Piper Castillo
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Articles by Piper Castillo
A Legal First in College Athletics: Wisconsin Sues Miami Over Alleged NIL Tampering
The University of Wisconsin, along with its NIL collective VC Connect, filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against the University of Miami, alleging interference with binding NIL contracts and illegal tampering. The details of the lawsuit align with the recruitment process of former Wisconsin cornerback Xavier Lucas.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Aviation Accidents?
Every day, more than 45,000 planes take off in the U.S. Most aircraft land without incident, but the minority that don’t can end in tragedy. In 2023, there were more than 1,216 accidents involving civilian aircraft, and 327 people died in these crashes. Many of these crashes involve smaller aircraft, but larger planes aren’t immune from misfortune, as recent disasters involving commercial jets indicate. Almost 90 people have died in airplane crashes in 2025 so far.
Victims Begin Seeing Justice Through Payouts and Closure of FCI-Dublin
The Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California has made headlines for years due to allegations of rampant inmate abuse involving prison employees. Now the prison just north of San Francisco is permanently closed, and, on December 17, a settlement was reached between the federal government and more than 100 women who filed lawsuits against FCI-Dublin. Under the settlements, the Justice Department will pay approximately $1.1 million to each woman.
California Women’s Prison Plagued with Sex Abuse Has Closed
The Federal Correctional Institution in Dublin, California (FCI-Dublin) served as the sole women-only federal prison east of the Rocky Mountains for decades, and its list of former residents includes Heidi Fleiss, Patty Hearst, Squeaky Fromme, and Felicity Huffman. However, in recent years, FCI-Dublin has been linked to horrific tales of prisoner abuse.
Dating Apps Sued Over Addictive Features
It seems there is a pressing conversation echoing across the country. It concerns the potential need for more governmental regulations over social media. We are just three months into 2024, and already three events have occurred: Members of the U.S. Senate have clashed over how to update Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, created in 1996, to support the development of the Internet, which was still in its infancy stage.
Boy Scouts Sex Abuse Settlement Update
Former Boy Scouts who selected a quick payout option in the 2022 sex abuse settlement appear to have inadvertently cost themselves a much higher award. The settlement, the largest relating to sex abuse in U.S. history at $2.46 billion, included a “quick pay” option that would help plaintiffs avoid a years-long claims process by accepting a flat $3,500 payment. The deadline for that option passed last November.
Big Tech and Lawmakers Struggle with Section 230
At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on January 31, five Big Tech executives were brought face-to-face with grieving parents holding up pictures of their children who had died. The message was clear. The mothers and fathers put responsibility for their children’s deaths on the executives, all leaders of some of the most powerful social media platforms in the world.
Is the NFL Brain Injury Settlement Helping Players?
A landmark settlement intended to compensate NFL players for brain injuries sustained on the field is falling short of expectations, according to an in-depth investigation by The Washington Post. The 2015 settlement ostensibly resolved the league’s “concussion crisis,” pledging substantial awards for retired players who develop neurological diseases linked to concussions later in life. Awards would cover medical expenses, long-term healthcare, and present or future lost wages.
Lawsuits Filed Over Airplane Door Failure
Plane passengers are filing lawsuits against Boeing and Alaska Airlines after an incident last month that they say caused emotional distress. On Jan. 5, a Boeing 737 MAX 9 door plug blew out in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight 16,000 feet above ground, leaving a gaping hole in the plane that led to an emergency landing.
USTA Hires Lawyers to Investigate Handling of Sex Abuse Allegations
As the United States Tennis Association (USTA) navigates a federal lawsuit involving alleged sex abuse against a female tennis player, it has launched an official review of its safeguarding policies with the help of two high-profile lawyers. In an announcement posted on the USTA’s website on Jan. 4, executive director Lew Sherr said the organization hired Mary Beth Hogan and David O’Neil from the law firm of Debevoise & Plimpton.
