OSHA Cites US Steel and MPW for Safety Violations After Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited United States Steel Corp. and MPW Industrial Services Inc. following an investigation into an August 2025 explosion that killed two workers and injured 12. OSHA proposed penalties totaling $179,687 for serious safety violations related to explosion and hazardous energy control hazards.

US Department of Labor Probes California UI Program for Fraud

The U.S. Department of Labor announced it will probe California's Unemployment Insurance program due to concerns over fraud and improper payments. A specialized strike team will investigate potential fraud and abuse, aiming to restore the program's integrity and financial health.

USA v. Ho-Romero - Criminal Case Sentencing Vacated

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the sentence of David Ho-Romero and remanded for resentencing. The court found that the district court erred by applying an obstruction of justice enhancement without making a finding of intent. The case involved a guilty plea to methamphetamine importation.

Illinois Reports First Measles Case of 2026

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the state's first confirmed measles case of 2026 in an adult in the Metro East area. IDPH is urging residents to ensure they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations, as measles is preventable.

Cante Mijangos v. Bondi - Immigration Asylum Petition Review

The First Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for review in Cante Mijangos v. Bondi. The court found that the petitioner failed to establish the required nexus between her abuse and her protected status for asylum, affirming the Board of Immigration Appeals' denial.

Khanal v. Bondi - Immigration Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an order from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that dismissed a petition for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. The court found that the BIA failed to consider crucial documentary and testimonial evidence and applied an incorrect legal standard.

United States v. Rowell - Sex Trafficking Conviction Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Keion Rowell for sex trafficking of a minor. Rowell appealed his conviction, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress evidence, a claim of structural error regarding courtroom sealing, the admission of certain statements, and procedural issues with alternate jurors. The court rejected all of Rowell's arguments.

Wise v. Aramark et al - Prisoner Condition Suit

A civil case titled Wise v. Aramark et al was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit concerns prisoner conditions and names Aramark, San Francisco City and County, and other entities as defendants. The plaintiff, Steven Michael Wise, is seeking to proceed in forma pauperis and have counsel appointed.

Johnson v. Sanford et al - Civil Rights Prisoner Case

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has filed a new civil rights case, Johnson v. Sanford et al. The case, docketed as 3:26-cv-01404-VC, was filed on February 18, 2026, and involves prisoner civil rights under 42 U.S.C. § 1983. A filing fee is due by February 28, 2026.

Yoon et al v. United States of America - Tax Suit

A tax suit, Yoon et al v. United States of America, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, identified by case number 3:26-cv-01423, involves a petition to quash summonses against the United States, with the IRS listed as the defendant.