Law.

MSNBC's Joy Reid Amplifies Underrepresented Voices in Broadcast Journalism

MSNBC's Joy Reid Amplifies Underrepresented Voices in Broadcast Journalism

Joy Reid, host of MSNBC's 'The ReidOut,' is recognized for her analytical approach to discussions on race, politics, and social justice. She is known for conducting incisive interviews with both political leaders and everyday citizens, transforming the newsroom into a platform for inclusion and reflection. Reid's program frequently highlights perspectives from communities often underrepresented in mainstream media, challenging conventional narratives. Her work, alongside other female anchors at MSNBC, reflects an evolving standard in broadcast journalism that prioritizes authenticity, diversity, and strategic storytelling. This approach frames stories not merely through statistics but by focusing on lived outcomes, such as those related to healthcare access or police reform. MSNBC's commitment to diverse storytelling and gender equity is evident, with over 40% of its on-air talent identifying as female holding primary anchoring or lead reporting roles in 2023, a significant increase from two decades prior.

King Spalding Expands International Disputes Practice with New Partner and WilmerHale Team Acquisition

King Spalding Expands International Disputes Practice with New Partner and WilmerHale Team Acquisition

King Spalding Expands International Disputes Practice with New Partner and WilmerHale Team Acquisition

Supreme Court Rules Federal Law Preempts State Pesticide Warning Claims, Justice Jackson Dissents

Supreme Court Rules Federal Law Preempts State Pesticide Warning Claims, Justice Jackson Dissents

The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-2 decision in *Monsanto v. Durnell*, has ruled that federal pesticide law expressly preempts state tort failure-to-warn claims when the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered a pesticide without requiring a specific warning. Authored by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, the majority opinion stated that a state-imposed duty for a cancer warning constitutes a state requirement for labeling that is 'in addition to or different from' the requirements of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). The case originated from John Durnell's lawsuit against Monsanto, alleging that chronic use of Roundup caused his non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and that a cancer warning should have been included on the label. The EPA had registered Roundup without such a warning and has consistently determined that glyphosate is not likely to cause cancer. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, joined by Justice Neil Gorsuch, dissented, arguing that FIFRA's misbranding prohibition, which mand...

States Threaten Legal Action Against Trajector Medical Over Alleged Fraud Against Disabled Veterans

States Threaten Legal Action Against Trajector Medical Over Alleged Fraud Against Disabled Veterans

Attorneys general from New York and Illinois are threatening legal action against Trajector Medical, a Florida-based company accused of defrauding disabled veterans by charging them for assistance with initial VA disability claims, which federal law mandates must be provided free of charge by accredited providers. This development follows an NPR investigation into Trajector's practices, including its use of a 'CallBot' system to monitor veterans' VA benefits and subsequently bill them, even if the company did not contribute to an increase in benefits. Trajector Medical, along with 21 affiliated companies, recently filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which has temporarily halted existing civil lawsuits seeking class-action status on behalf of veterans. However, the attorneys general have informed the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the Middle District of Florida that their ongoing investigations suggest the company's funds were obtained through 'illegality and fraud,' asserting that these funds should not ...

Jay-Z accuser recants rape allegation against the rapper

Jay-Z accuser recants rape allegation against the rapper

By Lisa Richwine LOS ANGELES, Sept 25 (Reuters) - A woman who accused musician Jay-Z of rape in a 2024 lawsuit has recanted her claim and said she never met the billionaire rapper.

Prosecutor accused of misconduct in 'Broadview Six' case resigns, says US attorney 'scapegoated' her

Prosecutor accused of misconduct in 'Broadview Six' case resigns, says US attorney 'scapegoated' her

A prosecutor who has been accused of misconduct over a failed attempt to bring felony charges against six protesters of the federal immigration crackdown in Chicago has resigned

Cincinnati Enquirer

Judges should worry less about approval than trust | Opinion

Judges should worry less about approval than trust | Opinion

Opinion: Judges can't order Americans to trust them.

Cooley LLP Expands Congressional Investigations Practice with Former House GOP Lawyer Jessica Donlon

Cooley LLP Expands Congressional Investigations Practice with Former House GOP Lawyer Jessica Donlon

Cooley LLP has announced the hiring of Jessica Donlon, a former attorney for Republicans on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, as a partner in its Washington office. Donlon, who previously served as a Trump administration official and is a veteran Capitol Hill attorney, joined the firm last week. Her move is aimed at bolstering Cooley's congressional investigations practice, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming midterm elections. As general counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee under Chairman Brett Guthrie, a Kentucky Republican, Donlon played a key role in guiding the GOP's reconciliation package through Congress last year. Her expertise in legislative processes and congressional oversight is expected to enhance the firm's capabilities in navigating complex political and regulatory landscapes.