Deputy Sued Over Fatal Shooting of Airman

Deputy Sued Over Fatal Shooting of Airman

The family of U.S. Senior Airman Roger Fortson has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against former Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Eddie Duran and the sheriff’s department following Fortson’s fatal shooting in his apartment earlier this year. The civil suit alleges excessive use of force and gross negligence during what police later admitted was a response to the wrong residence.

Fortson, 23, was stationed at Hurlburt Field in Florida and had no criminal record. On the day of the shooting, a 911 call reporting a domestic disturbance led Deputy Duran to Fortson’s apartment. According to the lawsuit and body camera footage, Duran knocked on the door, shouted a brief command, and fired multiple shots within seconds of Fortson opening the door.

The footage reportedly shows Fortson holding a legally owned firearm at his side but making no threatening movements. Attorneys for the Fortson family argue he was startled and attempting to identify the unexpected visitor. The bullet wounds proved fatal, and Fortson died at the scene.

The family’s legal team, led by prominent civil rights attorney Ben Crump, contends that the deputy’s actions were not only reckless but also part of a pattern of racial bias and poor training within the department. Crump has emphasized that Fortson’s status as an active-duty airman and legal gun owner was ignored in a rush to use deadly force.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages and calls for the release of all investigation records. It also demands federal oversight of the sheriff’s department’s use-of-force policies. The case has drawn national attention and protests from veterans’ groups, civil rights organizations, and military personnel.

The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has expressed condolences but defended the deputy’s initial actions as a response to a perceived threat. Deputy Duran resigned after the shooting, and the department claims it is cooperating with state and federal investigations.

Legal analysts believe the family may have a strong case, particularly if evidence confirms that the deputy fired without proper identification or de-escalation attempts. The shooting has reignited debates about qualified immunity, racial profiling, and the training standards for officers responding to civilian calls involving legal firearm possession.

Fortson’s family has vowed to pursue justice not only for their son but to prevent future incidents. “Roger served his country honorably,” said his mother during a press conference. “He deserved to feel safe in his home. We won’t rest until there’s accountability.”

If the lawsuit prevails, it could lead to broader reforms in how law enforcement agencies handle calls involving potential weapons, particularly in states with strong Second Amendment protections. The outcome may also influence ongoing federal efforts to restrict qualified immunity for law enforcement officers.

 

Florida Jury Awards $3M in Takata Airbag Case

Florida Jury Awards $3M in Takata Airbag Case

A Florida jury has awarded $3 million to Jose Hernandez, a Miami resident who sustained serious injuries in a 2020 car accident involving a defective Takata airbag. The case marks one of the latest legal victories for consumers harmed by the now-infamous airbag manufacturer, whose faulty inflators have been linked to dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries worldwide.

Hernandez was driving his 2005 Honda Civic when another vehicle struck him while he attempted a left turn. The impact triggered the airbag, but instead of providing protection, the Takata inflator exploded violently—launching a metal shard that lodged into Hernandez’s arm. The injury required emergency surgery and left him with permanent nerve damage and limited mobility.

The jury found both Takata and Honda partially liable, citing their failure to adequately warn consumers and address known safety risks. Although Honda had previously issued a recall for the vehicle, Hernandez’s legal team argued that the automaker had not made a sufficient effort to ensure affected drivers completed the necessary repairs.

Takata’s airbags, which used ammonium nitrate as a propellant, have been the subject of the largest automotive recall in U.S. history. When exposed to heat and humidity, the compound can destabilize, causing the inflator to rupture explosively. Millions of vehicles from numerous automakers have been impacted by the defect.

In its defense, Honda claimed it had mailed multiple recall notices to Hernandez, but the jury determined the company’s actions did not absolve it of responsibility. Jurors ultimately awarded $2 million in compensatory damages and $1 million in punitive damages.

Legal experts say the case underscores the continuing liability automakers face from legacy defects—even years after initial recalls are issued. It also highlights growing public expectations that manufacturers ensure their vehicles are not only built safely, but that recalls are enforced proactively.

