Learn Your Lesson

Texting your teacher?

The mother of a junior high student is taking legal action against her daughter’s vice principal, alleging negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress.  According to the lawsuit, Penns Grove Middle School Vice Principal, Abner Mendoza, established a personal connection with the student that was defined as inappropriate. An exchange of text messages indicate communication outside of the scope of education or school-related matters. A police report was filed, as well as a report to the school.  The mother chose to follow up with extended measures of legal action when the school district failed to issue substantial disciplinary action.  At the time of filing, the vice principal still maintained his position within the school and was not facing any criminal charges.

Whistleblower Stands Up to AC

Falsifying documents?

In the bootlegging era of the 1920’s, Atlantic City was known for its booming success and questionable corruption.  While AC has experienced an unfortunate decline since the pandemic, the tendencies to engage in unethical activities seem to have withstood the test of time. A former Ocean Casino Resort executive has filed a lawsuit, claiming she was terminated from her position in retaliation for acting as a whistleblower.  She had questioned the submission of paperwork to the New Jersey gaming division, defining it as falsified.  In response to her concern, the director of the state agency suggested that the executive be removed from her position.

Toy Stuntman Lands in Court

Not all fun and games

Fans of the Toy Story movies may recall the character Duke Caboom and his striking resemblance to Evel Knievel.  The likeness of Evel Knievel is owned by K&K Productions, the company that is now suing Disney and Pixar, as well as subsidiaries that helped in the production of Toy Story 4.  The character, portrayed by the voice of Keanu Reeves, was adapted into the film without prior authorization from the company that owns the branding rights to Knievel, who passed away in 2007.  The movie itself is not only mentioned in the lawsuit, but also promotional toys sold in 2019 are included.

Caged in Legal Trouble

Family alleges defamation

If we take anything positive away from 2020, it will be the premiere of Tiger King.  While we found humor in the wild history of Joe Exotic, Carole Baskin was allegedly cracking jokes about the disappearance and declared death of her husband, Don Lewis. Promoted to a role on Dancing with the Stars, Baskin was quoted in interviews as making light banter concerning her husband’s current and possibly unfortunate state.  

Seeking Refuge in New Federal Lawsuit

Save Alaska!

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s key goal is to preserve the land of the arctic refuge.  Led by Ferguson, a federal lawsuit has been filed in the hopes of stopping the progression of plans to drill for oil and gas in this northeastern region of Alaska.  For anyone who has watched the television show, The Last Alaskans, it is easy to see and appreciate the desolate landscape of snow, trees, and wildlife.  Inhabited by seven or eight families, the current residents of the refuge may maintain cabin permits up until the death of their last-born child.