Racketeering lawsuit by Dakota Access developer dismissed

U.S. News/AP: "A federal judge on Thursday dismissed a $1 billion racketeering lawsuit that the developer of the Dakota Access oil pipeline filed against environmental groups and activists, saying he found no evidence of a coordinated criminal enterprise."

Minn.: Veterans Court provides support, but not a free pass

Mankato Free Press: "Veterans fist-bumped their case manager and mentors as they approached the bench [Feb. 8]. And at times, Judge Mark Betters sounded more like he was talking to a friend than a criminal defendant."

U.S.: Sotomayor on conservative colleague Gorsuch - 'He's such a lovely person'

Washington Times: "Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor said Thursday the high court is a prime example of how people who disagree can actually get along with one another and even have some fun together, saying she has particular respect for her colleague Justice Neil M. Gorsuch."

Job Announcement

A job announcement for a Term Law Clerk with the United States Magistrate Judge in Bismarck has been posted.

Job Announcement

A job announcement for a Contract Administrative Law Judge with the North Dakota Office of Administrative Hearings in Bismarck has been posted.

U.S.: Ginsburg illness casts spotlight on long-term court absences

Associated Press: "Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg has missed a month of Supreme Court arguments as she recovers from lung cancer surgery. But she's not the first justice to be away for a while and her absence hardly compares with those of some of her predecessors."

MN Supreme Court overturns firing of cop who slapped Somali teen

MPR News: "The Minnesota Supreme Court Wednesday ordered the reinstatement of a Richfield police officer, who was fired by the city after slapping a Somali teen during a 2015 incident."

Peter Welte takes questions from Senate Judiciary Committee

G.F. Herald: "Former Grand Forks County State's Attorney and federal judgeship nominee Peter Welte testified Wednesday in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Welte, who was nominated for the post last month by President Donald Trump, was introduced to the committee by Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D."

Trump re-nominates Wrigley to serve as U.S. attorney for North Dakota

Grand Forks Herald: "President Donald Trump has renewed his nomination of Drew Wrigley to again serve as the U.S. attorney for North Dakota."

Dakota Datebook: Lincoln's North Dakota Legacy

Prairie Public Dakota Datebook: "One of President Buchanan's last acts was to sign the Organic Act, which created Dakota territory. Consequently, the territory was just two days old when President Lincoln took office in 1861."