States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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R.I. A.G. Neronha Concludes Investigation Into Smithfield Public Schools for 2025 Hazing Incident
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, April 18 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha concludes investigation into Smithfield Public Schools for 2025 hazing incident
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today announced an agreement with Smithfield Public Schools (the District) which responds to a civil rights complaint concerning the school district's failure to respond appropriately to an incident involving the bullying of a Smithfield freshman which reportedly involved antisemitic epithets and conduct. The Resolution,
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, April 18 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha concludes investigation into Smithfield Public Schools for 2025 hazing incident
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today announced an agreement with Smithfield Public Schools (the District) which responds to a civil rights complaint concerning the school district's failure to respond appropriately to an incident involving the bullying of a Smithfield freshman which reportedly involved antisemitic epithets and conduct. The Resolution,which was approved this evening by the Smithfield Public School Committee, outlines a series of preventative and corrective actions to which the District must adhere. Additionally, the Attorney General released a Letter of Resolution sent to the Smithfield Public School Committee Chair today, which also serves as the Office's report on its investigation.
The Office of the Attorney General conducted this investigation to determine whether the District complied with state law protecting civil rights, pursuant to its authority under the Office of the Civil Rights Advocate.
"Our children deserve to grow up without fear of violence and discrimination," said Attorney General Neronha. "School is where our kids spend their formative years; it should be a place of growth and exploration, not fear and intimidation. Our schools should be places where our children feel safe and supported, which was not the case for a Smithfield freshman on September 29, 2025. Through an extensive and thorough investigation by my Office, we identified several failures by the District in its handling of the incident itself, and in the months following. As such, and at the request of my Office, the District has agreed to a five-part resolution which we believe will foster a better, safer environment for students and prevent something like this from happening again. I want to thank the victim for his bravery in coming forward and telling his story, and the District for their commitment to do better when it comes to protecting our children."
The Office's investigation found that:
* The District struggled to properly investigate the alleged hazing and antisemitism incident when initially reported and did not take steps meaningfully calculated to ascertain and address potential violations of the student code of conduct;
* After the District belatedly determined an investigation was needed, that investigation had significant issues, including a lack of documentation, failure to use established procedures for documentation, failure to make clear factual findings as to the nature of the offenses and the involved parties' respective levels of culpability, and failure to communicate the disciplinary consequences to all parties;
* The District appears not to have abided by its own disciplinary policies and procedures, which require investigation of student discipline matters in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations;
* The District failed to fully address the victim's rights, including failing to implement a safety plan that would address the offending students' return to the team; and
* The District has not adequately considered whether its handling of this incident has created or contributed to a hostile environment on the basis of shared Jewish ancestry/ethnicity at the high school that may interfere with students' ability to participate in or benefit from its educational program.
Per the Resolution, the District agrees to address the aforementioned deficiencies by implementing the following improvement measures:
* Review its existing policies and procedures and make any amendments, or adopt any additional policies and procedures, necessary to effectively prohibit and address harassment, bullying, and misconduct as well as retaliation or threats of retaliation for reporting or participating in an investigation into such incidents;
* Provide administrators, teachers, coaches, and staff with sufficient training and support to permit them to effectively implement these policies and procedures;
* Provide all students age-appropriate programming sufficient to develop the skills, knowledge, and strategies needed to prevent antisemitic discrimination that specifically addresses harassment based on shared Jewish ancestry/ethnicity and that reinforces the school district's commitment to having a school environment free from such discrimination;
* Administer a voluntary climate survey to Smithfield High School students and their parents/guardians that includes gathering information to assess whether the school district's handling of this incident has created or contributed to a hostile environment based on Jewish ancestry/ethnicity that may interfere with students' ability to participate in or benefit from its educational program so that the District can better identify the scope and type of interventions to implement to eliminate any hostile environment, prevent it from recurring, and, as appropriate, remedy its effects; and
* Develop a written protocol that incorporates best practices for ensuring victims' rights and providing support to victims after the District receives notice of alleged discrimination or bullying and during the investigative process to ensure safe and equal access to educational programs and activities.
To learn more about the Office's Civil & Community Rights Unit, including how to file a complaint, please visit our website (https://www.riag.ri.gov/about-our-office/divisions-and-units/civil-division/public-protection/civil-community-rights-0).
