GUEST COLUMNS
Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Despite efforts by Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber to overturn Huntington Beach's voter identification law, the city may prevail due to its authority as a charter city to manage its own elections.
When representing a client while accepting payment from a third party, CRPC Rule 1.8.6 requires informed written consent, preservation of confidentiality, and unwavering commitment to the client's best interests to avoid ethical pitfalls and ensure compliance.
Tuesday, January 21, 2025
Before Jan. 7, Southern California's idyllic neighborhoods were beloved for their beauty and charm, but the recent wildfires have turned these once serene landscapes into hellscapes, leaving behind ashes and memories.
The Los Angeles wildfires mark the first large-scale test of recently enacted California insurance regulations designed to protect homeowners, expedite claims, and ensure fair treatment for wildfire victims during recovery efforts.
Friday, January 17, 2025
In the aftermath of recent fires, disaster victims face a flood of lawyer advertisements and events, highlighting both the vital role attorneys play in pursuing justice and the need for ethical, transparent, and well-resourced legal representation to truly prioritize victims' interests.
Jimmy Carter's legacy blends groundbreaking humanitarian efforts, like the Camp David Accords, with controversial positions on Israel, creating complex impact.
Thursday, January 16, 2025
The IRS and California FTB have extended tax deadlines and Section 1031 exchange periods to October 15, 2025, providing relief to Los Angeles County residents and businesses impacted by devastating wildfires.
Aerial firefighting, combining air tankers, helicopters, and tactical aircraft, is a critical yet dangerous endeavor often disrupted by illegal drone activity, which jeopardizes firefighting efforts, endangers lives, and underscores the importance of strict adherence to FAA regulations.
Wednesday, January 15, 2025
In the wake of the Southern California wildfires, property owners filing insurance claims should know California laws offer expanded coverage options, including combined dwelling/structure limits, relaxed personal property documentation, extended loss-of-use benefits, and protection against policy cancellations, with state and federal aid available for those uninsured or underinsured.
With financial fraud on the rise, consumers and legislators are expecting more from banks.
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
The U.S. Supreme Court heard L.W. v. Skrmetti on
Dec. 4, challenging Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming hormone therapy for
minors, part of a broader wave of anti-transgender laws since 2021 aiming to
restrict trans rights.
In the recent cases of Shayan and Saraye,
California courts addressed the application of laches and statute of
limitations in family law, clarifying that while money judgments for attorney
fees are enforceable without renewal, laches may apply to child support
reimbursements if pursued too late.
Monday, January 13, 2025
In 2024, the California Supreme Court clarified key insurance law issues, rejecting COVID-19 property damage claims, addressing continuous injury coverage, and reinforcing rules on ambiguity and policyholder expectations.
California's wildfires highlight the need for proactive land use planning to mitigate wildfire risks through safety elements in local General Plans and CEQA analysis, while also requiring compassionate, adaptive short-term responses to rebuild communities and address constituents' needs.
Friday, January 10, 2025
The California Court of Appeal's Leeper
decision empowers employers to compel arbitration of individual PAGA claims,
even in cases seeking only non-individual penalties, streamlining PAGA
litigation.
The Supreme Court's denial of petitions keeps the California Clean Air Act waiver intact, but California's vehicle regulation journey is about to get bumpier.
Thursday, January 9, 2025
Proposition 65 updates, which went into effect Jan. 1, require naming chemicals in warnings, clarifying online and food labeling, add vehicle parts guidelines, and give businesses three years to comply.
California's Senate Bill 940 expands arbitration discovery rights, requires more consumer protections, and may reduce the cost-effectiveness of arbitration, prompting businesses to reconsider its use for dispute resolution.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
California's new 2025 legislation reforms summary judgment deadlines, unlawful detainer procedures, and triple net expense protections for "qualified commercial tenants."
When California state Sen. Scott Wiener introduced the nation's most ambitious AI safety bill last year, it became a flashpoint in the debate over how to govern artificial intelligence.
In Hernandez v. City of Stockton, the
California Court of Appeal ruled that a pedestrian's lawsuit was barred because
his government claim, which cited an "uplifted sidewalk," did not match the
actual condition--a hole from an empty tree well--highlighting the need for
precise claims against public entities.
