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Jaray Washington, Case 3:20-cr-00332-SI-1 - Sentencing Date Continued to June 26, 2026

The Northern District of California granted a stipulation to continue the sentencing date for Jaray Washington (Case 3:20-cr-00332-SI-1) from the previously scheduled date to June 26, 2026. The stipulation was filed by attorney John Jordan on April 21, 2026, and the order granting it was entered on April 22, 2026 by Judge Susan Illston. This is a procedural scheduling modification in an ongoing criminal case filed in August 2020.

Port Washington State Bank v. Roxanne D. Hendon

The Wisconsin Court of Appeals published opinion 2025AP002276 in the matter of Port Washington State Bank, a Wisconsin Banking Corporation v. Roxanne D. Hendon. The opinion was released on April 22, 2026, in District 2, Ozaukee County. Electronic opinions are made available in PDF format.

ITC Determines US Industry Materially Injured by Algeria Rebar Imports

The United States International Trade Commission has issued an affirmative final determination in Investigation No. 731-TA-1751 (Final), finding that the domestic steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) industry is materially injured by reason of imports from Algeria sold at less than fair value (LTFV). The petition was filed by the Rebar Trade Action Coalition of Washington, DC, and Commerce had previously made an affirmative preliminary LTFV determination. The Commission conducted a public hearing on March 3, 2026, and filed its determination on April 17, 2026. This affirmative injury determination, pursuant to Section 735(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930, clears the path for Commerce to issue antidumping duty orders on Algerian rebar.

State v. Jensen - Postconviction Relief Motion Denied

Nicholas Jensen, indicted in February 2024 on charges including first-degree rape, first-degree sexual abuse of a child, and dangerous crime against a child, entered a guilty plea to second-degree rape via Robinson plea in October 2024 and was sentenced to 25 years incarceration suspended after 15 years. Jensen filed a timely pro se Motion for Postconviction Relief in August 2025, raising three claims: ineffective assistance of counsel, failure to honor the plea agreement, and lack of evidence. The court denied the motion, finding the victim impact statement claim failed for lack of prejudice and the ineffective assistance claims were unsubstantiated conclusory allegations.

AG Frey Joins Coalition Condemning DOJ Coercion Against Minnesota

Maine Attorney General Aaron M. Frey joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in condemning the Department of Justice's use of armed federal agents to coerce Minnesota officials into turning over protected resident data including Medicaid, SNAP, and voter information. The coalition, led by New York AG Letitia James, sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem on January 29, 2026, asserting the demands intrude on state sovereignty and conflict with ongoing court-ordered protections. The attorneys general warned they will continue to defend state sovereignty and resident rights against unlawful federal interference.

Statement of Charges Against Zenith Asset Tech in Cryptocurrency Fraud

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities entered a Statement of Charges (S-24-3882-25-SC01) against Zenith Asset Tech Foundation, Cirkor Inc., and 19 additional respondents on April 22, 2026. Between 2024 and 2025, the respondents allegedly defrauded at least 38 investors—including 3 Washington residents—out of nearly $9.9 million through cryptocurrency scams involving fake investment education foundations, fake trading platforms, fake AI-generated trading signals, and unregistered money transmitters. The respondents sold fake securities token offerings and were not registered to sell investments, allegedly failing to disclose material information about their AI bot system and their own registration status. Remedies sought include cease and desist orders and fines.

Washington Hospitality Association v. Wilson - Administrative Law Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division I filed an opinion on April 20, 2026, in the administrative law appeal Washington Hospitality Association et al. v. John Wilson. The judgment under review was originally filed on December 18, 2024, before Judge Angela Kaake. The three-judge panel consisting of David Mann (author), Linda Coburn, and Lori Smith issued this opinion. The case involves an appeal by the Washington Hospitality Association challenging an administrative decision, with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office representing the respondent.

State v. Harlan W. Blackburn, WA Appeals Division I

Washington Court of Appeals Division I filed an opinion on April 20, 2026, in criminal appeal State v. Harlan W. Blackburn (Docket No. 86238-3), affirming the judgment of King County Superior Court. The three-judge panel was authored by Linda Coburn, with concurrence by Ian Birk and David Mann.

