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Illinois residents warned about possible influx of flood-damaged cars after hurricanes
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a warning to consumers in Illinois regarding the potential influx of flood-damaged vehicles entering the used car market. This alert follows significant flooding caused by hurricanes Helene and Milton, which affected thousands of vehicles across several states, including Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
America First Legal investigates DOJ ties with group targeting conservative lawyers
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated an investigation into the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ) interactions with The 65 Project, a group known for targeting conservative lawyers. The AFL describes The 65 Project as a "dark money group with ties to Democratic Party heavyweights."
America First Legal investigates DOJ over communications from Jack Smith's office
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated an investigation into the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to obtain communications from Special Counsel Jack Smith's Office. This action is part of AFL's effort to scrutinize what they describe as a politically motivated investigation against former President Trump.
California Supreme Court approves incentives for new bar exam question testing
The California Supreme Court has approved a proposal from the State Bar of California to incentivize bar applicants to participate in a study scheduled for November 8 and 9. The study will pretest experimental multiple-choice exam questions developed by Kaplan, Inc. Participants may have an increased chance of passing future bar exams if they meet certain performance criteria.
Florida man admits to $1.7 million tax evasion over a decade
A Florida resident, David Albert Fletcher from Deltona, has admitted to evading more than $1.7 million in taxes owed for the years 2004 through 2014. Fletcher operated several furniture liquidation businesses, including Century Liquidators, but failed to file federal income tax returns or pay taxes for the years 2004 to 2013.
Louisiana releases opioid crisis documentary during prevention month
The Louisiana Supreme Court Families in Need of Services Assistance Program (FINS-AP) has released a documentary focusing on the opioid crisis affecting Louisiana.
Iranian officials face US charges over alleged murder-for-hire plot
The U.S. Department of Justice has unsealed a superseding indictment charging four individuals from Iran with murder-for-hire, money laundering, and sanctions evasion. The charges are against Ruhollah Bazghandi, known as Roohollah Azimi; Fnu Lnu, also known as Haj Taher; Hossein Sedighi; and Seyed Mohammad Forouzan.
Attorney General honors southeastern North Carolinians with Dogwood Awards
Attorney General Josh Stein recognized several individuals from southeastern North Carolina with the Attorney General’s Dogwood Award. This award acknowledges contributions to improving health, safety, and well-being in the community.
Judge upholds Washington ban on DIY rape kit sales
A federal judge has upheld Washington State's prohibition on the sale and distribution of over-the-counter sexual assault kits. The decision dismissed a lawsuit from Leda Health, a Pennsylvania company marketing self-administered kits. These kits, according to the state, create false expectations and undermine legal processes.
South Carolina men plead guilty to hate crimes targeting Hispanic victims
Two men from South Carolina have admitted guilt in a federal court to hate crimes and other charges related to racially-motivated armed robberies targeting Hispanic individuals. Charles Antonio Clippard, 27, and Michael Joseph Knox, 29, both residents of Columbia, confessed to their involvement in several incidents that occurred between January and February 2021.
California firm settles false claims act allegations over blood testing services
Veni-Express Inc., a mobile phlebotomy service based in California, along with its owners Myrna and Sonny Steinbaum, has agreed to pay $135,000 to settle allegations of submitting false claims. The allegations involve fraudulent claims for blood testing services and travel mileage under the False Claims Act, as well as violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute.
Illinois attorney general charges man with solicitation and possession offenses
Attorney General Kwame Raoul has charged a man from Pawnee, Illinois, with serious offenses related to child sexual abuse material. The charges are part of Raoul's efforts, in partnership with federal and local law enforcement across Illinois, to combat the online trade and downloading of such materials.
Florida launches Hope Card Program for domestic violence survivors
Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced the launch of Florida's Hope Card Program as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. This initiative offers survivors of domestic violence digital or physical wallet-sized cards that serve as proof of a valid protective order. The program aims to provide cardholders with immediate verification of protection orders and access to additional support resources.
Attorneys general support Biden administration against Idaho's abortion ban
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief before the en banc court of the Ninth Circuit. The brief supports the Biden administration's challenge to Idaho's near-total ban on abortion. In the case United States of America v. Idaho, the coalition backs the U.S. government's argument that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) mandates hospitals to provide necessary abortion care during medical emergencies.
Charges filed against 22 people in Philadelphia human trafficking case
Attorney General Michelle Henry, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police, has announced charges against 22 individuals involved in a Philadelphia-based human trafficking organization. The alleged leader of the ring, Terrance L. Jones, reportedly operated under the guise of "Julia" to recruit commercial sex workers over several years.
Attorney general issues opinion on voter eligibility of felons at state hospital
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has issued an official opinion regarding the voting rights of felons undergoing psychiatric treatment at Warm Springs, the Montana State Hospital. The opinion states that these individuals are prohibited from voting, similar to those serving sentences in other correctional facilities. This decision was made following a request from Lake County Attorney James Lapotka.
Washington Supreme Court sets Nov. 13 public hearing on defense standards
The Washington Supreme Court has announced a final public hearing scheduled for November 13 to discuss proposed changes to standards for indigent defense.
Task force recommends reforms for legal representation in Michigan's child protection cases
Members of the Child Protective Legal Representation Task Force held a virtual news conference to release a report with recommendations for improving legal representation in Michigan's child protective proceedings.
Louisiana AG warns against potential scams during Taylor Swift concert weekend
Ahead of the Taylor Swift 'The Eras Tour' concert weekend in New Orleans, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has issued advice for concert-goers to avoid scams. “There’s going to be hundreds of thousands of people in New Orleans this weekend...
Federal court dismisses RNC lawsuit over Michigan voter registry
Today, the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee (RNC) challenging Michigan's voter registration database. Judge Jane Beckering granted the motion to dismiss presented by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, stating that the RNC lacked standing and that their claims were without merit.