Michael Carroll News
Restraining order sealing evidence in Lafayette fatal shooting case dropped
An order preventing the release of video evidence and other records in the police shooting of an African-American man in Lafayette was dropped this week after attorneys for local leaders and media organizations argued against it in state court.
Louisiana restaurant owners see limited opportunities in Phase 3 reopening
The Louisiana Restaurant Association sees the state’s decision to wade into Phase 3 of its reopening plans as a positive step, though it expects some of the new rules may sow some confusion among the small businesses.
Federal RICO lawsuit filed over staged Louisiana tractor-trailer accident
A Louisiana trucking company that was the victim of a staged auto collision with a tractor-trailer that fraudulently generated bodily injury claims has filed a federal racketeering lawsuit against the conspirators.
Louisiana governor's coronavirus orders facing increased push-back
Gov. John Bel Edwards’ coronavirus restrictions have come under increasing scrutiny in recent weeks, with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy urging more flexibility for churches and the Pelican Institute for Public Policy favoring a greater role for the state legislature.
Edwards, secretary of state spar over Nov. 3 election plan
Gov. John Bel Edwards and Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin filed final briefs this week in a federal lawsuit that will determine what coronavirus protections will be in place for the Nov. 3 presidential election.
Louisiana business-use car insurance premiums ranked among highest in nation
Louisiana ranked among the five most expensive states for the purchase of business-use vehicle insurance in a recent study, adding to a rising chorus of criticism about the cost of auto insurance premiums in the state.
11 indicted in accident schemes to defraud Louisiana insurers, trucking firms
Eleven more people accused of taking part in staged big-rig accidents designed to generate damages awards against Louisiana insurance and trucking companies have been indicted during a widening federal investigation.
Louisiana coastal erosion lawsuits routed to state courts
A federal appeals court has rebuffed Louisiana energy companies’ efforts to move two parish lawsuits blaming the industry for coastal erosion from state to federal courts.
Secretary of state's November voting plan prompts push-back from governor
Gov. John Bel Edwards has given a thumbs-down to Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s emergency plan for the Nov. 3 election, saying the plan falls short of protecting public health during the coronavirus pandemic.
Businesses hopeful about marketing campaign to lure insurers to Louisiana
Louisiana businesses hammered by insurance costs are hopeful that the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry’s campaign to bring more insurers back into the state will lead to economic benefits, LABI reports.
East Baton Rouge mayoral hopeful loses bid to get on ballot
East Baton Rouge City Councilwoman Tara Wicker’s legal battle to put her name on the November ballot as a candidate for mayor-president came to a screeching halt Friday as the state Supreme Court declined to hear her case.
Louisiana secretary of state urged to expand mail voting for Nov. 3 election
Those urging the expansion of mail-in voting in Louisiana during the Nov. 3 presidential election expect the secretary of state to call for some emergency measures in the coming week in light of the coronavirus emergency.
State judge upholds Edwards' coronavirus orders
A Louisiana state judge affirmed Gov. John Bel Edwards’ recently issued coronavirus orders, including a statewide mask mandate, as she rejected plaintiffs’ arguments that the orders amounted to a legal overreach.
Bar owners lose bid for restraining order against governor's COVID-19 restrictions
Louisiana bar owners have lost a bid for a temporary restraining order against Gov. John Bel Edwards’ coronavirus order banning on-site alcohol consumption at taverns, but they continue to press their case in federal court.
FG officials, opponents reach temporary accord in litigation over plastics project
The company behind a $9.4 billion plastics complex planned for St. James Parish entered into a temporary truce with opposition groups last month as opponents dropped their demand for a preliminary injunction.
LABI urges passage of federal COVID-19 legal protections
Amid stalled negotiations over a new COVID-19 relief bill, the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry is pressing federal lawmakers to provide coronavirus legal liability protections to businesses and health care professionals.
Louisiana high court ends debate over mandatory judicial retirement age
The Louisiana Supreme Court’s reaffirmation of the state constitution’s requirement that judges retire once they reach age 70 has effectively ended re-election hopes for several veteran justices.
Louisiana Supreme Court justice Hughes sues The Advocate for defamation
Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Jefferson Hughes is suing The Advocate for defamation over the newspaper’s coverage of the justice’s alleged actions in a child custody case in the 1990s.
Appeals court rules Louisiana pipeline company violated landowners' rights
Property rights supporters are claiming a major victory as a result of a recent Louisiana appeals court decision that concluded the Bayou Bridge Pipeline Co. (BBP) violated the law in building a section of pipeline on privately owned land.
Louisiana bar exam requirement waived due to coronavirus
A divided Louisiana Supreme Court this week said it will allow “qualified” candidates for admission to the Louisiana State Bar to practice law without having to take the traditional bar exam.