Smooth Sailing: Minnesota’s New Boating Permit Law Sees Strong Compliance During Busy Fourth of July Weekend

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has reported a smooth rollout of the state’s new boating permit law during the busy Fourth of July weekend. Effective July 1, the law mandates that anyone aged 21 or younger must possess a boating operator’s permit to operate a vessel in Minnesota. Alternatively, they can navigate only in the presence of someone who holds a valid permit. Joe Albert, the communications coordinator for the DNR, stated that there were no citations issued for permit violations over the holiday weekend. Instead, officers aimed their efforts … Read more

New Law Bolsters Military Spouses’ Businesses: North Dakota Enhances Cottage Foods Act to Permit Interstate Sales

Bismarck, North Dakota — On a recent legislative day, Governor Kelly Armstrong signed a pivotal bill that broadened the scope of North Dakota’s Cottage Foods Act, allowing for a significant expansion of home-based food businesses, including those run by military spouses. The newly revised law, which includes an emergency clause ensuring its immediate enactment, now permits these entrepreneurs to market and ship their products across state lines and via online platforms. Previously, North Dakota counted among the minority of states that restricted interstate commerce for cottage food operations, tying the hands of home-based entrepreneurs who … Read more

Judge Upholds City’s Decision to Deny Permit for Controversial Southeast Side Metal-Shredding Operation

Chicago, IL — A recent judicial ruling has confirmed the City of Chicago’s authority to reject a permit for a controversial metal shredding operation, citing significant potential health risks. This decision counters a prior ruling by an administrative court that had suggested the city did not adhere to its own protocols in denying the permit. The case centers around the intended relocation of the General Iron scrap-metal shredding facility, now operating under the new name Southside Recycling, to the Southeast Side, a predominantly low-income, minority community already burdened with industrial pollution. The move from its … Read more

Highland Park Victims Sue Illinois State Police for Alleged Negligence in Shooter’s Gun Permit Approval

Springfield, IL — A legal dispute arising from a tragic Fourth of July parade shooting in Highland Park, Illinois, last year has put the state’s firearm licensing practices under scrutiny. Survivors and relatives of victims have filed a lawsuit against the Illinois State Police, alleging negligence allowed the accused shooter, Robert Crimo III, to acquire a gun despite clear warning signs. The lawsuit, submitted to the Illinois Court of Claims on June 27, contends that the state police failed to adhere to its protocols when processing Crimo’s firearm owner’s identification (FOID) card application, an oversight … Read more