Former Massey Energy CEO asks court to dismiss charges

A former coal company executive is seeking the dismissal of charges stemming from a 2010 mine explosion that killed 29 workers in West Virginia. Don Blankenship, former chief executive officer of Massey Energy, also has asked the court to disqualify U.S. District Judge Irene Berger from hearing his case. Blankenship’s lawyers filed a dozen motions to dismiss on Friday, along with the disqualification motion and other documents, exhibits and legal briefs, The Charleston Gazette reported. (more…)

Alabama begins issuing marriage licenses to gay couples

Alabama began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples Monday despite an 11th-hour attempt from the state’s chief justice – an outspoken opponent – to block the weddings. The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday morning that it wouldn’t stop the marriages, and shortly after, probate judges began granting the licenses to couples, some of whom had been lined up for hours and exited courthouses to applause from supporters. “It’s about time,” said Shante Wolfe, 21. She and Tori Sisson of Tuskegee had camped out in a blue and white tent and became the first in the county given a license. (more…)

Illinois woman accused of aiding extremists appears in court

A prosecutor told a federal judge Monday that a suburban Chicago mother of four accused of sending money and military equipment to militant groups in Syria and Iraq poses a danger to the community and is a flight risk, so should remain in custody. Mediha Medy Salkicevic, 34 and one of six Bosnian immigrants charged Friday, raised her fist and smiled at relatives as she appeared at the bond hearing in Chicago. Standing in orange jail clothes and with her hair covered, she also signaled for them to keep their chins up. (more…)

French court: $2.1 million in switched baby case

A court on Tuesday ordered a private clinic in the Riviera city of Cannes to pay out 400,000 euros ($450,000) each to two 20-year-old girls accidentally switched at birth and given to the wrong parents — part of a 1.88-million euro payment to members of the two families. The clinic’s lawyer, Sophie Chas, said she wasn’t immediately certain whether an appeal would be lodged against Tuesday’s decision by the court in Grasse. (more…)