Eugene F. Kelly - Transfer to Disability Inactive Status

The Minnesota Supreme Court has ordered attorney Eugene F. Kelly transferred to disability inactive status, effective February 26, 2026. This order stays pending disciplinary investigations against him, contingent on his petition for reinstatement.

Ecology Grant Expands Stewart Mountain Community Forest

The Washington State Department of Ecology awarded a $5.5 million grant to expand the Stewart Mountain Community Forest by 1,600 acres. This funding, part of the state's Streamflow Restoration Act, supports water quality, forest preservation, and community ownership of the land.

State AGs Challenge Withholding of Disaster Relief and Transportation Funding

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with attorneys general from three other states, is challenging the Trump Administration's threatened cuts to $900 million in transportation funding and withholding of over $1.3 billion in disaster relief funding. This action seeks to amend an existing lawsuit to include these new funding challenges.

Darci Williamson v. BR Pig, LLC - Louisiana Court of Appeal Ruling

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, granted a writ in Darci Williamson v. BR Pig, LLC, reversing a trial court's denial of a summary judgment motion. The court vacated the denial, finding that the defendant met the requirements to challenge the plaintiff's claims under the Louisiana Merchant Liability Act.

B.B. v. Hochul - Child Welfare Certification Challenge

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed in part and affirmed in part a lower court's decision in B.B. v. Hochul. The court found that plaintiffs, children removed from their parents, have standing to challenge New York's certification scheme for relative foster parents, which denied certification based on criminal history or child abuse reports. The court remanded for further proceedings.

Care One LLC v NLRB - Court Opinion on Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction sought by Care One LLC and its affiliates. The healthcare facilities sought to halt proceedings before the NLRB, arguing the ALJ was improperly appointed and shielded from removal. The court found the plaintiffs could not demonstrate irreparable harm, thus denying the injunction.

Reidy Contracting Group v. Mt. Hawley Insurance - Additional Insured Coverage Dispute

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court ruling that Reidy Contracting Group is an additional insured under Mt. Hawley Insurance Company's excess liability policy. The court held that the Employers Liability Exclusion was ambiguous and must be construed against Mt. Hawley.

Duke v. Luxottica - ERISA Retirement Plan Class Action Opinion

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on a class action lawsuit alleging Luxottica's retirement plan violated ERISA by using outdated actuarial assumptions. The court held that the plaintiff has standing to seek plan reformation but not monetary payments to the plan, and that the effective vindication doctrine precludes mandatory arbitration of claims on behalf of the plan.

US v. Cardenas - Cocaine Import Conspiracy Conviction

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the conviction of Jay James Roldan Cardenas for conspiracy to import cocaine. The court found that the district court erred in excluding evidence crucial to Roldan's defense of lacking criminal intent, remanding the case for further proceedings.

Lanesborough 2000, LLC v. Nextres, LLC - Court Opinion on Arbitration Award

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed a district court's confirmation of an arbitration award between Lanesborough 2000, LLC and Nextres, LLC. The court found the contractual waiver of appeal rights ambiguous and affirmed in part, vacated in part, and remanded the case regarding an injunction of a state-court proceeding.