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North Dakota Attorney General Issues Opinion to City of Fargo
BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-26
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: City of Fargo
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Ben Myhre requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the City of Fargo ("City") violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20 by failing to properly notice a series of meetings allegedly attended by a quorum of the governing body. The City states that only two commissioners, which is less than a quorum of the commission, attended
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, Nov. 3 -- The North Dakota Attorney General Office issued the following opinion:
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OPEN RECORDS AND MEETINGS SUMMARY OPINION 2026-SO-26
DATE ISSUED: November 2, 2026
ISSUED TO: City of Fargo
SUMMARY OPINION/1
Ben Myhre requested an opinion from this office under N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1 asking whether the City of Fargo ("City") violated N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20 by failing to properly notice a series of meetings allegedly attended by a quorum of the governing body. The City states that only two commissioners, which is less than a quorum of the commission, attendedthe Downtown Community Partnership's ("DCP") meeting on August 27, 2024, and no other commissioners attended any other meetings organized by DCP during the relevant time period./2
It is well established that a quorum of a governing body's members must be present in order to constitute a meeting that requires public notice./3 Past opinions have addressed the issue of serial meetings,/4 however, the City states no such serial meetings occurred./5
Because a quorum of the City's governing body did not attend the DCP meetings or otherwise engage in a serial meeting, it was not required to provide notice to the public./6 Based on the facts provided by the City, it is my opinion no violation of the open meetings law occurred in this instance.
Drew H. Wrigley Attorney General
cc: Ben Myhre
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Footnotes:
1 This Summary Opinion is issued pursuant to the authority granted to this office in N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1(1).
2 Letter from Nancy J. Morris, City Att'y, City of Fargo, to Annique M. Lockard, Assistant Att'y Gen., Off. of Att'y Gen. (Jan. 17, 2025).
3 See, e.g., N.D.A.G. 2021-O-06; N.D.A.G. 2020-O-11; N.D.A.G. 2008-O-10.
4 See, e.g., N.D.A.G. 2018-O-10.
5 Letter from Nancy J. Morris, City Att'y, City of Fargo, to Annique M. Lockard, Assistant Att'y Gen., Off. of Att'y Gen. (Jan. 17, 2025); N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-21.1(1), "the attorney general shall base the opinion on the facts given by the public entity."
6 N.D.C.C. Sec. 44-04-20(1) ("public notice must be given in advance of all meetings") (emphasis added); N.D.A.G. 2026-O-05.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/the-north-dakota-attorney-general-issued-a-summary-opinion-to-city-of-fargo/
Media Clips: Attorney General Jay Jones Sues to Block Donald Trump's Illegal Vanity Project
RICHMOND, Virginia, Nov. 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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MEDIA CLIPS: Attorney General Jay Jones Sues to Block Donald Trump's Illegal Vanity Project
The Commonwealth joins Washington, DC in fight against Triumphal Arch
***READ THE FULL FILING HERE***
RICHMOND, Va. -- Attorney General Jones and DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit on Saturday, October 31, 2026 to block construction of Donald Trump's illegal "triumphal" arch, arguing that the project is an affront to our nation's capital.
"Virginia takes immense pride in being
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Nov. 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release:
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MEDIA CLIPS: Attorney General Jay Jones Sues to Block Donald Trump's Illegal Vanity Project
The Commonwealth joins Washington, DC in fight against Triumphal Arch
***READ THE FULL FILING HERE***
RICHMOND, Va. -- Attorney General Jones and DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit on Saturday, October 31, 2026 to block construction of Donald Trump's illegal "triumphal" arch, arguing that the project is an affront to our nation's capital.
"Virginia takes immense pride in beinghome to Arlington National Cemetery, the final resting place of generations of American heroes who gave their lives defending our nation. President Trump's illegal vanity project is an affront to this hallowed ground and the extraordinary sacrifices it represents. The Commonwealth has a solemn duty and a profound interest in preserving the dignity of this sacred place. We will vigorously litigate to protect its sanctity and honor the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice," said Attorney General Jay Jones.
"Arlington National Cemetery is the final resting place of generations of Americans who have answered the call to defend the promise of our nation," said Governor Abigail Spanberger. "President Trump's proposed 250-foot arch would literally cast a shadow on this hallowed ground and overshadow the legacy of the generations of courageous men and women who are laid to rest at Arlington."
