Louisiana AG investigating Red Cross over Katrina fraud accusations News
Louisiana AG investigating Red Cross over Katrina fraud accusations

[JURIST] Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti, Jr. [official website] Monday announced an investigation into the American Red Cross [official website] over accusations that some of its volunteers stole money from Hurricane Katrina [JURIST news archive] relief efforts. Foti reportedly opened the investigation after Red Cross officials told Congress that it was reviewing reports of theft. Foti has asked for information from the organization on three volunteers fired by Red Cross. The Attorney General's office has a news release on the investigation, as well as another inquiry [news release] opened into the Humane Society.

The Red Cross announced last week that it was investigating allegations of mismanagement [news release] of funds by volunteers. The organization has been under pressure from Sen. Chuck Grassley [official website; news release] to change its operating procedures to avoid fraud. Federal authorities indicted almost 50 Red Cross employees [JURIST report] late last year on fraud charges for stealing relief funds. AP has more.

THIS DAY @ LAW

Pope Urban II sparks First Crusade

Pope Urban II threw his support behind what would become the First Crusade on November 27, 1095 during the Council of Clairmont. The Pope urged the council's participants to render aid to the Byzantine Empire, which was being attacked by the Seljuks. Pope Urban called for a wide coalition of rich and poor to combat the threat, which eventually resulted in the conquest of much of the Muslim-controlled Levant by the Crusaders and the establishment of the Crusader States. Read Pope Urban's address.  

Catholic Code of Canon Law revised

On November 27, 1983, the revised Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church went into effect. Learn more about the history of Canon Law from Professor Kenneth Pennington of the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law.

Alfred Nobel creates Nobel Prize in his will

On November 27, 1895, Alfred Nobel signed his will, creating the Nobel Prize. Learn more about the history of the Nobel Prize and the Nobel Commission.