Executive Order Transfers Youth Services Program

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued Executive Order 2026-02, transferring the Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services Program (CCBYS) from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Family Services. This transfer is effective July 1, 2026, and aims to streamline services for at-risk youth.

MHRA Raids Illegal Weight Loss Medicine Facility

The MHRA has raided two facilities suspected of manufacturing and selling illegal weight loss medicines, seizing nearly 2,000 doses and manufacturing equipment. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal network and aims to protect the public from dangerous, unregulated products.

US DOL: Restaurant Violated Child Labor and Overtime Laws

The US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found Mt. Fuji Hibachi Inc. violated child labor laws by allowing a minor to perform hazardous tasks and work excessive hours. The investigation also revealed the employer denied overtime pay to 19 workers, resulting in $20,213 in back wages. The company paid a $22,249 civil penalty.

US Department of Labor Recovers $409K Back Wages from Little Caesars Operator

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has recovered $409,457 in back wages from MG Fast Food Inc., an operator of a Little Caesars restaurant. The settlement resolves violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act concerning minimum wage and overtime pay for 32 workers.

SEC Obtains Consent Judgment Against Defendant in Fraud Case

The SEC announced it obtained a final consent judgment against Charles T. Lawrence, Jr. in a civil enforcement action. Lawrence was charged with a multi-million dollar offering fraud, misappropriating at least $4.89 million of investor funds. The judgment permanently enjoins him from violating securities laws and orders disgorgement.

SEC Obtains Final Judgments Against Mining Company and Executives

The SEC announced final judgments by consent against Western Sierra Resource Corporation and its executives Roger Johnson and Dennis Atkins. The company and executives were charged with issuing false and misleading statements regarding the acquisition of gold mining claims. Johnson and Atkins each agreed to pay a $150,000 civil penalty, a three-year officer-and-director bar, and a five-year penny-stock bar.

Villarreal v. Texas - Qualified Testimony Discussion Ban Affirmed

The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction in Villarreal v. Texas, holding that a qualified order prohibiting a testifying defendant from discussing their testimony during an overnight recess does not violate the Sixth Amendment. This ruling clarifies the balance between a defendant's right to counsel and the integrity of trial testimony.

GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal - Denial of Yearsley Protection Not Immediately Appealable

The Supreme Court ruled in GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal that a pretrial order denying a federal contractor 'Yearsley protection' is not immediately appealable. The Court held that the denial of this defense is not an immunity from suit, and thus does not qualify for interlocutory review under the collateral-order doctrine.

Zhu et al v. Noem et al - Immigration Civil Case

A new civil case, Zhu et al v. Noem et al, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves 'Other Immigration Actions' and names Kristi Noem and others as defendants. The filing fee was $405.

Smith v. City of San Jose - Civil Rights Case

A civil rights case, Smith v. City of San Jose, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint seeks damages against the City of San Jose.