Michael Carroll News
Texas law firm accused of pattern of duplicative, improper property insurance litigation
A Houston-based law firm that has filed thousands of property insurance lawsuits in Louisiana has engaged in a pattern of questionable legal practices that demand judicial sanction, a motion filed by an insurer in federal court in Louisiana says.
Edwards signs $45 million financial incentive bill to stabilize property insurance market
Ten property insurance companies already have expressed interest in taking part in a $45 million incentive program just approved by the Louisiana Legislature and governor, according to the state Department of Insurance.
Louisiana special legislative session aims to lure more property insurers to state
A special session of the Louisiana Legislature to encourage property insurers to do more business in the state got under way this week with Louisiana elected officials describing the effort as a first step to stabilize homeowners’ insurance rates.
Louisiana state prisons routinely hold inmates beyond their release dates, federal report finds
A U.S. Justice Department probe has concluded that the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections has consistently held inmates past their release dates in violation of their 14th Amendment rights.
Contractor sues Louisiana town after being prosecuted for flying obscene anti-Biden flags on his pickup
A Louisiana contractor who displayed flags on his pickup expressing an graphic opinion of President Joe Biden has sued the town of Grand Isle for repeatedly ticketing him for violations of the state’s obscenity law.
Auditor's report slams University of New Orleans for financial lapses
The University of New Orleans didn’t follow proper policies and procedures for the installation of a boiler costing nearly $215,000 by allowing an existing maintenance contractor to call all the shots, a state auditor’s report concludes.
Grain elevator project foes say developer is avoiding local tax liabilities
Opponents who sued to stop a $400 million grain elevator project in St. John the Baptist Parish now argue that a financial arrangement with the Port of Louisiana allows the developer to avoid $200 million in local tax liabilities in violation of state law.
Over 5,000 Louisianans forced to find new pharmacies due to new state worker contract
A new health care contract for state workers that took effect this month has led to 72 independent pharmacies opting out of the network, forcing more than 5,000 Louisianans to look for other pharmacies to get their medicines, an audit report states.
Adult websites see constitutional concerns in new Louisiana age-verification law
A new Louisiana law that requires pornographic websites to verify the age of state residents seeking access to such platforms will curb adults’ access to constitutionally protected content, according to a trade association.
Pelican Institute won't drop lawsuit challenging Army's now-defunct COVID-19 vaccine mandate
A lawsuit filed by the New Orleans-based Pelican Institute that challenges the Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for U.S. Army members will move forward even after the defense secretary last week rescinded the mandate.
DOJ accuses nursing home owner of misappropriation of funds
U.S. Justice Department officials have filed a civil lawsuit against nursing home owner Bob Dean, accusing him of “misappropriating and misusing the assets and income of four nursing homes in Louisiana” to the tune of $4 million.
Kennedy, Nungesser opt not to enter Louisiana governor's 2023 race
This year’s Louisiana governor’s race underwent a radical reshuffling over the past two weeks as U.S. Sen. John Kennedy and Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser both said they would remain in their current posts and state Sen. Sharon Hewitt entered the fray as a candidate.
Appeals court pulls the plug on planned Jen Psaki deposition in social-media censorship lawsuit
A federal appeals court has blocked a move by the states of Louisiana and Missouri to depose former Biden administration press secretary Jen Psaki in a lawsuit accusing the administration of illegally pressuring social media companies to censor online content.
Louisiana man claims Southwest failed to offer adequate compensation for cancellations
A Marrero, La., man whose Dec. 27 Southwest Airlines flight was canceled during a massive air-travel disruption has filed a class-action complaint against the company, arguing he should have been offered either a refund or alternative flight.
Federal appeals court upholds injunction against administration's vaccine mandate for federal contractors
A federal appeals court has affirmed an injunction against enforcing Biden administration’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for those who work for federal contractors, providing a legal win for Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry.
FERC affirms Louisiana power customer overcharges by Entergy subsidiary
Federal energy regulators say Entergy Louisiana and Entergy New Orleans customers were overbilled by hundreds of millions of dollars, but the utility says no additional refunds are due beyond those already paid out.
Edwards, Louisiana's education superintendent agree to ban TikTok app on state devices
Gov. John Bel Edwards has agreed to a request by Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin to ban the use of the social media app TikTok on all devices under the state’s control, according to a statement released by Ardoin’s office.
Librarian sues Louisiana's lieutenant governor, alleging he improperly removed her from job
A state librarian is suing a potential candidate for governor, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, in state court, alleging Nungesser fired her after she reported him to the FBI and Louisiana agencies for advancing “questionable contracts.”
Western District of Louisiana becomes 'go-to' location to file lawsuits challenging federal policies
The Western District of Louisiana has become among the most popular federal courts for Republican attorneys general to file litigation challenging the Biden administration on an array of issues, such as climate change and immigration.
Legal sports betting has generated tens of millions in tax revenues for Louisiana since November 2021
Louisiana sports betting wagers and tax revenues have revved up in parishes where it’s legal, with total wagers since November 2021 exceeding $2 billion and tax revenues surpassing $30 million, according to data from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board.