Extradited Chinese National Faces Federal Hacking Charges Over COVID-19 Research TheftMay 6, 2026Law and PolicyChinese national Xu Zewei appeared in Houston federal court after extradition from Italy on a nine-count indictment alleging state-directed COVID-19 research hacking.
DOJ Sues Denver to Invalidate 37-Year-Old Assault Weapons BanMay 6, 2026Law and PolicyThe DOJ sued Denver on May 5, 2026, to overturn a 1989 assault weapons ban, marking one of the first actions by the department's new Second Amendment Section.
Latvian Ransomware Negotiator Sentenced to 102 Months for Conti-Linked ExtortionMay 5, 2026Law and PolicyA federal court sentenced Latvian national Deniss Zolotarjovs to 102 months for ransomware extortion tied to Conti, Karakurt, and Akira, causing $56 million in losses.
DOJ Sues Minnesota to Block State Climate Lawsuit Against Oil CompaniesMay 5, 2026Law and PolicyThe DOJ filed a complaint against Minnesota on May 4, 2026, seeking to block the state's 2020 climate lawsuit against ExxonMobil, Koch, and API on Clean Air Act preemption grounds.
Federal Indictment Names Sinaloa Governor in Fentanyl Trafficking ConspiracyMay 5, 2026Law and PolicyA federal grand jury in New York has indicted Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other Mexican officials on drug trafficking and weapons charges tied to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Grand Jury Indicts Former FBI Director Comey Over Instagram PostMay 5, 2026Law and PolicyA federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two threat counts tied to a seashell Instagram post referencing President Trump, his second indictment under the current DOJ.
DOJ Official Allegedly Pressured Prosecutors to Rush SPLC IndictmentMay 4, 2026Law and PolicyA whistleblower account alleges a senior DOJ official pressured Alabama prosecutors to rush the SPLC indictment despite legal concerns, prompting a formal congressional inquiry.
Federal Judge Allows Maurene Comey Wrongful Termination Suit to ProceedMay 4, 2026Law and PolicyA federal judge allowed Maurene Comey's wrongful termination lawsuit against the DOJ to proceed, the same day her father faced a second federal indictment.
Modern Nuclear Inc. Pays $8.33 Million to Settle Federal Kickback AllegationsMay 4, 2026Law and PolicyModern Nuclear Inc. agreed to pay $8.33 million to settle False Claims Act allegations that it paid kickbacks to physicians for Medicare and Medicaid referrals.
Former NIAID Senior Adviser David Morens Indicted Over COVID Records ConcealmentMay 4, 2026Law and PolicyA federal grand jury indicted former NIAID senior adviser David Morens on charges he hid COVID-19 research grant records from FOIA requests, DOJ announced April 28, 2026.