"This proposed project is flagrantly illegal and will cause serious and immediate harm to the District and its residents. We're filing this lawsuit now to protect DC's unique interests and critical role in this process," said DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb.
The Washington Post: D.C. and Virginia sue to block Trump's proposed triumphal arch
The D.C. government and the Commonwealth of Virginia sued Saturday to block construction of President Donald Trump's planned triumphal arch, calling it a "flagrantly unlawful" project that will forever change the landscape of the nation's capital.
The lawsuit is the latest attempt to stop the 250-foot-tall arch, which Trump hopes to build near Arlington National Cemetery and says will commemorate the nation's 250th birthday. The administration would like to begin construction as soon as next week.
The two jurisdictions are asking U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan to halt the plan and argue that they have "indisputable standing" to bring their lawsuit because the towering arch would have tangible, negative effects on the region -- an argument that distinguishes their lawsuit from others that have tried to stop Trump's construction projects.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb (D) said the arch construction would cause "serious, immediate and irreparable harm to the District and its residents," while Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones (D) said "Trump's illegal vanity project" would be an affront to Arlington National Cemetery and the "extraordinary sacrifices it represents."
"The Commonwealth has a solemn duty and a profound interest in preserving the dignity of this sacred place," Jones said in a statement. "We will vigorously litigate to protect its sanctity and honor the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
The arch already faces legal peril. In a separate case brought by three Vietnam War veterans and a historic preservationist, Chutkan on Friday signaled she might block it. That case was consolidated Saturday with the new lawsuit from D.C. and Virginia, and another hearing could come this week.
TIME: D.C. and Virginia Join the Fight to Block Trump's Triumphal Arch. What Happens Next?
Washington, D.C., and Virginia sued the National Park Service and Interior Department on Saturday in a last-minute bid to stop construction on President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch. The Trump Administration has said that construction could begin as early as next week.
The new challenge joins two existing lawsuits against the arch, adding to a series of legal battles testing the limits of Trump's authority to remake Washington.
Calling the project "flagrantly unlawful," the lawsuit points to the Commemorative Works Act, which requires Congressional authorization for memorials on federal land in Washington and its environs. The lawsuit also alleges violations of the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the National Historic Preservation Act, arguing that the Administration failed to adequately assess the project's effects and consult as required.
"In their rush to break ground on the Arch, Defendants have made only half-hearted gestures at complying with these requirements," the lawsuit filed Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb, claims. "Perhaps recognizing that the project is legally indefensible, Defendants have made clear that they will attempt to outrun judicial review."
"The Commonwealth has a solemn duty and a profound interest in preserving the dignity of this sacred place," Jones said in a statement to the Washington Post. "We will vigorously litigate to protect its sanctity and honor the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
AP: Virginia and DC sue over Trump's arch, adding to legal challenges as government wants work to begin
The legal challenges to President Donald Trump's proposed memorial arch are mounting, with the District of Columbia and Virginia suing in federal court Saturday as the administration says construction could begin as early as next week.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan proceeded to consolidate that lawsuit with the original one she is overseeing and ordered a joint briefing schedule for the lawsuits.
All the plaintiffs are calling for a halt to potential work on a monument that would rise 250 feet (76 meters) on a patch of grass off the bridge that spans the Potomac River, connecting the city with Arlington National Cemetery. That would make the arch 100 feet taller (30 meters) than the Statue of Liberty is from its base to the top of the torch.
Chutkan is already considering issuing an order to halt the project until the original lawsuit against the Trump administration by three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian is resolved. She held a hearing Friday but did not immediately act, though she said she would move expeditiously.
In the latest filing, two attorneys general, Brian Schwalb of Washington and Jay Jones of Virginia, argue that "as soon as Defendants break ground on this project, they will inflict irreparable harm on both the District and Virginia. The Arch site sits at the center of a major traffic artery between the District and Virginia, in the monumental core of the capital, on an island that straddles the Potomac River. During the three-year period of construction, the Arch project will inevitably snarl traffic between the jurisdictions, produce pollution and stormwater runoff in the Potomac, interfere with emergency services, and pose numerous other challenges."
