Supreme Court declines taking gun ban challenges

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up the cases challenging Illinois’ gun ban.

In his order published Tuesday, Justice Clarence Thomas said the cases are not ripe yet, but criticized the Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals denying a preliminary injunction saying commonly owned firearms are “militaristic” and can be banned.

The Southern District of Illinois has a bench trial on the merits of the case set for Sept. 16. in East St. Louis.

Physician charged with fraud

A northern Illinois physician has pleaded guilty to federal health care fraud charges for billing Medicaid and private insurers for nonexistent services.

Mona Ghosh owned and operated Progressive Women’s Healthcare Hoffman Estates specializing in obstetrics and gynecology services. From 2018 to 2022, Ghosh submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid and other insurers for procedures and services that were not provided or were not medically necessary.

Agency offering homebuying grants

The Illinois Housing Development Authority wants to remind individuals that free assistance is available to overcome the financial barriers to owning a home.

The agency currently offers up to $10,000 to help individuals, families, veterans and others to purchase a home. Launched in 2018, the IHDA Access Mortgage programs are open to both first-time and repeat homebuyers.

Eligibility for a mortgage is based on the borrower’s credit profile, household income and the purchase price of the home.