CLEVELAND, Ohio--Now that hundreds of Cleveland property owners and tenants have received orders to vacate homes deemed dangerous due to unaddressed lead hazards, many are asking: What happens next? It's a question city officials are still working through, too. In some Ohio cities over the past year, health officials have started sending some, or all such cases to court for potential legal action, and say they're seeing results. Problematic homes, some that posed a threat to public health for years, are being cleaned up. Cleveland, which has been reluctant to follow state law and issue orders to vacate due to concerns about displacing residents, has not yet taken any of its recent non-compliant property owners to court. The city, through a spokeswoman, said that it will "work with the Law Department to determine the best course of action for each noncompliant property." It's unclear how many of the more than 300 recently-placarded homes would qualify for potential legal action. The … [Read more...] about Cleveland not yet enforcing lead cleanup, legal action gets results elsewhere
Legal action
Fast-food chains agree to end ‘no-poaching’ policies under threat of Washington state legal action
SEATTLE (AP) — Seven national fast-food chains have agreed to end policies that block workers from changing branches — limiting their wages and job opportunities — under the threat of legal action from the state of Washington. Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced binding agreements with the companies — McDonald’s, Auntie Anne’s, Arby’s, Carl’s Jr., Jimmy John’s, Cinnabon and Buffalo Wild Wings — at a news conference Thursday. McDonald’s had previously announced plans to end the practice. The so-called no-poach policies prevent franchises from hiring workers away from other franchises of the same chain. That’s been considered convenient for franchise owners, but has blocked experienced workers at one franchise from getting better-paying jobs at others, potentially keeping tens of thousands of employees around the country stuck in low-wage positions. Without access to better job opportunities at other … [Read more...] about Fast-food chains agree to end ‘no-poaching’ policies under threat of Washington state legal action
Heather Locklear might face legal action for allegedly attacking EMT: report
close Video Heather Locklear: From TV's hottest actress to struggling star Actress Heather Locklear recent slew of disturbing reports about her health and recent arrests is in stark contrast to the reputation of TV icon she held in the '90s. Prompting many of her fans to wonder what exactly happened over the years to lead her to this current situation? After she allegedly attacked a police officer and emergency personnel last month, Heather Locklear reportedly might be facing legal action. According to TMZ, the EMT that Locklear, 56, allegedly kicked has hired a personal injury lawyer. The outlet reports that after the incident the EMT was reassigned to desk duty due to head and neck injuries. Reps for Heather Locklear did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment. On June 24, Locklear was arrested for battery against a police officer and emergency personnel. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office said they responded to a … [Read more...] about Heather Locklear might face legal action for allegedly attacking EMT: report
Coastal Authority threatens Plaquemines Parish with legal action over diversion dispute
The state Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority on Tuesday threatened possible legal action if the Plaquemines Parish Council continued to block soil borings from being taken at the West Bank location of the proposed $1.3 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion near Myrtle Grove. The Plaquemines Council also acts as the Plaquemines Parish Levee Board. As such, coastal authorities argue, it is required to comply with Gov. John Bel Edwards' 2016 executive order requiring all state agencies to "administer their duties in a manner consistent with the Coastal Master Plan and public interest to the maximum extent possible." CPRA board chairman Johnny Bradberry and executive director Michael Ellis made their arguments in a letter dated Tuesday (June 19) and sent to all nine members of the parish council. The board has scheduled an executive session at its Wednesday meeting in Baton Rouge to discuss the letter, the borings and the potential for … [Read more...] about Coastal Authority threatens Plaquemines Parish with legal action over diversion dispute
Illinois police department weighing legal action after ‘false’ allegations of brutality in woman’s arrest
close Video Police deny claims of beating up woman during arrest Andrea Morris goes on Facebook Live to discuss arrest as Sauk Village police chief denies allegations of brutality and vows to make an example of people spreading the claims on social media. An Illinois police department says it’s exploring ways to pursue legal action against online commentators who falsely accused it of beating up a woman after she broadcast a Facebook Live video showing her swollen face following an arrest. Andrea Morris, while in custody at the Sauk Village police department, sparked outrage on social media as she talked about a recent incident in which their officers had “tased” her. “The police tased me, I don't even know what happened after that, my whole face is f----d up, she said, while fighting back tears. “I look like a different person.” One commenter then responded to the video claiming that “Sauk Village police beat her in her … [Read more...] about Illinois police department weighing legal action after ‘false’ allegations of brutality in woman’s arrest