What We’re Talking About

Oklahoma Breakdown: School Districts to Receive Funds from Juul Lawsuit Settlement
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Oklahoma Breakdown: School Districts to Receive Funds from Juul Lawsuit Settlement

The e-cigarette giant, Juul, has settled a class-action lawsuit that involved 75 school districts across Oklahoma. These schools are part of the more than $168 million settlement that's been divided amongst school districts across the United States, with Oklahoma districts set to receive approximately $650,000.00. The amount may seem impressive at first glance, but when you dig into the details, the numbers are less encouraging. While we’re thrilled that some Oklahoma school districts will benefit from the settlement, let's take a step back and ask: Is this enough?

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Utah Sues TikTok: Alleges it Lures Children into Addictive and Destructive Social Media Habits
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Utah Sues TikTok: Alleges it Lures Children into Addictive and Destructive Social Media Habits

Following in the footsteps of Arkansas and Indiana, Utah has now launched a lawsuit against TikTok. They accuse the popular video-sharing platform of misleading its users about the relationship with its parent company, ByteDance, based in China, and falsely promoting its platform as a safe space. It's a move that diverges from the federal level where legislation concerning TikTok has been in a standstill, allowing states to spearhead tech policy challenges and tackle issues head-on.

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Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Transformative Shift in Our Collective Consciousness
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Honoring Indigenous Peoples’ Day: A Transformative Shift in Our Collective Consciousness

As we trace the evolution from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day, it becomes a testament to our collective journey towards justice, equality, and a deeper understanding of our shared histories. It is a poignant reminder that narratives are powerful, but they are also malleable; they can be reshaped to reflect the truths and voices that were once silenced. Embracing Indigenous Peoples' Day doesn't erase history; rather, it enriches our understanding of it. It's an invitation for all of us to honor the resilience of indigenous communities, celebrate their vibrant cultures, and recommit ourselves to the values of humanity, kindness, and inclusiveness. Let this day be a beacon of hope, reminding us that when we listen with open hearts and minds, we can rewrite stories in ways that elevate all voices and foster a deeper sense of connection among us all.

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NFL Legend Brett Favre Set to be Deposed in Mississippi Welfare Scandal
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

NFL Legend Brett Favre Set to be Deposed in Mississippi Welfare Scandal

On October 26, 2023, the eyes of Hattiesburg, Miss., will be on one individual: retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre. According to a deposition notice filed in the Hinds County Circuit Court on October 2, 2023, Favre is slated to give a sworn testimony in connection with the Mississippi welfare scandal.

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Justice for Tupac Shakur: Arrest Made after 27 Years in the Murder of Iconic Hip-Hop Artist
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Justice for Tupac Shakur: Arrest Made after 27 Years in the Murder of Iconic Hip-Hop Artist

Twenty-seven years after the murder of rap icon Tupac Shakur shook the hip-hop world, a man who has consistently claimed involvement in the drive-by shooting was formally charged with murder by Las Vegas authorities last Friday, reigniting a high-profile investigation that had previously hit a standstill. For fans of hip-hop music and true-crime aficionados alike, the arrest of Duane Keith Davis, also known as "Keffe D," is a significant moment in modern history. Nearly three decades later, an arrest has been made that may finally answer some lingering questions. Davis is due to make his first appearance Wednesday before a Nevada judge.

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Social Security's Multi-Billion Dollar Mistakes: A Crippling Reality for the Most Vulnerable
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Social Security's Multi-Billion Dollar Mistakes: A Crippling Reality for the Most Vulnerable

Imagine receiving a letter from the Social Security Administration (SSA), informing you that you owe tens of thousands of dollars—money you don't have, and more disturbingly, money that was meant to aid you. For many Americans like Justina Worrell, a part-time kitchen helper in an Ohio nursing home with cerebral palsy and a cardiac condition, this isn't a hypothetical scenario. It's a crippling reality.

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Decades of Deception: How California's Historic Climate Case Could Redefine Corporate Accountability
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Decades of Deception: How California's Historic Climate Case Could Redefine Corporate Accountability

We're no strangers to litigation, especially when it's a matter of grave public interest. However, few cases have the potential to set a precedent as monumental as the lawsuit the state of California has brought against some of the world’s largest oil companies. With names like Exxon, Shell, BP, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron on the defendant’s list, the stakes couldn't be higher. But what makes this case not just another lawsuit in the endless sea of legal challenges?

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Shockwaves Through College Football: Ole Miss Player Sues School, Lane Kiffin for $40 Million
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Shockwaves Through College Football: Ole Miss Player Sues School, Lane Kiffin for $40 Million

In a developing story that has captured national attention, DeSanto Rollins, a defensive lineman for the Ole Miss Rebels, has initiated a lawsuit against his head coach Lane Kiffin and the University of Mississippi. The lawsuit alleges multiple counts, including racial discrimination, discrimination based on disability, and gross negligence, among other claims.

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Did the Trump Campaign Cross Copyright Lines with Mugshot Merch?
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Did the Trump Campaign Cross Copyright Lines with Mugshot Merch?

