C. D. McHugh News


Motor vehicle insurance costs increasing faster than average national inflation

The price for motor vehicle insurance across the country continues to rise at a higher than average rate, as compared to national inflation rates.


Chinese national indicted for alleged spear-phishing targeting NASA software

Song Wu, a Chinese national, has been indicted on charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. These charges stem from his alleged efforts to fraudulently obtain computer software and source code created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), research universities, and private companies.


U.S. Attorney's Office collaborates nationwide to reduce domestic firearm violence

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland has approved an initial set of 78 communities across 47 states, territories, and the District of Columbia for designation under Section 1103 of the Violence Against Women Act Reauthorization Act of 2022.


160 million verdict highlights issues with heavy truck safety

When the unimaginable unfolds: Our attorneys secured a $160 million verdict after a defective design changed our client’s life forever.


EPA moves towards cancelling all products containing harmful pesticide dactal

Following the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) August 7 emergency suspension of the pesticide dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate (DCPA or Dacthal), the agency announced on August 28 that it was initiating a process to cancel all products containing DCPA that continue to be on the market. This decision was made due to serious concerns about the pesticide’s potential to cause embryo-fetal toxicity.


Ellis presents at AALL annual meeting

Research Services Librarian Brandy Ellis co-presented "Bridging Differences in Mentoring Relationships" at the American Association of Law Libraries 2024 Annual Meeting in Chicago during July.


New Federal Rule clarifies use of illustrative aids in trials

A new rule, FRE 107, will be added to the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) effective December 2024. This rule addresses the distinction between demonstrative evidence and illustrative aids, which has been a frequent issue in legal proceedings.


Victoria J. Haneman named Chaffin Visiting Distinguished Professor at School of Law

The School of Law proudly welcomes Victoria J. Haneman, who will serve as the Verner F. Chaffin Visiting Distinguished Professor of Fiduciary Law. She will teach Emerging Issues in Trusts, Estates, and Wealth Preservation.


New report finds Georgia has tenth most expensive car insurance in the country

Insurify, a virtual insurance agency, issued a report on August 11 which found that car insurance costs in Georgia are the tenth highest in the country, despite Georgia’s low overall cost of living.


District Attorney Sherry Boston warns DeKalb County residents about new warrant scam

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has issued a warning to the community regarding a new scam targeting residents. Several individuals have reported receiving suspicious phone calls from someone claiming to be an investigator at the District Attorney’s Office.


Thousands file claims under Camp Lejeune Justice Act; litigation enters new phase

As of August 10, 2024, the deadline for filing claims under the Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) has passed. Thousands of veterans, their families, and civilians have filed claims for health issues caused by the toxic water at Camp Lejeune. The litigation now moves into its next phase.


Assistant professor featured in The Baffler on internet access regulation

Assistant Professor Thomas E. Kadri was featured in The Baffler magazine regarding internet access regulation. The article titled "Crimes of the Future" was written by T.M. Brown and published on August 16, 2024.


Bruner publishes chapter on fraud risk in the age of AI

Christopher M. Bruner, the Stembler Family Distinguished Professor in Business Law, has published a chapter titled "Managing Fraud Risk in the Age of AI" in the book "Fraud and Risk in Commercial Law," edited by P.S. Davies and H. Tjio (Hart Publishing, 2024).


Georgia man indicted for pandemic-related fraud involving COVID-19 relief funds

ATLANTA - Mycheal Arnell Brady, also known as "Michael Brady," has been indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. He is accused of stealing COVID-19 relief funds and submitting fraudulent federal tax refunds using stolen identities. Additionally, Brady faces charges for possessing unauthorized access devices containing personal information, including Social Security numbers, of multiple identity theft victims.


Three former daycare workers plead guilty in Appletree Learning Center abuse case

DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston has announced the convictions of three defendants who pleaded guilty in connection with alleged abuse at a Stone Mountain daycare center.


EPA suspends use of Dacthal weedkiller due to health risks

In a rare move not seen for almost 40 years, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency order suspending all uses of Dacthal weedkiller, which has been linked to serious health risks for unborn babies.


Eleventh Circuit seeks public comments on proposed rule amendments

Notice and opportunity for comment on amendments to the rules of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit


Beasley Allen Law Firm announces $11 million auto products liability settlement

For more than 40 years, the Beasley Allen Law Firm has been committed to “helping those who need it most.”


Three men sentenced for firearm trafficking offenses across multiple states

Alvin Demar and Joshua Carter have been sentenced to federal prison for trafficking dozens of firearms that were later recovered from crime scenes in multiple states and Canada. Jamal Plunkett was sentenced for possessing one of the trafficked firearms.


Two men sentenced for metro Atlanta armed robberies

ATLANTA - Kujo Duako and Sammetrius Brooks have been sentenced for a string of armed robberies that targeted multiple businesses and a bank in metro Atlanta.