Tragic Crash in Lewis County Claims Lives of Central NY Mom, Teen Son, and Family Dogs

A long hot summer for AI At the recent Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing titled “Too Big to Prosecute: Examining the AI Industry’s Mass Ingestion of Copyrights,” Chairman Josh Hawley and his colleagues drilled into a question many creators have been asking for months: How do AI giants like Meta steal the vast datasets they use to train their models? And why aren’t they all in jail? And jail was clearly on the mind of Senator Hawley and his colleagues. Thanks to unsealed court filings and the Congressional testimony of several witnesses, we now have a stunning piece of the puzzle on the actual table that is almost too stupid to believe: Meta used BitTorrent to download tens of terabytes of pirated books from pirate sites like LibGen and Anna’s Archive. And if that wasn’t stupid enough, Meta’s torrenting was approved by Mark Zuckerberg himself. Which was almost as stupid as the multiagency sting operation that caught Larry Page…

From a recent email message: The University of Iowa College of Law seeks applicants for one or more tenure-track faculty positions. We have a strong interest in applicants who possess excellence in their academic and professional backgrounds. Entry-level and lateral candidates are welcome to apply. The College of Law’s primary hiring interest is in business, corporate, and commercial law. Consistent with the mission and responsibilities of a top-tier public research university, we are interested in candidates who are recognized scholars and teachers and who will participate actively in the intellectual life of the College of Law. In addition, we desire candidates with a demonstrated ability to maintain effective and respectful working relationships with the campus community to uphold a standard of cultural competency and respect for differences. We also desire candidates who would bring significant new scholarly strengths to the College of Law.…

The term “burnout” has become more and more common in the modern workforce. But for lawyers, this isn’t just the latest buzzword — burnout is a real problem with serious consequences.  The high demands of the legal profession, constant deadlines, and heavy emotional burdens can take a toll on attorneys. Law firms and legal professionals must face the issue of lawyer burnout head-on. Below, we explore how to recognize the signs of lawyer burnout, as well as ways to prevent and recover from it. What Is Lawyer Burnout? Lawyer burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion brought on by chronic workplace stress. Attorneys dealing with burnout might notice their motivation slipping, struggle to focus on details, or feel numb or irritable. If left unchecked, lawyer burnout can result in mental health concerns and affect work productivity. Often, relationships with colleagues, clients, and partners feel strained. You may…

Columbia Global Freedom of Expression seeks to contribute to the development of an integrated and progressive jurisprudence and understanding on freedom of expression and information around the world.  It maintains an extensive database of international case law. This is its newsletter dealing with recent developments  in the field. The battle for freedom of expression continues in Hong Kong. This week, in one of the city’s largest courtrooms, as part of the region’s largest national security case, the appeal hearings began for 13 individuals of “Hong Kong 47.” In this collective case, out of the 47 pro-democracy activists, 45 were convicted and sentenced to prison; their terms range from 4 years and 2 months to a decade in jail. “This appeal hearing is a chance for the courts to start righting the wrongs of this unprecedented mass prosecution,” Sarah Brooks, Amnesty International’s China Director, said in…

An Ohio appellate court affirmed a judge’s finding that a defendant charged with DUI (called ‘OVI’ in Ohio) was competent to stand trial.  The requirement of competency to stand trial is a long-standing principle based on traditional philosophies of fairness in criminal proceedings.  This article discusses the definition of incompetency, the rationale behind the principle, and the process followed when the issue is raised. What is Competency to Stand Trial?In Ohio criminal law, competency refers to a defendant’s mental condition at the time of trial.  A defendant is incompetent to stand trial if he does not understand the legal proceedings or is unable to assist in preparing his defense.  In Dusky v. United States, the United States Supreme Court set forth a test for determining competency:  “The test must be whether he has sufficient present ability to consult with his lawyer with a reasonable degree of rational…