For Hernandez, the lawsuit was not just about compensation. In a statement following the verdict, he said, “I brought this case to make sure this doesn’t happen to someone else. No one should suffer permanent injuries because a safety feature fails.”

The verdict may encourage other victims of defective airbags to come forward, especially those who missed recall opportunities or were unaware their vehicle was affected. Consumer safety advocates argue that more aggressive outreach efforts are needed, particularly in regions prone to extreme weather that exacerbates the airbag risk.

Honda and other automakers have faced thousands of similar lawsuits tied to Takata inflators. Although Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017, cases continue to be litigated across the country. In many instances, carmakers are left to shoulder the legal and financial consequences.

As of now, Takata’s airbags have been linked to at least 27 deaths and over 400 injuries in the U.S. alone, with recalls still underway in many states. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has urged owners of affected vehicles to respond to recall notices and seek free replacements.

 

 

States Sue Trump Over Wind Energy Ban

States Sue Trump Over Wind Energy Ban

Seventeen U.S. states, led by New York, California, and Illinois, have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block enforcement of a new presidential memorandum halting approvals for offshore wind energy projects. The states argue the move is unconstitutional and undermines billions of dollars in clean energy investments already underway.

The memorandum, issued earlier this year, places an indefinite freeze on federal permits for wind energy infrastructure, citing national security concerns and the need to evaluate environmental risks. Critics, however, call it a thinly veiled attempt to appease fossil fuel interests and dismantle climate policies enacted under previous administrations.

In their legal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the states claim the directive exceeds the president’s authority under existing energy laws and violates the Administrative Procedure Act. They also argue it interferes with states’ rights to manage their own energy transitions and infrastructure development.

New York Attorney General Letitia James stated, “This ban is arbitrary, capricious, and politically motivated. It threatens jobs, climate progress, and billions in investments that have already been committed to clean energy.”

The lawsuit points out that the offshore wind industry supports more than 80,000 jobs across the East Coast and has drawn over $20 billion in public and private funding. The legal brief details how multiple projects—some in final construction stages—are now stalled, causing financial harm and risking energy supply commitments.

Legal experts suggest the states may have a strong case, particularly if the court finds that the executive order fails to follow required environmental review procedures or lacks statutory support. Several previous court rulings have curbed overreach when agencies or the executive branch attempted to halt congressionally approved energy initiatives.

The White House has defended the memorandum, citing the need for “a full reassessment of offshore energy policies in the interest of national security and energy independence.” But plaintiffs argue there is no evidence supporting the claim that wind infrastructure poses any such risk, and that offshore oil and gas projects remain unaffected under the same review.

Environmental groups and labor unions have filed amicus briefs in support of the lawsuit, citing job losses and setbacks to state-level climate targets. Meanwhile, business leaders warn that regulatory instability could chill future investment in American energy innovation.

If the states succeed, the case could establish new limits on the executive branch’s power to delay or derail federally approved energy programs. If they fail, future administrations may be emboldened to override clean energy expansion through executive action alone.

The court is expected to hear initial arguments later this summer. For now, the legal challenge represents a high-stakes battle over the future of wind energy and the broader clash between federal power and state-driven climate action.

Delta Sues Microsoft and CrowdStrike Over July Tech Outage

Delta Sues Microsoft and CrowdStrike Over July Tech Outage

Delta Air Lines has filed a high-profile lawsuit against Microsoft and cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike following a massive global outage in July 2025 that grounded hundreds of flights and disrupted operations across multiple industries. The airline claims that the two tech giants were negligent in releasing and deploying faulty updates, leading to unprecedented logistical chaos and financial losses.

The outage, which lasted for several hours, was traced back to a corrupted software patch issued by CrowdStrike as part of its Falcon cybersecurity platform. Microsoft’s infrastructure propagated the flawed update across systems worldwide, triggering system crashes, frozen terminals, and airport chaos. Airlines, banks, and hospitals were among the hardest-hit sectors.

