All Law & Courts
First LookUnconstitutional: Arkansas judge blocks ban on gender-affirming careA federal judge on Tuesday struck down an Arkansas ban on gender-affirming care for minors. The judge says the ban – which has been widely criticized by medical groups – violates the U.S. Constitution.
First LookGuilty verdict delivered in deadliest attack against US JewsThe guilty verdict Friday against Robert Bowers, who attacked and killed Jewish worshippers at a synagogue in Pittsburg in 2018, was a foregone conclusion. Jurors must now decide whether he will be sentenced to death or life in prison without parole.
In win for tribal rights, Supreme Court upholds Native adoption lawThursday’s ruling upholds an adoption law that tribes see as critical to their cultural survival after decades of children being stripped from families. Dissenting justices say it puts tribal welfare over the best interests of the child.
First LookShould a power company pay for wildfire damage? Oregon jury says yes.A jury in Oregon found an electric company responsible for the devastating fires during Labor Day weekend in 2020 and ordered it to pay tens of millions of dollars to homeowners. Plaintiffs alleged PacifiCorp failed to shut off power during a windstorm.
First Look'Healing our communities': New York moves reparations forwardNew York lawmakers passed a bill to establish a reparations commission to address the lasting effects of slavery. State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages emphasizes the importance of healing communities. The bill now awaits consideration by the governor.
In major win for voting rights, Supreme Court sides with Black AlabamiansIn one of the biggest rulings of this term so far, the Supreme Court upheld a key section of the Voting Rights Act. The case has important implications for both 2024 elections and democracy overall.
First LookSupreme Court sides with Black voters in Alabama redistricting caseIn a 5-4 ruling the Supreme Court justices affirmed a lower-court decision that Alabama’s redistricting to concentrate Black voters in a single district violated the Voting Rights Act. In a surprise move, two conservatives sided with the court’s liberals.
First LookPacific Northwest states search for gun control solutionsGun control advocates in Washington state are hailing victory after a federal judge rejected a request to block a new state law. The new law bans the sale and manufacture of more than 50 types of guns, including AR- and AK-style rifles.
First LookMoms behind bars: Are separated families punished, too?The number of mothers incarcerated dropped during the pandemic, but as prison regulations return, families are once again being separated. Some programs such as the Reunification Ride hope to strengthen family connections by supporting monthly visits.
First LookTree of Life synagogue massacre trial begins 4 years after attackRobert Bowers went on trial Tuesday in Pittsburgh for an attack that killed 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life synagogue in 2018. He could face the death penalty if he is convicted of some of the 63 counts he faces.
First LookAI in the courtroom: Judges enlist ChatGPT help, critics cite risksAn Indian High Court judge used AI chatbot ChatGPT to summarize case law. The use of AI chatbots in the legal system is growing, with proponents praising their potential to streamline processes while critics warn of biases and false results.
First LookOath Keepers founder sentenced to 18 years for Jan. 6 seditious conspiracyA federal judge's 18-year prison sentence for Oath Keepers founder Stewart Rhodes, is the longest yet among people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
First LookCould the Bad River get worse? Wisconsin Native tribe says yes.A Wisconsin Native American tribe is concerned an Enbridge oil pipeline will cause a massive oil spill due to erosion and proximity to a river. Attorneys are set to argue that the energy company should shut the pipeline down to a federal judge on May 18.
First LookDurham report criticizes FBI role in Trump-Russia probeA four-year investigation into the possible misconduct of the FBI’s probe into ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign has concluded. Prosecutor John Durham’s report has identified major flaws in the FBI’s investigation.
First Look‘Kidfluencers’ are on the rise. But who is cashing in?Illinois is poised to pass groundbreaking legislation that will protect the earnings of child social media stars. A unanimously approved bill would require child influencers to receive a percentage of earnings from online content.
First LookArrested for fraud: George Santos indicted on 13 chargesU.S. Rep. George Santos has been arrested on federal criminal charges. The indictment says the New York Republican induced supporters to donate to a company under the false pretense the money would be used to support his campaign.
First LookJury finds Trump liable for sexual assault in Carroll lawsuitJurors have reached a verdict in E. Jean Carroll’s lawsuit against former President Donald Trump. They found him liable for sexual abuse and awarded Ms. Carroll $5 million, but they rejected her claim of rape.
First LookSupreme Court ethics breach? New gift to Justice Thomas surfaces.Harlan Crow, the same GOP donor who gave luxury gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas, also paid private school tuition for a child Mr. Thomas raised. The latest revelation raises more questions about Supreme Court ethics and disclosure requirements.
First LookWalk or wait: US ruling calls for more audio pedestrian signalsA U.S. federal judge has ruled that Chicago’s lack of audible traffic signals for blind pedestrians violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ruling may inspire other cities as well to improve their roads’ accessibility.
First Look‘We did this’: Proud Boys found guilty in Jan. 6 insurrection trialEnrique Tarrio, former leader of the far-right extremist group Proud Boys, has been charged with seditious conspiracy for his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021, attacks on the U.S. Capitol. Four other members of the group have also been convicted.
