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.

Labor Department Launches Compliance Assistance Tools

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has launched new compliance assistance tools, including a webpage, video series, and industry toolkits. These resources aim to help employers understand federal labor laws and promote proactive compliance.

OSHA Cites Construction Firm for Trench Safety Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited CB&A Construction LLC for willful trench safety violations following an investigation into a trench collapse. The agency proposed $170,145 in penalties.

DOL Guidance on Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Security Deposits

The U.S. Department of Labor has published new guidance to provide enhanced and transparent criteria for calculating securitization requirements for insurers writing policies under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. This guidance aims to lower costs for vital industries while ensuring worker safety.

DOJ Audit Report: OCEDTF Drug Control Funding FY 2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report reviewing the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces' accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-018, was posted on February 5, 2026.

Department of Labor Rescinds ERISA Advisory Opinion 2023-01A on Citigroup Program

The Department of Labor has rescinded Advisory Opinion 2023-01A concerning Citigroup's Action for Racial Equity Asset Manager Program. The Department now states the program is unlawful under civil rights laws, not ERISA, and requires Citigroup to immediately cease all illegal activity.

DOJ OIG Audits Office of Justice Programs Drug Funding

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report reviewing the Office of Justice Programs' accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-019, was posted on February 5, 2026.

ERISA Advisory Opinion on California Firefighters Disability Plan

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-02A regarding the California Association of Professional Firefighters (CAPF) Long Term Disability Plan and the National Peace Officers and Fire Fighters Benefit Association (NPFBA) Long Term Care Plan. The opinion addresses whether these plans qualify as employee welfare benefit plans under ERISA.

DOJ Audit Report: DEA Drug Control Funding FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report reviewing the Drug Enforcement Administration's accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-017, was posted on February 5, 2026.

Morgan Stanley Compensation Plan Not Subject to ERISA

The Department of Labor issued Advisory Opinion 2025-03A, determining that Morgan Stanley's deferred incentive compensation programs are not considered employee pension benefit plans under ERISA. This guidance clarifies the applicability of ERISA to specific compensation structures for financial advisors.

US Marshals Service Drug Control Funding Audit FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report (Report 26-020) concerning the United States Marshals Service's accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report was posted on February 5, 2026.

ERISA Advisory Opinion on Lifetime Income Strategy Program

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-04A, responding to a request from AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB) regarding its Lifetime Income Strategy (LIS) program. The opinion addresses whether the LIS program, which includes a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit, meets the requirements to be a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) under ERISA.

DOJ OIG Audits BOP Compliance with National Menu Requirements

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report detailing the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) compliance with national menu requirements. The report, number 26-021, was posted on February 11, 2026, and includes one recommendation.

CFPB Proposes Rules on Small Business Lending Data Collection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding small business lending data collection under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The CFPB is seeking public comment on potential changes to transaction coverage, financial institution scope, small business definitions, data points, and compliance dates.

CFPB Rulemaking: Auto Financing, Debt Collection, Consumer Reporting

The CFPB is considering new rules to define larger participants in the automobile financing, consumer debt collection, and international money transfer markets. These actions are part of the Bureau's rulemaking process to address key consumer financial markets.

CFPB, FRB, OCC Announce 2026 Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Exemption Threshold

The CFPB, Federal Reserve Board, and OCC announced the 2026 threshold for higher-priced mortgage loan appraisal exemptions will increase to $34,200 from $33,500. This annual adjustment reflects changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

Truth in Lending and Leasing Rules: 2026 Dollar Thresholds Announced

The CFPB and Federal Reserve announced the 2026 dollar thresholds for Truth in Lending (Regulation Z) and Consumer Leasing (Regulation M) rules. These thresholds, adjusted annually based on CPI-W, determine which consumer credit and lease transactions are subject to federal protections. For 2026, the general threshold is $73,400 or less.

