US State

State of Iowa v. Christopher Joseph Hidlebaugh - Sentence Vacated

The Iowa Supreme Court vacated the sentence of Christopher Joseph Hidlebaugh, remanding the case for resentencing. The court found that the defendant's imprisonment, resulting from his inability to meet a financial obligation in a plea agreement despite good faith efforts, rendered his sentence unconstitutional.

Iowa Supreme Court Rules on Minor Child Placement with Respite Providers

The Iowa Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's decision to place a minor child with respite care providers identified as fictive kin, rather than with relatives. The court also upheld the respite providers' intervention in the proceedings. This ruling clarifies placement decisions in child-in-need-of-assistance cases.

Iowa Supreme Court Opinion on Fictive Kin Placement

The Iowa Supreme Court vacated a lower court decision regarding the placement of a minor child with fictive kin. The court ruled that the fictive-kin relationship must predate the child's removal from parental custody, reversing a prior judgment that allowed placement with respite caregivers who did not meet this criterion.

Romano and Ortiz v. Arrowhead Hill Farm - DTPA Claims Affirmed

The Texas Court of Appeals affirmed a no-evidence summary judgment against appellants Enrico Romano and Yadira Ortiz in their lawsuit against Arrowhead Hill Farm, Inc., Donna Whittleman, and Courtney Whittleman. The claims involved alleged violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA).

Obeginski v. State of Texas - Mandamus Petition Denied

The Texas Court of Appeals denied a mandamus petition filed by Scott Mitchell Obeginski. Obeginski sought to overturn a trial court order requiring him to attach copies of cited legal authorities with his filings. The appellate court found no abuse of discretion by the trial court.

Lot Owners v. Rayburn Country Association - Property Restrictions Appeal

The Texas Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's decision, ruling that property owners validly terminated restrictive covenants for their sections as of May 31, 2026. The court also reversed the award of attorney's fees to the homeowners' association.

Dawn Buckingham v. Edwin Arnaud, Inc. - Miscellaneous Civil Suit

The Texas Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's judgment in a miscellaneous civil suit concerning the title to submerged land. The case involved a dispute between Edwin Arnaud, Inc. and the State of Texas, represented by the Commissioner of the General Land Office. The appellate court found the evidence legally sufficient to support the trial court's findings.

Zarvona Energy LLC v. Black Stone Minerals Company - Permissive Appeal

The Texas Court of Appeals reversed a trial court's judgment in a dispute between Zarvona Energy and Black Stone Minerals over oil and gas leases. The court found that the trial court erred in denying Zarvona's motions for partial summary judgment, leading to a reversal and remand for further proceedings.

Natalie Anderson v. Kyle Anderson - Case Dismissed

The Texas Court of Appeals, 9th District, has dismissed the appeal in Natalie Anderson v. Kyle Anderson. The dismissal was due to the appellant's failure to pay the required filing fees for the appeal and to arrange for the clerk's record to be prepared.

Texas Court of Appeals Denies Mandamus in CHRISTUS Health Case

The Texas Court of Appeals denied a writ of mandamus sought by CHRISTUS Health Southeast Texas. The court upheld a lower court's order striking CHRISTUS Health's petition in intervention in a case involving non-compete clauses for CRNAs.