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California Supreme Court concludes year focused on stability and key legal decisions
The California Supreme Court has completed a year marked by stability and a focus on its judicial responsibilities. Under the leadership of Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero, who assumed her role during the previous court year, the court addressed significant legal issues including those related to voter initiatives, COVID-19 implications, environmental law, and equal protection.
America First Legal sues White House Council over concealed records
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated legal action against the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), accusing it of illegally concealing records related to political appointees within the agency. This lawsuit is part of AFL's broader effort to identify individuals implementing the Biden-Harris agenda within federal institutions.
Texas hospital CEO settles kickback allegations with $5M payment
Former hospital CEO Jeffrey Madison has agreed to pay $5,343,630 to settle allegations under the False Claims Act. The claims involve illegal payments to physicians for laboratory referrals, violating the Anti-Kickback Statute. Madison will also cooperate with ongoing Justice Department investigations related to these allegations.
Russian man sentenced for illegal money transmission involving over $150 million
Feliks Medvedev, a 43-year-old resident of Buford, Georgia, has been sentenced to three years and ten months in prison. Following his release, he will undergo three years of supervised release and is required to pay a $10,000 fine. This sentencing comes after Medvedev was found guilty of operating an unlicensed money transmitting business that facilitated the transfer of over $150 million in Russian funds.
Foster County Courthouse announces closure due to power outage
The Foster County Courthouse will close on October 3 at 1:00 PM for the rest of the day. The closure is due to a planned power outage. Those needing immediate assistance during this period can reach out to the Wells County Clerk’s office at 701-547-3122.
Randolph E. Stefanson passes away; no services planned per his wishes
Randolph E. Stefanson, a graduate of the UND Law School, passed away on September 27, 2024. He is survived by his wife Corinne, daughters Susan, Lisa, and Leslie, as well as five grandchildren: Clare, Will, Eleanor, John, and Nathanael. Stefanson was known for his dedication to advocating for those in need within the community.
GSA invites feedback for sixth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan
The U.S. Open Government Secretariat, part of the Government Services Administration (GSA), is inviting public comments for the development of the Sixth U.S. Open Government National Action Plan (NAP). This initiative is part of the United States' commitment as a founding member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP). The GSA seeks input from various stakeholders, including those in public, private, advocacy, not-for-profit, and philanthropic sectors. Contributions are also encouraged from state, local, tribal, and territorial governments.
State employee charged with forgery for using fake psychology credentials
Shannon McShane, 57, has been indicted on multiple charges by a statewide grand jury for allegedly using false credentials to obtain a state license as a psychologist. This allowed her to gain employment with various state agencies and serve in child custody cases across Colorado. The announcement was made by Attorney General Phil Weiser.
Justice Department unveils strategic approach to countering cybercrime
Nicole M. Argentieri, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and Head of the Criminal Division, addressed a symposium organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section (CCIPS). Her remarks focused on the opportunities and risks presented by artificial intelligence in law enforcement.
Arizona dealer sentenced for fentanyl and methamphetamine offenses
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced that Eduardo Cruz has been sentenced to five years in prison, followed by three years of probation, for dealing fentanyl pills and methamphetamine. The sentencing took place in Maricopa County Superior Court.
Over 1,000 acres returned to Onondaga Nation as part of environmental settlement
New York Attorney General Letitia James, Governor Kathy Hochul, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams, and Onondaga Nation Tadodaho Sidney Hill have announced the transfer of over 1,000 acres in Tully Valley to the Onondaga Nation. This significant land return is part of a settlement with Honeywell International under the Onondaga Lake Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration (NRDAR) program.
California releases inaugural report on fight against ghost gun crisis
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has released a report from the Department of Justice's Office of Gun Violence Prevention, addressing the state's efforts against ghost guns. These firearms are made by unlicensed individuals using products sold without background checks or serial numbers. The report provides data analysis on ghost guns recovered from crimes in California and highlights the state's response to this issue.
Medicaid fraud control unit secures $700K settlement from toxicology lab
Attorney General Ashley Moody's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit has successfully secured over $700,000 from Precision Toxicology, LLC in a multistate legal action. The case involved allegations that the company submitted false claims to federal healthcare programs for unnecessary urine drug testing and engaged in kickback practices.
Attorney General Aaron Ford highlights achievements in recent biennial report
Earlier this month, Attorney General Aaron Ford's office submitted its biennial report to the Nevada Legislature and Governor Joe Lombardo. The document, spanning over 50 pages, details the achievements of the Office of the Attorney General over the past two years.
Authorities arrest 42 linked to California white supremacist gang amid racketeering charges
Federal and local law enforcement officials have arrested 42 individuals connected to the SFV Peckerwoods, a white supremacist street gang based in San Fernando Valley, California. The arrests stem from a 76-count federal grand jury indictment that accuses them of engaging in a range of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, firearms possession, and fraud related to COVID-19 benefits.
Former Greene County DA faces conspiracy charges alongside ex-chief detective
Charges have been filed against former Greene County District Attorney David Russo and former Chief Detective Zachary Sams, as announced by Attorney General Michelle Henry. The charges come after a presentment from the 51st Statewide Investigating Grand Jury.
Attorney General urges Californians to claim gas price manipulation settlement
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has urged residents who purchased gasoline in Southern California between February 20, 2015, and November 10, 2015, to submit claims for payments under a state settlement. The settlement involves gas trading firms accused of manipulating prices for California gasoline. Eligible individuals can file their claims online at www.CalGasLitigation.com.
Justice Department allocates $4 billion for public safety initiatives
The Justice Department has announced a significant financial commitment to enhance public safety and community justice efforts across the United States. A total of $4 billion in grants will be distributed by the Office of Justice Programs (OJP) to support various initiatives aimed at reducing violence, assisting crime victims, and improving outcomes for individuals involved in criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Justice Department addresses unconstitutional conditions in New Jersey veterans homes
The Justice Department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey have taken legal action against the State of New Jersey, filing a complaint concerning conditions at state-run veterans homes. A proposed consent decree has been filed to address findings of unconstitutional conditions at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes located in Menlo Park and Paramus.
Office of Information Policy announces upcoming FOIA reporting deadlines
The Office of Information Policy (OIP) has announced the deadlines for the submission of agencies' Fiscal Year 2024 Annual FOIA Reports, Fiscal Year 2025 Quarterly FOIA Reports, and 2025 Chief FOIA Officer Reports. These reports are essential in showcasing the progress made by agencies in administering the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).