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-concludes-investigation-smithfield-public-schools-2025
Pa. Gov. Shapiro Celebrates the Opening of Arts Landing in Downtown Pittsburgh Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Fulfilling Key Piece of His Downtown Revitalization Plan
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 18 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Celebrates the Opening of Arts Landing in Downtown Pittsburgh Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Fulfilling Key Piece of His Downtown Revitalization Plan
In October 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro united the private sector, corporate leaders, local nonprofits, and county and city government to develop a historic 10-year revitalization plan for Pittsburgh's downtown.
The four-acre, $31 million multi-use cultural park on the 8th Street Block of Downtown Pittsburgh
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 18 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Celebrates the Opening of Arts Landing in Downtown Pittsburgh Ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, Fulfilling Key Piece of His Downtown Revitalization Plan
In October 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro united the private sector, corporate leaders, local nonprofits, and county and city government to develop a historic 10-year revitalization plan for Pittsburgh's downtown.
The four-acre, $31 million multi-use cultural park on the 8th Street Block of Downtown Pittsburghwill serve as a new recreation and event space for the neighborhood.
Governor Shapiro secured $50 million in the 2025-26 budget to ensure Pennsylvania is ready to welcome millions of visitors for America250 and other major sporting events.
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Pittsburgh, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro participated in the opening of Arts Landing, a new four-acre, $31 million outdoor civic space on the 8th Street block of Downtown Pittsburgh with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and elected and community leaders. Its opening comes as Pittsburgh prepares to host hundreds of thousands of sports fans at Point State Park and across Downtown Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft on April 23 through April 25.
The Arts Landing project was one of three major public space improvement projects included in Governor Shapiro's 10-year plan (https://www.pa.gov/en/governor/newsroom/2024-press-releases/governor-shapiro-announces-historic-plan-to-revitalize-downtown-.html) to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh, uniting the city's private sector, local government, corporate leaders, and nonprofits behind a plan to build more housing, revitalize public spaces, and improve safety, cleanliness, and affordability downtown. Its completion on time, ahead of the NFL Draft, represents a major milestone towards the completion of the Governor's plan.
"Eighteen months ago, we brought together leaders from the public and private sector to pull together a plan to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh and turn this neighborhood into a thriving center for innovation, opportunity, and culture. Today, we're delivering on that promise," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "I'm proud of the progress we're already made together, from building new affordable housing to creating safe, fun public spaces like Arts Landing, and completing renovations at Point State Park -- and we're not done yet. We'll continue to get stuff done in Downtown Pittsburgh for years to come."
Since the launch of the revitalization plan (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/shapiro-admin-marks-major-progress-in-plan-to-revitalize-downtow), the effort has attracted nearly $600 million in public and private investment, including $62.6 million from the Commonwealth, $27.1 million from local government, and $376.9 million in private capital -- with additional support from federal funding, foundations, and corporate donors. These investments are expected to generate more than 3,500 construction jobs over the next four years. As a result of these efforts, the city was designated as a Thrive Outside community last year -- a national recognition for their regional efforts to expand outdoor access and strengthen community connections.
"Two years ago, we stood right here to announce the Commonwealth's ambitious plan to partner with the city, county, and private sector to reimagine Downtown," said Lieutenant Governor Davis. "Now the week before what is likely to be the largest attended event in Southwestern Pennsylvania, we are back here officially opening this beautiful space, as that plan to reimagine Downtown continues to take shape. Arts Landing represents vision, investment, and a belief in the future of Pittsburgh - this is a place for everyone."
"Arts Landing is a truly transformative project for Downtown Pittsburgh, helping to turn the city's golden triangle into a vibrant residential and entertainment hub that will encourage more people to live and work Downtown," said Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger. "The Shapiro Administration will continue to work closely with our partners involved in the revitalization efforts to complete projects that will support the city's current residents, attract new ones, and help Pittsburgh successfully compete in the global economy."
The new outdoor space was developed by Pittsburgh Cultural Trust and supported by investments from businesses, nonprofits, local government, and the Commonwealth.
"Arts Landing builds on the Cultural Trust's mission by creating a new Downtown destination where people want to gather, stay longer, and return more often," said Kendra Whitlock Ingram, President & CEO of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. "This is a momentous day for the Trust, Downtown, and our entire region. Thank you to all our partners whose leadership, generosity, and collaboration have brought us to this special moment."
"What an incredible achievement for the Cultural Trust and all the partners who brought this project from idea to completion in just 22 months. Now locals and visitors will be able to enjoy this fabulous public amenity, year-round," said County Executive Innamorato. "Our shared efforts to make downtown a safer, more welcoming neighborhood, reimagine public spaces, and convert under-used office space to housing is already paying dividends."