Hawaii Climate Lawsuit Can Proceed
A recent decision by Hawaii’s Supreme Court rejected an appeal by lawyers representing Big Oil. It perhaps pushed the plaintiffs, the city and county of Honolulu, towards achieving something that has not been done before – having a lawsuit against fossil fuel companies go to trial for their alleged part in extreme climate change. On Oct. 31, Hawaii’s Supreme Court weighed in on a climate accountability lawsuit brought on by the city and county of Honolulu against close to a dozen oil companies.
Lawsuits Filed Over Decongestants In Cold Medicines Original
For years, people suffering from congestion, the common cold, or the flu have relied on the drug phenylephrine, which is found in over-the-counter medicines like Sudafed PE, Vicks Nyquil Sinex Nighttime Sinus Relief, and Benadryl Allergy Plus Congestion. Last year in the United States, these medications earned almost $1.8 billion in sales for the drug manufacturing industry.
Boy Scouts Sex Abuse Settlement Claims Portal Opens
It is no longer a secret that thousands of boys have suffered sexual abuse during their time spent within the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), an organization congressionally chartered in 1916. In 2020, the repercussions of the sexual abuse forced the BSA to seek bankruptcy protection, and filings against the organization topped 80,000 sexual abuse claims. Three years later, the BSA has emerged from its Chapter 11 status.
Illinois Catholic Church Sex Abuse Investigative Report Released
A recent report released by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office found that child sex abuse claims against Catholic clergy members amounted to more than 1,900 survivors in Illinois. This report was released after a five-year comprehensive investigation into sexual abuse cases in the Catholic dioceses in Illinois. The almost 700-page report contains shocking details about the nature of the widespread abuse and the clergy and lay religious brothers who committed these heinous acts.
A Supreme Court Decision Involving Terrorism Brings No Changes To Internet Regulations
It’s been a hot minute since President Bill Clinton signed Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) into law in 1996. However, that 27-year-old legislation appears to have stood the test of time – at least for now. Section 230 was enacted to guide and support the Internet – then only in its infancy stage. It gave the Internet users, not the tech companies that owned the different sites or platforms, the responsibility for the information posted.
Product Mix-Up Leads to Recent OTC Medicine Recall Original
Consumers nationwide depend on – and place great trust in – over-the-counter (OTC) medications. They can provide much-needed relief from a wide range of temporary and chronic ailments and symptoms, including nausea, colds, allergies, heartburn, muscle spasms, joint pain, infections, and headaches. But with the convenience, availability, and savings associated with OTC medications, recalls of these drugs occur each year and pose minor to serious risks to public health.
FDA’s Lack of Response Contributed To a Nationwide Baby Formula Shortage
A second hearing by the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services was held in Washington D.C. on May 11, 2023. Dr. Susan Mayne, Director of the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition was questioned by members of the Subcommittee on how the FDA reacted to baby formula contamination claims. The lack of intervention by the FDA has been heavily criticized and the Subcommittee on Health Care and Financial Services has held two hearings to determine what went wrong.
Juul Agrees To Pay $462 Million For Marketing E-cigarettes To Youth
In April, Juul Labs Inc. settled another case that was brought against them by state prosecutors. The company has agreed to pay $462 million to six U.S. states, including New York and California. In the initial filing, the Attorneys General claimed Juul unlawfully marketed its addictive products to consumers under the age of 18 and fueled a vaping crisis among young people.
What You Need To Know About The Indiana Plastics Recycling Plant Fire
The residents of Richmond, Indiana, a town with a population of 35,000, experienced a major environmental disaster on April 11 when a large-scale fire erupted at the site of My Way Trading Warehouse, a plastic recycling business. According to several news reports, the business owner, Seth Smith, had previously been cited for various safety violations by Richmond’s Unsafe Building Commission.
Report Uncovers Extensive Sex Abuse Within Archdiocese of Baltimore
The damning results of a four-year investigation into decades of sexual abuse by the Archdiocese of Baltimore priests have finally been released to the public. The report, nearly 500 pages long, was completed four years ago by the office of Maryland’s then-attorney general, Brian Frosh. Because it contains information from grand jury subpoenas, it was kept private until a Baltimore Circuit Court judge ruled to release a redacted version last month.
