Latest News
Indiana law providing buffer zone for cops blocked by federal judge
INDIANAPOLIS (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge has blocked an Indiana law that requires onlookers, including members of the press, to stand at least 25 feet away from cops when they are told to do so.
Attorney General Bonta Files Amicus Brief on Importance of Protecting California’s Waterways
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, filed an amicus brief with the California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, in support of the environmental plaintiffs in Bring Back the Kern v. City of Bakersfield.
Attorney General Bird Hosts Conference to End Domestic Violence and Support Survivors
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird hosted a domestic violence conference to train Iowans on how to prevent domestic violence and support victims.
AG Fitch Announces Recent Child Exploitation Sentencing
Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced therecent sentencing of Jimmie Ray Fields of Lucedale, Mississippi.
Kobach argues against Biden-Harris Obamacare rule in federal court
Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach asked the U.S. District Court in North Dakota to temporarily stop the Biden-Harris administration from implementing a regulation that would give Obamacare to illegal aliens.
Multi-County Grand Jury finds pervasive mismanagement, waste in Governor's pandemic relief funds for education
A Multi-County Grand Jury investigation of the Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (GEER) fund found significant mismanagement and misspending of millions of dollars intended to reduce disruption to the education of students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
AG Yost Sues Marysville Couple for over $81,000 for Failing to Deliver Services and Subpar Workmanship
In a lawsuit filed in Union County Common Pleas Court, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost accuses a Marysville couple of accepting payments for window and door installations without performing the agreed-upon work or providing subpar work.
Attorney General Hilgers Files Brief to Stop Biden-Harris Administration’s Electric-Truck Mandate
Attorney General Mike Hilgers led a coalition of states in filing a brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit.
Wisconsin prepares for National Drug Take Back Day on October 26
The Wisconsin Department of Justice has announced that National Drug Take Back Day will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024. More than 155 events are scheduled across the state with participation from over 275 law enforcement agencies. The initiative encourages residents to dispose of unwanted and unused medications safely.
Coalition defends HUD rule against discriminatory effects challenge
Attorney General Michelle Henry has aligned with a coalition of 19 state Attorneys General to defend the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Discriminatory Effects Rule. This rule is designed to ensure equitable access to insurance for homeowners across different classes and ethnicities.
Truist Bank resolves allegations over SunTrust's handling of trust accounts
Truist Bank has agreed to pay $9,125,000 to the United States to settle allegations related to SunTrust Bank's administration of certain trust accounts. The claims fall under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA) and involve actions by SunTrust between December 2011 and December 2015. Truist Bank emerged from the merger of SunTrust with Branch Banking and Trust Company in December 2019.
Cochise County official pleads guilty in election interference case
Attorney General Kris Mayes has announced a plea deal in the Cochise County election interference case. Peggy Judd, the defendant, pleaded guilty to failing to canvass the election as required by law. This is classified as a Class 3 misdemeanor under the charge of Failure or Refusal to Perform Duty by an Election Officer.
Georgia attorney pleads guilty in IRS obstruction case
A Georgia attorney, Vi Bui, has admitted guilt in a case involving the obstruction of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through participation in a fraudulent tax scheme. Bui, formerly a partner at Sinnott & Co., was involved from 2012 to 2020 in promoting illegal syndicated conservation easement tax shelters organized by Jack Fisher and others. Fisher and Sinnott were previously convicted and sentenced to lengthy prison terms.
Attorney General Bonta backs HUD's fight against housing discrimination
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has joined a coalition of 19 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief to support the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Discriminatory Effects Rule. This rule, under the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA), addresses housing practices that may seem neutral but are discriminatory, causing a "disparate impact" on certain groups.
Justice Department proposes new rule on sensitive data access by foreign entities
The Justice Department has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to implement President Biden's Executive Order 14117, aimed at preventing access to sensitive personal data and U.S. government-related data by countries of concern. This move addresses national security threats posed by efforts from certain nations to exploit Americans' sensitive information.
Judge Ana Escobar reflects on career shaped by Spanish-speaking skills
Judge Ana Escobar, a member of the 20th Judicial District General Sessions Court, has built her career in Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up in Music City, she attended high school locally and graduated from Vanderbilt University before pursuing law at George Washington University.
Pierce County businessman fined over $360K for scamming local gas stations
A Pierce County judge has ordered Kevin Wilkerson, a local business owner, to pay over $360,000 in penalties and restitution. This decision follows a consumer protection lawsuit initiated by Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s Wing Luke Civil Rights Division. The court found that Wilkerson and his companies, Northwest Environmental Services and Core Environmental Group, unlawfully charged gas station owners for unfinished or substandard work on underground fuel storage tanks.
Special election set for judicial nominating commissioner in District 8A
A vacancy has been announced for the position of Elective Judicial Nominating Commissioner in Judicial Election District 8A. Individuals interested in this role can now access nominating petitions to be included on the ballot. The successful candidate will serve the remainder of the term, which concludes on January 31, 2028.
Minnesota shuts down fraudulent debt firms; secures $1M refunds
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has announced a settlement with two debt settlement companies, Financial Solutions Group and Accelerated Debt Settlement. These companies were found to have collected illegal fees from consumers and misrepresented their services. As part of the settlement, they will cease operations in Minnesota and provide full refunds to affected customers.
Supreme Court issues orders on rule amendments
Orders of adoption have been issued by the Supreme Court regarding several matters. These include amendments to various rules and procedures.