"Arts Landing is the perfect example of investing in the vibrancy and future of Downtown," said Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O'Connor. "This used to be an old lot that's been transformed into a beautiful, modern civic space. Thanks to the partnership of Governor Shapiro, Kendra Whitlock Ingram and the Cultural Trust for their leadership in bringing partners together to create an asset that supports arts, culture, recreation, families and livability Downtown."
Last week, the Shapiro Administration also celebrated the major progress being made to revitalize Downtown Pittsburgh at the partial re-opening of Point State Park.
"The Governor continues to be a great advocate for Pittsburgh, and when he came here 17 months ago, he said it was to make Downtown Pittsburgh more livable, more vibrant, more safe, and to create a cleaner neighborhood for people to live, work, and play," said Senator Wayne Fontana, PA's 42nd Senatorial District. "There is no better project than the new Arts Landing Park to do this and its transformation has been incredible."
"When we think about legacy projects like Arts Landing, they'll be a safe place for our kids to express their joyful, youthful exuberance," said Representative Aerion Abney, PA's 19th House District. "I'm grateful to everyone who played a part in bringing this to fruition and as we continue to develop and redevelop Pittsburgh, I know that we can do it with the pride and promise to build a future for the posterity of our current and future generations."
Welcoming the World to Pennsylvania in 2026
Pennsylvania is primed to once again be in the national spotlight in 2026 as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and host major events.
The Commonwealth will leverage global sporting and cultural moments, including the NFL Draft, the PGA Championship, the FIFA World Cup, America250PA, and the MLB All-Star Game, to drive interest in Pennsylvania, encourage visitors to come back for future trips, and spur statewide economic impact.
These events will be huge tourism and economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth, as millions of people prepare to visit Pennsylvania. Over the last three years, Governor Shapiro has rebranded Pennsylvania as the "Great American Getaway" and increased funding for Visit PA to nearly $60 million.
Of the $50 million the Governor secured in the 2025-26 budget to ensure Pennsylvania is ready to welcome millions of visitors for America250 and other major sporting events, $10 million was designated to support the Draft in Pittsburgh.
Under the Shapiro Administration's leadership, Pennsylvania's tourism industry has grown by $7 billion and 30,000 jobs. In 2024, tourism brought in $84 billion to Pennsylvania's economy and supported more than half a million jobs.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-celebrates-the-opening-of-arts-landing-in-downtown-p
Md. A.G. Brown Calls on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to Abandon Plan That Would Decimate Enforcement, Consumer Protection
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Calls on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to Abandon Plan that Would Decimate Enforcement, Consumer Protection
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to scale back its plans that would severely reduce staffing, undermine the agency's statutory obligation to supervise financial institutions, weaken enforcement, and result in less relief
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 18 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Calls on Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to Abandon Plan that Would Decimate Enforcement, Consumer Protection
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in urging the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to scale back its plans that would severely reduce staffing, undermine the agency's statutory obligation to supervise financial institutions, weaken enforcement, and result in less reliefand protection for consumers.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition's letter (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Calls-on-Consumer-Financial-Protection-Bureau-to-Abandon-Plan-that-Would-Decimate-Enforcement,-Consu.aspx) opposing the CFPB's proposed strategic plan explains how it is essential that the CFPB - as the nation's only federal agency charged with financial consumer protection as its exclusive mission - maintain a robust supervision program to protect consumers nationwide and the financial marketplace.
In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, Congress created the CFPB recognizing the need for an effective single financial regulator specifically dedicated to protecting consumers from harm. Since its creation, consumers have received over $21 billion in consumer relief as a result of the CFPB's enforcement and supervision work.
Since taking office, however, the Trump administration has unsuccessfully attempted to eliminate nearly all CFPB staff. Currently, the CFPB is attempting to reduce a team of 72 supervision staff in the Office of Supervision Policy and Operations to one person, dramatically impacting the agency's ability to supervise covered entities. Under the proposed strategic plan, such staggering workforce reductions would continue.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition raise concerns that the CFPB will effectively abdicate several critical statutorily mandated roles entirely, leaving consumers vulnerable to greater harm at a time when 40% of U.S. adults have experienced some sort of financial fraud or scam in the past 12 months. Over the past year, the CFPB has abandoned billions of dollars in harm to consumers it previously attempted to recoup on their behalf.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition also highlight how the CFPB's role has significant benefits for financial institutions by promoting fair competition, educating industries about compliance, and providing confidential resolutions of legal violations.
