Jury Returns $745M Verdict Against Chevron Over Wetlands Damage

Consider writing about:

A $745 million verdict against Chevron over damage to Louisiana’s coastal lands; factors contributing to the dollar size of the verdict; what this case may illustrate regarding the reach of successor liability, especially in a case claiming environmental damage; how this case compares to other litigation over energy companies’ alleged damage to wetlands.

Related information:

https://www.nola.com/news/environment/louisiana-oil-coast-pollution-chevron-energy/article_64b25fb0-c907-45fa-ac57-44cd25aa3d56.html

Should Fossil Fuel Companies Fear Homicide Charges Over Climate Change Impacts?

Consider writing about:

Recurring suggestions (in assorted academic and legal contexts) that fossil fuel companies be charged with homicide in connection with deaths linked to the impacts of climate change. How realistic are such suggestions? What would be the key challenges in bringing charges of this type and pursuing them to any kind of meaningful outcome? What precedence is there for such a course of action?

Environmental and Energy Priorities for Tribal Communities

Consider writing about:

Recent or otherwise noteworthy developments involving tribal interests and their intersection with energy or environmental issues (in the state or country of your choice). Take your pick of any of the following: significant lawsuits, settlements, legislation, or enforcement actions; how the second Trump administration’s environmental and energy policies stand to affect tribal communities; any other emerging or heightened points of concern or keen interest.

Apple, Meta Fined $800M Over Alleged Violations of Digital Markets Act

Consider writing about:

A combined $800 million fine levied by the European Union against Apple and Meta this week; what to know about the Digital Markets Act, the law under which the EU took its action against the two tech giants; alleged DMA violations that led to the hefty fine; how other companies can avoid risks under the Digital Markets Act and stay out of the EU’s antitrust crosshairs.

Related information:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/eu-says-apple-and-meta-broke-competition-law-imposes-hefty-fines/ar-AA1DsROe

What Is Status of FTC Click-to-Cancel Rule?

Consider writing about:

The Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule; its origins and focus; what the status is of this rule under the second Trump administration; legal challenges to the rule, and whether it may be killed off (if it hasn’t already been); liability risks that businesses may face over their subscription practices even if the FTC’s rule goes away.

Takeaways From DOJ Antitrust Win in Wage-Fixing Case Against Healthcare Executive

Consider writing about:

An April 14 jury verdict in a wage-fixing case; significance of the verdict in light of the U.S. Department of Justice’s recent attention to labor market conduct and potential antitrust violations; what else stands out to you about this particular case and the jury verdict; whether the DOJ is targeting the healthcare sector in particular over suspected antitrust-related wrongdoing; practical takeaways for other companies (regardless of industry) as regards their own activities and potential areas of liability.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/jury-convicts-home-health-agency-executive-fixing-wages-and-fraudulently-concealing-criminal

What Does Congress Have in Mind for Medicare and Medicaid These Days?

Consider writing about:

Political wrangling over the future of Medicare and Medicaid. What pathways is Congress eyeing? What funding cuts or other proposed changes are on the table? What are the potential implications for health care providers, insurers, or individuals, and what should interested individuals or entities be watching for as negotiations continue?

Related information:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/medicaid-cuts-house-republicans-energy-commerce-committee

Ransomware: A Continuing Headache for Health Care Sector

Consider writing about:

The continuing proliferation of ransomware attacks on the health care sector. Among the possible points to explore: how much of a problem this type of cyberthreat has become for the health care industry overall or for specific segments of the industry; established or emerging trends as regards common points of entry or weaknesses that are being exploited by cyberattackers; whether artificial intelligence in particular is contributing to ransomware risks; how the health care industry is, or should be, addressing ransomware threats and the related need for adequate cybersecurity; additional issues involving vendors or other third parties and their obligations and liability risks; any legal, regulatory, or political fallout over ransomware attacks against health care facilities and the industry’s cyber-readiness (or lack of same).