Governor

Iowa Governor Advocates for Leniency in Federal Child Labor Fines Amid State Law Changes

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DES MOINES, Iowa — Governor Kim Reynolds is challenging fines imposed by the U.S. Department of Labor on several Iowa businesses, which have been cited for violations of federal child labor laws. The governor is advocating for a review or renegotiation of these penalties, suggesting that the fines are overly punitive. This plea from the governor comes after a change in the state’s legislation, which Reynolds signed last year, permitting teens in Iowa to work later hours than previously allowed. The new state laws enable 14 and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school … Read more

Governor Names Experienced Prosecutor as Miami County’s Newest Municipal Court Judge

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Columbus, Ohio — A seasoned prosecutor with extensive experience in trial law has been appointed as the new judge of the Miami County Municipal Court, officials announced Thursday. The appointment made by Governor Mike DeWine fills a critical vacancy, promising to bring a high level of legal acumen and commitment to the bench in southwestern Ohio. The newly appointed judge, Sarah Johnson, steps into her judicial role after dedicating over 20 years to public service as a prosecutor, where she handled felony criminal cases, including homicide and major drug offenses. Her impressive track record in … Read more

Governor Hochul Appoints Veteran City Lawyer to New York Ethics Commission Amid Ongoing Legal Battle

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ALBANY, N.Y. — In a move reflective of ongoing efforts to enforce ethical governance, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has appointed James Caras, a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in public service, as a new member of the state’s ethics oversight body. Caras, a Manhattan resident with 31 years of service in New York City government, has been nominated to join the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, pending confirmation by a review committee of law school deans. Caras is positioned to serve a six-year term on the 11-member commission, which is tasked … Read more

Federal Judge Dismisses West Virginia Inmate Lawsuit Against Governor Over Jail Conditions

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CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A federal judge has recently dismissed a class action lawsuit that challenged the conditions of West Virginia’s corrections system. The lawsuit, initiated last August by several inmates, targeted both Gov. Jim Justice and the head of the state’s Department of Homeland Security, Cabinet Secretary Mark Sorsaia, alleging systemic understaffing, overcrowding, and neglected maintenance across the state’s correctional facilities. On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Irene Berger ruled that the lawsuit misdirected its claims by not naming the responsible state agencies and legislative bodies, namely the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) and … Read more