| Introducing the TTLA Pioneers Series: Those On Whose Shoulders We Stand | The rich history of the TTLA is well-documented in the Association's records, but the real story lies in the personal recollections of the groundbreaking leaders who started it all. The first in the series, written by Past President Guy Choate, is a recollection of his encounter with one of the true giants of the Texas trial bar, Warren Burnett. Click on the headline to learn more.
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Texas Tribune Daily Brief
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| ATF Says Fatal West Explosion Was Result of a Criminal Act |  | The ATF said Wednesday that the deadly blaze that destroyed West Fertilizer Co. in 2013 was a criminal act, and it pleaded for the public's help to find who was responsible. Elder would not elaborate on what evidence led to the finding or whether investigators have suspects, but said extensive scientific testing was done.
Mark Collette, Houston Chronicle 05/12/2016    | | Read Article: Houston Chronicle |
| Scientists: Chemicals from Fracking Wastewater can Taint Fresh Water Nearby | | A a study by the U.S. Geological Survey appears to have answered a critical question about the millions of gallons of chemical-laced water that are injected into the wells to fracture rocks and release trapped gas. 'The key take away,'said Akob, who led a team of researchers from Duke University and the University of Missouri in studying a stream near a wastewater storage site in Lochgelly, W.Va., 'is really that we're demonstrating that facilities like this can have an environmental impact.'
Darryl Fears, The Washington Post 05/12/2016 | | Read Article: The Washington Post |
| OSHA to Publicly Disclose Workplace Injuries Online | | | The Department of Labor is moving forward with a controversial plan to report information about workplace injuries and illnesses on a public website. The Labor Department's OSHA said Wednesday that employers in hazardous industries such as manufacturing and construction will be required to electronically report the information. 'More attention to safety will save the lives and limbs of many workers,'OSHA chief David Michaels told reporters. The OSHA rule is intended to pressure companies into providing safe workplaces.
Tim Devaney , The Hill 05/12/2016
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| $10M Terminix Settlement for Poisoning Family Rejected | | A plea agreement by Terminix to pay $10 million to resolve allegations it illegally sprayed a toxic pesticide that sickened and nearly killed a Delaware family vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to move forward, despite a federal judge rejecting a portion of the agreement. Last month, a federal judge rejected the proposed financial settlement saying it was not appropriate."The court indicated that it had some concerns with the plea agreement," wrote Curtis V. Gómez, judge for the District Court of the Virgin Islands.
Esteban Parra, The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal, USA Today 05/12/2016 | | Read Article: USA Today |
| RJ Reynolds Hit With $12M Engle Verdict, Faces Punitives | | A Florida jury awarded $12M in compensatory damages Wednesday to the widower of a woman who allegedly died of lung cancer after decades of smoking, also finding R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. owes punitive damages for its role in concealing the dangers of tobacco use. Marion Dion had smoked R.J. Reynolds brand cigarettes including Camel and Winston. The jurors in Sarasota, Florida, found that R.J. Reynolds was 75% responsible for the death of Marion Dion while she herself was 25% to blame.
Brandon Lowrey, Law360.com 05/12/2016 | | Read Article: Law360.com |
| Lyft Offers $27M Settlement to Drivers in Lawsuit | | Ride-sharing company Lyft has offered to pay $27 million to bring an end to a lawsuit filed by drivers seeking employee status. The class action lawsuit was filed by California drivers who wanted to be classified as employees. In January, Lyft offered to pay $12.25 million to end the lawsuit. However, U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria rejected the settlement agreement in April, saying it did 'not fall within the range of reasonableness.'An attorney for Lyft says that the new settlement will provide 'significant payments to Lyft drivers who have put a lot of their time into this company.'
Tracey Lien, LA Times 05/11/2016 | | Read Article: LA Times |
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