[It would be a terrible idea to appoint a special counsel to investigate the Jeffrey Epstein suicide and scandal.] President Donald Trump has had an extraordinary first six months in office. To mention just a few of the great things he has done: (1) President Trump bombed Iran to prevent the most terrorist-friendly nation in the world from getting a nuclear bomb; (2) he then ended the Israeli-Iranian war in 12 days, and stopped a war from starting between two nuclear-armed powers, Pakistan and India, which is a lot more than President Obama ever did to win a Nobel Peace Prize; (3) he has eliminated what had been a torrent of illegal aliens entering the U.S. by crossing the Mexican-American border, which President Biden had allowed; (4) he cut taxes by 4.5 trillion dollars from 2025 through 2034; (5) he is succeeding where even President Reagan failed in eliminating the unconstitutional Department of Education; (6) his Justice Department appears to have persuaded six Supreme…

Where you come from shouldn’t determine how you’re treated at work. But for too many New Yorkers, national origin discrimination is a daily reality—whether it’s being mocked for an accent, passed over for promotions, or treated unfairly based on ethnicity or immigration status. New York City is one of the most diverse places in the world. That diversity should be celebrated, not used against you. Fortunately, both federal and local laws protect workers from discrimination based on national origin, and these protections are among the strongest in the country. If you think something’s not right at work, let’s explore what the law says and how you can stand up for your rights. What Is National Origin Discrimination? National origin discrimination happens when an employer treats someone unfairly because of their ancestry, ethnicity, native language, accent, or perceived national background. It can also apply when someone is treated…

Public-school students don’t have ‘supercharged right’ to be taught critical race theory, 8th Circuit says

Finding the top injury lawyer in St. Louis means choosing a legal professional with proven experience, strong trial skills, and a record of securing fair compensation for clients. The best injury lawyers in St. Louis combine local knowledge with a track record of winning cases, ensuring clients receive effective representation without upfront fees. These lawyers specialize in handling various personal injury claims, including car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and wrongful death cases. Their approach often involves standing up to insurance companies to maximize client recoveries, backed by a team equipped to manage complex legal challenges. Clients seeking top lawyers benefit from firms with extensive resources and decades of experience in the St. Louis area. This combination is crucial for navigating legal claims efficiently while focusing on what matters most: achieving just results for those injured. Why Choose a Top Injury Lawyer in St Louis? Selecting a skilled…

From today's opinion by Judge David G. Estudillo (W.D. Wash.) in Etienne v. Ferguson: At present, Washington clergy who learn of child abuse or neglect while acting within their official supervisory capacity are required to report such abuse to public authorities. Only information obtained "as a result of a privileged communication" is exempted from this mandatory reporting requirement. Effective July 27, 2025, however, Washington law [SB 5375] will require clergy to report child abuse or neglect regardless of how they learn about such information…. The Court concludes Plaintiffs are likely to succeed on the merits of their Free Exercise Clause challenge …. There is no question that SB 5375 burdens Plaintiffs' free exercise of religion. In situations where Plaintiffs hear confessions related to child abuse or neglect, SB 5375 places them in the position of either complying with the requirements of their faith or violating the law. In this way,…

Texas law provides a path for victims to seek financial compensation when someone is injured due to another person's negligence. Whether you were hurt in a car accident, slipped and fell on someone’s unsafe property, or suffered illness from exposure to hazardous materials, you may have a valid personal injury claim. If you're wondering how to file a personal injury claim in Texas or want to know how to get the maximum compensation possible, this guide offers essential strategies straight from an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer. Do You Have a Valid Personal Injury Case? Before pursuing a personal injury lawsuit, ask yourself: Were you involved in a car accident caused by someone else’s reckless or distracted driving? Did you suffer a slip and fall due to unsafe private or commercial property conditions? Have you been exposed to toxic chemicals or hazardous substances at work or in public spaces? If you answered yes to any of these…

In 2025, Florida lawmakers passed House Bill 913, a major overhaul of the state’s condominium laws. The goal: improve safety, increase transparency, and strengthen the financial stability of condo communities. This guide, prepared by Perez Mayoral, P.A., breaks down the key changes in HB 913 by topic — including management, insurance, reserves, finances, and meetings — with straightforward, plain-language explanations. At Perez Mayoral, P.A., we represent homeowners across Florida in disputes with their condominium associations and HOAs. That includes cases involving property damage, failure to maintain common elements, election challenges, selective enforcement, and more. We’ve seen firsthand how these legal changes affect people — not just in theory, but in real life. —- Please note: As we head into hurricane season, we want to highlight an important issue.  While our firm handles many types of disputes, including selective…

