United States

Texas AG Sues Snapchat for Deception and Child Endangerment

The Texas Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against Snap, Inc. (Snapchat) for allegedly deceiving parents and consumers about the app's safety and for exposing children to inappropriate content and addictive features. The lawsuit seeks to hold Snapchat accountable for these alleged harms.

Texas AG Secures 50-Year Sentence Against Human Trafficker

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a 50-year prison sentence for Robert Franklin for trafficking and sexually exploiting a child. The sentence includes a $50,000 fine and is connected to a multi-state prostitution scheme. This action highlights the state's commitment to prosecuting human trafficking offenses.

USITC Affirmative Determinations on Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations for MAMMOs from Taiwan

The USITC has made affirmative determinations that a U.S. industry is materially injured by imports of multifunctional acrylate and methacrylate monomers and oligomers (MAMMOs) from Taiwan sold at less than fair value and subsidized by the government. As a result, the Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders.

OIG Audit: Medicaid Agencies Made $207M in Unallowable Payments for Deceased Enrollees

The HHS OIG has released an audit report finding that Medicaid agencies made an estimated $207.5 million in unallowable capitation payments to managed care organizations on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 and June 2022. The report recommends CMS provide agencies with data to recover payments and explore OBBB Act implementation.

Maine Medicaid Autism Services Improper Payments

The HHS OIG has issued a report finding that Maine made at least $45.6 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for autism services provided to children. The audit identified that all sampled claims were improper or potentially improper, leading to recommendations for refunds and improved provider guidance.

HHS OIG: ACF Can Improve Homeless Youth Services Compliance

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) can improve services to homeless youth by strengthening grant recipients' compliance with Transitional Living Program (TLP) requirements. The audit found significant documentation gaps in service provision for a large percentage of youth served by TLP grants.

HHS OIG: Hospital Cybersecurity Controls Need Improvement

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that a large southeastern hospital needs to improve its cybersecurity controls, particularly for web applications. The OIG made four recommendations to enhance defenses against cyberattacks, which the hospital has concurred with.

Philadelphia K-12 Schools COVID-19 Testing Program Audit

The HHS Office of Inspector General found that Philadelphia did not consistently monitor its COVID-19 screening testing program for K-12 schools, leading to $257,620 in unallowable costs and overpayments. The OIG recommended Philadelphia update its procedures for oversight and compliance.

OSHA Cites Horizon Biofuels for Safety Violations After Fatal Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Horizon Biofuels Inc. for willful and serious safety violations following a fatal explosion at their Fremont, NE facility. The company faces proposed penalties of $147,542 for issues including combustible dust, ignition source protection, and lack of fall protection.

NY Contractor Settles $600k Penalty for Safety Violations

A New York roofing contractor, DME Construction Associates Inc., has settled with the U.S. Department of Labor for $600,000 following a fatal fall in 2021. The settlement resolves willful safety violations, including failure to provide fall protection, and requires enhanced safety measures.