Changing Times: Women’s Tennis Association’s Attempt to Further Protect Its Players from Sexual Abuse
In a news conference in Tempe, Arizona, in March of 2022, a 19-year-old female tennis player announced she was taking legal action against the United States Tennis Association over a coach’s sexual abuse, alleging the abuse occurred at the training center in Florida. She filed a federal lawsuit against the USTA, claiming it had failed to keep her safe from someone with a history of assaulting women.
Are Off-Label Medications Safe?
A crucial Type 2 diabetes medication is in dangerously short supply thanks to its popularity as a weight loss drug. The generic version of brand-name drug Wegovy and its sister drug, Ozempic, is called semaglutide. This medicine stimulates insulin production, keeps the blood sugar levels of patients battling diabetes and/or obesity in check, and suppresses appetite. Approximately 35 million Americans live with Type 2 diabetes.
What Is Being Done to Protect Infants from Contaminated Baby Formula?
After several infant formula product recalls due to bacterial contamination, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is calling on manufacturers and retailers to enhance their safety measures. In February, formula company Reckitt recalled 145,000 cans of Simply Plant-Based Infant Formula that were potentially tainted with Cronobacter sakazakii bacteria. Earlier this week, Perrigo Company recalled several batches of Gerber’s Good Start Infant Formula for the same reason.
Product Recalls Increased in 2022
In July 2021, a company in Wisconsin announced a recall of their portable generators after safety concerns, including serious finger injuries to users, came to light. The company, Generac Power Systems, reported that the recall was necessary due to the handle used on some of the generators. The handle could pin a person’s finger against the generator frame. At the time of the recall, seven injuries resulting in finger amputations had been reported.
New Study Links Artificial Sweeteners to Heart Attacks, Stroke
The lure of sweetness is difficult to resist. However, it is common knowledge that consuming large amounts of sugar can be unhealthy, even deadly. It can add to the chance of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues and, ultimately, death. Instead of using sugar, consumers are increasingly relying on sugar substitutes.
Civil Lawsuits Filed Over Cheerleading Gym Sex Abuse
Over the past four months, 12 civil lawsuits have been filed across six states on behalf of 21 ex-students, who allege they were victims of a pervasive culture of drugs, pornography, and sexual abuse in the world of competitive cheerleading. Defendants include five elite gyms, 15 coaches and two dance choreographers. The individual coaches, some of whom have already been terminated and/or criminally prosecuted, are accused of various types of child sexual abuse.
The Hiring of NFL Coaches: Has The Brian Flores Lawsuit Had An Impact?
Last year Brian Flores, former head coach for the Miami Dolphins, filed a lawsuit against the National Football League, alleging it is “rife with racism.” A year later, the NFL continues to reckon with the issue. The Flores lawsuit, filed on February 1, 2022, pointed out that even after the creation of the Rooney Rule, a mandate set up in 2003 to ensure minorities received equal treatment when applying for head coaching vacancies, the top coaching jobs are still not being given to black coaches.
Is the NFL Getting Better at Protecting Players from Brain Injuries?
Hundreds of players in the National Football League sustain injuries of all sorts each year, and the 2022-23 season has been no different. There have been countless tackles, trips and throws gone awry. And, on December 2, the sheer intensity and risks of the game were put on full display when Damar Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after a hit during a game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Another Blood Pressure Drug Recalled Due to Possible Cancer-Causing Risk
Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of death. There are 116 million Americans who suffer from hypertension, also called high blood pressure. About 40 percent of them rely on medication to treat it. Unfortunately, recent issues with several of these drugs are cause for concern. Over the last year, several manufacturers of high blood pressure medications have had to recall their products due to unacceptable levels of a nitrosamine called N-Nitroso-Quinapril.
DOJ Stance on Handling Inmate Sexual Abuse
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is cracking down on federal prison guards who sexually abuse inmates, saying Bureau of Prisons (BOP) employees haven’t been punished harshly enough. A new memo written by Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco to DOJ officials says federal prosecutors must use “all available tools” to hold correctional officers accountable for abusing incarcerated women.
