The US Supreme Court on Monday heard oral arguments in Cuellar v. United States, 06-1456, where the Court considered "whether merely hiding funds with no design to create the appearance of legitimate wealth is sufficient to support a money laundering conviction" under 18 USC 1956(a)(2)(B)(i). The case involves Humberto Cuellar, who was sentenced to over six years in prison for international money laundering. Cuellar's car was pulled over about 100 miles from the Mexico border and police found over $80,000 in cash hidden in the vehicle. Several justices, including Chief Justice John Roberts, seemed skeptical that the Cuellar's actions met the requirements of the federal money laundering statute. Cuellar is appealing a decisionfrom the US Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upholding his conviction. AP has more.

The Court also heard oral arguments in Warner-Lambert v. Kent, 06-1498, where the Court considered whether federal law preempts a Michigan law that allows personal injury lawsuits against prescription drug manufacturers only when the drug at issue was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration based on the fraudulent submission or withholding of information.

Justice Anthony Kennedy denied a request by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association to suspend the employer contributions while the case awaits an April 17 hearing before an appellate panel.

The city expanded its health care program six weeks ago after winning a ruling from the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. That court allowed city officials to require large and medium-size companies to provide insurance to their employees, at spending levels set by the city, or pay a fee to support care for the uninsured at 22 hospitals and clinics.

The expansion lets San Francisco phase in coverage for about 26,000 residents who were not previously eligible for subsidized care. The city says the program will ultimately cover all 73,000 adult residents who are not poor enough for Medi-Cal or old enough for Medicare. About 12,500 people have enrolled so far, program Director Tangerine Brigham said Thursday.