Delta’s lawsuit, filed in a federal district court in Georgia, alleges that Microsoft and CrowdStrike failed to properly test the update and did not implement adequate fail-safes before distribution. The complaint argues that this negligence not only caused substantial delays and revenue loss, but also endangered passenger safety by disrupting flight tracking, boarding, and communications.

According to Delta, the outage forced it to cancel or delay more than 1,500 flights, costing the airline tens of millions of dollars. The suit seeks compensatory damages and punitive penalties to hold both tech companies accountable for the ripple effects of their oversight.

Legal experts say Delta may face challenges proving direct negligence, especially given the complexity of global IT infrastructure. However, the case has already sparked discussions about the liability of software vendors in an increasingly interconnected world.

While both Microsoft and CrowdStrike issued public apologies and have since released updates to prevent similar incidents, neither company has commented directly on the lawsuit. CrowdStrike’s CEO has acknowledged the error in the code but emphasized that its core platform was not compromised.

Technology lawyers are watching this case closely, as it could set precedent for future lawsuits involving SaaS (Software as a Service) providers and cybersecurity vendors. If Delta prevails, companies may face increased legal exposure for system-wide failures, even if unintended.

This lawsuit also highlights the fragile dependency that major industries have on a few tech vendors, raising questions about centralized risk and the need for diversified safeguards. Delta’s legal team argues that the stakes go beyond one airline’s losses—pointing to a systemic issue that affects national infrastructure.

For passengers affected by the outage, the lawsuit offers a glimpse into how digital errors can cascade into real-world disruptions. It also reinforces the growing public expectation that tech companies must be held to account when their mistakes upend essential services.

Whether or not Delta succeeds, the case underscores an urgent need for stronger oversight, testing protocols, and transparency in enterprise software updates that touch critical infrastructure.

 

Supreme Court to Rule on Corporate Climate Accountability

Supreme Court to Rule on Corporate Climate Accountability

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could fundamentally reshape how corporations are held accountable for their role in climate change. The lawsuit, filed by several state attorneys general and environmental advocacy groups, seeks to establish whether major fossil fuel companies can be sued for allegedly misleading the public about the environmental impacts of their products.

At the center of the case is the claim that companies like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Shell knew for decades about the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions linked to their operations but chose to conceal that information or fund misinformation campaigns. The plaintiffs argue that this conduct constitutes fraud and public deception, leading to significant harm to communities and ecosystems.

The lawsuit originally began in state courts, where plaintiffs sought damages to help pay for rising climate-related costs—such as flood defenses, wildfire response, and extreme weather preparedness. Oil companies, however, pushed to move the cases into federal courts, arguing that climate change is a global issue beyond the scope of state-level litigation. Lower courts have been divided on whether such cases belong in federal or state jurisdictions.

By accepting the case, the Supreme Court will now decide if climate-related fraud claims can be pursued under state consumer protection laws or must be handled exclusively at the federal level. Legal analysts say the decision could set a powerful precedent for corporate accountability in climate-related litigation.

If the court allows the lawsuits to proceed in state courts, it could unleash a wave of similar legal challenges across the country, holding companies financially responsible for their climate impacts. If the court sides with the fossil fuel industry, it could limit legal avenues for states and municipalities seeking to recover costs tied to climate change.

Environmental advocates say the case is about more than financial damages—it’s about exposing decades of corporate misinformation and forcing companies to take responsibility for their role in the climate crisis. “These companies profited while the planet burned,” said one environmental attorney involved in the case. “It’s time for truth and accountability.”

On the other hand, representatives from the oil and gas industry argue that they have operated within the bounds of federal law and that energy production has evolved in line with market demand and regulatory guidance. They warn that opening the door to state-level climate litigation could lead to a patchwork of inconsistent rulings and hinder national energy policy.

The case has drawn briefs from business coalitions, environmental organizations, and constitutional law scholars, all weighing in on the broader implications of the court’s ruling. With the justices set to hear arguments later this year, the outcome could shift the landscape of climate accountability in the U.S. and beyond.