What To Do If You Used Johnson & Johnson Recalled Sunscreen Products?
On July 14, as countless Americans across the country enjoyed a summer day in the sun, officials at Johnson & Johnson (J&J) in New Brunswick, New Jersey, released distressing news. Benzene, a dangerous carcinogen, had been detected in samples of several J&J spray sunscreens, forcing the company to issue a voluntary recall. Included were four Neutrogena aerosol products – Beach Defense, Cool Dry Sport, Invisible Daily Defense and Ultra Sheer, as well as Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.
Fewer child sex trafficking prosecutions under Trump
Contrary to the belief among certain conspiracy theorists that President Donald Trump is battling a massive ring of child sex traffickers, the administration is prosecuting significantly fewer child sex traffickers than the previous administration.
During coronavirus stay-at-home, Florida’s backyard birds bring delight
Stories about the coronavirus pandemic are free to read as a public service at tampabay.com/coronavirus. If this coverage is important to you, consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Tampa Bay Times at tampabay.com/subscribe. • • • We have a lot going on, but the going on isn’t going. It’s staying — staying safe, staying home. There’s my son, an essential worker for his employer, ensuring he doesn’t track germs into our home.
Thriller writer Jason Pinter nods to Lehane, King while bringing in new authors
We recently caught up by phone with Jason Pinter. Known for his Henry Parker thriller series (including The Mark and The Fury) as well as the standalone thriller The Castle, Pinter has just published Hide Away. At its center is protagonist Rachel Marin, a hard-nosed detective and single mom. Pinter, who lives in Hoboken, N.J., with his wife and two young daughters, explained that the character of Marin came to him as he began tackling the new role of parent.
Deeogee is nothing but a sweet, loving hound dog
HERNANDO Deeogee Deeogee [Hernando County Animal Services] D#10323219 – Deeogee is a tricolor male treeing walker hound, approximately 5 years old and is available at Hernando County Animal Services, 19450 Oliver St., Brooksville. He was found living in substandard conditions on vacant property and his physical health was compromised. Staff has been working hard to put weight on him and allow him time to heal.
Dozens expected to exchange vows at mass wedding in Largo.
LARGO — One of the perks of living in the Sunshine State is enjoying a winter garden full of color.
Julie Orringer is reading books by Rachel Cusk, Cathy Park Hong
Julie Orringer, a graduate of Cornell University and the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, found the idea for her new book, The Flight Portfolio, while researching her previous book The Invisible Bridge.
For Mary Urquardt, ‘the love of the horses is the secret.’
SEMINOLE — The woman in the flannel shirt drove the John Deere compact tractor back to the shed as three middle school girls came through the front gate. Mary Urquardt, “Snakey” to her friends, had smoothed out the riding ring with the tractor. Now it was time for the girls — Urquardt’s team of volunteers — to get to work. After putting their phones and backpacks in a storage area, they swiftly mucked out stalls and served up hay.
Tarpon Springs historian Phyllis Kolianos on ‘A Land Remembered’
We recently dropped by the Historic Train Depot in downtown Tarpon Springs to visit with historian Phyllis Kolianos. The building is home to the Tarpon Springs Area Historical Society, and Kolianos, 74, is the organization’s archivist. Kolianos is an archaeologist and the former environmental education manager for the Weedon Island Preserve Cultural and Natural History Center in St. Petersburg. On Feb.
Rebecca Dominguez-Karimi on history and George R.R. Martin’s fantasy
As part of the Florida Humanities Council Florida Talks program, historian Rebecca Dominguez-Karimi will appear at 2 p.m. Jan. 26 at the Sulphur Springs Museum and Heritage Center, 1101 E River Cove St., Tampa, to discuss Jim Crow laws and how they affected the Hispanic community.
Renovations continue at Tarpon Springs Cultural Center
TARPON SPRINGS — If buildings could talk, this one would tell stories, lots of stories, about late night blazes and the volunteers who fought them, about cops and robbers and about all the people, from farmers to sponge divers to politicians, who walked through the front door. The Tarpon Springs Cultural Center, at 101 Pinellas St, known to old-timers as “Old City Hall,’’ is undergoing a facelift. The two-story, Neoclassical Revival-style building, designed by Atlanta architect Ernest D.
