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“Quality Is No Accident” FLATTMANN FILES
June 2026
June Is Lane Courtesy Month, So It’s Time to Drive Like a Grown-Up I Know I’m Getting Old … but Let’s Talk About Driving
I know I’m getting old when I start complaining about traffic … but here it goes. June is Lane Courtesy Month, and it got me thinking about how a lot of the accidents we see every day could be avoided with just a few small changes in how people use the road. “Lane courtesy” sounds like something polite, and it is, but it’s really about something more important: safety and predictability. Over the years, (talking here as a mix between lawyer and layman), I’ve developed a few driving pet peeves. And while they may sound like minor annoyances, many of them are the exact things that lead to serious accidents. My No. 1 pet peeve is what I call the “wave-in.” You’ve probably seen it. Someone stops and waves another driver across traffic. It seems nice, but it can be incredibly dangerous, especially when it involves crossing multiple lanes. The person waving may not even see the oncoming traffic in the next lane, yet the wave continues. I’ve seen cases where someone gets waved through … only to be T-boned by a driver they never saw coming. The person waving? Long gone, off to wave another unsuspecting victim to their doom. The lesson: Being courteous is great, but don’t direct traffic you can’t see. Another one that gets me is drivers camping in the left lane, going below the speed limit. It gets even better when two cars are driving side by side at the exact same speed, effectively blocking the entire road. It’s like a turtle race. I’m not a speed demon, but that situation tends to lead to frustration, aggressive passing, and risky lane changes, all of which increase the risk of an accident. Then the classic: not using a blinker. This is literally one of the first things we learned in driver’s ed, and somehow it’s optional for a lot of people. Drivers will slow down or stop, then suddenly turn without warning. Your blinker isn’t just a suggestion; it’s how you communicate with everyone else on the road! One finger controls the blinker! That’s how easy it is to use! Okay … rant over. Another common issue I see is the person you let in front of you, only for them to creep across three more lanes of traffic to get to the U-turn lane (think Hwy 190). Instead of taking an extra minute to move over safely and catch the next U-turn another block away, they
play Frogger and risk moving across multiple lanes of traffic all at once. That kind of unpredictability is exactly how accidents happen. And finally, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention phones at red lights. We’ve all seen it — sometimes every lane is sitting still after the light turns green because everyone is looking down at their phone. I can’t say I’m completely innocent here, but it’s definitely worth a friendly honk now and then. (You have to test your horn once in a while, right?) Here’s the reality: Most lane-related accidents I see happen because drivers make quick decisions without checking that it’s safe. Unsafe lane changes, failure to signal, and unpredictable movements are some of the most common causes of crashes, and many of them are completely preventable. Lane courtesy isn’t just about being polite. It’s about making your actions clear and predictable so the people around you can react safely. As we head into June and Lane Courtesy Month, it’s a good reminder that small habits can make a big difference. Use your signal. Give people space. Be patient. And when in doubt, take the extra second instead of the risky move.
It might just prevent an accident.
-Grady Flattmann
(985) 590-6182 • 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
AND THE LAW IS RACING TO CATCH UP Deepfakes Are Here
The TAKE IT DOWN Act One of the most significant federal measures to address deepfakes arrived in 2025 with the passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This legislation directly targets non-consensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated images or videos of an individual designed to appear real. Under the law, distributing or threatening to distribute manipulated intimate media without permission is considered a criminal offense. The law also requires online platforms to respond quickly when victims report this type of content. Once notified, a platform must remove the material within 48 hours and take steps to prevent further circulation. Individuals who violate the law may face substantial penalties, including potential prison sentences. Consumer Fraud and the FTC Act The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) prohibits unfair or misleading business practices. If a company exaggerates what its AI technology can do or uses synthetic media to trick consumers, the Federal Trade Commission may step in. Deepfake scams are already becoming more sophisticated. In some reported cases, criminals have used AI-generated audio or video that imitates a trusted colleague or executive to convince someone to transfer large sums of money. When synthetic media is used to trick people for financial gain, it may fall under the purview of fraud enforcement. Why These Laws Matter The rapid rise of AI has opened the door to remarkable innovation, but it has also created new avenues for harm. Deepfakes can be used to manipulate public opinion, commit fraud, or damage someone’s personal or professional reputation. As we establish clearer rules around consent, deception, and digital manipulation, lawmakers are beginning to define how AI-generated media should be handled in the legal system. Next Steps Additional laws at both the federal and state levels are expected to address rising challenges such as political deepfakes, identity theft, and intellectual property concerns. For individuals and businesses alike, staying informed about these changes is becoming increasingly important. Synthetic media may be new territory, but the legal system is quickly catching up and working to ensure that powerful technology is used responsibly and never at the expense of someone’s well-being.
Is it real, or is it AI?
Years ago, the idea of artificial intelligence (AI) creating convincing videos of real people sounded like science fiction. Today, it’s reality. With just a few clicks, sophisticated AI tools can generate images, voices, or videos that look so authentic they can fool even careful viewers. While this technology can be used for harmless fun or creative projects, it also raises serious concerns. Deepfakes can be used to impersonate, spread misinformation, damage reputations, or create explicit images without consent. As the technology advances, lawmakers across the United States are moving quickly to put guardrails in place. Federal Laws Addressing Deepfakes Deepfake legislation is evolving rapidly to keep pace with advances in AI. The primary goal is to prevent misuse while still allowing for legitimate innovation. However, there are countless risks involved, including:
• Financial scams
• Defamation and misinformation
• Election interference
• Non-consensual explicit imagery
As lawmakers define when synthetic media crosses the line from creative expression into deception or harm, we get closer to protecting both people and institutions.
