skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump's effort to quell MAGA revolt over Epstein files seems to add fuel to the fire; As public sentiment shifts, MN watchdog criticizes ICE tactics; IN food pantries hit by SUN Bucks blackout; EPA employees on paid leave after signing "declaration of dissent."

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Trump threatens Russia with secondary sanctions, some of the president's allies want him to fire Federal Reserve chair, and farmers and doctors worry about impact of budget cuts on rural communities.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

Rural Americans brace for disproportionate impact of federal funding cuts to mental health, substance use programs, and new federal policies have farmers from Ohio to Minnesota struggling to grow healthier foods and create sustainable food production programs.

Concerns About Potential Conflict of Interest in CA Cell-Phone Warning Case

play audio
Play

Thursday, September 29, 2016   

BERKELEY, Calif. — Allegations have surfaced that a judge in the case against Berkeley's cell phone warning ordinance has ties to the wireless industry.

CTIA, the wireless industry trade group (formerly the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association), is challenging a law that requires stores to post information on proper cell phone use so that radiation exposure doesn’t exceed federal guidelines.

The case was heard in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco in mid-September by a three-member panel that included Judge Michelle Friedland, whose husband, Daniel Kelly, is allegedly an engineer with wireless company Tarana.

According to Ellen Marks, director of the California Brain Tumor Association, Friedland may have had a conflict of interest because Tarana's significant investor is AT&T - a CTIA member that could have a major stake in the outcome of the case.

"If Berkeley prevails, his job could be at risk,” Marks said. "They might have financial implications from this, and if the CTIA prevails, they have a lot to gain from this."

The CTIA has claimed that Berkeley's ordinance violates free speech. Berkeley has countered that the required postings were simply guidelines directly from the cell-phone manuals, warning that people who carry a cell phone close to the body may exceed federal guidelines on exposure to radio-frequency radiation.

A spokesman for the 9th Circuit confirmed that Kelly works in the telecom industry, but said Judge Friedland herself would not comment. Calls to Mr. Kelly and to Tarana were not returned.

Marks said the case is significant because many other cities have expressed an interest in similar ordinances, and some have received letters from the CTIA threatening litigation.

San Francisco has been working to pass a similar law, and City Supervisor John Avalos said that if the allegations are true, Friedland should have disclosed this possible link.

"If there's any hint of such a relationship between her partner and such work within a telecommunications company, she should disqualify herself,” Avalos said.

The court has the case under consideration but has not yet issued a ruling. Berkeley's legal team has the option to file a complaint alleging conflict of interest, but has not done so thus far.



get more stories like this via email

more stories
Some experts predict virtually all 'red' states will opt in to participate in the Educational Choice for Children program, while participation for 'blue' and 'purple' states remains to be seen. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Mixed responses continue to swirl about the new federal law offering tax incentives to people who donate to organizations providing scholarships to pr…


Health and Wellness

play sound

Hundreds of millions of American young people are exposed to vaping and smoking in popular movies, TV shows and music videos each year, according to …

Social Issues

play sound

Nevada groups concerned about affordability, clean air and health care are speaking out against the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" recently signed by …


The shift to cage-free eggs has accelerated after 11 states, including Colorado, set regulations on so-called conventional eggs, and the recent bird flu crisis, which led to the loss of more than 125 million U.S. hens. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

A new "Compassion Calculator" launched by the charity portal FarmKind aims to help Coloradans who eat meat improve their animal welfare footprints by …

Health and Wellness

play sound

As federal Medicaid cuts loom, consumer advocates are celebrating Washington's new bill limiting hospital prices for state and public school …

The Community Compass app, maintained by Indy Hunger Network serves between 4,000 and 8,000 users per month seeking food access resources. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Indiana families are navigating the summer without SUN Bucks, a federal grocery benefit which delivered $120 per child last summer. Gov. Mike …

Social Issues

play sound

Texas lawmakers will return to Austin on July 21 for a special legislative session called by Gov. Greg Abbott. The 18 items on the agenda include …

Health and Wellness

play sound

A Wisconsin nonprofit serving people with disabilities is waiting to hear if federal changes to Medicaid will affect their clients and caregivers…

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021