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N.J. A.G. Davenport: SCOTUS Must Resolve States' Authority To Regulate Sports Gambling on Prediction Markets
TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 3 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Sept. 2, 2026:
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AG Davenport: SCOTUS Must Resolve States' Authority To Regulate Sports Gambling on Prediction Markets
Divided Third Circuit Ruling Threatens States' Powers to Regulate Sports Gambling
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a question that divided courts nationwide: whether prediction markets can offer sports wagers without following state sports-gambling laws. Litigation regarding these questions has
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 3 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Sept. 2, 2026:
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AG Davenport: SCOTUS Must Resolve States' Authority To Regulate Sports Gambling on Prediction Markets
Divided Third Circuit Ruling Threatens States' Powers to Regulate Sports Gambling
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a question that divided courts nationwide: whether prediction markets can offer sports wagers without following state sports-gambling laws. Litigation regarding these questions haserupted across at least 20 states, with dozens of active suits pending and the gambling laws of several states currently enjoined by the federal courts. This is the first certiorari petition filed with the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the legality of this business model -- of offering sports wagers self-certified by Kalshi with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) without following state laws.
"Companies like Kalshi claim to offer legal sports betting in all 50 States, but they refuse to follow the gambling laws of any State," said Attorney General Davenport. "These companies have no right to offer their sports bets without following state law, which is why dozens of States across the ideological spectrum have opposed them. States have long adopted careful laws to regulate gambling, including to prevent compulsive gambling, gambling by minors, and insider trading on sports games. We're calling on the Supreme Court to resolve this issue and recognize that Congress did not silently make the sports-betting industry immune from state law."
"Kalshi markets itself as the 'first app for legal sports betting in all 50 States,' including for wagering on NCAA games held in New Jersey and participated in by New Jersey teams, which is impermissible under New Jersey's Constitution. But Kalshi does not abide in any way with our State's gaming laws," said Division of Gaming Enforcement Interim Director Mary Jo Flaherty. "This is a states' rights issue. In New Jersey, gaming is prohibited by its Constitution, other than for exceptions approved by New Jersey voters. In this case, the State is upholding the will of New Jerseyans regarding the manner in which gaming can be conducted."
The stakes of this case are exceptionally high. In 2025, sports betting generated $16.89 billion in revenue for States nationwide, not even including sportsbooks in tribal casinos. Indeed, 95% of Kalshi's revenue in 2025 came from sports betting. At issue in this case is whether the States can still regulate this major economic industry, or whether the sole regulatory body for companies like Kalshi is the CFTC, which has admitted that it is not a gaming regulator and has no specialized expertise in overseeing gaming. That is why 44 States, hundreds of Tribes, and casinos have all already weighed in to oppose Kalshi's and the other prediction markets' litigation theories.
The particular issue is whether Congress in enacting the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act intended to federalize a multi-billion-dollar sports-wagering industry. Kalshi claims that it did, so in 2025, the company sued New Jersey, claiming that it could offer sports gambling in the State without following New Jersey's rigorous gambling laws because its sports wagers are actually "swaps" that can only be regulated by the CFTC. In April 2026, the Third Circuit, by a 2-1 vote, ruled in Kalshi's favor, holding that New Jersey's state gambling laws are preempted.
The vast majority of federal and state courts around the country have disagreed and instead overwhelmingly rejected the argument that such sports bets have a loophole from state law. The latest win for the States came Friday, August 28, when the Ninth Circuit explicitly disagreed with the Third Circuit and that sports bets on outcomes of a sporting event do not fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the CFTC. The Ninth Circuit concluded that "Congress did not take a wrecking ball to all sports gambling regulations built up over decades by federal, state, and tribal governments" in a 2010 Wall Street reform bill.
New Jersey co-led an amicus brief in that case, joined by 39 other jurisdictions. The Ninth Circuit cited that amicus brief in holding "it is implausible that Congress intended to allow the CFTC to engage in the national regulation of gambling based on expansive definitions of the words 'event' and 'associated with' in a Wall Street reform bill."
The petition also emphasizes the consequences of a ruling in Kalshi's favor. Because federal law prohibits trading swaps off CFTC-registered markets, a victory for Kalshi would mean that all sports gambling off such CFTC-registered markets would seemingly become illegal even if state law allows it. Such an outcome would make sports wagers at classic sportsbooks like brick-and-mortar casinos -- whether in Atlantic City, Las Vegas, or on tribal lands -- illegal, and throw the entire industry into turmoil.
States' gambling laws exist to protect minors, mitigate problem gambling, prevent insider trading, and ensure operators have the financial stability to pay out winnings. If companies like Kalshi can bypass these laws simply by registering with the CFTC, these protections evaporate. For that reason, attorneys general across the country have cautioned that unregulated sports gambling poses serious risks to public health and financial security for millions of Americans.
This is not New Jersey's first time seeking review on a critical state gaming issue. Eight years ago, the Supreme Court ruled for New Jersey in Murphy v. NCAA, explaining that if Congress elects not to "regulate sports gambling directly," then "each state is free to act on its own." Kalshi's model, which offers sports bets in all 50 States, would upend the promise that each state could decide whether to allow sports wagering within its borders.
This petition to the U.S. Supreme Court is led by Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum, Deputy Solicitor General Stephen Ehrlich, and Special Assistant Liza Fleming, with support from Deputy Attorneys General Emily Bisnauth, Patrick Jhoo, and Vivek Mehta.
Petition for Writ of Certiorari (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-0902_26-_PetitionForWritOfCertiorari.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-scotus-must-resolve-states-authority-to-regulate-sports-gambling-on-prediction-markets/
Md. A.G. Brown Opposes Trump Administration's Rapid and Drastic Overhaul of Nuclear Energy Regulation
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Sept. 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Trump Administration's Rapid and Drastic Overhaul of Nuclear Energy Regulation
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown took action to oppose two U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposals, which are part of a wholesale, rapid revision of its long-standing regulations. In comments submitted to the NRC, Attorney General Brown and a coalition of attorneys general argue that the monumental changes the NRC has proposed in such a short
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Sept. 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Trump Administration's Rapid and Drastic Overhaul of Nuclear Energy Regulation
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown took action to oppose two U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) proposals, which are part of a wholesale, rapid revision of its long-standing regulations. In comments submitted to the NRC, Attorney General Brown and a coalition of attorneys general argue that the monumental changes the NRC has proposed in such a shortperiod of time threaten to put public health and safety at risk.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition filed comments opposing two proposed NRC rule changes. The first includes sweeping changes to radiation safety standards and oversight with serious impacts on state programs and worker and public safety. The proposal would increase the levels of radiation to which workers and the public could legally be exposed and would reduce monitoring and reporting requirements. The NRC's proposal would also eliminate the science-backed As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) standard for radiation protection. The NRC has not provided a scientific basis for abandoning this internationally recognized, long-standing protection.
In their comment letter, the attorneys general argue that the NRC failed to support its proposals with evidence, failed to propose or consider alternative approaches to achieve its stated goals, and failed to allow the public or the states adequate time to comprehend and meaningfully review the unprecedented volume of proposed regulatory changes NRC has introduced this year.
Attorney General Brown also joined the coalition in submitting comments opposing a second NRC proposal that could allow large parts of nuclear power plants to be built without environmental review or community engagement in the decision-making process.
The attorneys general argue that several other provisions in the proposed rule create unwarranted risks to public safety and amount to the NRC abdicating its oversight role and safety mandate.
The coalition notes that the proposed changes have the potential to negatively impact communities with preexisting environmental justice concerns. The attorneys general assert that, if finalized, the proposed rule would violate the Administrative Procedure Act and fail to comply with the Atomic Energy Act and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
Last month, Attorney General Brown joined a coalition of attorneys general in submitting a comment letter opposing an NRC proposal to revise its NEPA regulations. That proposal would unlawfully fast-track nuclear power projects by ignoring foreseeable environmental impacts and limit public participation. The attorneys general argued that, if finalized, that proposed rule would also violate the Administrative Procedure Act and fail to comply with NEPA.
Joining Attorney General Brown in submitting today's comment letters are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont and Washington.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Opposes-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Rapid-and-Drastic-Overhaul-of-Nuclear-Energy-Regulation.aspx
Okla. A.G. Drummond Secures Legal Victory Against New York's Climate Change Superfund Act
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 2 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Sept. 1, 2026:
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Drummond secures legal victory against New York's Climate Change Superfund Act
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today a major multi-state victory against New York's Climate Change Superfund Act. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York struck down the act, declaring the law unenforceable.
The law aimed to impose $75 billion in fines to energy producers for prior lawful energy production. Drummond and a coalition of attorneys
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Sept. 2 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Sept. 1, 2026:
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Drummond secures legal victory against New York's Climate Change Superfund Act
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today a major multi-state victory against New York's Climate Change Superfund Act. The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York struck down the act, declaring the law unenforceable.
The law aimed to impose $75 billion in fines to energy producers for prior lawful energy production. Drummond and a coalition of attorneysgeneral challenged the law, and the Trump Administration and attorneys representing the coal, oil and natural gas industries joined the fight.
"Climate Superfund laws threaten America's energy independence by punishing energy producers for decades of prior energy production," Drummond said. "Energy producers have followed the law and should not be hit with crippling, erroneous fines."
The court held that the Climate Change Superfund Act was "simply beyond the limits of state law." New York's law conflicts with federal interests in applying uniform air pollution regulations. The federal Clean Air Act provides exclusive rules for regulating interstate air pollution. New York's law cannot be enforced because it is inconsistent with the Clean Air Act. The court also ruled that the foreign affairs doctrine preempted the Superfund law's attempt to regulate international emissions.
Other states in the coalition against the Climate Change Superfund Act are West Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
Read the order (https://ago.wv.gov/media/37752/download?inline).
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/september/drummond-secures-legal-victory-against-new-yorks-climate-change-superfund-act.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport Renews Call for EPA Action on Microplastics
TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 2 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Sept. 1, 2026:
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AG Davenport Renews Call for EPA Action on Microplastics
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport led a comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) once again urging it to include microplastics on its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) 6. The letter follows two prior multistate efforts -- both led by New Jersey -- requesting the inclusion of microplastics on this list of contaminants. The newly filed letter was joined by 12 other
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Sept. 2 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Sept. 1, 2026:
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AG Davenport Renews Call for EPA Action on Microplastics
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport led a comment letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) once again urging it to include microplastics on its Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule (UCMR) 6. The letter follows two prior multistate efforts -- both led by New Jersey -- requesting the inclusion of microplastics on this list of contaminants. The newly filed letter was joined by 12 otherattorneys general.
"We are still learning the extent of the health risks posed to all of us by microplastics, and to respond appropriately we need more data," said Attorney General Davenport. "Given that kids are particularly at risk from exposure to these tiny plastic fragments, it is especially important that the EPA require greater data collection and monitoring to inform further action to protect public health."
"New Jersey urges the federal government to do the right thing by requiring national testing to better understand the impact pollution from microplastics is having on the safety of our drinking water," New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner Ed Potosnak said. "Pollution from microplastics is widespread in the environment -- and our understanding of the potential public health consequences is rapidly expanding, especially for children. By conducting microplastics monitoring across the nation, we will be able to develop strategies and standards to protect the health of all Americans."
Microplastics have gained attention as a topic of public health concern in recent years, and New Jersey has led numerous efforts to prompt further study of these tiny, ubiquitous particles.
EPA is required to regularly publish two lists of unregulated contaminants pursuant to the Safe Drinking Water Act: the UCMR and the Contaminant Candidate List (CCL). The UCMR allows EPA to monitor the presence of 30 contaminants in public water systems by collecting data regarding their frequency and occurrence. The CCL identifies priority contaminants for further research and potential regulation, but does not require monitoring or data collection.
In November 2025, then-Governor Phil Murphy led a petition, signed by six other governors, asking EPA to add microplastics to the forthcoming draft of the UCMR 6. In June 2026, Attorney General Davenport led a comment letter, joined by 14 other attorneys general, applauding EPA's inclusion of microplastics on the draft CCL 6, and calling for EPA to include microplastics on the forthcoming draft of the UCMR 6. The draft UCMR 6 was published on July 1, 2026, and did not include microplastics.
The letter asks EPA to reconsider its current proposal and include microplastics in the final version of the UCMR 6. The states call for strong federal action on this important issue to ensure that necessary frequency and occurrence information is collected, which will enable future research and regulatory efforts to adequately address the risks posed by microplastics to the environment and public health.
If microplastics are not added to the UCMR, our understanding of them will be stymied by the lack of consistent nationwide definitions, analytical methodologies, and requirements for monitoring and data collection.
Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, EPA must include a contaminant on the UCMR if requested by a petition of at least seven governors, unless EPA determines that doing so would prevent the listing of other contaminants of a higher public health concern. However, EPA did not determine that other contaminants present a higher public health concern when it published the UCMR 6 this summer without including microplastics.
Microplastics are tiny, often invisible particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter -- even as tiny as 1 nanometer -- composed of polymers and various chemical additives that were either originally part of a plastic product or were adsorbed from the surrounding environment.
Research indicates microplastics are found throughout our environment including in our planet's water, air, and land and because of the nature of the particles has the potential to affect human health. They have been found in all human organ systems, including the brain, and depending on their size and shape, can lead to cellular or tissue damage. In addition, microplastics can act as vectors for toxic chemicals to enter the human body, compounding exposure.
This matter was handled by Deputy Attorneys General Matthew Novak and Charlie Stegner-Freitag, under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Jessica Palmer, within the Division of Law's Environment and Clean Energy Practice Group.
Joining Attorney General Davenport in filing the comment letter are the attorneys general of Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
Comment Letter (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/2026-0901_UCMR-6-Attorneys-General-Letter.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-renews-call-for-epa-action-on-microplastics/
Md. A.G. Brown Opposes EPA's Proposed Rule to Weaken Regulation of Heavy-Duty Vehicle Pollution
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 2 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Sept. 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes EPA's Proposed Rule to Weaken Regulation of Heavy-Duty Vehicle Pollution
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to loosen regulations that control the emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. If finalized, the EPA's proposed rule would harm public health and welfare by contributing
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 2 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Sept. 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes EPA's Proposed Rule to Weaken Regulation of Heavy-Duty Vehicle Pollution
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to loosen regulations that control the emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles. If finalized, the EPA's proposed rule would harm public health and welfare by contributingto air pollution that causes harmful health effects and generally contributes to poor air quality, particularly in environmental justice communities. In the comment letter, the coalition argues that the EPA should withdraw its proposal, as it fails to comply with the statutory requirements of the Clean Air Act.
The transportation sector is the largest source of NOx emissions in the United States, with heavy-duty vehicles being the second-largest contributor within that sector. Exposure to pollutants like NOx is associated with a range of adverse respiratory effects, including asthma, respiratory inflammation, and decreased lung function and growth. Communities of color and low-income communities, who disproportionately live, work, or attend school near major roadways and other NOx pollution sources like railyards, ports, and warehouses, are most vulnerable to this pollution and the resulting health impacts.
In July 2026, the EPA published its proposed rule, which, if finalized, would revise a number of emission regulations for heavy-duty vehicles published in 2023 under President Biden. The EPA's proposed rule specifically attempts to roll back key regulations that greatly reduce the emission of NOx from commercial vehicles. For example, the proposed rule would:
* Shorten the emission warranty period for heavy-duty vehicles from 10 years to 5 years for model year (MY) 2027 and later vehicles, which by the agency's own calculations would result in an additional 36,000 tons of NOx emissions annually;
* Delay the implementation of the 2023 Rule's longer regulatory useful life periods from MY 2027 to MY 2030, which would result in increased NOx emissions by shortening the period over which emission standards apply to heavy-duty vehicles; and
* Weaken key regulatory inducements that ensure that emission control systems are properly maintained and functioning.
In the comment letter, the coalition explains that the proposed rule, if finalized, would violate the law by undermining emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, impairing states and cities' efforts to meet federally mandated air quality standards, and by failing to consider the health consequences of increased pollution from the rule.
In sending the letter, Attorney General Brown joins the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the Chief Legal Officers of the City of Chicago, Illinois; the City and County of Denver, Colorado; the City of New York, New York; and the City and County of San Francisco, California.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Opposes-EPA%e2%80%99s-Proposed-Rule-to-Weaken-Regulation-of-Heavy-Duty-Vehicle-Pollution.aspx
Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Gregory Kase
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 2 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Gregory Kase
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September 2, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Gregory Kase, who died on August 9, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) in Henrietta, Monroe County.
On August 9, MCSO deputies responded to a motel room in Henrietta
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ALBANY, New York, Sept. 2 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James Releases Footage from Investigation into Death of Gregory Kase
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September 2, 2026
NEW YORK - New York Attorney General Letitia James today released body-worn camera footage that her office obtained as part of its ongoing investigation into the death of Gregory Kase, who died on August 9, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Monroe County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) in Henrietta, Monroe County.
On August 9, MCSO deputies responded to a motel room in Henriettafollowing a 911 call. The deputies arrived at 4:08 p.m., entered the motel room, and encountered Mr. Kase who was in the bathroom, holding a knife. The deputies directed Mr. Kase to drop the knife, but he failed to comply and moved toward the officers with the knife. Deputies discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Kase. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a knife at the scene.
The Office of Special Investigation (OSI) of the Attorney General's Office released footage from body-worn cameras that captured the incident. The release of this footage follows Attorney General James' directive that camera footage obtained by her office during an OSI investigation be released to the public to increase transparency and strengthen public trust in these matters.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
The release of this footage is not an expression of any opinion as to the guilt or innocence of any party in a criminal matter or any opinion as to how or whether any individual may be charged with a crime.
Warning: These videos contain content that viewers may find disturbing.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2026/attorney-general-james-releases-footage-investigation-death-gregory-kase
ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OPPOSES EPA PROPOSAL TO WEAKEN REGULATION OF HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE POLLUTION
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 2 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OPPOSES EPA PROPOSAL TO WEAKEN REGULATION OF HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE POLLUTION
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to loosen regulations that control the emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Raoul and the coalition said that the EPA's proposed rule would harm public health and welfare by contributing to
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Sept. 2 -- Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following news release:
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ATTORNEY GENERAL RAOUL OPPOSES EPA PROPOSAL TO WEAKEN REGULATION OF HEAVY-DUTY VEHICLE POLLUTION
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Chicago - Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a multistate comment letter opposing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) proposal to loosen regulations that control the emissions of smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) from semi-trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles.
Raoul and the coalition said that the EPA's proposed rule would harm public health and welfare by contributing toair pollution that causes harmful health effects, such as asthma, and generally contributes to poor air quality, particularly in environmental justice communities. In their comment letter, Raoul and the coalition argue the EPA should withdraw its proposal, as it fails to comply with the statutory requirements of the Clean Air Act.
"Emissions from large trucks have been proven to be detrimental to human health, particularly for our most vulnerable residents who disproportionately live, work, or attend school near major roadways and other nitrogen oxides pollution sources like railyards, ports and warehouses," Raoul said. "I urge the EPA to withdraw this proposed rule in order to protect human health and our environment."
The transportation sector is the largest source of NOx emissions in the United States, with heavy-duty vehicles being the second-largest contributor within that sector. Exposure to pollutants like NOx is associated with a range of adverse respiratory effects, including asthma, respiratory inflammation, and decreased lung function and growth. Communities of color and low-income communities are most vulnerable to this pollution and the resulting health impacts.
In July 2026, the EPA published its proposed rule, which, if finalized, would revise several emission regulations for heavy-duty vehicles published in 2023 under President Biden. The EPA's proposed rule specifically attempts to roll back key regulations that greatly reduce the emission of NOx from commercial vehicles. For example, the proposed rule would:
* Shorten the emission warranty period for heavy-duty vehicles from 10 years to five years for model year (MY) 2027 and later vehicles, which by the agency's own calculations would result in an additional 36,000 tons of annual NOx emissions.
* Delay the implementation of the 2023 rule's longer regulatory useful life periods from MY 2027 to MY 2030. This change would result in increased NOx emissions by shortening the period when emission standards apply to heavy-duty vehicles.
* Weaken key regulatory inducements that ensure emission control systems are properly maintained and functioning.
Raoul and the coalition explain in the comment letter that the proposed rule, if finalized, would violate the law by undermining separately required emissions standards for heavy-duty vehicles, impairing states and cities' efforts to meet federally mandated air quality standards, and by failing to consider the health consequences of increased pollution from the rule. The coalition urges the EPA to withdraw the proposed rule immediately.
Attorney General Raoul sent this comment letter with the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin as well as the cities of Chicago, Denver, New York and San Francisco.
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Original text here: https://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/news/story/attorney-general-raoul-opposes-epa-proposal-to-weaken-regulation-of-heavy-duty-vehicle-pollution