Latest News
Chief FOIA Officers Council plans virtual meeting open to public
The Office of Information Policy (OIP) has announced that the Chief FOIA Officers Council will hold a virtual meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET.
Court halts Alabama voter roll purge ahead of election
A federal court in Alabama has issued an order halting a voter removal program recently implemented by the state. The program, aimed at removing voters from registration rolls, must be stopped until after the November 5 general election. The court also instructed Alabama to guide counties to reinstate deactivated voters unless they requested removal or qualify for other reasons.
Fifth Circuit allows Texas election integrity law provision ahead of November elections
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a significant legal victory, allowing a crucial provision of Senate Bill 1, Texas's election integrity law, to remain in effect for the upcoming November 5, 2024 elections. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit granted a stay on the matter.
Nebraska Attorney General opens satellite office in Ogallala
Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced the establishment of a new satellite office for the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office in Ogallala, Nebraska. This move aims to strengthen the presence of law enforcement support in Greater Nebraska, where two outstate investigators are currently stationed.
Attorney General warns Floridians about potential post-hurricane FEMA scams
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.—In the wake of Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton, Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued guidance to Floridians on how to avoid potential scams related to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Scammers may pose as FEMA representatives, seeking sensitive information or money in exchange for services. They might also use personal information to fraudulently apply for a FEMA grant.
Florida man convicted of child molestation charges dating back to 2015
A Florida man has been convicted of multiple counts of child molestation in Providence County Superior Court. Chad Lavallee, 40, from Ruskin, Florida, was found guilty on October 15, 2024, after a five-day jury trial overseen by Superior Court Justice Kristin E. Rodgers. Lavallee faced three counts of first-degree child molestation and two counts of second-degree child molestation for offenses committed between 2015 and 2016 against a victim under the age of 14.
Ken Paxton joins lawsuit against Biden's new stove regulations
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has joined a multistate lawsuit challenging the Biden-Harris Administration. The suit targets the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit over a rule imposing regulatory requirements on conventional stoves and ovens.
Nebraska Attorney General responds to Supreme Court decision
Attorney General Mike Hilgers issued a statement in response to the Nebraska Supreme Court's decision. The statement reads, "We appreciate the Supreme Court’s consideration of this important issue and are grateful that the Court provided clarity before the election."
Attorneys general urge compliance with law on noncitizen voting
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, along with attorneys general from fifteen other states, has sent a letter to the Biden-Harris Administration. The letter calls on U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to fulfill his obligation to collaborate with states in verifying citizenship information for registered voters.
Accountants sentenced for roles in billion-dollar tax scheme
Two accountants have been sentenced to 20 months in prison each for their involvement in a billion-dollar tax scheme involving syndicated conservation easement tax shelters. Victor Smith, a CPA and founding partner of an Atlanta-based accounting firm, promoted and sold these tax deductions from at least 2014 through 2019. His actions resulted in approximately $14 million in false deductions, causing a $4.8 million loss to the IRS. He received $491,400 in commissions for his role.
Supreme Court asked to review Oklahoma's Title X funding case
Attorney General Gentner Drummond has requested the U.S. Supreme Court to review a decision by an appellate court that upheld the Biden Administration's suspension of a longstanding family planning grant for Oklahoma. This development follows the state's refusal to provide abortion referrals under Title X, despite Title X funds being prohibited from use for abortion.
AG Nessel seeks dismissal of lawsuit on military voter rights
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has taken legal action to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the voting rights of military and overseas voters. The lawsuit, initiated by the Michigan Republican Party, Republican National Committee, and Chesterfield Township Clerk Cindy Berry, targets Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Director of Elections Jonathan Brater.
Attorneys general challenge Biden-Harris administration's new immigration rule
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has spearheaded a coalition of seven attorneys general in submitting an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit against a rule from the Biden-Harris administration. The rule, known as "Parole-in-Place" (PIP), permits illegal immigrants to stay in the United States with potential employment opportunities and access to public benefits. The brief was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
Sarpy County Adult Drug Court celebrates graduates on October 21
The Sarpy County Adult Drug Court is set to hold a graduation ceremony and celebration on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. The event will take place in the Sarpy County Boardroom located at 1210 Golden Gate Drive in Papillion, Nebraska. Judge Stefanie Martinez will preside over the ceremony.
Kansas man sentenced for racially-motivated threats and housing interference
A Kansas man has been sentenced to 80 months in prison for issuing race-based threats and interfering with housing rights. Austin Schoemann, 31, from Wichita, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including interference with federally protected activities and interstate threats.
Pennington County Drug Court graduation set for October 23
The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court has announced the upcoming commencement ceremony for participants completing the Pennington County Drug Court program. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at 3 p.m. MDT. It will take place at the Commission Chambers of the Pennington County Administration Building in Rapid City.
AG Nessel seeks dismissal of election lawsuit targeting military voter rights
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has filed briefs urging the Michigan Court of Claims to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the voting rights of military and overseas voters. The lawsuit, initiated by the Michigan Republican Party, Republican National Committee, and Chesterfield Township Clerk Cindy Berry, targets Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Director of Elections Jonathan Brater.
Court allows lawsuit against Meta over alleged harm to youth
A federal judge has denied Meta's motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Attorney General Josh Stein and other attorneys general in 2023. The suit alleges that Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, designed its platforms to be addictive for children and teenagers and misled users about the potential harms.
Data center CEO charged with fraud over false certification claims
A federal grand jury in the District of Columbia has indicted a Maryland man on charges of major fraud against the United States and making false statements to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The indictment accuses Deepak Jain, 49, from Potomac, of participating in a scheme to mislead the SEC about his company's data center certification.
Florida AG warns against hurricane-related charity scams
Attorney General Ashley Moody has issued a warning to Floridians about potential charity scams in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The hurricanes have caused significant damage, with Helene affecting the Big Bend region and causing flooding across six states, while Milton recently hit Southwest Florida, resulting in power outages and widespread flooding.