Latest News
Michigan AG helps cut proposed electric rate hike by over half
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has approved a settlement regarding Upper Michigan Energy Resources' (UMERC) request for an electric rate increase. The decision, announced by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, significantly reduces the initially proposed hike.
Florida attorney general warns against hurricane-related scams after Hurricane Milton
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential scams and fraud in the wake of Hurricane Milton. The hurricane struck Florida's West Coast on Wednesday night, causing severe weather conditions such as storm surge, flash flooding, tornadoes, and high winds across much of the state. In response to these events, Attorney General Moody advises residents to be cautious of scams related to debris removal, contractor services, and other disaster-related schemes.
California home health agency settles over false claims act allegations
Allstar Health Providers Inc., a home health agency based in California, and its owner, Maria Chua, have reached a settlement with the United States to pay $399,990. This resolves allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by receiving and retaining more than one Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan before December 31, 2020.
Buckeye Institute proposes extended deadline for amicus briefs in Ohio Supreme Court
The Buckeye Institute has submitted a proposal to amend the Ohio Supreme Court's Rules of Practice, specifically Rule 7.06. The proposed change aims to extend the deadline for filing amicus briefs supporting jurisdiction from one day to thirty days after the appellant's deadline for submitting a memorandum in support of jurisdiction.
Justice Department sues Virginia over alleged violation of federal voter registration law
The Justice Department has initiated legal action against the State of Virginia, its State Board of Elections, and the Virginia Commissioner of Elections. The lawsuit challenges a state program that aims to remove voters from election rolls too close to the upcoming November 5 general election, allegedly violating the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA).
AGs challenge FDA's mifepristone restrictions in federal court
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum is advocating for the removal of restrictions imposed by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) on mifepristone, a medication used for abortions. The call to action was directed at a federal judge in Spokane, Washington. AG Rosenblum, alongside Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, is leading an 18-state coalition challenging the FDA's regulations in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington.
Justice Department convenes interagency meeting on equity in artificial intelligence
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division recently held a meeting to discuss the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and civil rights. This marks the fourth gathering of its kind by the division, coinciding with the upcoming one-year anniversary of President Biden’s Executive Order on AI development and use.
Ramsey County Courthouse closed due to power outage
The Ramsey County Courthouse is not open today, October 11, 2024, because of power outages. Individuals with emergencies are advised to contact the clerk of court office at 701-662-1309 or Juvenile Court at 701-662-1307.
Justice Department sues South Bend over alleged discriminatory police hiring practices
The Justice Department has initiated legal action against the City of South Bend, Indiana, accusing it of discriminatory practices in its police officer hiring process. The lawsuit claims that the South Bend Police Department's (SBPD) methods violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act by employing a written examination that discriminates against Black applicants and a physical fitness test that disadvantages female applicants.
Pittsburgh theft ring dismantled; seven charged including pawn shop owner
Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced charges against seven individuals associated with the "Six Figure Boys," a group involved in retail theft and firearms trafficking based in Pittsburgh. Among those charged is Osman Muya, a pawn shop owner accused of purchasing and reselling stolen items from these activities.
Attorney General Stein addresses price gouging amid Hurricane Helene
Attorney General Josh Stein has provided an update on the issue of price gouging related to Hurricane Helene. He emphasized the resilience of people in western North Carolina, stating, “The people in western North Carolina are tough, but we must do all we can to help.” Stein assured that his office is actively working to protect residents from fraudulent activities and individuals who might exploit the crisis for profit.
Federal judge urged to remove limits on abortion pill mifepristone
Attorney General William Tong, along with 17 other attorneys general, has filed a motion urging a federal judge in Washington state to eliminate what they describe as unnecessary restrictions on the abortion medication mifepristone. These restrictions were imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Marriott settles with states over Starwood data breach
Attorney General Josh Kaul announced a $52 million settlement with Marriott International, Inc. involving 50 Attorneys General. This agreement addresses a significant data breach in the Starwood guest reservation database, which Marriott acquired in 2016. The Federal Trade Commission also reached a parallel settlement with Marriott.
Ohio Supreme Court mandates release of Crestwood School District's mental health survey
The Supreme Court of Ohio has mandated the release of mental health survey results conducted by Crestwood Local School District. The decision, reached with a 6-1 vote, reversed an earlier ruling by the Eleventh District Court of Appeals that denied access to these records.
Indiana attorney general sues landlord for alleged apartment maintenance failures
Attorney General Todd Rokita has initiated legal proceedings against RICH-MONS Group LLC, a corporate landlord, over allegations of neglect in maintaining an apartment complex located in Plymouth, Indiana. The lawsuit claims that the landlord violated Indiana’s Deceptive Consumer Sales Act by failing to properly upkeep The Pointe Apartments.
Attorney General Bonta issues alerts on allowable rent hike limits
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has issued two consumer alerts to inform tenants and landlords about current legal limits on rent increases. The first alert, titled “Know Your Rights as a California Tenant,” provides details on the maximum annual rent increase allowed under state law, specifically the Tenant Protection Act (TPA). Under this act, most landlords cannot raise rent by more than 10% total or 5% plus the percentage change in the cost of living—whichever is lower—over a year.
Yost urges court to proceed with Columbus school busing lawsuit
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost is advocating for the Ohio Supreme Court to allow a lawsuit against Columbus City Schools regarding busing issues to move forward. The lawsuit challenges the district's failure to provide transportation for students attending private and charter schools, as mandated by Ohio law.
Jeffrey C. Clapper to be sworn in as circuit court judge
The Second Judicial Circuit in South Dakota will welcome Jeffrey C. Clapper as its newest circuit court judge. The official swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, at 3 p.m. CDT. The event will take place in Courtroom 5B of the Minnehaha County Courthouse, located at 425 N. Dakota Ave., Sioux Falls. The public is invited to attend and refreshments will be available courtesy of the Second Circuit Bar Association.
America First Legal sues U.S. departments over withheld records on Ryan Routh
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal proceedings against several U.S. government departments, including the Department of State, Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Justice (DOJ), and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lawsuit claims these agencies are unlawfully withholding records related to Ryan Wesley Routh, who is charged with a second assassination attempt on former President Trump.
U.S. soldier sentenced for aiding ISIS in plot against American troops
Cole Bridges, also known as Cole Gonzales, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by a decade of supervised release. The 24-year-old from Stow, Ohio, was convicted for attempting to provide material support to ISIS and plotting to murder U.S. military service members. Bridges pleaded guilty on June 14, 2023.