“With just a few clicks, AI can create videos so realistic they can fool even careful viewers.”
2 FlattmannLaw.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
TAKE A BREAK
SOLUTION
For years, parents have relied on one classic trick. You say the opposite of what you mean, hoping your child takes the bait. “I bet you can’t eat all your broccoli …” Cue the determined chomping and, ideally, an empty plate. But if that strategy suddenly stopped working and your child is now giving you the “Nice try” stare, you’re not alone. According to parenting coach and Montessori expert Ankita B. Chandak, there’s a good reason your clever tactics are falling flat. Around age 8, many children begin developing what’s called “ theory of mind. ” In simple terms, they become skilled at picking up on other people’s intentions. Meaning they learn exactly what you’re doing. When you casually suggest they definitely shouldn’t tidy up, they can see the strings attached. And instead of feeling motivated, they may feel underestimated. So, what works better once your child catches on? Chandak suggests shifting from mind games to meaningful communication. To start, focus on clarity. Instead of hinting, try being direct. Explain the expectation and invite them to think it through. “You have a test next week and need to study. What’s your plan?” That simple question turns a command into a conversation. Next, invite collaboration. Giving children some ownership, like choosing whether to tackle homework before or after dinner, offers autonomy without sacrificing structure. You’re still guiding the outcome, but they get a say in how it unfolds. Finally, ask for ideas. When mornings feel chaotic or bedtime drags on, bring them into the problem-solving process. Children are often more cooperative when they feel heard. Asking “How can we make this smoother?” goes much further than a frustrated reminder. The magic is mutual respect, not manipulation. When parents acknowledge their child’s growing awareness and intelligence, it builds trust. Kids develop stronger decision-making skills, feel valued, and are more likely to follow through. And there’s a bonus here as well. When you stop trying to outwit your child, they stop trying to outmaneuver you. What replaces the power struggle is partnership. It turns out that the smartest move in parenting isn’t being one step ahead; it’s walking alongside your kids. CAUGHT IN YOUR OWN PARENTING TRICK? When Reverse Psychology Backfires
COCONUT SHRIMP CURRY
Ingredients
• 2 tbsp butter • 1 1/2 lbs jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1 medium onion, diced • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 tbsp yellow curry powder • 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk • 2 tbsp honey, plus more to taste • 1/4 tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Juice of 1 lime • 12 basil leaves,
chopped, plus more for serving
• Hot sauce (optional) • Cooked basmati rice, for serving
Directions 1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter.
2. Cook shrimp 2–3 minutes, turning halfway, then transfer to a plate. 3. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes, then stir in curry powder and cook 2 minutes more. 4. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in coconut milk, honey, salt, and lime juice, and cook until gently bubbling. 5. Return shrimp to the skillet and simmer 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in basil and add hot sauce if desired. 6. Serve over rice with extra basil.
(985) 590-6182 • 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
Flattmann Law (985) 590-6182 FlattmannLaw.com 213 W. 21st Ave. Covington, LA 70433 “Quality Is No Accident”
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Blinkers, Left Lanes, and Other Driving Pet Peeves
1
Deepfakes Are Changing the Legal Landscape
2
3
Coconut Shrimp Curry
Raising Smart Kids Means Ditching Mind Games
Can Your Pup Be Your Dependent?
4
One Woman’s Quest to Get Her Dog Recognized as a Dependent CANINE VS. TAX CODE
Finnegan Mary Reynolds, an 8-year-old golden retriever, might be the first dog to officially qualify for tax breaks. Her owner, Amanda Reynolds of New York City, recently filed a lawsuit against the IRS, arguing that her pup should get the same tax breaks as a human child. Before you scoff, this claim is far more convincing than you might assume. According to Reynolds, Finnegan is more than just property. She is a fully dependent family member, with annual care costs topping $5,000. From food and grooming to vet visits, daycare, and even transportation, Reynolds handles it all. And under Section 152 of the tax code, she contends, Finnegan already ticks every “dependent” box, including being financially reliant, living in the same home, and earning zero income. The only hiccup? The IRS hasn’t updated the definition to include four-legged furballs. The lawsuit also leans on heavy-hitting constitutional arguments, citing the Equal Protection Clause and the Fifth Amendment’s Takings Clause. Reynolds argues that excluding pets from tax relief is unfair and essentially penalizes responsible pet owners. She points out the quirky inconsistency: Service animals can qualify for deductions as medical expenses, but beloved companion animals (who can incur similar costs) get nothing.
As a New York state-licensed lawyer, Reynolds is representing herself in the case and not holding back. She argues, “For all intents and purposes, Finnegan is like a daughter, and is definitely a ‘dependent.’” While the IRS hasn’t responded yet, the case is already sparking debates about modern families, legal definitions, and how far our tax code should go to acknowledge furry family members.
Whether Finnegan walks away with a tax deduction or just more belly rubs, one thing’s clear: Americans’ relationships with pets are evolving, and maybe it’s time our
laws caught up. After all, someone has to pay for all those vet bills, gourmet treats, and squeaky toys.
4 FlattmannLaw.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
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