Planned Parenthood Challenges South Carolina Over Medicaid Ban

Planned Parenthood Challenges South Carolina Over Medicaid Ban

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic has taken its fight to the U.S. Supreme Court, challenging South Carolina’s decision to remove it from the state’s Medicaid program. The case centers on whether states can block access to Medicaid funds for health care providers that offer abortion services, even if the funds are used for unrelated treatments like cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing.

The state of South Carolina argues that it has the right to determine which providers qualify for participation in its Medicaid program. In 2018, the state issued an executive order cutting off Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood clinics, citing their involvement in abortion-related care. While no Medicaid dollars are legally permitted to fund abortion procedures, South Carolina claims its broader restriction is consistent with state policy and values.

Planned Parenthood, however, contends that the move is politically motivated and unconstitutional. The organization asserts that the state’s decision punishes low-income patients by denying them access to their provider of choice for essential non-abortion health services. The lawsuit argues that this action violates federal Medicaid law, which guarantees recipients the right to access qualified providers.

Lower courts have delivered mixed rulings in similar cases across the country, creating a legal gray area. Some courts have sided with Planned Parenthood, affirming that Medicaid recipients must retain provider choice. Others have supported states’ rights to define who qualifies under their own Medicaid programs.

Legal analysts say the Supreme Court’s involvement could lead to a landmark decision that reshapes the future of Medicaid provider rules and access to reproductive health services nationwide. If the court sides with South Carolina, it could open the door for other conservative-led states to remove Planned Parenthood and similar providers from their Medicaid programs. If the court rules in favor of Planned Parenthood, it would reinforce federal protections and limit states’ ability to impose ideological criteria on healthcare access.

For the roughly 6,000 South Carolinians who rely on Planned Parenthood for basic care under Medicaid, the outcome could directly impact where—and whether—they can receive timely, affordable medical services.

Planned Parenthood argues that politics should never interfere with patient care. “This case isn’t just about Planned Parenthood—it’s about the freedom of low-income people to make decisions about their health without government interference,” said Jenny Black, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.

The case is now awaiting oral arguments at the Supreme Court, with a decision expected later this year. It could carry profound consequences for how reproductive health providers are funded and regulated under Medicaid moving forward.

 

Yunseo Chung Sues U.S. Government Over Alleged ICE Retaliation

Yunseo Chung Sues U.S. Government Over Alleged ICE Retaliation

Yunseo Chung, a junior at Columbia University and lawful permanent resident of the United States, has filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government, claiming she was unlawfully targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for her political activism. The lawsuit, filed in New Jersey, alleges that ICE violated Chung’s constitutional rights when agents attempted to detain her following her public criticism of immigration policies.

According to the complaint, Chung became a vocal critic of U.S. immigration enforcement after participating in student protests and publishing op-eds in university newspapers. She claims that shortly after speaking out publicly, ICE agents arrived at her parents’ home with the intent to question and potentially detain her. The lawsuit argues that this action constituted retaliation based on her exercise of free speech.

Chung’s legal team alleges that ICE used her immigration status as a pretext for surveillance and intimidation, despite her having permanent legal status and no criminal record. They argue that such conduct amounts to political targeting, in violation of the First and Fourth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

The Department of Homeland Security has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Legal experts say the case raises important questions about the limits of immigration enforcement and whether federal agencies can be held accountable for infringing on civil liberties under the guise of national security.

Civil rights advocates have rallied behind Chung, pointing to a growing trend in which politically active immigrants—even those with legal status—face disproportionate scrutiny and retaliation. The case has drawn attention from student organizations, immigration reform groups, and legal scholars across the country.

If the court rules in Chung’s favor, it could set a significant precedent affirming that permanent residents are entitled to the same free speech protections as U.S. citizens. It could also lead to increased oversight of immigration enforcement practices and policies related to political surveillance.

For Chung, the lawsuit is about accountability and protecting others from similar treatment. “No one should be afraid to speak out simply because of where they were born,” she said in a statement. “We all deserve the right to be heard without fear of government retaliation.”

Her legal team is seeking a court order to prevent further ICE interference in her life, as well as compensatory damages for emotional distress and legal costs. The case is now moving forward in federal court.