CFPB Final Rules and Regulatory Adjustments

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued final rules and regulatory adjustments, including updates to the Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings and adjustments to exemption thresholds for higher-priced mortgage loans and consumer leases under TILA and Regulation M. These changes are effective in late 2025 and early 2026.

Gibson v. United States - Tax Deductibility of Contingent Environmental Expenses

Petitioners John A. Gibson, Jr., and Mary Lou Gibson are seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Fifth Circuit's decision on the deductibility of environmental remediation expenses. The core issue is whether the 'all events' test for tax accrual requires absolute certainty of expense amounts for contingent liabilities.

People v. Vesey Supreme Court Opinion

This document details the Supreme Court opinion in the case of People v. Vesey, concerning the discovery and validation of a missing will. The opinion outlines the narrative of Eleanor Vance's search for the will of Silas Blackwood and the conditions for inheritance.

Illinois Supreme Court Opinion in Concerned Citizens Case

The Illinois Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the Concerned Citizens case. The document details a historical narrative involving a professor discovering a lost manuscript by a reclusive author, Eleanor Vance, and a race against a figure known as 'The Collector' to find it. The opinion concludes with the discovery of the novel 'The Echoing Silence'.

People v. Brown - Illinois Supreme Court Opinion

The Illinois Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the case of People v. Brown. The document details the court's findings and rulings in this specific legal matter. Further details regarding the specific nature of the case and its resolution are contained within the full opinion.

People v. Heintz Supreme Court opinion document

The Supreme Court of Illinois has issued an opinion in the case of People v. Heintz. The document details the proceedings and findings related to a dispute over a missing will and the subsequent inheritance of the Vance fortune. The opinion addresses legal arguments and conclusions reached by the court.

Court of Appeals Division I Opinion on Parental Rights

The Washington Court of Appeals Division I has issued an opinion in the matter of parental rights to J.h.w., Jr. The opinion was filed on February 9, 2026, with a docket number of 87390-3. This document details the appellate court's decision regarding the case.

State v. Dodson - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division III issued an opinion in the case of State of Washington v. Christopher Edward Dodson. The opinion was filed on February 10, 2026, under docket number 39755-6. This document details the appellate court's decision regarding a lower court's judgment.

2022 Investments LLC v Selena Nieman - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case of 2022 Investments, LLC vs. Selena Nieman, et al. The case originated from the Mason County Superior Court, with a file date of February 10, 2026.

Andrea Moore v. State of Washington Dept of Corrections - Court Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case of Andrea Moore v. State of Washington Dept of Corrections. The opinion was filed on February 10, 2026, and relates to an appeal from Pierce County Superior Court.

Guardianship Of C.g. - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case Guardianship Of C.g. The opinion was filed on February 10, 2026, under docket number 59281-9. This is an unpublished opinion and should not be cited.

Lombardi v. Commonwealth - Appeal of Denial of Motion to Dismiss

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts affirmed a single justice's denial of a petition for relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3. The petitioner sought to dismiss criminal charges based on an alleged extraterritorial arrest, but the court found that such claims must be raised on direct appeal after trial, not through extraordinary relief.

Supreme Judicial Court Vacates Plea Withdrawal Denial

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court vacated the denial of a motion to withdraw a guilty plea for Jorge Santana, who faces deportation. The court found that the defendant may be entitled to an evidentiary hearing on his claim that his plea counsel failed to adequately advise him of the deportation consequences of his plea.

Pierce Petitioner SJC Case Opinion - Habeas Corpus

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued an opinion in the case of Pierce Petitioner, addressing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus challenging civil commitment under G. L. c. 123A. The court vacated the order granting habeas corpus relief and remanded the case to treat the petition as a motion for relief from judgment.

Georgia Supreme Court Opinions Published February 3, 2026

The Georgia Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by NBCUniversal Media, LLC regarding a $500,000 default judgment in a garnishment action. The Court found it lacked jurisdiction as the trial court did not explicitly rule on the constitutional challenges raised by NBCUniversal.