WTOP: https://wtop.com/dc/2026/10/virginia-and-dc-sue-over-trumps-arch-adding-to-legal-challenges-as-government-wants-work-to-begin/
NBC4: https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/virginia-and-dc-sue-over-trumps-arch-adding-to-legal-challenges-as-government-wants-work-to-begin/4174838/
NBC: Virginia and D.C. sue to stop proposed Trump arch
Virginia and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit in federal court Saturday in a last-ditch effort to stop the construction of the triumphal arch planned for Memorial Circle in Washington.
The Trump administration has said it plans to begin construction of the arch next week, on Nov. 5.
"The construction of the Arch will inflict immediate and irreparable harm on the District and Virginia," Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb wrote in the lawsuit. "The Arch is slated to be built on a busy traffic circle that abuts the border between the jurisdictions, at the center of a historic viewshed, in a river whose environment the District has a statutory responsibility to protect."
"Both the construction of the Arch and the completed monument will disrupt the operations of both jurisdictions, impair their ability to carry out their responsibilities under federal and local law, and require the expenditure of substantial resources to mitigate and address those impacts," they added.
The attorneys general wrote that their request to block construction is urgent.
"It is entirely foreseeable that, once construction begins, Defendants will argue, as they have done in other cases, that an order halting construction would irreparably harm the federal government, pose security risks, and impermissibly alter the status quo they have unilaterally created," they said. "The Court should not allow this cynical gambit to succeed."
Jones and Schwalb added that they believe the administration is violating the Commemorative Works Act by bypassing specific congressional authorization and violating the Height of Buildings Act by constructing an arch that's set to exceed 130 feet in height. They also alleged violations of the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act.
NPR: Virginia and D.C. sue to block construction of Trump arch
The Commonwealth of Virginia and the District of Columbia filed a lawsuit on Saturday to block construction on President Donald Trump's proposed triumphal arch.
The 45-page lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia called the project "flagrantly unlawful," attorneys general Jay Jones of Virginia and Brian Schwalb of the District of Columbia wrote.
The New York Times: Trump's Arch Faces New Legal Challenge From Virginia and D.C.
The District of Columbia and Virginia on Saturday sued the Trump administration to block construction of the president's planned 250-foot arch, which he wants to begin building as early as next week.
"This project is flagrantly unlawful," the lawsuit states.
The suit accuses the Trump administration of violating the Commemorative Works Act and a section of federal law that requires the federal government to obtain specific congressional authorization before building a monument on federal land in Washington.
The plaintiffs cite the Administrative Procedure Act, the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act, which require a process of consultation and considering alternatives before rushing forward with the project. The suit also says plans for the arch violate the Height of Buildings Act, which with limited exceptions prohibits structures taller than 130 feet in the capital.
Newsweek: DC, Virginia Sue to Block Trump's 250-Foot Arch After Judge Questions Plan
Washington, D.C., and Virginia sued the Trump administration on Saturday to block President Donald Trump's proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, escalating the legal battle days before construction could begin.
The two jurisdictions called the project "flagrantly unlawful" and asked a federal court to halt construction and site preparation at Memorial Circle.
[...]
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones told Newsweek on Saturday that Trump's proposed arch was an "illegal vanity project" and "an affront to this hallowed ground and the extraordinary sacrifices it represents."
"The Commonwealth has a solemn duty and a profound interest in preserving the dignity of this sacred place," Jones said. "We will vigorously litigate to protect its sanctity and honor the legacy of those who made the ultimate sacrifice."
D.C. and Virginia argue that the arch cannot legally be built without approval from Congress.
Their complaint cites the Commemorative Works Act, which requires specific congressional authorization for covered commemorative works, as well as a separate federal statute that says a building or structure cannot be erected on federal land in the District without express congressional authority.
Politico: DC and Virginia sue to block Trump arch construction
Washington, D.C., and Virginia filed a lawsuit Saturday seeking to block the construction of President Donald Trump's planned Triumphal Arch on the outskirts of the nation's capital.
It's the latest in a volley of legal efforts to stop the president from remaking the city in his image. Construction on the 250-foot arch -- which would tower over the nearby Arlington National Cemetery -- could begin as soon as Nov. 5, the administration indicated in an October court filing.
The Hill: DC, Virginia sue to block Trump's triumphal arch
Washington, D.C., and Virginia sued the National Parks Service and Interior Department to block President Trump's proposed triumphal arch on Saturday, a new court filing shows.
