Louisiana authorities have agreed to a $9 million settlement with Clifton “Scotty” Dilley after a state trooper shot him in the back during a 2018 traffic stop, resulting in paralysis. The trooper, Kasha Domingue, initially falsely reported the incident as a Taser discharge and was later fired after an investigation revealed the shooting was unjustified. Domingue’s shifting explanations for the shooting were contradicted by surveillance video, and she eventually pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice. The settlement highlights the state police’s history of excessive force, as well as red flags in Domingue’s training.
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The Trump administration is seeking a $1 billion settlement from UCLA after a DOJ investigation found the university violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The proposed agreement includes a resolution monitor, a senior administrator to ensure compliance, and revised protest policies, including a ban on overnight demonstrations. Furthermore, the settlement would require UCLA to end race- and ethnicity-based scholarships and halt gender-affirming care at its hospital and medical school. This follows the administration’s crackdown on pro-Palestinian campus protests and the freezing of approximately $584 million in funding and grants to the college.
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In a significant move, DuPont and two other companies have agreed to pay New Jersey up to $2 billion to resolve environmental claims related to PFAS contamination. This landmark settlement, the largest in the state’s history, involves an $875 million payment over 25 years and a remediation fund of up to $1.2 billion. The companies will share the financial burden, and the agreement still requires court approval. The state is holding the companies accountable for the pollution caused by these “forever chemicals” known for their persistence in the environment and potential health hazards.
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Columbia University has reached a $220 million settlement with the Trump administration over concerns of antisemitism on campus. The agreement, which includes a $200 million payment over three years and $21 million to settle related investigations, stems from the administration’s claims of the university’s failure to address antisemitism during the Israel-Hamas war. As part of the deal, Columbia will implement reforms, including changes to its curriculum and student disciplinary processes, while also agreeing to ensure its programs do not promote unlawful DEI goals. This settlement, reached after months of scrutiny, allows Columbia to restore federal funding and safeguard its independence.
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In a Truth Social post, President Trump announced Paramount had paid a $16 million settlement regarding a lawsuit over a 60 Minutes interview. He also anticipates an additional $20 million from new owners in advertising, PSAs, or similar programming. While the settlement was announced amid Paramount’s merger with Skydance, Trump has alluded to a side deal involving advertising. Democratic senators have inquired with Skydance about a separate agreement, with CBS denying any connection to Trump or the Skydance deal when announcing the end of Stephen Colbert’s show.
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Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump related to a “60 Minutes” interview, a settlement that does not include an apology. As part of the agreement, “60 Minutes” will release transcripts of interviews with eligible U.S. presidential candidates after airing, with potential redactions. The settlement has been met with strong criticism from press organizations, who decry it as a threat to press freedom and an act of capitulation. The lawsuit accused CBS of election interference and sought $10 billion in damages, but the company initially denied the claims before initiating settlement talks.
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Paramount Global agreed to pay $16 million to settle President Trump’s lawsuit over edits to a “60 Minutes” interview, allocating the funds to his future presidential library. The settlement avoided a potentially costly legal battle, though it prompted criticism from First Amendment experts. This deal was seen as a way to facilitate Paramount’s sale to Skydance Media, a deal that still requires FCC approval. As part of the agreement, “60 Minutes” will release interview transcripts with presidential candidates after airing, with redactions for legal or national security.
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DoorDash will pay $16.75 million to settle a lawsuit alleging that, between May 2017 and September 2019, the company improperly used customer tips to lower its own payments to New York delivery drivers. The Attorney General’s office claimed this practice was deceptive as it wasn’t disclosed to customers. This settlement provides restitution to affected workers, and DoorDash maintains that its past pay model was compliant, despite resolving the years-long legal dispute. The company has since abandoned this pay structure.
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Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits stemming from the opioid crisis caused by OxyContin. The Sacklers will pay up to $6.5 billion and relinquish company ownership, while Purdue will contribute nearly $900 million. This revised settlement, exceeding the previous offer by $500 million, requires court approval but avoids anticipated federal opposition. The funds will compensate victims, address the opioid crisis, and provide treatment resources.
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John Q. Hosedrinker