Washington University Cardiac Ablation Patent Granted

The USPTO granted US Patent 12605070B2 to Washington University covering a method for selecting ablation targets for non-invasive cardiac arrhythmia treatment using segmented mapping models. The patent names Clifford Robinson, Phillip Cuculich, and Geoffrey Hugo as inventors and contains 13 claims with filing date May 31, 2022.

WA DFI Charges 20 Crypto Entities Under Securities Act

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Securities Division has charged 20 cryptocurrency-related entities and individuals with violations of the Securities Act of Washington. The respondents are organized into three categories: six Foundation Respondents (entities purporting to offer investment education), six Platform Respondents (entities claiming to be cryptocurrency trading platforms), and eight P2P Respondents (entities engaged in currency exchanges facilitating investor trading with the platforms). The Securities Administrator has issued a Statement of Charges and Notice of Intent to enter an order requiring the respondents to cease and desist, pay fines, and bear costs pursuant to RCW 21.20.390 and RCW 21.20.395.

State of Washington v. Samuel Leon Dugan - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division I filed its slip opinion in State v. Dugan on April 20, 2026, affirming or reversing the judgment from King County Superior Court filed September 15, 2023 under Honorable Kenneth L. Schubert. The three-judge panel consists of Bill Bowman (author), with concurrences from Janet Chung and Lori Smith.

Washington BEAD $1B NTIA Approved

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) approved Washington's final BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) proposal on February 27, 2026, unlocking a $1 billion federal investment for broadband infrastructure expansion across the state. The approval clears the way for the Washington State Broadband Office (WSBO) to proceed with funding deployment to expand reliable, affordable high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities statewide. This action represents the culmination of Washington's multi-year planning process including the Initial Proposal volumes and Digital Equity Plan.

PWB Awards $5.1M and $4.9M for Local Infrastructure Projects

The Washington State Public Works Board awarded $5.1 million in April 2026 for infrastructure projects including restoration of Lower Satsop Road along the Satsop River in Grays Harbor County. An earlier February 2026 award of $4.9 million will help eight communities plan for future drinking water, wastewater, and road infrastructure projects. The PWB, founded in 1985, has distributed more than $3.6 billion in loans and grants to over 2,200 infrastructure projects statewide.

PDC Marks Sunshine Week 2026 With 11.5M Records

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC) marks Sunshine Week 2026 (March 15-21) by highlighting its online database containing more than 11.5 million records including campaign contributions and expenditures, campaign registrations, officials' personal financial disclosures, and lobbyist spending. Last year the PDC received more than 91,000 reports from nearly 13,000 filers and since 2007 has regulated more than $2 billion in campaign contributions. The PDC was created in 1972 with the passage of Initiative 276, approved with more than 70 percent of the vote.

EIA Launches Voluntary Pilot Surveys on Data Center Energy Use

EIA has launched three voluntary pilot field studies to assess energy consumption in data centers across Texas, Washington state, and the Northern Virginia-DC region. The agency identified 196 companies operating data centers in these targeted areas and will ask each company to report on at least one data center's energy sources, electricity consumption, site characteristics, server metrics, and cooling systems. Participation in the web-based surveys and in-person interviews is voluntary, with Administrator Tristan Abbey noting the effort aims to modernize data collection toward faster cycles and finer detail.

Administrator's Challenge: Resetting Maritime Competition, $1,500 Prize, May 8 Deadline

MARAD has announced 'The Administrator's Challenge: Resetting the Terms of Competition,' inviting currently enrolled students at federal and state maritime academies to submit written proposals answering a single question: how can the United States achieve maritime dominance by redefining the system itself rather than competing on terms set by others? Submissions are due by May 8, 2026 at 9:00 P.M. EST via email and must not exceed 15 pages, formatted in 12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced. The winning entry will receive a $1,500 check and an invitation to present at the National Maritime Day Celebration in Washington, D.C.

