Man discontinues CBS3 suit
A North Philadelphia man who claimed a broadcast by CBS3 cast him in a false light as a child molester recently discontinued his defamation suit against the television station.
Howard Rubin’s attorney, Matthew B. Weisberg, said in an email: “While it is this firm’s policy not to discuss the merits of our clients’ cases, we can clarify that the matter was discontinued at [Rubin’s] authorization.”
Rubin alleged CBS3 defamed him in a news report connecting his dismissal as a police officer with allegations that he molested a boy.
In August, the state Superior Court affirmed that Rubin’s case against CBS3 could move forward, even though a Philadelphia judge dismissed it as meritless last year.
Rubin worked as a police officer for a charter school for about four years, until his contract wasn’t renewed in September 2014. On Sept. 29, 2014, CBS3 aired a report stating Rubin was fired over allegations he molested an underage male student at the school.
Rubin filed suit against CBS3 in November 2014, claiming the broadcast was false and defamatory. He sought more than $50,000 in damages, prior to discontinuing his suit Oct. 27.
An attorney for CBS3 declined to comment.
— Timothy Cwiek
Workshop to focus on criminal-expungement options
Community members are invited to a free legal event this weekend that will offer information on having criminal records expunged.
The event takes place noon-4 p.m. Nov. 5 at GALAEI, 149 W. Susquehanna Ave., presented by the Mayor’s Commission on LGBT Affairs, the Defender Association of Philadelphia and Community Legal Services.
Participants will learn about having criminal convictions permanently removed from their records. They can also meet with attorneys to address other LGBT and civil-rights questions.
Guests are encouraged to pre-register at http://ow.ly/zjWg30gfZET, and provide the full name under which they were arrested and their date of birth. Walk-ins will also be welcome.
MANNA, Elder Initiative partner for HIV-nutrition event
The LGBT Elder Initiative is organizing a visit to MANNA to address nutrition for HIV-positive individuals as they age.
The free event will take place 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 8 at MANNA, 420 N. 20th St.
Representatives of MANNA will meet with participants at “HIV & Aging: Nutrition 101” to discuss how older adults with HIV can incorporate healthy eating for optimum mental and physical health.
For more information, call 215-720-9415.
— Jen Colletta