Most Blockbuster Verdict: Judge Allows AT&T, Time Warner Merger with 'No Conditions'
U.S. District Court Judge Richard Leon will allow AT&T's $85.4 billion purchase of Time Warner to proceed, according to an article from CNBC. The judge said there will be no conditions for the merger and urged the government not to seek a stay of the ruling. The deal means AT&T will assume ownership of CNN, HBO and Warner Bros., among other channels.
The Department of Justice sued to block the merger, citing concerns AT&T, which owns DirecTV, could possibly charge rival distributors higher fees for Time Warner's content, ultimately driving up prices. Leon said, though, the government failed to establish the deal will substantially lessen competition.
Most Resigned Verdict: Texas Senator Guilty on 11 Fraud Counts
Texas Sen. Carlos Uresti was found guilty of 11 fraud-related counts and will resign from his position, according to an article from the Statesman. Uresti, a San Antonio Democrat, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 26 and faces both prison time and restitution. The senator apologized for letting down his constituents, but plans an appeal. He also faces allegations he split $850,000 in bribes. That trial is set for October.
Most Deceptive Verdict: Judge Sentences Man for Payday Scam
A businessman was given a 10-year prison sentence for operating a $220 million predatory payday lending scam that ripped off approximately 620,000 people, according to an article from the Associated Press. The judge in the case admonished the man, Richard Moseley Sr., for living so honorably for so long before deciding to cheat his victims.
Moseley, who lived a "lavish" lifestyle during the course of the scheme, must also pay back $49 million. The 73-year-old man expressed regret for causing financial pain to his victims, and noted he had suffered "physical and emotional pain, along with financial despair" at times in his life.
Most Blocked Verdict: Arkansas Court Enacts Temporary Block on Medical Abortion Ban
After a statewide ban on medical abortions, women seeking one in Arkansas were given a two-week window after a court suspended the law, according to an article from ABC News.
Medical abortions, which use a pill to end pregnancy, were banned after the Supreme Court declined to review a decision from May. Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge stated that she was "disappointed" in the decision, which she said was inconsident with an 8th Circuit ruling from last year.
Most Medical Verdict: Jury Awards $29.5M to Family of Woman Who Died During CT Scan
The family of Carrie DeJongh, who died while getting a CT scan at the Sioux Center Community Health Center, will receive $29.5 million, according to an article from the Des Moines Register.
DeJongh had an allergic reaction to contrast dye and went into shock. According to an attorney, the doctor gave her Benadryl but failed to check her vital signs and administer epinephrine to reverse the effects. Iowa Board of Medicine records show the doctor who administered the scan has “never faced public discipline."