Judge

Federal Judge Denies Delay in Former Representative Jeff Fortenberry’s Trial Over Illegal Campaign Contributions

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LINCOLN, Neb. — In a recent court decision, U.S. District Judge Trevor McFadden has denied a request from former Nebraska Congressman Jeff Fortenberry to delay his upcoming trial. Fortenberry, who hoped a postponement might lead to a dismissal of charges by the incoming administration’s attorney general, is scheduled for trial on Feb. 3. The charges against Fortenberry stem from allegations that he lied to federal investigators about receiving an illegal campaign donation during a 2016 fundraiser in California. Following his initial conviction, an appeals court later overturned the verdict, citing that the trial had been … Read more

Scranton Sign Controversy Follows Clemency for ‘Kids for Cash’ Judge

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Scranton, Pennsylvania is in the middle of a contentious debate over the proposal to name a street after Mark Ciavarella, a disgraced former Luzerne County judge involved in a shocking judicial scandal. The controversy centers on Ciavarella’s recent clemency, which has revived bitter memories about a case nationally known as “Kids for Cash.” In the “Kids for Cash” scandal, Ciavarella and another judge, Michael Conahan, were accused of receiving millions of dollars in kickbacks from the developers of private juvenile detention centers. In return, they were found to have handed down harsh sentences to children … Read more

North Dakota Federal Judge Criticizes Biden’s Commutation Decisions, Cites Lack of Consultation and Impact on Victims

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BISMARCK, N.D. — This month, President Joe Biden announced an unprecedented act of clemency, commuting the federal sentences of nearly 1,500 individuals. According to the White House, these individuals had previously been transitioned to home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic and had successfully reintegrated into their communities. However, this sweeping decision has faced criticism from a Bismarck-based judge, adding a layer of controversy to what the administration has labeled as a progressive step toward justice reform. U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Hovland, serving since 2002, has voiced significant concerns regarding the lack of consultation with … Read more

Federal Judge Dismisses Monopoly Allegation Suit Against Iowa Pathology Firms

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A federal judge has ruled to dismiss a case involving allegations that a group of central Iowa pathologists engaged in anti-competitive practices to preserve a monopoly. The lawsuit was one of several linked cases centering around accusations of unfair market practices among pathology service providers in the region. In May 2024, a lawsuit was initiated by four pathologists in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa. These medical professionals had earlier branched out to form their own laboratory, Goldfinch Laboratory of Urbandale, after parting ways with their former … Read more