The planned arch would resemble arches in other cities, including Paris's Arc de Triomphe, and be constructed on the border between D.C. and Virginia.
ABC: Virginia and DC sue over Trump's arch, adding to legal challenges as government wants work to begin
The legal challenges to President Donald Trump's proposed memorial arch are mounting, with the District of Columbia and Virginia suing in federal court Saturday as the administration says construction could begin as early as next week.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan proceeded to consolidate that lawsuit with the original one she is overseeing and ordered a joint briefing schedule for the lawsuits.
All the plaintiffs are calling for a halt to potential work on a monument that would rise 250 feet (76 meters) on a patch of grass off the bridge that spans the Potomac River, connecting the city with Arlington National Cemetery. That would make the arch 100 feet taller (30 meters) than the Statue of Liberty is from its base to the top of the torch.
FOX5: DC and Virginia file federal lawsuit to block proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle
The District of Columbia and Virginia have filed a joint federal lawsuit against the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior to block the proposed Triumphal Arch at Memorial Circle.
WDBJ7: Virginia, DC sue federal government to stop planned triumphal arch
The District of Columbia and Virginia jointly filed a federal lawsuit Saturday to block construction of a proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near the Potomac River.
[...]
Attorneys argued in the filing that the project lacks congressional authority, specifically saying the project defies the Commemorative Works Act (40 U.S.C. Sec. 8903) and 40 U.S.C. Sec. 8106, which requires authorization from Congress to construct monuments or structures on federal land in the capital.
WSLS: Virginia and DC sue over Trump's arch, adding to legal challenges as government wants work to begin
The legal challenges to President Donald Trump's proposed memorial arch are mounting, with the District of Columbia and Virginia suing in federal court Saturday as the administration says construction could begin as early as next week.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan proceeded to consolidate that lawsuit with the original one she is overseeing and ordered a joint briefing schedule for the lawsuits.
The Washington Sun: D.C., Virginia Sue Trump Administration Over Proposed Triumphal Arch
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones are suing the Trump administration over the president's proposed triumphal arch, seeking to block its construction by arguing that the project violates the District's building height restrictions and poses environmental and safety threats to both jurisdictions.
The lawsuit, filed Saturday, joins a growing collection of legal challenges to the 250-foot tall structure. Officials in Arlington County have also sued the Trump administration over the arch, arguing the government had failed to complete a mandatory environmental review. A group of Vietnam War veterans filed a lawsuit in February, arguing it would impede on the nearby Arlington National Cemetery.
Law Commentary: D.C. and Virginia Sue Trump to Stop His 250-Foot Arch
Washington, D.C., and Virginia sued President Donald Trump's administration Saturday, October 31, 2026, seeking an emergency court order to stop construction of his proposed 250-foot triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery, with work potentially beginning November 5.
D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb and Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones accuse federal officials of advancing the monument without congressional authorization or required environmental and historic preservation reviews. Their lawsuit warns that three years of construction would disrupt traffic, interfere with emergency services and damage surrounding waterways.
U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan consolidated the new lawsuit with an earlier challenge brought by three Vietnam War veterans and an architectural historian. A day earlier, she questioned the administration's urgency to begin construction before the court decides whether the project is lawful.
The arch would stand at Memorial Circle, where Arlington Memorial Bridge connects Washington to Virginia. Federal plans submitted Friday call for a winged Lady Liberty statue, an observation deck, offices, elevators and a fire command center, along with changes to surrounding roads.
Trump has promoted the monument as part of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations. The proposed structure would rise approximately 100 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty itself and occupy a prominent location along the historic corridor between Arlington National Cemetery and the Lincoln Memorial.
Schwalb and Jones argue that road closures, construction equipment and altered traffic patterns would affect thousands of commuters traveling between Virginia and Washington. Their complaint also warns that the work could complicate emergency evacuations and increase pollution and stormwater runoff into the Potomac River.
November 2, 2026
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3147-media-clips-attorney-general-jay-jones-sues-to-block-donald-trumps-illegal-vanity-project
Ninth Circuit Keeps Idaho's Pro-Life Laws in Effect During Appeal
BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 2 -- Idaho Attorney General Raul R. Labrador issued the following news release:
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Ninth Circuit Keeps Idaho's Pro-Life Laws in Effect During Appeal
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BOISE, ID - On Friday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals paused a lower court's order that had limited enforcement of Idaho's pro-life laws. Idaho can enforce those laws again while the State's appeal continues.