 

 

Bravus Mining Sues Environmental Activist Over Alleged Business Disruption

Bravus Mining Sues Environmental Activist Over Alleged Business Disruption

Bravus Mining & Resources, the company behind Australia’s controversial Carmichael coal mine, has filed a high-profile lawsuit against environmental activist Ben Pennings. The case accuses Pennings of orchestrating a campaign of economic sabotage and conspiracy designed to intimidate the company and disrupt its operations.

The lawsuit, filed in a Queensland court, claims that Pennings publicly encouraged others to harass Bravus employees, target suppliers, and apply pressure to contractors in an effort to stall or cancel the company’s projects. Bravus alleges that Pennings’ actions resulted in significant financial losses and reputational damage.

Pennings, a long-time environmental campaigner, has denied any wrongdoing and framed the lawsuit as a direct attack on free speech and peaceful protest. He insists that his campaign was entirely legal and focused on raising awareness about the environmental risks of the Carmichael coal project, including its impact on traditional lands, groundwater resources, and global carbon emissions.

Legal experts are closely watching the case, noting that it could test the limits between protest rights and corporate protections. If Bravus succeeds, the ruling could discourage activist-led campaigns that leverage economic pressure as a form of protest. On the other hand, if the case is dismissed or ruled in Pennings’ favor, it could affirm the right to protest as a protected form of civil engagement—even when it affects corporate profits.

Bravus claims that Pennings used public forums and social media platforms to direct protestors and share internal company information, contributing to a hostile environment for its employees and business partners. In response, Pennings argues that the company is attempting to silence dissent and set a chilling precedent for other protest movements.

The case has drawn national attention, with environmental groups rallying behind Pennings and labeling the lawsuit a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP). These types of lawsuits are increasingly criticized for being used by powerful interests to stifle public criticism and delay activism through prolonged legal battles.

SLAPP suits often do not aim to win in court but instead to burden defendants with legal costs and discourage future activism. If the court recognizes Bravus’ lawsuit as a SLAPP, it could be dismissed early under existing Queensland anti-SLAPP protections.

Pennings’ legal team has already filed a defense arguing that his actions were consistent with democratic freedoms and that his speech was focused on matters of public interest. They also argue that Bravus, as a major corporate entity, should be held to a higher threshold when claiming reputational harm from protest activity.

Meanwhile, Bravus continues to argue that Pennings’ tactics went beyond peaceful protest and ventured into the territory of harassment, intimidation, and interference with legal contracts. The company is seeking an injunction to prevent further alleged interference and financial compensation for damages.

For observers on both sides, the outcome of this case could reshape the boundaries between activism and economic pressure. As environmental protests escalate globally, especially in response to fossil fuel development, courts may be asked more frequently to weigh the rights of corporations against the voice of protest.

 

MALDEF Sues Georgia Credit Union for Alleged Immigration Discrimination

MALDEF Sues Georgia Credit Union for Alleged Immigration Discrimination

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) has filed a class-action lawsuit against a Georgia credit union, accusing it of discriminatory lending practices targeting immigrants. The lawsuit alleges that the credit union systematically denied auto loans and other credit services to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients and other non-citizens solely based on their immigration status.

According to court documents, MALDEF argues that the credit union’s policies violate both federal and state civil rights laws by refusing to consider applications from individuals who are lawfully present in the U.S. but do not hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Plaintiffs in the case include DACA recipients who claim they were denied auto loans despite having stable income, strong credit scores, and valid identification.

MALDEF’s President and General Counsel, Thomas A. Saenz, stated, “Credit decisions should be based on creditworthiness, not immigration status. This kind of discrimination not only harms individuals, but it also weakens communities and violates the law.”

The lawsuit highlights the legal gray area many DACA recipients occupy. Though protected from deportation and permitted to work in the U.S., they often face systemic barriers to financial services and economic mobility. Plaintiffs argue that by categorically denying loans to individuals with valid employment authorization, the credit union is unfairly penalizing them based on assumptions rather than financial risk.

