News from September 2024
Attorneys general urge Congress for surgeon general warning on social media
In a letter to Congress, Attorney General Josh Kaul and 41 other attorneys general called on lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a U.S. surgeon general warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The letter comes amidst growing scrutiny of social media companies for their role in generational harm to young people’s mental health.
California Supreme Court makes key appointments to state bar
The California Supreme Court made various State Bar-related appointments on Wednesday.
High-level member sentenced for role in Colorado auto theft rings
A Larimer County District Court judge has sentenced Rene Ruiz to 24 years in state prison for his role as a high-level member of criminal organizations involved in auto theft and burglary across Colorado from 2020 to 2023.
America First Legal urges Arizona Supreme Court action on voter roll issues
America First Legal (AFL) has requested the Arizona Supreme Court to utilize all lawful measures to confirm the citizenship status of 97,688 registered voters and remove any noncitizens from voter rolls. This action was taken on behalf of Strong Communities Foundation of Arizona, known as EZAZ.org, and Yvonne Cahill, a registered voter and naturalized citizen.
Suburban Chicago woman charged with fraud involving rent payments and PPP loans
Attorney General Raoul charges suburban Chicago woman with fraud, theft of government property
Northeast Ohio task force seeks public's help locating suspect facing multiple felony charges
The Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force is requesting the public’s help in locating a suspect facing 17 felony charges involving human trafficking, drug trafficking, and firearms.
Attorney General Bonta supports new legislation aimed at boosting California's housing production
California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued a statement today following Governor Gavin Newsom's signing of Assembly Bill (AB) 1893 into law. The legislation, authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) and sponsored by Attorney General Bonta, aims to facilitate housing production in cities and counties that fail to adopt a compliant housing element on time.
Attorney General warns Minnesotans about rising mortgage assistance scams
September 19, 2024 (SAINT PAUL) — Attorney General Keith Ellison has issued a warning to Minnesotans regarding the rise in mortgage assistance scams, following an increase in reports to his Office’s Consumer Action Division. This alert is part of the Attorney General’s monthly Scam Stopper series aimed at protecting Minnesota consumers from common scams.
Alaska man arrested for threatening Supreme Court justices
An Alaska man was arrested yesterday in Anchorage for allegedly threatening to injure and kill six U.S. Supreme Court Justices and some of their family members.
Three Reed Smith leaders shortlisted for 2024 Texas Legal Awards
Reed Smith announced that three of its Texas-based leaders were named finalists for 2024 Texas Legal Awards.
Justice Department opens civil rights investigation into Rankin County Sheriff's Department
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke announced the initiation of a civil investigation into the Rankin County Sheriff’s Department and Rankin County, Mississippi. The probe aims to determine whether these entities engage in practices that violate constitutional or federal laws.
Sotheby’s Institute of Art Features Shook Co-Chair of Art Law
Sotheby’s Institute of Art features Shook Co-Chair of the Art Law Practice Channah Norman, in “A Look Into Art Law With Senior Counsel Channah Norman.”
Texas couple indicted on multimillion-dollar tax refund fraud charges
A federal grand jury in Tyler, Texas, returned an indictment yesterday charging a Texas husband and wife with crimes related to their conspiracy to defraud the United States by seeking fraudulent tax refunds.
Polsinelli Represents DERM-JES Holdings’ Acquisition of DermTech
Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli recently advised DERM-JES Holdings in its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of DermTech, Inc.
AG Campbell Announces Fair Labor Settlement With Construction Company On Margaritaville Project
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced that her Office has reached a settlement with a Virginia-based construction company, Remby Contractors, LLC, and its owner, Remberto Rodriguez, for violating the rights of employees working on a renovation project at the Cape Codder Hotel in Hyannis.
Ann Arbor Woman to Stand Trial for Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud
Yulonda Eckel, 56, of Ann Arbor, waived preliminary examination and was bound over to stand trial in the 22nd Circuit Court in Washtenaw County for allegedly fraudulently obtaining two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the federal government totaling over $41,000, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Carr’s Gang Prosecution Unit Convicts Five in Thomas County Shooting
Attorney General Chris Carr announced that five members of RNBA, a hybrid criminal street gang based in Boston, Georgia, have been convicted and sentenced to prison for their involvement in a shooting that occurred at the Green Food Market in Thomasville on April 3, 2022.
Energy Transfer has no plans to end case against Greenpeace over pipeline protests
DALLAS (Legal Newsline) – The lead partner in the Dakota Access Pipeline won't give up on a lawsuit against Greenpeace over violent protests, announcing recently that it will “stand in opposition to [Greenpeace]’s repeated attempts to avoid accountability for breaking the law.”
Bipartisan coalition of attorneys general call for Congress to require surgeon general warning on social media platforms
In a letter to Congress, Attorney General Phil Weiser and 41 other attorneys general called on lawmakers to pass legislation requiring a U.S. surgeon general warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms.
Montana secures $900K from multi-state unclaimed property settlement
HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that Montana will receive over $900,000 in a multi-state settlement, ending the outstanding damages phase of an unclaimed property dispute with Delaware.