In its order, the court said Idaho made "a strong showing of likely success on the merits." The ruling isn't final, and the appeal goes forward.
Attorney General Raul Labrador reacted to the order saying:
"I
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BOISE, Idaho, Nov. 2 -- Idaho Attorney General Raul R. Labrador issued the following news release:
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Ninth Circuit Keeps Idaho's Pro-Life Laws in Effect During Appeal
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BOISE, ID - On Friday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals paused a lower court's order that had limited enforcement of Idaho's pro-life laws. Idaho can enforce those laws again while the State's appeal continues.
In its order, the court said Idaho made "a strong showing of likely success on the merits." The ruling isn't final, and the appeal goes forward.
Attorney General Raul Labrador reacted to the order saying:
"Iam thrilled that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled to prevent the enforcement of the District Court's injunction against Idaho's Defense of Life Act during the appeal process, and has found that we have a strong likelihood of succeeding in that appeal. Idaho's unwavering protection for unborn children and their mothers will continue as intended."
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Original text here: https://www.ag.idaho.gov/newsroom/ninth-circuit-keeps-idahos-pro-life-laws-in-effect-during-appeal/
Attorney General Jeff Jackson Announces $40 Million Settlement with Grocery Chain Owner Over Inflated Drug Prices
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 2 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jeff Jackson Announces $40 Million Settlement with Grocery Chain Owner Over Inflated Drug Prices
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RALEIGH -- Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a $40 million multistate settlement to resolve fraud allegations against the international grocery retailer Ahold Delhaize, which owns supermarkets including Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop. As part of the settlement, North Carolina will receive $503,460 in restitution and other recoveries.
"Companies
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 2 -- North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jeff Jackson Announces $40 Million Settlement with Grocery Chain Owner Over Inflated Drug Prices
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RALEIGH -- Attorney General Jeff Jackson announced a $40 million multistate settlement to resolve fraud allegations against the international grocery retailer Ahold Delhaize, which owns supermarkets including Food Lion, Giant, Hannaford, and Stop & Shop. As part of the settlement, North Carolina will receive $503,460 in restitution and other recoveries.
"Companieshave a responsibility to report prescription drug prices accurately, especially when taxpayer dollars are on the line," said Attorney General Jeff Jackson. "When companies fail to meet that responsibility, we'll work with our partners to hold them accountable and recover money for public programs."
The settlement resolves allegations that Ahold Delhaize violated the False Claims Act. Ahold Delhaize supermarkets offered prescription savings programs that gave members discounted prices on prescription drugs. Under the rules for Medicare Part D, Medicaid and TRICARE, these discounted prices should have been reported as the pharmacies' "usual and customary" prices on claims to those programs. These prices help determine how much the programs pay pharmacies for prescription drugs.
Instead, the supermarkets allegedly reported inflated "usual and customary" prices for prescription drugs in claims submitted to federal health care programs. As a result, Medicare Part D, Medicaid and TRICARE paid more than they should have for prescription drugs.
This settlement results from a whistleblower lawsuit originally filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
The National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units (NAMFCU) team, including the North Carolina Department of Justice and the attorneys general offices in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, worked with the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania to investigate the case and negotiate the settlement.
About the Medicaid Investigations Division (MID)
The Attorney General's MID investigates and prosecutes health care providers that defraud the Medicaid program, patient abuse of Medicaid recipients, patient abuse of any patient in facilities that receive Medicaid funding, and misappropriation of any patients' private funds in nursing homes that receive Medicaid funding. To date, the MID has recovered more than $1.2 billion dollars in restitution and penalties for North Carolina. To report Medicaid fraud or patient abuse in North Carolina, call the MID at 919-881-2320.
The MID receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $8,729,788 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2027. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $2,909,927 for FY 2027, is funded by the State of North Carolina. To report Medicaid fraud in North Carolina, call the North Carolina Medicaid Investigations Division at 919-881-2320, or report Medicaid provider fraud online here or patient abuse online here.
