Author: Angel Law

How criminalization is being used to silence climate activists across the world

How criminalization is being used to silence climate activists across the world

As wildfires and extreme temperatures rage across the planet, sea temperature records tumble and polar glaciers disappear, the scale and speed of the climate crisis is impossible to ignore. Scientific experts are unanimous that there needs to be an urgent clampdown on fossil fuel production, a major boost in renewable energy and support for communities to rapidly move towards a fairer, healthier and sustainable low-carbon future.

Many governments, however, seem to have different priorities. According to climate experts, senior figures at the UN and grassroots advocates contacted by the Guardian, some political leaders and law enforcement agencies around the world are instead launching a fierce crackdown on people trying to peacefully raise the alarm.

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Where the 2024 presidential candidates stand on crime and criminal justice

Where the 2024 presidential candidates stand on crime and criminal justice

Policing and criminal justice are two of the issues on the campaign trail ahead of the 2024 presidential election.

The Republican and Democratic contenders differ over how they would handle public safety and criminals. Broadly speaking, Republicans want to increase punishments and policing to address crime while Democrats want to reform the system.

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On First Day of New Term, Supreme Court Hears Debate Over First Step Act

On First Day of New Term, Supreme Court Hears Debate Over First Step Act

In its first argument of the new term, the Supreme Court heard a case on Monday that explored a provision of a law aimed at reducing prison sentences for certain nonviolent drug crimes.

The case focused on part of the First Step Act, bipartisan legislation passed in 2018 aimed at rolling back tough sentencing laws that had caused the country’s prison population to balloon.

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South Dakota Most Wanted: Walkaways and Parole Absconders

South Dakota Most Wanted: Walkaways and Parole Absconders

South Dakota’s Department of Corrections maintains a list of their most wanted fugitives. These five individuals are all wanted for leaving work release programs. If you have any information on their whereabouts, please contact your local authorities.

The following list contains pictures and pertinent details regarding their identities and offenses. This information serves as a means to raise awareness and facilitate their swift capture to ensure public safety.

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Why is South Dakota interested in trade, drugs in Mexico?

Why is South Dakota interested in trade, drugs in Mexico?

While South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem said she was inspecting the state’s National Guard troops in Texas this week, a delegation from the state was set to meet in a trade gathering with buyers, agriculture industry leaders and government officials in Mexico.

South Dakota has significant trade relationship with Mexico, and, according to Noem, an adversarial relationship with Mexican drug cartels she has said bring a large amount of drugs into the state.

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Six thousand drug traffickers' sentences hinge on Supreme Court's interpretation of 'and'

Six thousand drug traffickers’ sentences hinge on Supreme Court’s interpretation of ‘and’

It’s hard to imagine a less contentious or more innocent word than “and.”

But how to interpret that simple conjunction has prompted a complicated legal fight that lands in the Supreme Court on Oct. 2, the first day of its new term. What the justices decide could affect thousands of prison sentences each year.

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Iowa defends ‘ag-gag’ laws before federal appeals court

Iowa defends ‘ag-gag’ laws before federal appeals court

In arguments before the Eighth Circuit Wednesday, lawyers for the state of Iowa fought to uphold two state laws designed to protect livestock production facilities from undercover investigations aimed at publicly exposing animal cruelty.

In defending the 2021 statute that makes it a crime to use a camera or electronic surveillance device while trespassing, Deputy Attorney General Leif Olson told the panel of judges that trespassers cannot cloak their illegal actions in the practice of journalism.

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Robert Perry named South Dakota Secretary of Public Safety

Robert Perry named South Dakota Secretary of Public Safety

Governor Kristi Noem has appointed Robert “Bob” Perry as Secretary of the Department of Public Safety. Craig Price, the current secretary, will retire from state government.

Perry’s appointment will be effective on Sept. 22.

“Craig Price has been an outstanding leader and public servant throughout his law enforcement career. His experience, insight, and discernment have been incredibly valuable to me while serving as governor,” said Noem. “We have seen many unprecedented challenges over the past several years here in South Dakota including floods, storms, violent protests, and a worldwide pandemic. Craig was always a steady hand who brought calm to every situation and focused on finding solutions. He has been one of my closest advisors and a dear friend. He has my highest respect. May God richly bless him in his retirement from the State of South Dakota.”
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State lawmakers propose ways to help South Dakota counties

State lawmakers propose ways to help South Dakota counties

A panel of state lawmakers has wrapped up work on ideas that could help ease financial strain on South Dakota counties.

The final list on Wednesday from the Legislature’s Study Committee on County Funding and Services included eight proposals and two resolutions.

The chairs, Republican Rep. Roger Chase and Republican Sen. Randy Deibert, will deliver a report of the work to the Legislature’s Executive Board. If the board approves it, the Legislative Research Council would then assemble drafts for the 2024 session that opens January 8.

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What It Takes To Join the State Police, in Every State

What It Takes To Join the State Police, in Every State

Other than Hawaii, every U.S. state has a state police force. Although there is some variance, state troopers in each state perform basically the same tasks.

State troopers are tasked with enforcing traffic laws on state-controlled roads and highways. They give first aid to victims of vehicle accidents, provide backup support to local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies, and oversee road closures during evacuations, serious  weather conditions, and vehicle crashes. State troopers have arrest powers and carry firearms.

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