Sharon Langley, MLK and the horse named Freedom Rider
On the summer day in 1963 that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream’’ speech and led the March on Washington, Sharon Langley, then 11 months old, was placed on a colorful wooden horse on a carousel at Baltimore’s Gwynn Oak Amusement Park. Her ride would become synonymous with the civil rights movement, as she and her family were among the first African Americans to legally enter the formerly segregated property, and she was the first African American to ride on the carousel.
Palm Harbor Library offers a nirvana for gamers
PALM HARBOR — On a recent Monday afternoon, among the patrons in the little library on Nebraska Avenue is a convergence of gamers. Two boys are playing a board game. Two other boys take turns rolling dice. And 10-year-old Thomas Carter is playing Nintendo with his little brother. “First, we get to play the game and then we do our homework,’’ Thomas whispered. “We have to concentrate to play, and that helps me learn to focus.
'Waitress’ star Bailey McCall is reading ‘The Nightingale’
Bailey McCall, 28, is heading to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota, where she will perform as Jenna in the three-night stand of Waitress, the musical featuring original music by Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles. When we caught up with McCall, a University of Tennessee graduate, she was in Ottawa, between performances at the National Arts Centre. “Jenna has been a dream role of mine, and for the last few years I’ve been familiarizing myself with the music and the character,’’ she said.
Singer Crystal Gayle enjoys David Baldacci’s thrillers
We recently caught up with Grand Ole Opry member and Grammy winner Crystal Gayle by phone from her home in Nashville. Gayle, the youngest sister of Loretta Lynn, is celebrating the release of You Don’t Know Me, her first album in 16 years, co-produced, recorded and mixed by her son, Christos Gatzimos.
National Geographic editor Susan Goldberg is reading Bob Iger’s memoir
We caught up with Susan Goldberg, National Geographic’s first female editor and current editor in chief and a contributor to the new book Women: The National Geographic Image Collection. It includes 455 photographs of women gathered from the media company’s massive archives and serves as a great expression of how women’s lives have changed since National Geographic was founded in 1888.
Thriller writer Robert Bryndza is reading Stephen King, Agatha Christie
Robert Bryndza, lauded for his Erica Foster series (The Girl in the Ice), has published a new action-packed novel, Nine Elms, a bone-chilling serial-killer thriller with an endearing protagonist named Kate Marshall. Bryndza, 40, studied English and drama at Aberystwyth University in Wales before receiving a postgraduate degree from Guildford School of Acting in Surrey, England.
Steven Murawski is reading a biography of Alexander von Humboldt
Steven Murawski, 68, is a professor in the College of Marine Science at the University of South Florida and lead author of Scenarios and Responses to Future Deep Oil Spills: Fighting the Next War. He recently appeared at the Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading. After hearing his expertise on deep oil drilling and the fragility of the Gulf of Mexico, an audience member asked him to recommend what she could do immediately to start advocating for safer waters.
What actor, author Meg Tilly reads for balance
Meg Tilly first gained fame as an actor in the 1980s for her performances in such films as Agnes of God and The Big Chill. Tilly, 59, is also an accomplished writer whose novels include Gemma and Singing Songs, stories that take on pedophilia and are based on her own experiences as a girl. She also writes the Solace Island series of romance-thrillers. We caught up with the author from her home office in British Columbia on the eve of publication of her newest book, Hidden Cove.
‘Miraculum’ creates a dark carnival
Pontilliar’s Spectacular Star Light Miraculum is a traveling carnival with a cast of characters that includes an alligator lady, a man who snaps chickens’ necks and a tattooed snake charmer. It’s all coming to the Tampa Bay Times Festival of Reading via Steph Post’s latest novel, Miraculum. Post, a Florida native who lives outside of Brooksville with her husband and a collection of dogs and chickens, is a festival favorite returning to the event.
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