News from September 2024
Attorneys General call for Surgeon General warning on social media platforms
This week, in a letter to Congress, Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and 41 attorneys general urged lawmakers to pass legislation authorizing a U.S. Surgeon General warning on all algorithm-driven social media platforms. The request comes amid growing scrutiny of social media companies for their impact on young people's mental health.
North Dakota AG's office seeks assistant attorney general for consumer protection division
The Consumer Protection and Antitrust Division of the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office has announced an immediate opening for a full-time Assistant Attorney General. This position offers legal, investigative, and litigation services related to consumer protection and antitrust laws. The selected attorney will represent the Attorney General in civil law enforcement actions before state and federal courts.
Naturalization ceremonies set for September 24 in Fargo
The United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has announced three naturalization ceremonies to be held in Fargo on Tuesday, September 24, 2024. The events will take place at 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 1:00 p.m. at the Louise S. Barry Auditorium in NDSU’s Barry Hall, located at 811 Second Avenue North.
Buckeye Institute urges Supreme Court to end use of in-house tribunals
On September 12, 2024, The Buckeye Institute joined forces with the Cato Institute and the National Federation of Independent Business to file an amicus brief in Leachco, Inc. v. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The brief urges the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case and terminate the federal government’s use of what they describe as unconstitutional in-house tribunals.
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Jackson meets with Washington judges during Seattle visit
On September 9, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson met with several Washington judges of color in Seattle as part of her book tour. The meeting was facilitated by Washington Supreme Court Justices Mary Yu and G. Helen Whitener, who saw the event as a valuable mentorship opportunity.
Justice Department announces over $690M in grants under Violence Against Women Act
The Justice Department announced today the allocation of over $690 million in grant funding administered by the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW). This funding aims to support services and justice responses for victims and survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking across all U.S. states, territories, and many Tribal nations.
Justice Department secures settlement with SP Plus over national origin discrimination claims
The Justice Department announced today that it secured a settlement agreement with SP Plus Corporation (SP Plus), a transportation and parking management company headquartered in Chicago. The agreement resolves the department’s determination that SP Plus discriminated against a worker by rejecting a valid document that showed her permission to work and requesting that she provide unnecessary documentation, based on her national origin.
U.S. District Court announces naturalization ceremony in Grand Forks on September 17
In celebration of Constitution Day, the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota has announced a naturalization ceremony in Grand Forks. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. and will take place at the Henry Family Ballroom in UND’s Memorial Union, located at 2901 University Avenue.
Philadelphia-based group charged with car theft using re-programmed key fobs
Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced the arrests of three Philadelphia men and a juvenile charged in connection with a vehicle-theft ring. The suspects are accused of using re-programmed key fobs to steal vehicles, prompting a warning for vehicle owners to remain vigilant.
Ohio man sentenced for operating illegal gambling businesses
An Ohio man was sentenced to over seven years in prison today for tax evasion, money laundering, and operating illegal gambling businesses. The sentencing stems from his ownership and operation of multiple illegal gambling establishments and related misconduct.
Minards to stand trial on multiple charges for misappropriating funds
LANSING – Today, in the 54B District Court in East Lansing, Chief Judge Molly Hennessey Greenwalt bound over Anne and Robert (Rob) Minard of Bath Township to stand trial in the 30th Circuit Court in Ingham County. They are accused of allegedly misappropriating funds from three non-profits and a Political Action Committee tied to former Speaker of the House Lee Chatfield, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The charges were filed in December 2023.
Attorney General Todd Rokita challenges mandatory pronoun policies in schools
Attorney General Todd Rokita is advocating for students' First Amendment rights in a legal brief arguing that the government cannot compel students to use others' "preferred pronouns" against their deeply held beliefs. Rokita, along with a coalition of attorneys general, has challenged school administrators nationwide who enforce "anti-harassment" rules that require students to conform to gender identity preferences or face consequences.
Attorney General concludes review charging eleven after university protest incidents
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced today the conclusion of her department’s review of protest incidents at the University of Michigan (UM) campus, resulting in criminal charges for 11 individuals, mostly students and alumni.
America First Legal investigates Biden-Harris Administration over Venezuelan gang activity
America First Legal (AFL) has initiated investigations into the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The investigations are in response to increasing violent illegal alien gang activity in Aurora, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; and western Wisconsin.
Attorney General Garland addresses Justice Department workforce at U.S. Attorney's Conference
Today, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland addressed the Justice Department workforce during the U.S. Attorney's Conference in Washington, D.C.
North Dakota Supreme Court releases multiple rulings on appeals
The North Dakota Supreme Court released several opinions on September 12, 2024, covering a range of legal issues from criminal competency to special assessments by cities.
Color of Change president's frequent visits to White House revealed
Records reveal Rashad Robinson, President of Color of Change, visited the White House sixteen times, including meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. The findings were disclosed by America First Legal (AFL) based on official White House visitor logs.
OIP updates resources for exemption 3 under Freedom Of Information Act
The Office of Information Policy (OIP) has posted updates to its compilation of Exemption 3 resources, intended to assist agencies in their administration of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and to increase public understanding of the use of Exemption 3. These materials are located on the FOIA Resources page of OIP's site.
Lawsuit filed over improper removal of asbestos at Joliet theatre
Attorney General Raoul files lawsuit over improper removal and storage of asbestos-containing materials at Joliet theatre
Richland woman sentenced for stalking Barry County prosecutors
LANSING – Yesterday, Rita Williams, 37, of Richland, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and ordered not to have any contact or attempt to contact prosecutors at the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office by the Honorable William M. Doherty in the 56B District Court in Hastings for sending hundreds of emails and voicemail messages to them, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Williams pled no contest earlier this year to one count of stalking and one count of using a computer to commit a crime. Judge Doherty warned Williams that any violation of the no-contact...