Government & Policy · Week of Nov 2, 2026
DOJ enforcement and midterm fallout: the week in government policy
Justice Department enforcement filled most of the week, alongside the midterm results, election monitoring and a coal advisory board appointment.
The U.S. Department of Justice issued most of the week's releases. They include a two-part settlement with Lockheed Martin of approximately $29.5 million over alleged employment discrimination and false certifications as a federal contractor, and a guilty plea from a former contractor charged with spying for Ethiopia. Other items cover a consent decree requiring an Ohio breeder to surrender chinchillas and a federal charge in a case involving a Utah minor. The department also says it will monitor elections in all 50 states for the first time.
The midterm elections drew comment from outside government. Wipfli outlined what Democratic control of both houses of Congress could mean for taxes, tariffs and regulations. GeoComm addressed federal school safety proposals inspired by Alyssa's Law, and Ramaco Resources said its chief executive has been elected to chair the International Energy Agency's Coal Industry Advisory Board.
Ramaco Resources, Inc.
Randall W. Atkins Elected as Chairman of the International Energy Agency's Coal Industry Advisory Board
Ramaco Resources says Chairman and CEO Randall W. Atkins was elected Chairman of the International Energy Agency's Coal Industry Advisory Board by unanimous vote, and Vice Chairman Evan Jenkins will chair the CIAB Associate Members. The board, created in 1979, advises the IEA on coal, energy security, critical minerals and related policy, which puts a coal producer's executive at the head of a body with a policy advisory role.
Justice News
Lockheed Martin Agrees to Pay $29.5M to Resolve Alleged Employment Discrimination Violations
The Justice Department and the EEOC announced a two-part settlement in which Lockheed Martin agreed to pay approximately $29.5 million, including $22 million to the United States, to resolve allegations of employment discrimination and related false certifications of compliance with federal civil rights laws. The case shows federal contractors can face liability over civil rights compliance certifications as well as over the underlying conduct.
Wipfli
Wipfli Outlines What a Democratic-Led Congress Could Mean for Taxes, Tariffs and Regulations
Wipfli says the Democratic Party regained majority control of both houses of Congress in the midterm elections, and its tax and advisory professionals are outlining possible effects on taxes, tariffs and regulations. The firm notes that the current Congress returns on November 9.
Justice News
Ohio Pet Breeder Agrees to Surrender Over 1,100 Chinchillas
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio endorsed a consent decree requiring the owner of R & R Chinchilla Inc. to surrender over 300 remaining chinchillas at a facility in Jenera, Ohio. The order follows the voluntary surrender of roughly 800 chinchillas to animal welfare organizations under a modified temporary restraining order, bringing the total to over 1,100.
Justice News
Former U.S. Government Contractor Pleads Guilty to Spying for Ethiopia
Abraham Teklu Lemma, 53, of Maryland, a former IT contractor at the National Reconnaissance Office, the State Department and the Justice Department, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit espionage on behalf of the government of Ethiopia. The case involves a contractor who worked across several federal agencies.
GeoComm, Inc
GeoComm Highlights the Role of Location Intelligence in Federal Alyssa's Law Proposals
GeoComm says federal school safety legislation inspired by Alyssa's Law points to a model in which emergency alerts, 9-1-1 and response-ready maps work together. The company is highlighting location intelligence as Congress considers the bipartisan proposals.
Justice News
Utah Minor Recovered by Law Enforcement After Oregon Man Allegedly Transported the Victim to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity
An Oregon man is in federal custody and charged in a criminal complaint with transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Prosecutors allege he met a Utah minor online in May 2025, drove to Utah to pick up the victim and took the victim across state lines to his residence.
Justice News
DOJ To Monitor Elections in All 50 States for First Time
The Justice Department says it will monitor elections in all 50 states for the first time. It notes that it has sent election monitors since the enactment of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 across all Administrations.
This roundup is written with AI assistance from the press releases listed above, using only what they state. The releases are the companies' own announcements, not Work Update reporting.