Tuesday, January 7, 2025
Taking a cue from Edward Bulwer-Lytton's much maligned opening sentence, your columnist is on the hunt for legal submissions that stand out for all the wrong reasons, with prizes for the best submissions.
As we advance college athletes' compensation rights, we must protect our players from exploitative pay-for-play schemes that threaten their careers in this evolving NIL landscape.
Monday, January 6, 2025
Seasoned attorneys can bring out the best in their baby lawyers with these tips for understanding and guiding them through that overwhelming first year.
California law offers military and mental health diversion programs to help veterans accused of crimes access rehabilitation instead of prosecution, with recent expansions allowing felony-level military diversion starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Friday, January 3, 2025
Under President Joe Biden, the U.S. and Turkey, both seasoned practitioners of "back channel" diplomacy, achieved a remarkable diplomatic feat with the release of American hostages held in Russia. Yet, it seems the world remains largely unaware--or indifferent--to the achievement.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
California's Racial Justice Act aims to eliminate racism from criminal courts, but recent judicial bias cases reveal the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures.
When attorneys scored a complete victory against Elon Musk's $56 billion Tesla pay package, Chancellor McCormick faced a novel challenge: how to award fees that would reward the win while avoiding an unprecedented windfall.
Tuesday, December 31, 2024
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, California's SB 399 will ban employers from penalizing workers for skipping meetings on political or religious views, expanding protections beyond union discussions to prevent coercion and safeguard workers' rights.
As Trump eyes extending his 2017 tax cuts, a $35 trillion national debt and mounting social costs pose critical challenges, creating a tension between his tax reduction goals and our nation's pressing needs.
Monday, December 30, 2024
A Trump-Musk administration may end federal EV tax credits and emission regulations while California imposes stricter oversight of autonomous vehicles, creating jurisdictional conflicts over electric car policy in 2025.
California's new Corporate Climate Data Accountability Act mandates large businesses to report Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 2027, pushing companies toward greater environmental transparency and supply chain collaboration.
Friday, December 27, 2024
The federal government often avoids taking
responsibility for actions that affect property owners, leading to prolonged
litigation. A recent case, Ideker Farms, LLC. v. United States,
highlights this issue
President-elect Donald Trump's recent interest in purchasing Greenland, met with mockery and Denmark's refusal to sell, has spurred speculation about possible U.S. annexation, with legal experts citing historical precedents and military considerations as potential justification despite anticipated legal and cultural challenges.
Thursday, December 26, 2024
The 2024-2025 Supreme Court term will tackle key intellectual property cases, including issues of personal jurisdiction in patent disputes, trademark infringement damages, regulatory safe harbor for patented activities, and Federal Circuit procedures.
The 5th Circuit found that the diversity rules were not a disclosure requirement but a public-shaming penalty, and concluded that the rules were unrelated to the purposes of the Exchange Act.
Tuesday, December 24, 2024
The California Court of Appeals upheld a summary judgment in favor of a shopping center and its janitorial service, ruling that their regular inspections, including one just 8-9 minutes before the incident, were sufficient to meet their duty of care and there was no evidence of notice of the hazard.
Year-end is a stressful period with significant tax considerations, especially for law firms and individuals operating on a calendar year basis.