Getting arrested for DUI in Fort Lauderdale can be overwhelming, frightening, and confusing. In the hours and days following your arrest, the decisions you make can dramatically impact the outcome of your case. Unfortunately, some people unknowingly sabotage their own defense by making critical mistakes that increase their risk of conviction and lead to harsher penalties. As an experienced Fort Lauderdale DUI defense lawyer, I’ve seen cases where defendants’ actions after their arrest made an already challenging situation significantly worse. Understanding these common pitfalls and how to avoid them is crucial for protecting your rights and preserving your defense options. The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think Before diving into specific mistakes, it’s important to understand what you’re facing. A DUI conviction in Florida carries serious consequences including license suspension, hefty fines, mandatory DUI school, community service, possible jail time,…

Today's advance release legal malpractice law opinion: Abrahams v. Photos(Legal malpractice; motion for summary judgment; existence of attorney-client relationship; res judicata; collateral estoppel; timely filing of motion for summary judgment pursuant to rule of practice (§ 17-44)).

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is urging consumers to immediately stop using FLIKRFIRE Tabletop Fireplaces due to serious fire hazards that have resulted in multiple burn injuries and two confirmed deaths. These small, alcohol-fueled devices pose a significant risk of flame jetting and uncontrolled pool fires, especially during refueling. The warning follows a fatal incident in June 2024 involving an elderly couple who suffered fatal burns when a third party attempted to refuel a FLIKRFIRE unit that appeared extinguished. The flash ignition caused by the invisible flame triggered an explosive release of burning alcohol. At least three other incidents have resulted in third- and fourth-degree burns to large areas of victims’ bodies. FLIKRFIRE products consist of small, open containers that burn liquid isopropyl alcohol. Users are required to pour alcohol directly into the unit and ignite it in the same reservoir—a design…

Join host me as I sit down with Columbia Law School’s Susan Sturm to discuss her compelling new book, What Might Be. Susan shares her passion for social justice and explores the power of reimagining systems for a more equitable future. This episode is a must-listen for those eager to understand the paradoxes in social justice work and how to navigate them for impactful change. Highlights Seeds of the book from childhood experiences. Contradiction seen in the law from day one. Building environments for full participation. Academia as a path for social justice. The power of ideas in driving change. What law is according to Robert Cover. Imagining systems for social justice. Creating micro spaces of justice now. Three paradoxes in addressing racism. Navigating racial salience paradox. Building multiracial collaborations. The challenge and necessity of hope. Avoiding internal immigration. The Jabot podcast is an offshoot of the Above…

Headline at The Washington Post. I'd make that a free-access link, but I only have 4 left to give this month and it's only the 18th. And it's one of these 31-day months, too, so I've got to be extra stingy.I'll cherry-pick the lawprof talk:“They have little options here in terms of protecting their interests,” said Jonathan Shaub, who teaches law at the University of Kentucky and has advised previous White Houses on the use of executive privilege. “Some have claimed the Fifth Amendment, even though I don’t think they actually think that they have committed any crimes. But given the language that has been used and the insinuations, I can understand why their counsel would say, ‘Just don’t say anything, because we don’t know what they’re willing to do and what they’re willing to prosecute.’”You don't think they actually think that they have committed any crimes. But what do they need…

Introduction: Understanding Complex Family Legal Situations Going through a divorce is one of life’s most challenging experiences, and when mental incapacity or guardianship issues are involved, the legal landscape becomes even more complex. A recent landmark Texas Supreme Court case, Matter of Marriage of Benavides, has clarified important questions about when guardians can pursue divorce on behalf of incapacitated individuals. As a dallas divorce attorney with over 25 years of experience helping families navigate these difficult waters, I understand that every family situation is unique. Whether you’re facing a straightforward divorce or dealing with complex issues involving guardianship, mental capacity, or contested estates, having the right legal representation can make all the difference in protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome. The Benavides Case: A Landmark Decision Background of the Case The Benavides case involved Carlos Y.…