In their letter, Attorney General Brown and the coalition describe how:
* The strategic plan's proposal to "realign the organization" and "eliminate non-essential roles" will result in a dramatic reduction of the staff needed to perform the agency's statutory obligation;
* The plan undermines the CFPB's statutory requirement to supervise financial institutions;
* The plan's goal of minimizing "duplicative enforcement" and introducing a deregulatory agenda will place more burden on states to enforce consumer protection laws by abandoning the long-standing state and CFPB partnership; and
* The CFPB's 2025 actions, along with several of the plan's stated goals, have resulted and will continue to result in less relief for consumers, not more.
Joining Attorney General Brown in sending the letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Calls-on-Consumer-Financial-Protection-Bureau-to-Abandon-Plan-that-Would-Decimate-Enforcement,-Consu.aspx
Ga. Gov. Kemp Announces Superior Court, District Attorney, and Solicitor General Appointments
ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Gov. Kemp Announces Superior Court, District Attorney, and Solicitor General Appointments
Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the following judicial and prosecutorial appointments: Tyler J. Browning to the Superior Court of the Cobb Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable A. Gregory Poole; Matthew M. "Matt" McCord to the Superior Court of the Griffin Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable W.
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ATLANTA, Georgia, April 18 -- Gov. Brian P. Kemp, R-Georgia, issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Gov. Kemp Announces Superior Court, District Attorney, and Solicitor General Appointments
Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced the following judicial and prosecutorial appointments: Tyler J. Browning to the Superior Court of the Cobb Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable A. Gregory Poole; Matthew M. "Matt" McCord to the Superior Court of the Griffin Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable W.Fletcher Sams; Dorothy V. Hull as District Attorney for the Towaliga Judicial Circuit, filling a vacancy created by the resignation of the Honorable Jonathan L. Adams; and John D. Harvey as Solicitor General of the State Court of Bryan County, filling a vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Donald L. Montgomery, Jr., to the State Court of Bryan County.
Tyler J. Browning is the managing partner at Browning, Browning & Gilkinson, LLC, focusing primarily on family law. He has spent his entire 26-year legal career in Cobb County. In addition to representing clients in a variety of family law and civil cases, Browning serves as a Guardian Ad Litem and special master, as well as a state-certified mediator and arbitrator. Prior to entering private practice, Browning prosecuted cases as an Assistant Solicitor General in Cobb County and served as Staff Attorney for Cobb County Superior Court Judge Robert E. Flournoy, III.
Browning received his bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia, where he served as Chief Defender of the University Judiciary. He received his Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law. Browning has lectured on family law issues at the Family Law Institute, Cobb County Bar Association, Georgia Trial Lawyers' Association, and Kennesaw State University, among other organizations.
Browning is an active member of the Marietta community, serving on the Board of Trustees of the Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art and as an officer of the Downtown Marietta Development Authority. He is also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Marietta. Browning and his wife, Ashley, also an attorney, live in Cobb County with their two children.
Matthew M. "Matt" McCord has served as the Stockbridge Municipal Court Judge since 2014, the Hampton Municipal Court Judge since 2023, and as a pro tempore in the State Courts of Henry, Dekalb, and Fayette County. He has served two terms as president of the Council of Municipal Court Judges. Additionally, he was a member of the Georgia Judicial Council and served by appointment of the Chief Justice on the Judicial Council's Misdemeanor Bail Reform Committee, the Strategic Planning Committee, the Judicial Security and Awareness Committee, the Court Reporting Matters Committee, and the Committee to Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Judicial Branch. Judge McCord is the Vice-Chair of ICJE, and from 2020-2023 he was the Chair of the Georgia Council of Municipal Court Judges Training Council, overseeing the training of Georgia's 380 municipal court judges. From 2018 until 2024, he was an adjunct professor at the College of Law at Georgia State University, teaching evidence in the Fall and litigation in the Spring semesters.
Judge McCord began his career as an assistant solicitor in Clayton County and then was an assistant district attorney in the Alcovy Judicial Circuit. Following his service as a prosecutor, he worked for the Atlanta firm of Harper, Waldon, and Craig (now Waldon Adelman). He has been a general practitioner in his firm, McCord Law, for 18 years.
