Michael Carroll News
Federal appeals court refuses to stay order that sent Louisiana coastal erosion lawsuit to state court
Energy-company defendants in Louisiana’s coastal erosion lawsuits again expressed disappointment after a federal appeals court panel declined to stay its October ruling that sent one of the civil lawsuits back to state court on Plaquemines Parish.
Progressive newcomer elected to Louisiana utility panel, but climate change policies not expected to change
A progressive Democrat who supports actions to curb climate change, expand renewable energy and strengthen the cap on how much investor-owned utilities can extract from ratepayers was elected to Louisiana’s Public Service Commission this month.
Another property insurer set to pull out of Louisiana, prompting concerns about market stability
A Florida-based property insurer with about 36,000 policies in Louisiana is pulling out of the state, raising concerns about the ability of the Louisiana insurance market to absorb the blow.
Transcript of Fauci deposition released as Louisiana, Missouri advance lawsuit alleging federal collusion
A 446-page deposition of President Biden’s chief medical advisor, Anthony Fauci, was released this month as a result of a lawsuit filed by Louisiana and Missouri that could force federal officials to face civil sanctions for infringing on civil rights.
New Orleans police to employ facial recognition technology despite critics' concerns
Amid an increase in violent crime, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is moving forward on the use of facial recognition software in the wake of the City Council reversing a ban on the surveillance technology earlier this year.
Federal regulators approve LNG facility for Cameron Parish, despite greenhouse gas concerns
Federal energy regulators gave the green light to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) and export plant in Cameron Parish last month, prompting Louisiana environmentalists and local fisheries to express dismay at the anticipated consequences of the project.
Louisiana finishes 7th on latest list of ATRF's Judicial Hellholes
Louisiana finished seventh on the American Tort Reform Foundation’s new Judicial Hellholes report, a slight improvement over last year’s report but an indication to tort reform supporters that more reforms are necessary.
Groups file amicus brief supporting man's right to compare pandemic to zombie apocalypse
Ensuring that humor in its many forms continues to receive the full protection of the First Amendment has become an increasingly serious issue for supporters of a Louisiana man who was arrested for posting a joke on Facebook.
Proposed social cost of carbon nearly quadruples amid Louisiana-led legal battle
A draft report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency would increase its estimated social cost of carbon dioxide nearly fourfold – even as a Louisiana legal challenge to federal measures to monetize harm caused by greenhouse gases plays out.
Settlement resolves long-running antitrust lawsuit against Louisiana shorthand reporters board
A lengthy and complex legal battle in which the Louisiana board overseeing shorthand reporters was accused of engaging in anti-competitive practices against court-reporting firms came to an end last month, with both sides claiming victory.
Republican field for Louisiana governor's race coming into focus
The GOP field in next year’s Louisiana governor race is beginning to take shape, with U.S. Sen. John Kennedy saying he is seriously considering a run and the state Republican Party giving an early endorsement to state Attorney General Jeff Landry.
Landry hails appeals court ruling declaring federal horseracing law unconstitutional
Federal horseracing regulators will pursue a review of a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals decision that concluded the recently passed Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) is unconstitutional.
Attorney weighing appeal of $12.5 million settlement in Bob Dean nursing home lawsuit
The attorney representing scores of Louisiana nursing home residents who were evacuated to a sweltering, ill-equipped warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida last year is looking to appeal a $12.5 million class action settlement.
State transportation officials should detour from Baton Rouge freeway plan, Landry says
State Attorney General Jeff Landry has weighed in on a multiyear freeway renovation project in Baton Rouge, saying in a letter to the Louisiana transportation secretary that the planned narrowing of I-10 in 2024 may not be in the best interests of the public.
Fifth Circuit asked to resolve case of Louisiana man who was arrested for posting a joke on Facebook
In a filing with a federal appeals court, a Rapides Parish man alleges that his First Amendment rights were violated when a sheriff’s SWAT team arrested him for posting a Facebook joke comparing the COVID-19 pandemic to a zombie apocalypse.
New Orleans council passes legal protections for renters seeking dwelling repairs
The New Orleans City Council on Nov. 3 passed a “Healthy Homes” ordinance designed to ensure the habitability of rental units in the city, but some observers question the measure’s effectiveness due to its lack of regular safety inspections.
Federal judge rules inmate care at David Wade Correctional Center is inhumane, unconstitutional
A federal judge has ruled that David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC) in Homer, La., has violated the constitutional rights of inmates through inhumane conditions and a failure to provide adequate mental health care.
Chemical company sues Livingston Parish for blocking carbon sequestration project
A company planning to build a $4.5 billion clean energy complex in southeast Louisiana is suing Livingston Parish after parish officials passed a measure that blocks seismic tests and other preparations for sequestering carbon dioxide.
Metairie attorney challenging legality of Biden administration's loan forgiveness plan
A Metairie attorney is suing to overturn the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness plan, arguing that the federal action violates the Constitution’s separation-of-powers doctrine and represents “an arbitrary and capricious wealth transfer.”
Federal judge's order calls for law firm to be fined for questionable hurricane filings
A federal judge in Louisiana has ordered a Houston law firm to be fined $200 for each duplicate, dismissed or otherwise problematic lawsuit it has filed stemming from damage caused by Hurricanes Laura and Delta in 2020.