# CourtNews

> Independent U.S. legal news platform delivering fast, factual reporting on federal and state courts, criminal justice, civil rights, federal investigations, and law & justice. Coverage is written for legal professionals, journalists, and concerned citizens. All content is original reporting — no press-release rewrites.

CourtNews publishes original articles across 7 categories with 89 articles total. New articles are added regularly. This file is dynamically generated and always reflects current content.

Last updated: Fri, 29 May 2026 21:03:06 GMT

## Site

- [Home](https://www.courtnews.org): Latest news across all categories.
- [About Us](https://www.courtnews.org/about-us): Mission, editorial standards, and team.

## Categories

- [Crime](https://www.courtnews.org/crime): Criminal cases, arrests, indictments, federal charges, and verdicts at the federal and state level. (13 articles)
- [Political](https://www.courtnews.org/political): DOJ policy, executive power disputes, congressional oversight, and politically significant legal cases. (13 articles)
- [Courts](https://www.courtnews.org/courts): Federal and state court rulings, Supreme Court decisions, appeals court opinions, and judicial developments. (13 articles)
- [Investigations](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations): Original investigative reporting on fraud, government corruption, federal probes, and institutional misconduct. (13 articles)
- [Civil Rights](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights): Voting rights, immigration enforcement, First Amendment, gender and racial equity, and civil liberties cases. (13 articles)
- [Law and Justice](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice): Legal analysis, landmark rulings, courtroom technology, and broader justice system issues. (12 articles)
- [US News](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news): National news with legal and governmental significance across federal agencies and policy. (12 articles)

## Authors

- [Laura Mitchell](https://www.courtnews.org/authors/laura-mitchell): Crime News Author. Laura Mitchell is a crime reporter based in Chicago, covering violent crime, law enforcement operations, and public safety issues across major U.S. cities.
- [Andrew Collins](https://www.courtnews.org/authors/andrew-collins): Political News Author. Andrew Collins is a Washington, D.C.–based political correspondent reporting on Congress, the White House, elections, and national policy debates.
- [Rebecca Lawson](https://www.courtnews.org/authors/rebecca-lawson): Courts News Author. Rebecca Lawson is a legal affairs journalist covering federal courts, Supreme Court rulings, and landmark constitutional cases.
- [Michael Grant](https://www.courtnews.org/authors/michael-grant): Investigation news Author. Michael Grant is an investigative journalist focusing on corruption, government accountability, corporate misconduct, and data-driven reporting.
- [Emily Parker](https://www.courtnews.org/authors/emily-parker): U.S. News Author. Emily Parker is a national correspondent covering breaking U.S. news, federal agencies, disasters, and major domestic developments.
- [Jasmine Walker](https://www.courtnews.org/authors/jasmine-walker): Civil Rights Author. Jasmine Walker reports on civil rights, social justice movements, voting rights, policing reform, and equality issues across the United States.
- [Thomas Bennett](https://www.courtnews.org/authors/thomas-bennett): Law And justice Author. Thomas Bennett is a senior legal journalist covering criminal justice reform, federal law enforcement, legislation, and national legal policy.

## Recent Articles

- [Federal Court Blocks Alabama Map Over Black Voter Discrimination](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/alabama-map-black-voter-discrimination): A federal three-judge panel rejected Alabama's latest Republican-drawn congressional map Tuesday, finding it deliberately dilutes Black voting power ahead of the 2026 midterms — and ordered the state to keep using a court-drawn map instead.
- [Whistleblower Who Cracked Minnesota Food Fraud Demands Ilhan Omar Testify](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/whistleblower-minnesota-food-fraud-omar-testify): The federal whistleblower who first raised alarms about the Feeding Our Future pandemic fraud scheme is publicly calling for Rep. Ilhan Omar to testify before investigators — days after the scheme's ringleader was sentenced to 41 years in federal prison.
- [Supreme Court Weighs Four Major Trump Executive Power Cases](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/trump-executive-power-supreme-court): Four landmark cases testing the outer limits of presidential authority are awaiting rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court, with decisions expected before the close of the current term that will shape American governance for decades.
- [Supreme Court Keeps Abortion Pill Access by Mail](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/supreme-court-mifepristone-mail-access-louisiana-fda-2026): A divided Supreme Court handed abortion-rights advocates a narrow but significant win Thursday, blocking a lower court order that would have cut off mail and telehealth access to the nation's most widely used abortion drug.
- [Kemp Orders Georgia Capitol Session to Redraw Electoral Maps After Supreme Court Gerrymandering Ruling](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/georgia-redraw-electoral-maps-gerrymandering): Gov. Brian Kemp signed a proclamation Wednesday ordering Georgia lawmakers into a rare special session on June 17, directing them to redraw the state's congressional and legislative district maps in compliance with a landmark Supreme Court ruling — and to resolve a looming ballot tabulation crisis before the fall election.
- [DC Police Crime Data Scandal: 13 High-Ranking Officials Face Firing After Internal Probe](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/dc-police-crime-data-scandal-firing-probe): Thirteen DC Metropolitan Police Department officials were served with termination notices after an internal affairs investigation found that crime data was manipulated to make violent crime rates appear lower than they were.
- [James Comey Indicted Over Seashell Post Targeting Trump](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/james-comey-indicted-seashell-post-trump): A federal grand jury in North Carolina charged James Comey with threatening President Trump after he posted a beach photo showing seashells spelling out '86 47' on Instagram last May.
- [Supreme Court Expedites Louisiana Redistricting Ruling Before 2026 Midterms](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/supreme-court-louisiana-redistricting-midterms): In a rare procedural move, the Supreme Court on May 4 issued its judgment immediately in a major Louisiana redistricting case, bypassing the standard 32-day waiting period and handing Republican lawmakers the legal cover to redraw congressional maps ahead of the midterms.
- [Federal Appeals Court Refuses to Rehear Trump's Appeal in E. Jean Carroll $83M Defamation Case](https://www.courtnews.org/political/appeals-court-denies-trump-rehearing-e-jean-carroll-83-million): The Second Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12 to 3 on April 29, 2026 to reject Donald Trump's request for a full-court rehearing of the $83.3 million defamation judgment won by E. Jean Carroll, pushing the legal battle closer to a final showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court.
- [State Department to Put Trump's Portrait Inside U.S. Passports for 250th Anniversary](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/state-department-trump-passport-portrait): The announcement adds the president's likeness to one of the most consequential federal identity documents carried by Americans abroad, raising questions from legal experts that have not surfaced in coverage elsewhere.