A life-long Georgian, he graduated from Morrow Senior High school and studied music at the University of South Carolina, where he was the drum major of the Carolina Band. He earned his Juris Doctor from the Georgia State University College of Law in 1999. Judge McCord served on the staff of the Fayette County High School Marching Band for 29 years. He and his wife teach Sunday School together at their church in Pike County, where they live with their three children
Dorothy V. Hull has been a prosecutor handling violent crimes and crimes against children for 29 years. She served as an assistant district attorney in Bibb County for 24 years before joining the District Attorney's Office of the Towaliga Judicial Circuit where she served as chief assistant district attorney for five years. In addition to prosecuting crimes such as murder, aggravated assault, rape, and child molestation, Hull has written hundreds of appellate briefs and argued for the state of Georgia in the Court of Appeals and Georgia Supreme Court.
The daughter of Frank and Ann Vinson, Dorothy Hull grew up in Milledgeville, Georgia, and graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History from Georgia College and State University in 1993. She graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1996. Following law school, Hull worked as a law clerk for the Superior Court judges of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit before beginning her career as a prosecutor in the Macon Judicial Circuit.
Hull lives in Monroe County, Georgia, with her husband of 22 years, Mike Hull, chief deputy for the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, and their children, Katherine and Benton.
John D. Harvey has practiced law in Georgia since 1997. He has represented government agencies, Fortune 500 companies and individuals throughout courts in Georgia in serious and complex matters. He has served as the Municipal Court Judge for the City of Pembroke, Assistant District Attorney for the Atlantic Judicial Circuit, the Bryan County Attorney and a pro tempore in the State Court of Bryan County.
Harvey received his undergraduate degree from the University of Georgia and his law degree from Samford University where he was a member of the Trial Advocacy Board. He continues to practice law at the law firm of John Harvey PC, in Pembroke, Georgia. John also has a passion for flying and is a jet qualified commercial pilot.
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Original text here: https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-04-17/gov-kemp-announces-superior-court-district-attorney-and-solicitor-general
Disclosure of the Name of the Police Officer Involved in the April 6, 2026 Shooting Incident in Northfield, New Hampshire
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 18 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Disclosure of the Name of the Police Officer Involved in the April 6, 2026 Shooting Incident in Northfield, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the identity of the police officer who discharged his firearm during a shooting incident on the evening of April 6, 2026 in Northfield, New Hampshire that resulted in the shooting death of Megan Whiting (age 27).
The officer who discharged his weapon is Officer Nikolas Ballentine of the Northfield
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 18 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
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Disclosure of the Name of the Police Officer Involved in the April 6, 2026 Shooting Incident in Northfield, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces the identity of the police officer who discharged his firearm during a shooting incident on the evening of April 6, 2026 in Northfield, New Hampshire that resulted in the shooting death of Megan Whiting (age 27).
The officer who discharged his weapon is Officer Nikolas Ballentine of the NorthfieldPolice Department. Officer Ballentine has approximately two years of law enforcement experience.
The exact circumstances surrounding the shooting incident remain under investigation.
It is anticipated that a report regarding the incident and whether Officer Ballentine's use of deadly force was justified will be released once the investigation is complete.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/disclosure-name-police-officer-involved-april-6-2026-shooting-incident-northfield
Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Tenth Judicial District Candidates to Minn. Gov. Walz
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 18 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Tenth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz
The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending four candidates for consideration to fill the vacancies in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. The vacancies will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Suzanne Bollman, the Honorable Walter M. Kaminsky, and the Honorable Douglas B. Meslow. These seats will be chambered in Buffalo in Wright County, Elk River in Sherburne
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 18 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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Commission on Judicial Selection Recommends Tenth Judicial District Candidates to Governor Walz
The Commission on Judicial Selection announced today that it is recommending four candidates for consideration to fill the vacancies in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. The vacancies will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Suzanne Bollman, the Honorable Walter M. Kaminsky, and the Honorable Douglas B. Meslow. These seats will be chambered in Buffalo in Wright County, Elk River in SherburneCounty, and Center City in Chisago County.
Kathryn Fodness: Kathryn Fodness is an assistant city attorney with the Minneapolis City Attorney's Office, where her practice focuses on labor and employment law, including litigation and the creation and implementation of policies related to police reform. She previously served as general counsel for Minnesota Management and Budget, where she acted as the agency's chief legal officer, the executive branch's chief labor and employment law counsel, and the state ethics officer. Fodness also worked as an assistant attorney general at the Office of the Minnesota Attorney General and a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Regina M. Chu in Minnesota's Fourth Judicial District. Her community involvement includes serving as a volunteer mock mediator in skills courses at the University of Minnesota Law School and as a mentor for law students interested in public practice.
