Michael Carroll News
Novo Nordisk: Water quality issues at Ozempic plant won't be resolved this year
A Novo Nordisk facility in Denmark where the popular obesity drugs Ozempic and Wegovy are manufactured has been cited by the federal Food and Drug Administration for possible contamination issues – a development that has caught the attention of trial lawyers.
State officials sue Norwalk over city's moratorium on homeless shelters
State officials have filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk, accusing the southeast Los Angeles County city of unlawfully passing a moratorium on housing projects for homeless people.
Pasadena man's lawsuit accuses Paramount+ of illegally sharing customers' viewing information
A Pasadena man has filed a federal class-action lawsuit against Paramount+ that accuses the video-streaming company of disclosing customers’ viewing data to third parties such as Facebook and TikTok in violation of a 36-year-old federal law.
Appeals court rejects Huntington Beach's challenge of state law requiring housing development plans
The city of Huntington Beach has vowed to continue its litigation challenging a state law requiring local governments to set zoning targets for new housing, despite a federal appeals court ruling rejecting the city’s arguments.
New California food dye ban: Is it protection for kids or shady science?
California has enacted what’s billed as a first-in-the-nation measure restricting the use of several artificial food colors suspected of causing hyperactivity in children, but some scientific experts say the new law is based more on perceptions than science.
California high court disbars Manhattan Beach attorney who mishandled client funds
The California Supreme Court has disbarred a Manhattan Beach attorney who misappropriated client funds to the tune of about $117,000 and allegedly used some of the money to support his gambling activities.
Santa Barbara jury awards jet owner $19 million in insurance dispute involving Michael Avenatti
A jury in Santa Barbara has awarded $19 million to plaintiffs who entered into a 2016 agreement to purchase a jet aircraft with now-incarcerated attorney Michael Avenatti, finding that the aircraft’s insurer failed to fulfill conditions of the insurance policy.
Walmart settles hazardous waste charges filed by California attorney general for $7.5 million
Walmart has agreed to pay $7.5 million in penalties and costs to settle a civil action filed by the state Attorney General’s Office and county district attorneys alleging the company unlawfully disposed of medical and hazardous waste from stores around the state.
UCLA neuroscientist's lawsuit: Profiteering academic publishers have 'held back science'
A UCLA neuroscientist has filed a federal class-action lawsuit against six major academic publishers, alleging that they are engaged in an illegal scheme that hinders scientific advancement and forces scholars to work for free.
Lawyer's suspension casts uncertainty over gang member's attempted murder sentence
The 2023 suspension of a criminal defense attorney from practicing law has led to a court review of his client’s conviction for attempted murder during a gang-related shooting spree in Fresno four years ago.
Rep. Darrell Issa: Litigation transparency bill will deter 'bad actors' in civil suits
A Southern California congressman has introduced a measure to require the disclosure of third-party litigation financing agreements in civil litigation, saying it would bring needed transparency to an unregulated practice.
Phillips 66 to close Los Angeles oil refinery, raising concerns about state's gas supplies
Phillips 66 Co. will shutter its oil refinery near Los Angeles Harbor in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to a company statement that has raised concerns about California’s ability to maintain its supply of cleaner-burning gas blends.
Appeals court hands Orange County Water District legal win in dispute over groundwater management
The Orange County Water District’s complex rules governing the pumping of groundwater in the region have been affirmed by a state appeals court after a decade-long legal dispute with a public agency that extracts water from the basin.
Disbarred California attorney given 5-year probation sentence in cryptocurrency scheme
A federal judge in Nevada has sentenced a disbarred California attorney to five years of probation and restitution amounting to nearly $14 million over the former lawyer’s involvement in a cryptocurrency Ponzi scheme.
Monsanto agrees to pay city of Los Angeles $35 million to settle PCB lawsuit
Monsanto Co. has agreed to pay $35 million to settle a city of Los Angeles lawsuit that sought to hold the agrochemical firm accountable for manufacturing and selling chemical compounds decades ago that contaminated L.A.-area waterways.
Science behind California stem cell clinic therapies comes under legal scrutiny
A recent appeals court decision opens the door for the federal Food and Drug Administration to regulate a procedure offered at several California stem cell clinics that critics say is unproven and potentially harmful.
Federal judge blocks new California law restricting political 'deepfake' videos
A federal judge has barred California officials from enforcing key provisions of a new law designed to regulate “deepfake” images and videos generated through artificial intelligence that could cause confusion or spread misinformation during election campaigns.
State Bar seizes immigration services office in El Cajon, alleges unauthorized practice of law
An immigration services office in El Cajon has been seized by the State Bar of California, which alleges that the owner of the business has been misrepresenting herself as an attorney on immigration and family law issues.
Albertsons agrees to pay nearly $4 million to settle lawsuit alleging overcharging of grocery customers
Albertsons, Vons and their affiliates have agreed to pay nearly $4 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by seven California district attorneys alleging false advertising, excessive pricing and unfair competition.
Riverside man who ran in 'Tough Mudder' obstacle race sues organizer over rashes, vomiting
A Riverside resident is suing organizers of last year’s “Tough Mudder” obstacle course race in Sonoma County, alleging that non-potable water sources used at the event caused serious bacterial infections leading to skin rashes and lesions on his body.