## Full Article Index

### Crime

- [Former Olympic Snowboarder on FBI Most-Wanted List Arrested in Mexico, Faces Drug and Murder Charges](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/former-olympic-snowboarder-ryan-wedding-arrested-fbi): Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder turned alleged drug kingpin, has been captured in Mexico after years on the run and is now facing serious federal charges in the U.S.
- [$1M Whistleblower Reward in DOJ Antitrust Case](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/doj-antitrust-first-1m-whistleblower-reward-eblock): The Antitrust Division of the U.S. Justice Department has given its first-ever whistleblower reward: $1 million to an insider who gave them a tip that led to a $3.28 million criminal fine for EBLOCK Corporation for rigging bids and committing fraud.
- [Judge to Decide Friday: Death Penalty for Luigi Mangione in UnitedHealthcare CEO Murder Case](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/luigi-mangione-death-penalty-ruling-judge-decision): On Friday, a federal judge will decide if the death penalty is still an option for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing Brian Thompson, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in Manhattan.
- [Wisconsin Man Convicted of Forging Trump Threats to Deport Robbery Victim](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/wisconsin-man-guilty-forged-trump-threat-deport-victim): A Milwaukee jury found Demetric Scott guilty of forging death threats against President Trump to frame robbery victim Ramon Morales Reyes for deportation, resulting in his wrongful ICE detention.
- [Two Kansas Indicted for Threatening Federal Officials in Separate Cases](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/two-kansans-indicted-threatening-federal-officials): A federal grand jury in Wichita charged two Kansas men with making threats of violence against federal officials, including a Congresswoman and ICE agents, in unrelated incidents.
- [742 Arrested in Major Louisiana Gang and Drug Crackdown](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/louisiana-742-arrested-gang-drug-crackdown-operation): Federal, state, and local law enforcement joined forces in a four-month operation across Louisiana, resulting in 742 arrests, the seizure of 176 guns, large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics, and over $250,000 in cash.
- [Two Christian County Deputies Killed, Two Wounded in Traffic Stop Turned Deadly Manhunt](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/two-missouri-deputies-killed-deadly-traffic-stop-manhunt): A traffic stop near Highlandville escalated into tragedy as suspect Richard Dean Bird killed Deputy Gabriel Ramirez, then fatally shot Deputy Michael Hislope during a manhunt before being killed.
- [Pakistani IRGC Operative Convicted of Plotting to Assassinate Trump, Biden, and Haley on U.S. Soil](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/pakistani-irgc-spy-plotting-assassinate-trump): A federal jury in Brooklyn found Pakistani national Asif Merchant guilty of murder for hire after he was caught recruiting what he believed were contract killers to eliminate three prominent U.S. political figures at the direction of Iran's Revolutionary Guard.
- [18th Street Gang Bosses Arrested on Murder, RICO, and Drug Charges After Feds Dismantle MacArthur Park's Open-Air Drug Empire](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/18th-street-gang-macarthur-park-drug-bust-los-angeles): A sweeping federal crackdown led to the arrest of twelve members and associates of 18th Street, Los Angeles's largest street gang, on charges that include murder, racketeering, extortion, and the fentanyl and methamphetamine trade that federal prosecutors say turned MacArthur Park into one of the most dangerous open-air drug markets in the city.
- [DOJ Admits Error in Courthouse Immigrant Arrests](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/doj-admits-error-immigrant-arrests): Federal prosecutors acknowledged in a March 2026 court filing that the legal guidance they had cited repeatedly to justify arresting immigrants at immigration court hearings never actually applied to those settings — withdrawing portions of four court briefs and correcting statements made at oral argument, while a federal judge ordered the government to preserve all relevant records.
- [Afghanistan Veteran Refuses Guilty Plea in Federal Conspiracy Case Over ICE Protest as Trial Nears](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/bajun-mavalwalla-veteran-ice-protest-conspiracy-trial-spokane): A former U.S. Army sergeant who survived a roadside bomb in Afghanistan has pleaded not guilty to federal conspiracy charges stemming from a June 2025 anti-ICE demonstration in Spokane, Washington — with his trial set for May 18, 2026, and the acting U.S. attorney who declined to sign the indictment having resigned rather than proceed with the case.
- [DOJ Indicts SPLC for Fraud Over Secret Hate Payments](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/splc-doj-fraud-hate-group-payments): The Southern Poverty Law Center, long regarded as America's foremost tracker of extremist groups, now faces federal fraud charges after prosecutors say it covertly paid KKK leaders, neo-Nazis, and white supremacists millions in donor money.
- [James Comey Indicted Over Seashell Post Targeting Trump](https://www.courtnews.org/crime/james-comey-indicted-seashell-post-trump): A federal grand jury in North Carolina charged James Comey with threatening President Trump after he posted a beach photo showing seashells spelling out '86 47' on Instagram last May.