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Original text here: https://ncdoj.gov/attorney-general-jeff-jackson-announces-40-million-settlement-with-grocery-chain-owner-over-inflated-drug-prices/ (TNSmrp)
Attorney General Bonta Secures Fourth Legal Victory as U.S. Supreme Court Delivers Final Blow to Trump Administration's Emergency Court Efforts to Disrupt California Elections
SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 2 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Secures Fourth Legal Victory as U.S. Supreme Court Delivers Final Blow to Trump Administration's Emergency Court Efforts to Disrupt California Elections
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OAKLAND -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta today secured a key legal victory against the Trump Administration's efforts to interfere in California's elections, after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Administration's emergency application seeking to force California election officials to segregate
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SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 2 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Secures Fourth Legal Victory as U.S. Supreme Court Delivers Final Blow to Trump Administration's Emergency Court Efforts to Disrupt California Elections
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OAKLAND -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta today secured a key legal victory against the Trump Administration's efforts to interfere in California's elections, after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected the Administration's emergency application seeking to force California election officials to segregateand not count any mail-in ballots that may be returned by a list of approximately 20,000 individuals it "believes" are "likely" noncitizens. This marks the fourth legal victory for California, with the Trump Administration's efforts turned away at the district, appellate, and U.S. Supreme Court levels.
"Courts have now rejected the Trump Administration's attempts to interfere in California's elections not once, not twice, not three times, but four times -- from the district court to the Ninth Circuit to the U.S. Supreme Court," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "This latest decision should put an end to the Administration's attempt to disrupt California's elections through emergency court orders. But our work is not over. We will remain vigilant and keep fighting back against federal efforts to undermine our democracy."
"After repeatedly losing in the lower courts, the highest court in the land firmly slapped down the Trump DOJ's baseless attack on California's electoral process -- not even entertaining it," said Governor Gavin Newsom. "The third branch of government did its job, and that should be a welcome sight for all Americans given the disgusting and dangerous attacks on our democracy by the federal government. Tomorrow, Californians can feel secure in knowing the state will carry out a free and fair election -- just as we've always done. If you have not yet: vote, drop your ballot in a drop box, and feel good about exercising your constitutional right to vote."
"While this fight is not over yet, on the eve of Election Day, this means millions of Californians can focus on the most important task at hand -- casting their ballot," said Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. "The time to vote is now!"
The U.S. Supreme Court's decision follows three previous legal victories for California in one week. On Monday, October 26, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed the federal government's first appeal after finding that it had not given the district court adequate time to consider its request. On Wednesday, October 28, the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California denied the Administration's request for a temporary restraining order. On Friday, October 30, the Ninth Circuit denied the Administration's emergency motion for an injunction pending appeal.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-secures-fourth-legal-victory-us-supreme-court-delivers
Attorney General Bonta Opposes Trump Administration's Revised Attempt to Eliminate Climate Pollution Limits on Power Plants
SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 2 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Trump Administration's Revised Attempt to Eliminate Climate Pollution Limits on Power Plants
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Trump is making pollution great again (and again, and again...)
OAKLAND -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 27 states, counties, and cities in opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) supplemental proposal to rescind its 2015 finding that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel power plants drive climate
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SACRAMENTO, California, Nov. 2 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Trump Administration's Revised Attempt to Eliminate Climate Pollution Limits on Power Plants
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Trump is making pollution great again (and again, and again...)
OAKLAND -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 27 states, counties, and cities in opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) supplemental proposal to rescind its 2015 finding that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil fuel power plants drive climatechange and endanger public health and welfare, which would eliminate and prevent regulation of these emissions. The 2015 finding, known as the Endangerment Finding for power plants, acknowledged that fossil fuel power plant GHG emissions significantly contribute to the pollution that is changing the climate and triggered EPA's duty to set limits on those emissions. EPA proposed rescinding the finding on different grounds last year, at the same time it proposed repealing the Biden Administration's GHG emissions standards for certain fossil fuel-fired power plants. Although EPA finalized the repeal of the Biden-era emissions standards, it did not finalize its proposed recission of the Endangerment Finding, instead choosing to supplement its proposal with arguments borrowed from EPA's rescission of the Endangerment Finding for motor vehicles that it finalized in February 2026. If EPA finalizes the supplemental proposal, it will effectively abandon Section 111 of the Clean Air Act -- the statutory tool that speaks directly to those emissions, as affirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court in Massachusetts v. EPA -- and preclude future federal regulation of fossil fuel power plant GHG emissions. Attorney General Bonta and the coalition urge EPA to withdraw the proposed rule and preserve its ability to use the Clean Air Act to limit power plant greenhouse gas emissions.
