Train derails in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania
Multiple fire departments in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania responded to a train derailment today along the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks in Hempfield. A county dispatch supervisor said the derailment occurred at about 3:25 PM along the tracks near the village of Bovard in the vicinity of Georges Station Road. There were no initial reports of injuries or chemical leaks and no evacuations were deemed necessary, the dispatcher said. Witnesses at the…
Read MoreAzrael Franz Stands with Public Libraries
On Tuesday, November 6, 2019, the Baltimore Sun published an op-ed titled “Libraries: Macmillan unfairly restricts access to e-books.” The publication was written by CEO and President of Enoch Pratt Free Library, Heidi Daniel, and Director of Baltimore County Public Library, Paula Miller. The article discusses Macmillan Publishers’ new policy that restricts public libraries from purchasing more than one e-book copy for the first eight weeks of a new release. …
Read More3 lawsuits filed against maker of Banana Boat sunscreen
Three Florida families have filed lawsuits against Edgewell Personal Care, the company that makes Banana Boat sunscreen, claiming chemicals in the product burned their children. All three cases involve parents applying Banana Boat Sport for Kids on their young child, aged between 4 and 6 years old. Reports state that the day after applying the sunscreen, parents noticed red marks on their child’s bodies which progressively got worse and eventually…
Read MorePolice identify victims in triple-fatal crash
Police are investigating a two-vehicle collision that killed three people and injured a fourth in western Maryland on Friday, November 1. Maryland State Police Crash Team investigators say the incident took place shortly before 7:00 PM on Greencastle Pike, Route 63, just south of Findley Mill Road in Washington County. The preliminary investigation indicates an SUV attempted to make a U-turn from the southbound lanes into the northbound lanes when…
Read MoreWith the Deadline Less than a Year Away, Here’s What You Need to Know about the REAL ID
What is the REAL ID? The REAL ID Act is a federal law that affects how states issue driver’s licenses and identification cards. The Act established specific security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses. Beginning October 1, 2020, Federal agencies will be prohibited from accepting licenses and identification cards that do not meet these standards. This means that individuals will not be able to board a commercial plane or enter a…
Read MoreHalloween Safety Tips
Halloween is a time for fun costumes, spooky scares and buckets overflowing with candy. But with all of the excitement, parents and children may overlook the safety risks that come along with celebrating this treat-filled holiday. With some simple planning and precautions, we can all create a safe environment for children to have fun! Here are some tips from Kids Safe Worldwide to help ensure your children have a healthy and safe Halloween. Walk Safely Cross the…
Read MoreAzrael Franz’s Longstanding Relationship with The Children’s Cancer Foundation
Azrael Franz has been an active member of the Baltimore community for more than 70 years. For over half of that time, the firm and its attorneys have been major supporters of The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. The Children’s Cancer Foundation The Children’s Cancer Foundation, Inc. (CCF) is an independent Maryland nonprofit organization committed to funding locally-based cancer researchers, programs and facilities until every child is assured a healthy future. …
Read MoreState’s Attorney Advocates for 790 “Tainted” Baltimore Convictions to be Thrown Out
On Friday, October 4, State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby began asking Baltimore Courts to vacate nearly 800 criminal cases handled by 25 Baltimore City police officers. In explaining her requests, Mosby explained that she found reason to distrust the 25 Baltimore City officers, which included the eight convicted officers involved in the Gun Trace Task Force scandal. Mosby further stated that her office has no choice but to throw out the…
Read More“Fall Back” into Safe Driving: Quick Tips for Driving at Night
This year, Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 3. Consequentially, the days will become shorter and the roads will become more dangerous. The attorneys at Azrael Franz shed light on the hazards of driving at night. Nighttime is one of the most dangerous time to be on the road. In fact, fatal accidents occur three times more at night than they do during the day, despite the typical decrease…
Read MoreNew Maryland Laws Taking Effect Tomorrow
Hundreds of Maryland laws are going into effect on Tuesday, October 1st, spanning subjects from criminal justice reform to election law to the state’s medical cannabis commission. Some of the more notable changes are: Senate Bill 317 – After fewer than five years of marriage, if a person with no living offspring but living parents dies without a will, the surviving spouse will inherit the first $40,000 of the…
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