Nathan Sosinski: Nathan Sosinski is the managing attorney at the Tenth Judicial District Public Defender's Office in Washington County, where he represents clients in felony criminal cases. He was previously the managing attorney at the public defender's office in Pine, Isanti, Chisago, and Kanabec counties and an assistant county attorney in Pine County. Sosinski's community involvement includes serving as an instructor at the Minnesota Public Defender's Office Trial School and as a member of the Washington County Community Corrections Advisory Board. He previously served as a member of the Criminal Sexual Conduct Statutory Reform Working Group, a board member for the Centennial Lakes Little League, a coach for middle school girls' basketball and softball teams, and a judge for collegiate and high school mock trial.
Stacy St George: Stacy St George is an assistant chief of the Criminal Division at the Dakota County Attorney's Office, where she has worked extensively in criminal prosecution with a focus on violent crimes. Through her role, she assisted in the development of the first Rule 20.01 Competency Court in the First Judicial District, which prioritizes treatment and support for individuals living with mental illness in the criminal justice system. St George previously served as the assistant head of the Criminal Division in the Anoka County Attorney's Office and as an assistant county attorney in Isanti County. Her community involvement includes serving on the policy committee of the Minnesota Children's Alliance and as a board member for the Forest Lake Athletic Association.
Karen Wolff: Karen Wolff is the assistant civil chief in the Wright County Attorney's Office, where she handles child support cases, guardianships, and other civil matters, and is a team member for the Wright County drug treatment court. She previously served in the criminal division of the Wright County Attorney's Office and as a judicial law clerk for the Honorable Dale E. Mossey in Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District. Wolff is a board member of the Minnesota Family Support and Recovery Council. She also volunteers with the Cardinal Athletic Foundation, Ducks Unlimited, and as an attorney coach for the Buffalo High School Mock Trial team.
For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor's Judicial Appointments webpage (https://mn.gov/governor/administration/judicialappointments/).
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/742106
Colo. Labor Department and iAging Partner to Launch Older Worker Survey
DENVER, Colorado, April 18 -- The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment issued the following news release:
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Labor Department and iAging Partner to Launch Older Worker Survey
The State of Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), in conjunction with Workforce Colorado, other workforce organizations and the nonprofit iAging, is conducting a comprehensive survey to gain insight from workers and job seekers aged 50 and over. Respondents are asked to share their experiences with work, job transitions, and career changes. The unique survey aims to strengthen understanding of
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DENVER, Colorado, April 18 -- The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment issued the following news release:
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Labor Department and iAging Partner to Launch Older Worker Survey
The State of Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), in conjunction with Workforce Colorado, other workforce organizations and the nonprofit iAging, is conducting a comprehensive survey to gain insight from workers and job seekers aged 50 and over. Respondents are asked to share their experiences with work, job transitions, and career changes. The unique survey aims to strengthen understanding ofthis valuable, growing demographic, evaluate how well current policies and programs support older workers, and identify areas for improvement.
Coloradans aged 50-plus can take the Older Adult Survey online here (https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/8699370/Older-Adult-Survey-Colorado-2) to help shape future workforce support programs and opportunities across the state. Survey respondents will be entered into drawings to win gift cards.
"We are so fortunate in Colorado to have a strong community of people aged 50 and older who remain active and interested in participating in the work and volunteer force in our state," says Kelly Folks, Director of the Division of Employment and Training for Colorado. "It's important that support and policies are in place to elevate the valuable experience of this vital group. The survey is designed to assist in determining what is working and what needs to change."
According to CDLE's Office of Labor Market Information, 674,800 workers aged 55 and older are actively working or looking for work in Colorado. There are another 27,500 workers aged 55 and older that are not actively looking for work, but state that they want a job now. Adding this group to workers aged 55 and older who are unemployed, gives us approximately 48,600 workers aged 55 and older representing a potential untapped talent pool of older workers.
"With people living longer and birth rates declining over the last 40+ years, a thriving economy depends on ensuring older adults find a place in the Colorado workforce, which makes participation in the survey more important than ever," says iAging CEO Karen Brown, a nonprofit assisting with survey distribution and analysis.
This workforce survey is being conducted by iAging, CDLE and its affiliated partners, contractors, and consultants. All participant information is confidential.
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Original text here: https://cdle.colorado.gov/press-releases/press-release-labor-department-and-iaging-partner-to-launch-older-worker-survey
