Michael Carroll News
Louisiana federal judge rejects Novo Nordisk bid to dismiss Ozempic lawsuit
A federal lawsuit filed by a Louisiana woman who said she vomited to the point of losing teeth after using the type-2 diabetes drug Ozempic can move forward now that a judge has largely rejected drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk’s motion for dismissal.
U.S. Justice Department intervenes in lawsuit challenging Louisiana state legislative boundaries
The U.S. Justice Department has intervened in a federal lawsuit that challenges the legality of Louisiana’s state legislative boundaries, prompted by the Secretary of State's challenge to the constitutionality of a section of the federal Voting Rights Act.
Louisiana finishes among top 10 states for GDP growth in second quarter
Louisiana’s gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 3.2% in the second quarter of this year, putting Louisiana in the top 10 among the 50 states for its rising value of goods and services, the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported.
Appeals court rejects Louisiana GOP officials' arguments on congressional redistricting
In a two-sentence opinion, a federal appeals court has shot down a bid by attorneys for Louisiana’s Republican legislative leaders, attorney general and secretary of state to reconsider the need for the state to have two Black-majority congressional districts.
Louisiana leads legal challenge to new EPA rule expanding water-quality regulations
Louisiana is leading a legal effort by 11 states to challenge a federal rule that plaintiffs in the lawsuit say makes sweeping, unlawful changes to how states make water-quality certifications for projects under the Clean Water Act.
Louisiana lawmakers given until end of January to OK new congressional map
The outlines of a timeline to decide the legality of Louisiana’s congressional district map are coming into focus now that a federal district judge has given state lawmakers until Jan. 30 to produce a new map that’s in sync with provisions of the federal Voting Rights Act.
State appeals court calls for new election in disputed Caddo Parish sheriff race
A state appeals court has ordered a new runoff election in Caddo Parish to decide the outcome of the Nov. 18 race for sheriff, which was decided by a single vote amid some findings of voting irregularities.
Watchdog sues New Orleans PD for failure to produce public records
A New Orleans resident is suing the New Orleans Police Department in state court alleging the department has dragged its feet on fulfilling multiple public-records requests relating to payroll irregularities and a growing backlog of sexual assault evidence.
Louisiana utility regulators continue to seek rate rebates from Entergy
Utility regulators in Arkansas recently settled their legal battle with Entergy over mismanagement and tax issues at the Grand Gulf nuclear plant, but Louisiana regulators are poised to continue the fight to get refunds they say their customers deserve.
Louisiana State Police opens criminal probe into embattled Houston law firm
A Louisiana State Police unit has opened a criminal investigation against Houston-based law firm McClenny, Moseley & Associates for alleged property insurance fraud practices in the state over the past three years.
Louisiana remains 7th worst civil justice jurisdiction in U.S., new report says
Louisiana has retained its longtime designation as a Judicial Hellhole by the American Tort Reform Foundation, whose 2023-2024 annual report found the Bayou State was the seventh-worst civil litigation jurisdiction in the country.
Louisiana Supreme Court to hear lawsuit over St. George incorporation
The Louisiana Supreme Court has agreed to weigh in on the legal battle between supporters and opponents of the proposed city of St. George, moving the debate over the future of the community in East Baton Rouge closer to a resolution.
Offshore Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale pushed back to Dec. 20 after appeals court ruling
A federal appeals court has given the go-ahead for a controversial Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale, including acreage that had previously been excluded to protect an endangered whale, to proceed on Dec. 20.
Louisiana State Bar Association activities must be related to legal profession, appeals court rules
A federal appeals court has affirmed that the Louisiana State Bar Association violated a New Orleans attorney’s right to free speech and free association when it engaged in activities that were not germane to the legal profession.
Louisiana lawsuit alleging racial bias in industrial land-use policies in St. James Parish is dismissed
A federal lawsuit alleging that St. James Parish’s industrial land-use policies have concentrated petrochemical plants near the parish’s Black communities was dismissed on procedural grounds earlier this month.
Louisiana moves forward on regulation of vape products despite lawsuit
Louisiana regulators this month released their list of nearly 400 approved vaping products that can be sold in the state in the wake of a new law that raises taxes on such products and aims to protect minors from inexpensive, disposable e-cigarettes.
New Orleans council freezes legal budget pending review of civil litigation issues
The New Orleans City Council has moved to temporarily escrow the city Law Department’s operating budget, suggesting that the number of civil actions filed by the department may be excessive and that the council is not being consulted about legal filings.
GOP sweeps statewide offices, but turnout takes another dive in Saturday's election
Because voters decided the outcome of Louisiana’s governor’s race last month, Saturday’s election drew even fewer voters than the Oct. 14 primary vote – 22.5% statewide – as Republicans extended their control of the state Legislature and captured every statewide office.
Appeals court calls on Louisiana Legislature to come up with new congressional map by Jan. 15
A federal appeals court has called on the Louisiana Legislature to draw up a new congressional district map by Jan. 15 of next year in order to ensure the boundaries comply with the federal Voting Rights Act in time for the 2024 elections.
U.S. Supreme Court agrees to hear federal lawsuit alleging Biden administration-social media collusion
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a lawsuit launched by attorneys general in Louisiana and Missouri alleging the Biden administration colluded with social media companies to censor views on COVID-19 policies and other topics.