Earth Day Coloring Book Contest Winners Announced

WA Ecology announced 12 student winners (grades K-12) of its Solution to the Pollution Earth Day coloring book design contest, selected from 55 total submissions from across Washington State including Seattle, Walla Walla, Maple Valley, Spokane, Odessa, Ocean Beach, and West Richland. Winners were organized by six statements about preventing nonpoint pollution such as picking up pet waste, planting rain gardens, using cover crops, and keeping livestock out of waterways. The full coloring book is now available for free download on the Ecology publications website.

Washington State DOH Lists Food Recalls Oysters Clams Adjika Beef Jerky

The Washington State Department of Health published a food recalls and safety alerts page on April 14, 2026, listing 14 separate recall events spanning December 2025 through April 2026. Recalls involve oysters and clams from Hammersley Inlet and Drayton Harbor (norovirus), canned Country-Style Adjika (botulism risk), various beef jerky products (undeclared soy lecithin), Honey BBQ Sauce (undeclared wheat and soy), Juniper Granola Junebars (undeclared milk and soy), select oysters from British Columbia (norovirus), Fu Zhou Fish Ball products (undeclared sesame and wheat), Live it Up Super Greens supplement powder (Salmonella), Bread Crumbs (undeclared egg and milk), fully cooked breaded chicken (undeclared soy), Fran's Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate (undeclared hazelnuts), Bengal King Jhal Chanachur (undeclared peanuts), and White Castle Original Sliders (undeclared milk and soy).

County Unemployment Data for February 2026 Released

The Washington Employment Security Department has released February 2026 county unemployment rates and employment data. Grays Harbor County reported 6.5% unemployment (down from 7.2% in February 2025) and added 310 jobs year-over-year, while Pacific County reported 7.3% unemployment (down from 7.5%) and added 150 jobs. The agency notes that county-level data is not seasonally adjusted due to small sample sizes in some counties and should not be compared directly to the statewide seasonally adjusted rate.

Warning to Stay Vigilant for Government Impersonation Scams

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission issued a consumer alert on April 1, 2026 warning Washington residents about government impersonation scams in which fraudsters send phishing emails claiming to be from the PDC to collect personal or financial information. The advisory identifies common red flags including unusual sender addresses, unexpected requests for personal information, spelling or formatting errors, and urgency tactics that compel immediate action. The PDC advises recipients to navigate directly to the organization's official website or call 360-753-1111 to verify message authenticity.

Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Opens Business Services in Cheney

Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs will open a new Eastern Regional Branch of the Corporations & Charities division on January 5, 2026, located at 960 Washington Street in Cheney. The branch, the first multi-service regional location for OSOS outside Thurston County, will offer same-day in-person services including apostille certifications, state business registration, registered agent filings, and trademark filings. This expansion aims to improve access to state business services for residents and organizations in Eastern Washington, reducing travel time to Olympia.

Keep Campaigning Off Official Government Social Media, Websites

The Washington Public Disclosure Commission has issued a reminder ahead of the 2026 general election season that campaign or election-related statements or images must remain on personal or campaign accounts and not appear on official government social media or websites. The PDC cites RCW 29B.45.010, which prohibits the use of any public resource—including money, staff time, equipment, and social media—to support or oppose any political campaign. Government entities, employees, or elected officials who re-post political advertisements or make statements supporting or opposing candidates or ballot measures on official accounts may be in violation.

Assured Giving Campaign Promotes Safe Holiday Giving

The Office of the Secretary of State and the Washington State Attorney General's Office have launched the Assured Giving campaign to help Washingtonians avoid charity fraud during the holiday giving season. The campaign provides resources including a charity registration lookup tool, educational webinars, and in-person sessions scheduled across Washington from December 1–7, 2025. Tips include verifying charity registration, checking Better Business Bureau ratings, and avoiding high-pressure solicitations.

State v. Blackburn - Affirmed in Part, Reversed in Part

The Washington Court of Appeals reversed Harlan W. Blackburn's conviction on Count 8 for insufficient evidence and remanded for resentencing on Counts 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7, while affirming all other convictions including five counts of incest in the first degree and two counts of rape of a child in the second degree. The court found that law enforcement violated Blackburn's right to privacy under Article I, Section 7 of the Washington Constitution by obtaining his bank card data and purchase history without a warrant, but held the admission of this evidence was harmless error. Blackburn was convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting his biological daughter from ages 12 to 20.