"The President can't keep burying his head in the sand and ignoring the truth. Climate change is real, it's caused by greenhouse gas emissions, and decades of settled science warned us this was coming. This proposal is a dangerous retreat from science, the law, and common sense," said Attorney General Bonta. "EPA's plan to rescind the Endangerment Finding for power plants puts Trump's Big Oil friends before the American people, who are already dealing with the impacts of destructive wildfires, scorching heat, and severe floods. That's why we're opposing this proposed rule and urging EPA to withdraw it."
Fossil fuel-fired power plants in the United States are one of the largest contributors to climate pollution in the world -- if these power plants were a country, they would be the sixth-highest emitter on the planet. The power sector is the largest stationary source and second-largest overall source of GHG emissions in the United States, accounting for a quarter of all domestic emissions. Failing to control the sector's GHG emissions will exacerbate significant threats facing California, including intensifying and increasing heat waves, wildfires, severe storms, flooding, disease, air pollution, and harm to regional ecosystems. Last year, two of the most destructive fires in state history -- the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire, both in Los Angeles County -- killed at least 30 people, destroyed over 16,000 homes and other structures, and damaged over 37,000 acres. Just recently, record-breaking tides -- amplified by sea level rise and ocean warming -- have inundated streets and flooded homes along Southern California's coastline.
Meanwhile, President Trump and EPA have taken many actions that accelerate climate change and further endanger hundreds of millions of Americans -- particularly communities that are disproportionately burdened by environmental harms. These actions include the illegal repeals of the Endangerment Finding for motor vehicles and of the 2024 GHG emission standards for fossil fuel-power plants, and now this attempt at withdrawing the Endangerment Finding for power plants.
In today's comment letter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition assert that:
In submitting the comment letter, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of New York, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai`i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, along with the Chief Legal Officers of the City of Chicago, the City and County of Denver, the City of New York, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-opposes-trump-administration%E2%80%99s-revised-attempt-eliminate (TNSmlt)
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL REMINDS ILLINOIS VOTERS OF RIGHTS, URGES THEM TO CALL HOTLINES IF THEY ENCOUNTER IMPROPER OR ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 2 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL REMINDS ILLINOIS VOTERS OF RIGHTS, URGES THEM TO CALL HOTLINES IF THEY ENCOUNTER IMPROPER OR ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged voters to know their rights ahead of Nov. 3 Election Day. It has been the longstanding practice of the Attorney General's office to monitor elections in Illinois to ensure that voters' rights are protected and polling places are accessible.
Today is the last day for early voting in Illinois, and
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CHICAGO, Illinois, Nov. 2 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL REMINDS ILLINOIS VOTERS OF RIGHTS, URGES THEM TO CALL HOTLINES IF THEY ENCOUNTER IMPROPER OR ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today encouraged voters to know their rights ahead of Nov. 3 Election Day. It has been the longstanding practice of the Attorney General's office to monitor elections in Illinois to ensure that voters' rights are protected and polling places are accessible.
Today is the last day for early voting in Illinois, andtomorrow is Election Day. Under state law, voters may cast a ballot prior to Election Day without having to provide a reason for wanting to vote early. Voters should check with their local election authorities for the most current information on voting regulations, which can be located using the Illinois State Board of Elections website. Voters can confirm the location of their polling places for Election Day with their local election authorities or the State Board of Elections.
"Voters can have confidence that our elections are safe and secure and can rest assured that in Illinois, we are focused on protecting their rights and facilitating their access to the ballot box," Raoul said. "The right to vote is our most fundamental right as Americans, and it is imperative that, regardless of who you vote for or how you vote, you make your voice heard by or on Nov. 3."
Raoul urged voters to call his office if they encounter suspected improper or illegal activity. Voters in Chicago and northern Illinois can call 1-866-536-3496, and voters in central and southern Illinois can call 1-866-559-6812. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach the office by using the 711 relay service. The hotlines are open now and will remain open through Nov. 17.
Attorney General Raoul reminded voters of some of their basic voting rights under Illinois law:
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Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-reminds-illinois-voters-of-rights-urges-them-to-call-hotlines-if-they-encounter-improper-or-illegal-activity