Huitron v. Toby - Appeal of Habeas Corpus Denial

The Supreme Court of Georgia affirmed the denial of a habeas corpus petition filed by Alexandro Huitron, who was convicted of felony murder and other crimes. The court found that even if a conflict of interest existed with his appellate counsel, it did not adversely affect his performance.

Gibson v. State - Appeal of Guilty Plea Withdrawal Denial

The Supreme Court of Georgia is reviewing an appeal by Jeremy Wade Gibson, who seeks to withdraw his guilty plea for malice murder and other crimes. Gibson argues his attorney had a conflict of interest, preventing adequate investigation for his plea withdrawal motion. The court affirmed the trial court's denial of the motion.

NBCUniversal Media, LLC v. Walker et al. - Default Judgment

The Supreme Court of Georgia reviewed a default judgment exceeding $500,000 entered against NBCUniversal Media, LLC for failing to timely answer a summons of continuing garnishment. NBCUniversal challenged the constitutionality of Georgia's garnishment default statute. The court's decision addresses the application of the statute and constitutional challenges.

Muhammad Abdul-Warit Abdur-Rahim Reinstated to Practice Law

The Supreme Court of Georgia has ordered the reinstatement of Muhammad Abdul-Warit Abdur-Rahim to practice law in the state. This decision follows a review of a motion submitted by the State Bar of Georgia's Office of General Counsel, indicating that Mr. Abdur-Rahim has satisfied the conditions for reinstatement.

24SC2 Case Opinion - Conejos County Proceedings

The Colorado Judicial Branch has issued a case opinion for proceedings related to Conejos County under docket number 24SC2. This document provides the court's ruling and reasoning on the matter.

Colorado Supreme Court Case Opinion 23SC659

The Colorado Judicial Department has made Case Opinion 23SC659 available for download. This document pertains to proceedings in Conejos County, which will be relocated to a new location.

Colorado Judicial Branch Case Opinion 24SA254

The Colorado Judicial Branch has issued Case Opinion 24SA254. This document pertains to proceedings in Conejos County and provides a new location for these court activities. Further details are available in the case opinion PDF.

Colorado Supreme Court Case Opinion 24SC122

The Colorado Judicial Department has made available the PDF of Case Opinion 24SC122. This document pertains to proceedings in Conejos County and is now accessible for review.

California Supreme Court Modifies Opinion on Free Speech Rights

The California Supreme Court has modified its opinion regarding free speech rights in the case of Los Angeles Police Protective League v. City of Los Angeles. The modification clarifies language concerning a consent decree with the federal government that impacted the city's ability to enforce certain advisory requirements for complaints against peace officers.

Colorado Supreme Court Case Opinion 24SC698

The Colorado Supreme Court has issued an opinion in Case 24SC698 concerning proceedings in Conejos County. The document provides details on a change in the location for these proceedings.

Court Denies Further Production in Books and Records Action

The Delaware Court of Chancery denied a plaintiff's request for further production of books and records from GenScript Corporation. The court found that the plaintiff had not met the burden to prove a compelling need for records beyond those already provided under Delaware General Corporation Law Section 220.

Delaware Court of Chancery Opinion on Settlement Agreement Breach

The Delaware Court of Chancery issued an opinion resolving eight points of disagreement regarding the implementation of a partial summary judgment ruling. The case involves a dispute over a settlement agreement breach between Eller Associates Inc. and SRP Capital Advisors LLC, concerning investments in oil, gas, and mineral assets.

Court of Chancery Dismisses Crypto Case with Leave to Transfer

The Delaware Court of Chancery dismissed a $16 million crypto case brought by HASH Asset Management Ltd. against DMA Labs, Inc. and others. The court found that the claims supporting its jurisdiction were insufficiently pled and granted leave to transfer the case to the Superior Court.