Recent events have led to an interesting legal debate concerning former President Donald Trump and a potentially dicey affair with copyright law. The heart of the matter? The mugshot of Trump taken at Fulton County Jail in Atlanta and the subsequent use of this photograph in campaign merchandise. The products, flaunting the portrait and the mantra "Never surrender," ranged in price from $12 to $34. Within a mere 72 hours, the campaign cashed in a staggering $7.1 million from these sales. However, experts in the field of intellectual property are raising eyebrows over the legality of such a move.

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Dark Side of Love at First Swipe: The Urgent Need for Safety Reforms in Dating Apps
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Dark Side of Love at First Swipe: The Urgent Need for Safety Reforms in Dating Apps

In an era where our lives are increasingly entangled with technology, it's hardly surprising that we've turned to apps to find love—or at least, a semblance of it. The algorithmic matchmakers that power our swipes have become integral to modern romance. But with this digital Cupid comes a darker side: dating apps have also become breeding grounds for predatory behaviors. As much as we swipe right for connection, there's a significant number of users swiping left into a world of fraud, emotional distress, theft, and sexual assault.

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Facebook Privacy Settlement: Dollars of Disappointment
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Facebook Privacy Settlement: Dollars of Disappointment

By now, you've probably heard the buzz about Meta (Facebook's parent company) shelling out $725 million in a settlement over privacy infringements. If you're thinking this sounds like justice served, hold that thought. On the surface, the figure seems astronomical. But when you dig a little deeper, you might start to feel like we've all been shortchanged.

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Farewell to a Legend: Jimmy Buffett’s Eternal Sunset in Margaritaville
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Farewell to a Legend: Jimmy Buffett’s Eternal Sunset in Margaritaville

The world collectively sighed in unison as news broke on September 1st that Jimmy Buffett, the man who serenaded us into a beachy reverie with 'Margaritaville,' had passed away at the age of 76. Like a conch shell echoing across sandy shores, Jimmy's legacy resounds in the realms of music, entrepreneurship, and philosophy. While many know him for his breezy island tunes, others appreciate the lifestyle empire he built, turning a song into a state of mind that influenced millions.

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Eminem Takes Legal Action Against Vivek Ramaswamy
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Eminem Takes Legal Action Against Vivek Ramaswamy

This is a time when campaign slogans, promises, and yes, music, reverberate in the hearts of Americans. Yet sometimes, political harmony hits a sour note, as it recently did for Republican presidential candidate and tech entrepreneur, Vivek Ramaswamy. Ramaswamy, who has taken to rapping on the campaign trail, appears to be backing down after Grammy-award winning rapper Eminem asked him to stop performing his songs at campaign events.

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"I Have a Dream" at 60: The Unfinished Symphony of Justice and Equality
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

"I Have a Dream" at 60: The Unfinished Symphony of Justice and Equality

On August 26, 2023, America paused to commemorate the 60th anniversary of one of the most transformative moments in its history—the day Martin Luther King Jr. stood in front of the Lincoln Memorial and galvanized a nation with his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Thousands gathered to retrace those steps, to listen, to reflect, and most importantly, to remind America of its unfinished symphony—a composition of justice, equality, and the American Dream.

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What Can Be Trademarked: A Comprehensive Guide
Travis Mendoza Travis Mendoza

What Can Be Trademarked: A Comprehensive Guide

Trademarks are a crucial aspect of branding, offering businesses legal protection against infringement. A trademark, which is a word, phrase, symbol, or design that identifies and distinguishes the source of goods or services from others, can be a valuable asset to your business. However, only some things can be trademarked. This blog will guide you through the different types of trademarks and what can or cannot be trademarked.

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Reggie Bush vs. NCAA: The Trophy, the Titles, and the Truth
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Reggie Bush vs. NCAA: The Trophy, the Titles, and the Truth

Fifteen years after the NCAA began investigating Reggie Bush, the former USC superstar has burst through an opening he’s long been waiting for. Bush announced yesterday he is suing the NCAA for defamation and seeking the return of his Heisman Trophy. Alongside his attorneys Levi McCathern and Ben Crump, Bush is not just running towards the end zone; he's sprinting towards justice.

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A Piece of Facebook's $725 Million Privacy Settlement: What You Need to Know
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

A Piece of Facebook's $725 Million Privacy Settlement: What You Need to Know

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has agreed to a substantial $725 million settlement over privacy-related issues. If you were an active Facebook user in the United States between May 2007 and December 2022, you might be entitled to a share of this settlement. Here's everything you need to know.

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Justice Served: A Landmark $1.2 Billion Verdict in Texas 'Revenge Porn' Lawsuit
Christine Sterkel Christine Sterkel

Justice Served: A Landmark $1.2 Billion Verdict in Texas 'Revenge Porn' Lawsuit

The legal landscape has witnessed a monumental ruling that resonates with many victims of so-called “revenge porn” across the nation. Last week in Harris County, Texas, a jury awarded an astonishing $1.2 billion in damages to a woman who courageously took a stand against her former boyfriend's abuse. Here's what you need to know.

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