Michael Carroll News
Biden administrations sues chemical plant, alleges emissions pose public health risk
The Biden administration is suing operators of a chemical plant in St. John the Baptist Parish in federal court, arguing that the facility’s emissions represent “an imminent and substantial endangerment” to public health.
Federal appeals court dismisses Rev. Spell's COVID-19 lawsuit, but challenge may return to state court
A federal appeals court last month affirmed the dismissal of the Rev. Tony Spell’s lawsuit against Gov. John Bel Edwards and his stay-at-home order issued at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Louisiana Supreme Court suspends attorney over law firm's alleged mishandling of hurricane legal claims
The managing partner of the Louisiana office of a law firm accused of mishandling hundreds of Hurricane Ida property insurance claims has been suspended from practicing law in the state for 90 days by the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Baton Rouge settles police violence lawsuit brought by protesters, journalists for $1.2 million
The City of Baton Rouge last month approved a $1.17 million settlement for two journalists and a dozen protesters who sued the city over mass arrests that took place during a protest over the fatal police shooting of Alton Sterling in July 2016.
Insurance commissioner concludes Houston law firm engaged in mass fraud against policyholders, insurers
The Louisiana Department of Insurance has issued a cease-and-desist order against a Houston law firm that the department says has engaged in a campaign of fraud against hundreds of Louisiana policyholders and insurance companies.
Federal rule requiring Gulf charter boat tracking set aside by appeals court
A federal appeals court has overturned a federal rule that called for 24-hour Global Positioning System surveillance on charter fishing boats operating off Louisiana and other parts of the Gulf.
Louisiana couple sues preterm formula manufacturer, alleging negligence
A Union Parish couple has filed a federal lawsuit accusing Abbott Laboratories of failing to provide warnings that its Similac Alimentum preterm baby formula can increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and other digestive ailments.
State drops thousands of lawsuits against Louisianans over post-Katrina housing assistance
State officials are ending their litigation against thousands of Louisiana homeowners who failed to comply with the terms of grants awarded after Hurricane Katrina to protect their damaged homes from future flooding.
Foes of New Orleans mayor file recall petition with registrar
Amid charges, countercharges and court filings, the effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell passed a milestone this week as organizers filed their signatures with the Orleans Parish registrar of voters.
Louisiana health care networks accused of sharing patient data in class-action lawsuits
Two large Louisiana health care networks have been hit with class-action lawsuits contending that their websites covertly shared private patient data in violation of state law.
Louisiana floats proposal for pilot program to test road mileage fee
Louisiana’s retiring transportation secretary is proposing a pilot program to test the feasibility of a road mileage fee to eventually replace the state’s gas tax, which is generating less revenue due to the popularity of electric cars and improved gas mileage.
Grain elevator foes accuse Port of South Louisiana of open meetings law violations
A group opposing a grain elevator project in St. John the Baptist Parish is suing the Port of South Louisiana, accusing commissioners of violating the state’s open meetings law by covertly approving project agreements prior to a public meeting.
Louisiana among top 10 states for local government dependence on fines, fees, study finds
Louisiana’s local governments take in $31.49 per capita annually from fines and fees to fund courts and other public agencies, representing the seventh highest fee dependence among the 50 states and raising red flags among public policy experts.
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.