Rasheed Azali Mells v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Appeal Affirmed

The Court of Appeals of Virginia affirmed the circuit court's denial of Rasheed Azali Mells's motion to suppress evidence recovered during a vehicle search executed pursuant to a warrant at a residence in Fluvanna County. The appellate court held that the vehicle was within the curtilage of the dwelling and the warrant expressly authorized the search of any vehicles on the property. The court further affirmed denial of suppression of statements, finding no coercion and that an explicit confession regarding drugs and firearms was given voluntarily after Miranda warnings.

State v. Graves - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II heard a criminal appeal from Cowlitz County Superior Court, with defendant Andrew Ronald Gravesappearing before the court. The unpublished opinion affirms the judgment and sentence from the lower court, which was filed on September 29, 2023. The case was decided by a three-judge panel authored by Judge Linda Lee, with concurrences from Judges Rebecca Glasgow and Bernard Veljacic.

State v. Stephen Jackson - Criminal Appeal, Docket 40899-0

The Washington Court of Appeals, Division III filed an opinion in State of Washington v. Stephen Jackson on April 16, 2026, under docket number 40899-0. The appeal was taken from Asotin County Superior Court (docket 23-1-00078-3), with judgment entered on January 3, 2025. The opinion was authored by Judge John Cooney, with concurrence from Judges Tracy Staab and Robert Lawrence-Berrey.

General Assembly Honors Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools

The Maryland General Assembly held floor recognitions in Annapolis on March 5, 2026 to honor seven public and parochial schools as Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools for 2025-2026. The honorees include Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Stoneleigh Elementary, Myersville Elementary, Diamond Elementary, Wilson Wims Elementary, St. Louis School, and Little Flower School. Schools were recognized in categories of Exemplary High Performing and Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing. All honorees will receive a Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools banner, flag, and award citations.

Estonia Attends IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings

Governor of Eesti Pank Madis Müller, Advisor on External Relations at the Ministry of Finance Märten Ross, and Deputy Director General of the Estonian Tax and Customs Board Janek Rozov attended the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank on 15–18 April in Washington. Discussions focused on economic policy coordination amid uncertainty from the Middle East conflict, trade tensions, and tightening financing conditions, with the IMF recommending fiscal policy support monetary policy goals and the World Bank prioritizing job creation in developing countries. Estonia also held bilateral meetings with IMF and World Bank management, US Treasury staff, and presented its digital and AI solutions for tax and customs revenue collection.

Bankers Seek to Communicate MDI Value at D.C. Summit

The American Bankers Association and the National Bankers Association co-hosted the fifth annual MDI Partnership Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together representatives from minority depository institutions for a two-day event featuring congressional meetings and educational sessions on real-time payments and stablecoins. NBA President and CEO Nicole Elam emphasized MDIs' role as 'engines of economic opportunity' in underserved communities, while ABA Chief Policy Officer Naomi Camper highlighted the need for ongoing engagement with policymakers.

State v. Sanchez-Radilla - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II issued a published opinion in State v. Sanchez-Radilla (Docket No. 59912-1), a criminal appeal from Pierce County Superior Court (Docket No. 22-1-02717-9). The appeal was heard before a three-judge panel: authored by Judge Bradley Maxa, with concurrence from Judges Erik Price and Bernard Veljacic. The underlying judgment or order being reviewed was filed August 16, 2024, by Honorable Edmund Murphy.

Work on U.S. 24 in Washington Underway Through October

The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that construction on U.S. 24 (Boyd Parkway) between Grosenbach Road and Cummings Lane in Washington is underway as of April 22, 2026. The project involves pavement patching and resurfacing, guardrail upgrades, and traffic signal improvements, with lane closures in effect through the end of October. Motorists are advised to expect delays, consider alternate routes when feasible, and exercise caution in work zones.

