Michael Carroll News
Medical students win restraining order against Monroe college's vaccine policy
Three students have won a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking a Monroe medical school from enforcing its COVID-19 vaccination policy, even though the college granted them religious exemptions from the policy.
Plaintiffs appeal Baton Rouge trial judge's decision on resuming federal jobless benefits
Attorneys for plaintiffs alleging that Louisiana’s termination of federal unemployment benefits under the American Recovery Plan was a violation of state and federal law have appealed a trial court’s denial of their request for an injunction.
Lawsuit argues federal rule poses threat to Louisiana shrimpers' livelihoods
Attorney General Jeff Landry is suing the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and other federal agencies, arguing that a new rule to protect sea turtles poses a threat to the livelihoods of Louisiana shrimp fishermen
Presence of unmasked attendees leads BESE to cancel discussion of school mask rules
Attendees’ refusal to wear masks at a meeting of the state’s public education board led the members to adjourn before they could discuss a potential challenge to Gov. John Bel Edwards’ COVID-19 mask mandate.
Lawsuit over the St. George incorporation effort headed for trial
A two-year-long legal battle over the proposed incorporation of St. George in East Baton Rouge Parish may be moving closer to a resolution, with a trial expected to take place early next year.
Appeals court ruling keeps Louisiana coastal erosion lawsuits under federal review
A federal appeals court ruling this month has buoyed Louisiana oil companies’ hopes that coastal erosion lawsuits brought by parish governments might be tried in federal rather than state courts.
Medical students file federal lawsuit over Louisiana campus' vaccine policy
Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has been removed as a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by three medical students that alleges their college’s COVID-19 vaccination policy violates the state and U.S. constitutions.
AG's opinion challenges governor's authority to impose mask mandates for students
The board that oversees K-12 education in the state, and not the governor, has the authority to adopt COVID-19 safety protocols for the state’s schools, an opinion released last week by the Louisiana attorney general says.
Lawsuit alleges East Baton Rouge district turned blind eye to bullying
The family of a middle school student in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System has filed suit against the district, alleging that school officials failed in their obligation to protect the student from repeated bullying and physical attack.
Lawsuit challenges Louisiana decision to cut federal jobless benefits
Six Louisiana residents have filed a lawsuit in East Baton Rouge alleging that the state’s termination of federal unemployment benefits in June was unlawful and urging the court to reinstate them.
Marijuana decriminalization law seen as lowering burdens on Louisiana's justice system
A Louisiana law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana took effect this past weekend amid hopeful statements from supporters that the policy change would reduce financial burdens on the state’s justice system.
Multi-state opioid settlement could provide lifeline to struggling Louisiana residents
A $26 billion settlement of opioid legal claims announced by attorneys general in 14 states could provide Louisiana with $325 million, raising hopes that more Louisianans struggling with opioid addiction will be able to get treatment.
Louisiana colleges warned against 'coercive' COVID-19 vaccine policies
Louisiana’s attorney general is scrutinizing some colleges’ vaccine policies to ensure they don’t coerce students who object to getting the shot, even as concerns rise about the spread of the Delta variant and the resulting spike in COVID-19 cases around the state.
Louisiana inmate's lawsuit against parole board dismissed, but case may be refiled
A federal judge has dismissed a civil rights lawsuit brought by a 74-year-old Louisiana inmate who was granted parole in March but subsequently claimed to be the victim of retaliation by the state parole board over the press coverage his case generated.
Monroe medical school stands behind its COVID-19 vaccine policy
Allegations by Attorney General Jeff Landry and others that a Monroe medical school is harassing three students who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine are not accurate, according to the college’s spokeswoman.
Legislative panel looks at funding alternatives for Louisiana courts
A commission set up by the state legislature is taking a holistic look at how the state’s court system is funded, with a focus on whether the system is overly dependent on fines and fees assessed on indigent defendants convicted of crimes.
New Orleans hit with free-speech lawsuit over social media policy
Two New Orleans employees have filed a federal lawsuit against Mayor Latoya Cantrell and the city administrative officer over New Orleans’ social media policy, arguing that it unconstitutionally restricts their free-speech rights.
Louisiana veto-override session fizzles after two days
What was billed as a historic veto-override session ended after only two days as the Louisiana legislature failed to override any of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ vetoes of 28 bills during the 2021 session.
Families of students suspended over BB gun incidents settle with Jefferson Public Schools
The families of two children who were suspended after holding BB guns during online classes last year have settled their federal lawsuits with Jefferson Parish Schools, according to court records.
Appeals court revives bid to overturn Louisiana State Bar's mandatory dues policy
A Fifth District Court of Appeals panel has rekindled a New Orleans attorney’s federal lawsuit that challenges the mandatory dues policy of the Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA).