District

Unexpected Vacancy: U.S. District Judge Joshua Kindred Steps Down from Alaska Bench

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Anchorage, Alaska – In a sudden yet quiet departure, U.S. District Court Judge Joshua Kindred has resigned from his position in Alaska. His resignation, set to take effect on July 8, was confirmed through a posting on the court’s website though no formal press release was issued. Appointed in 2019 by then-President Donald Trump, Kindred has served the District of Alaska following a career path that bridges both the legal and the oil industries. He earned his law degree from Willamette University College of Law in 2005, after completing his undergraduate studies at the University … Read more

Merced City School District Under Scrutiny as Grand Jury Alleges Misconduct and Violations

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MERCED, Calif. — A new report from the Merced County Grand Jury has cast a critical eye on Merced City School District, spotlighting a range of alleged misdeeds by its Board and administration that include sexual misconduct and multiple violations of the state’s open meeting laws. The scrutiny began following numerous complaints that painted a troubling picture of the internal operations within the district. Issues at the heart of the investigation range from workplace harassment and bullying to overt violations of the Brown Act, which guards against undisclosed meetings by local legislative entities. In a … Read more

President Biden Nominates Peoria Magistrate Judge Jonathan Hawley for U.S. District Court Position

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Peoria, Ill. — U.S. Magistrate Judge Jonathan E. Hawley, currently presiding in Peoria, has been nominated by President Joseph Biden to ascend to the role of a full district judge. This nomination aims to fill the vacancy that will arise as U.S. District Judge James Shadid transitions to senior status, a form of semi-retirement that allows judges to maintain a lighter caseload while remaining active on the bench. The announcement from the White House came early Wednesday, setting the stage for what is expected to be a thorough review of Hawley’s credentials and jurisprudence by … Read more

Former Ohio High School Coaches Sue District Over Alleged ‘Sham’ Settlement in Religious Rights Violation Case

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CANTON, Ohio — Former coaches from Canton McKinley High School have initiated legal proceedings, claiming that the school district and its insurance provider orchestrated a settlement in a case that has drawn public attention for its alleged violation of a student’s religious rights. This legal action unfolds amid continuing controversy following the dismissal of the coaches due to an incident involving the forced consumption of food conflicting with a player’s religious beliefs. In June 2021, the head coach Marcus Wattley, along with six assistants, were terminated after accusations surfaced that they had coerced a player … Read more