State v. Palmer - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II affirmed the criminal appeal in State v. Palmer (Docket No. 60898-7), upholding the judgment from Cowlitz Superior Court. The three-judge panel consisting of Bernard Veljacic (author), Erik Price, and Bradley Maxa issued the ruling on April 7, 2026, with the underlying judgment having been filed September 5, 2024. Appellant Angela Frances Wells Palmer, represented by Lise Ellner and Shawn P. Hennessy, did not prevail on appeal.

Governor Sejko Attends IMF and WBG Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington

Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko attended the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington D.C. from April 16–18, representing Albania alongside Ministry of Finance officials. Discussions covered Albania's positive macroeconomic trajectory, contained inflation converging toward target, and robust banking sector stability characterized by liquidity, low interest rates, and steady credit growth. The Governor also discussed technical assistance for the new draft Bank of Albania law aligned with EU acquis, financial sector resilience projects, SEPA and TARGET instant payment integration, and Albania's macroeconomic stability affirmed by Moody's Ba3 rating with stable outlook.

State v. Newtson - Criminal Appeal Affirmed

The Washington Court of Appeals Division III affirmed a criminal appeal (Docket No. 40777-2) originating from Stevens County Superior Court (Docket No. 23-1-00094-8), with the opinion authored by Judge John Cooney and concurrences by Judges Tyson Hill and Megan Murphy. The judgment under review was originally filed on October 15, 2024, by Honorable Jessica Taylor Reeves.

State v. Castillo-Urbina - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division I filed an opinion in criminal appeal case number 86454-8 on April 6, 2026. The defendant-appellant Eduardo Castillo-Urbina appealed a judgment entered on March 8, 2024, by Judge Nelson Lee in King County Superior Court. The three-judge panel consisted of Bill Bowman (author), Michael Diaz (concurring), and David Mann. Counsel for the appellant was the Washington Appellate Project. The case name is State Of Washington, Respondent v. Eduardo Castillo-Urbina, Appellant.

Arkansas AG Announces Two Medicaid Fraud Arrests and One Conviction

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on April 9, 2026 that his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) secured two arrests and one conviction for Medicaid fraud and related offenses. Victoria Taylor, 37, of North Little Rock was arrested March 27 on a Class A felony charge for allegedly billing Medicaid $46,977.05 for care services provided to her spouse, which is prohibited, and for services not performed. Dr. Roger D. Morgan, 72, of Lakeland, Tennessee was arrested April 1 on a Class B felony charge for allegedly billing Medicaid $9,150.00 for psychotherapy services while traveling and not present with patients. Kelly Baxter, 37, of Gurdon pleaded guilty April 6 to exploitation of a vulnerable person, a Class C felony, receiving 5 years probation, a $500 fine plus court costs, and $2,597.06 in restitution.

State v. Kellam - Criminal Sentencing/Postconviction Relief

The Delaware Superior Court denied Steven Kellam's Motion for Correction of an Illegal Sentence under Rule 35(a), rejecting his arguments that Apprendi v. New Jersey, Blakely v. Washington, and Erlinger v. United States rendered his sentence invalid. The court found the sentencing judge made no factual determinations exposing Kellam to a higher maximum or minimum sentence—the aggravating factors considered were within the statutory range under Delaware law. Kellam, convicted in 2017 of two counts of First Degree Murder and 36 other offenses, was resentenced on June 5, 2025 to life for each murder plus 25 years for six PFDCF convictions.

State v. Tellvik - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division III issued a ruling in State of Washington v. Clark Allen Tellvik (Docket 39242-2) on March 31, 2026. The appeal originated from Kittitas Superior Court (Docket 16-1-00021-4), with the judgment under review filed August 12, 2022, before Judge Scott R. Sparks. The three-judge panel consisted of Megan Murphy (author), Tracy Staab, and George Fearing.

State of Washington v. Elijah Collier - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division III filed an opinion in State of Washington v. Elijah Collier on March 31, 2026. The appeal originated from Pierce County Superior Court (Docket No. 22-1-03424-8), with the judgment under review dated December 13, 2024, before Judge Angelica Williams. Counsel for the appellant is Lise Ellner; counsel for the respondent is Kristie Barham from the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.