Huntington Beach City Attorney Michael E. Gates (File photo)
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NEWS
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General News
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 |
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| A technology trade group has urged the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to halt parts of a California law restricting social media notifications and personalized feeds for minors. The law, set to take effect next month, has sparked a legal battle over First Amendment rights and child protection. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 |
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| Trump and Republicans in Congress say they plan to eliminate most of the federal aid for electric cars and trucks and reverse emissions rules, raising doubts about the future of such vehicles and the billions of dollars that automakers have invested to design and build them. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 |
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| The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation has filed a high-stakes lawsuit against 17 former Silicon Valley Bank executives and directors, claiming their reckless actions and neglect of fiduciary duties caused the bank's catastrophic 2023 collapse. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 |
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| Samsung asked a judge to dismiss Epic Games' antitrust lawsuit, claiming no anticompetitive effects from the "auto-blocker" feature. Epic claims Samsung and Google colluded to monopolize app distribution. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 |
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| The election of Donald Trump, who embraced bitcoin on the campaign trail, galvanized the crypto industry and sent prices skyrocketing. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 |
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| The Federal Trade Commission on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the largest apartment landlord in the United States, Greystar Real Estate Partners, accusing it of charging tenants hundreds of millions of dollars in hidden fees. | |
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General News
Friday, January 17, 2025 |
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| Rep. Kevin Kiley aims to limit the California Coastal Commission's authority through new legislation, citing its overreach in decisions affecting SpaceX launches, amid debates over environmental oversight and political bias. | |
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General News
Friday, January 17, 2025 |
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| The case's outcome could have major implications for California statutes that also aim to protect minors and are facing similar constitutional challenges. | |
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General News
Friday, January 17, 2025 |
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| As much of Los Angeles smolders, wind warnings return and fire crews stand guard, scientists say almost unprecedented climatic conditions throughout Southern California led up to the disaster. | |
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General News
Friday, January 17, 2025 |
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| Bankers traditionally cloak themselves as a risk-averse bunch, and given the questions about the future for interest rates, deal making and the geopolitical world, their optimism about what's ahead is noteworthy. | |
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General News
Friday, January 17, 2025 |
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| As multiple wildfires continue to incinerate homes and displace tens of thousands of people in Los Angeles County, experts worry about the long-term effects the fires will have on the state's already dire homelessness crisis. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 16, 2025 |
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| A divided House on Tuesday approved legislation that aims to bar transgender women and girls from participating in school athletic programs designated for female students, as Republicans sought to wring political opportunity from a social issue that helped them win the 2024 elections. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 16, 2025 |
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| The steps nominees and prospective nominees take after a president-elect chooses them for a post and before they can be confirmed. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 16, 2025 |
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| An three-judge appellate panel reinstated visa fraud charges against executives of PerfectVIPs Inc., finding that false statements on H-1B applications can constitute fraud even if the government had no right to ask certain questions. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 |
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| At least $15 million will be funneled through the State Bar and the California Access to Justice Commission to nonprofits fighting deportations and cases involving reproductive rights. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 |
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| Gov. Gavin Newsom's executive order to streamline rebuilding in fire-damaged areas waives key environmental regulations, but legal experts say its real-world effect may be limited. Challenges like zoning changes, contamination cleanup, and insurance issues loom for homeowners and communities. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 |
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| At the stroke of midnight on Dec. 31, Earth finished up its hottest year in recorded history, scientists said. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 |
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| Last month, U.S. Magistrate Judge Donna M. Ryu dismissed most claims by the Coalition on Homelessness and several individual plaintiffs in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision. But she has rejected the city's latest motion to dismiss the entire complaint. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 |
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| The courts will receive about $5 billion, roughly the same as in the 2024-25 budget finalized last summer. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 |
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| When a crisis most tests our faith and confidence, do we trust bonds of community, and can we rely on the arms of government to protect us? | |
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General News
Monday, January 13, 2025 |
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| The complaint, filed Jan. 7 in federal court in San Francisco, claims that Walmart violates California's Unfair Competition Law, or UCL, by failing to disclose the presence of lead on its labels for the hot cocoa mix. | |
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General News
Monday, January 13, 2025 |
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| Personal finance courses, offered mostly as electives, are sprouting up at public and private colleges nationwide and getting a boost from a new initiative by Stanford University. | |
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General News
Monday, January 13, 2025 |
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| A 9th Circuit panel is scheduled to hear oral arguments in Google's appeal on Feb. 3. | |
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General News
Friday, January 10, 2025 |