Legal experts say this case may serve as a key test of how far protections for DACA recipients extend in areas like consumer finance. If the court rules in MALDEF’s favor, it could lead to broader enforcement of anti-discrimination laws in lending, particularly in states with growing immigrant populations.

The credit union has not publicly responded to the lawsuit but is expected to defend its lending policies based on risk assessment and regulatory compliance. However, critics argue that such defenses often mask policies that disproportionately harm minority and immigrant communities.

This case adds to a growing number of legal challenges focused on economic discrimination against immigrants, especially in southern states. Advocates hope the lawsuit will lead to greater scrutiny of financial institutions and encourage them to review internal policies that may unintentionally exclude qualified borrowers.

Plaintiffs are seeking a court order requiring the credit union to revise its lending practices, as well as monetary damages for affected individuals. The outcome of the case could impact lending policies across the country and reinforce the legal standing of DACA recipients and other lawfully present immigrants.

For now, the lawsuit is moving forward, and MALDEF has pledged to continue fighting policies that create unjust financial barriers for immigrant communities. “Access to credit is a cornerstone of economic opportunity,” said Saenz. “No one should be denied that opportunity because of where they were born.”

 

Genazzano College Ordered to Pay Library Worker for Back Injuries from Unsafe Conditions

Genazzano College Ordered to Pay Library Worker for Back Injuries from Unsafe Conditions

Genazzano College has been ordered to pay a former library worker a total of $350,000 after two separate back injuries sustained on the job were found to be caused by unsafe workplace conditions. The County Court ruled that the college failed to provide a safe working environment, and that its negligence directly contributed to the worker’s long-term injuries.

The plaintiff, who worked as a librarian at the all-girls Catholic school, filed the lawsuit following incidents in 2018 and again in 2020. In both cases, she claimed that the repetitive tasks and lack of proper ergonomic equipment caused significant strain on her back. She had complained to school management multiple times, but no effective action was taken to address her concerns.

The court found that in 2018, the worker injured herself while repeatedly lifting and moving heavy stacks of books without proper support or training. In 2020, a second injury occurred while she attempted to reach materials placed on an improperly arranged shelving unit. Medical reports presented during the trial confirmed that the injuries were serious and contributed to chronic pain and limited mobility.

Judge Belinda Wallington ruled that the school had failed in its duty of care, stating, “The employer neglected to take reasonable steps to ensure the worker’s safety despite clear indications that the working conditions were physically harmful.”

The damages awarded included $100,000 for the 2018 injury and $250,000 for the 2020 incident. The compensation covers medical expenses, ongoing physical therapy, pain and suffering, and loss of earning capacity. The former employee, who has since been unable to return to work, expressed relief at the ruling and hoped it would draw attention to the importance of workplace safety in educational institutions.

Legal experts say this case highlights the importance of employers addressing occupational health risks proactively. Personal injury claims resulting from repetitive strain or ergonomic negligence are becoming more common, particularly in environments like schools and libraries where physical labor is often underestimated.

Employment law attorney Rachel Westbrook noted, “Many employers overlook the risks associated with repetitive tasks or non-adjustable workspaces, but these conditions can lead to serious injuries over time. This ruling reinforces the employer’s obligation to assess and mitigate physical hazards before they result in harm.”

Workplace safety advocates are urging educational institutions to take a closer look at their risk management policies. Recommendations include routine assessments of staff workstations, regular training on safe manual handling, and prompt action when employees report discomfort or pain related to their duties.

Genazzano College issued a statement expressing sympathy for the injured worker but did not indicate whether it plans to appeal the ruling. The school also announced a review of its workplace safety procedures to prevent future incidents.

For the plaintiff, the outcome is both a financial and symbolic victory. “I just wanted to be heard,” she said. “I loved my job, but the pain made it impossible. I hope other workplaces learn from this.”

As personal injury lawsuits become more visible across multiple industries, this case may encourage both public and private sector employers to revisit how they protect workers—especially in non-obvious physical roles like librarianship.