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| The White Mountain Apache Tribe claim Meta, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube exploit vulnerable Native American youth. | |
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General News
Friday, January 10, 2025 |
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| The case, rooted in new legislation, now hinges on rapidly disappearing video footage. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 9, 2025 |
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| Just a week into 2025, the media industry got its first consequential transaction: The Walt Disney Co. is buying 70% of Fubo, the video service that had sued to block the media giant's plan to create Venu, a sports streaming joint venture with Fox and Warner Bros. Discovery. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 9, 2025 |
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| Despite being the junior member, U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff's history with President-elect Donald Trump ensures his role will draw national attention as he evaluates judicial and U.S. attorney nominees under the incoming administration. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 9, 2025 |
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| KPMG Law US applied for an Arizona license to practice law, potentially becoming the first big accounting company to own provide legal services in the U.S. This move aims to expand legal services, stirring debate over ethics and access to justice. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 |
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| Lucantonio N. Salvi, chair of Sheppard Mullin, said the additions were part of the national effort the firm has undertaken to grow its health care practice. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 |
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| The Department of Defense settled with some 30,000 veterans discharged under "Don't Ask Don't Tell," offering streamlined discharge upgrades and removal of sexual orientation indicators from records. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 |
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| Legal Eagle's Devin Stone accuses PayPal's Honey of scamming YouTubers by stealing affiliate commissions, leading to class action lawsuits. Honey denies wrongdoing, defends last-click attribution. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 |
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| Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has plenty to be proud of in her first two years as the chief executive of the largest city in the largest state in America. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 |
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| CashCall Inc. must pay over $134 million for illegal lending practices, as ruled by the 9th Circuit. The court rejected CashCall's jury trial claim. | |
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General News
Monday, January 6, 2025 |
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| Senior U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila allowed most of California's new law regulating social media notifications to minors to take effect while striking down certain provisions as unconstitutional. The technology trade group NetChoice immediately appealed, arguing the law violates First Amendment rights. | |
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General News
Monday, January 6, 2025 |
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| The complaint filed in Sacramento escalates a decades-old battle over casino games. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 22, 2025 |
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| As President Trump begins his second term with vows of mass deportations, California attorneys and officials are preparing for heightened legal clashes over the state's sanctuary policies. Huntington Beach has filed a lawsuit challenging the California Values Act, claiming it obstructs federal immigration enforcement. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 21, 2025 |
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| Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero said she will avoid political fights, focusing on judicial duties, wildfires and budget issues. She emphasized court access, judge safety, and AI's role in courts. | |
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General News
Friday, January 17, 2025 |
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| An Anthropic co-founder seeks to quash a subpoena in a lawsuit against OpenAI, claiming no unique knowledge about the company's practices, though he worked there for 18 months. Writers claim copyright infringement by ChatGPT. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 16, 2025 |
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| Modeled on the federal hazardous waste cleanup law, the proposal seeks to make fossil fuel companies pay for climate damages, fund adaptation measures, and support wildfire survivors. | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 |
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| Speaking at the Sacramento Press Club, the state attorney general discussed Gov. Gavin Newsom's funding proposal to bolster legal defenses against the incoming Trump administration. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 |
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| U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner declined Autotrader attorneys' argument that that a claim related to a restriction of the use of pen registers without consent under California Penal Code, Section 638.51 was restricted to telephone communications. | |
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General News
Monday, January 13, 2025 |
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| Evacuation orders in Los Angeles impacted trials as far away as San Francisco, due to attorneys being unable to travel for hearings. | |
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General News
Friday, January 10, 2025 |
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| The complaint accuses the retail giant of misleading consumers into believing they are getting a deal on sale items. | |
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General News
Thursday, January 9, 2025 |
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| The lawsuit against the state of California and several environmental groups does not name the law firm but says it is at the center of a plan to engage in "political activities" and use "US proxies" to further the agenda of "foreign interests." | |
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General News
Wednesday, January 8, 2025 |
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| A split California Supreme Court overturned a mother's second-degree murder conviction, finding there was no evidence she directly aided or abetted her boyfriend in bludgeoning their 2-month-old son to death. | |
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General News
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 |
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| The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has been predominantly liberal since 1998, but Trump added 10 conservative judges. Despite this, a Democratic majority persists, affecting judicial dynamics, and is unlikely to change in his upcoming term. | |
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General News
Monday, January 6, 2025 |
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| California courts anticipate more data privacy lawsuits in 2025, focusing on data brokering and breaches, driven by new laws and public awareness. Experts highlight the trend's growth and strategic litigation. | |