### Political

- [Shutdown Looms as ICE Shootings Spark Fierce Partisan Battle Over DHS Funding](https://www.courtnews.org/political/shutdown-looms-ice-shootings-partisan-fight-dhs-funding): Democrats and Republicans are dug in over DHS funding after deadly shootings of U.S. citizens by federal agents in Minneapolis, pushing the government dangerously close to a partial shutdown.
- [Trump Nominates Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair Amid Widespread Acclaim](https://www.courtnews.org/political/trump-nominates-kevin-warsh-fed-chair): President Donald Trump nominates former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as Chairman of the Federal Reserve, earning strong support from lawmakers, bankers, and economists.
- [DOJ Releases Massive Trove of Epstein Files: Millions of Pages, Photos and Videos](https://www.courtnews.org/political/doj-massive-epstein-files-release-2026): The Justice Department has released millions of pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents, including photos, emails, court records and more, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
- [FBI Searches Atlanta-Area Election Office, Takes 2020 Ballots and Records](https://www.courtnews.org/political/fbi-searches-fulton-county-election-office-2020-records): Federal agents executed a search warrant at Fulton County’s main election facility near Atlanta, removing 2020 ballots, tabulator tapes, and voter records in an ongoing investigation.
- [Funding Lapse Triggers Partial Shutdown, House Votes Monday](https://www.courtnews.org/political/partial-government-shutdown-continues-house-returns-monday): Funding lapsed at midnight Saturday after Senate approval of a bipartisan package, but the House must still vote Monday amid Democratic push for immigration enforcement reforms.
- [Cuba Denies US Claims of Security Threat as Washington Tightens Oil Squeeze](https://www.courtnews.org/political/cuba-denies-us-security-threat-claims-oil-pressure): As Washington works to cut off oil supplies after Maduro's resignation, Cuba says it doesn't pose a threat to US security and calls for talks.
- [Senate Republicans Push for House GOP Rebellion Against Funding Package, Voter ID Legislation](https://www.courtnews.org/political/senate-republicans-push-house-rebellion-funding-package-voter-id): Sens. Rick Scott and Mike Lee call on House Republicans to reject the Senate-passed funding deal unless it adds DHS funding and the SAVE Act for voter ID requirements.
- [Trump Attorney Urged Intel Contractor to Hunt 2020 Fraud Evidence](https://www.courtnews.org/political/trump-lawyer-urged-intel-contractor-fraud-evidence): A lawyer linked to President Trump’s 2020 election challenges repeatedly asked an intelligence contractor to look for proof of voter fraud, according to people familiar with the discussions.
- [Judge Aileen Cannon Permanently Blocks Release of Jack Smith’s Classified Documents Report](https://www.courtnews.org/political/judge-cannon-permanently-blocks-jack-smith-trump-classified-docs-report): In case 9:23-cr-80101-AMC, U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon has permanently barred the public release of former Special Counsel Jack Smith’s Volume II report on President Trump’s handling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.
- [DOJ's New Department-Wide Corporate Enforcement Policy Brings Uniform Voluntary Disclosure Rules to Federal Criminal Cases](https://www.courtnews.org/political/doj-unified-corporate-enforcement-voluntary-disclosure-policy-2026): The Justice Department has issued a sweeping new Corporate Enforcement Policy that replaces a patchwork of overlapping division-specific frameworks with a single standard for how companies earn cooperation credit and voluntary disclosure benefits across federal criminal enforcement.
- [Pam Bondi Subpoenaed by Congress Over DOJ Handling of Jeffrey Epstein Files](https://www.courtnews.org/political/pam-bondi-subpoena-epstein-files-congress-investigation): Attorney General Pam Bondi has been subpoenaed by Congress to testify on the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein files, raising concerns over transparency and possible mismanagement.
- [DOJ Inspector General Launches Audit Into Epstein Files Release After Bipartisan Backlash](https://www.courtnews.org/political/doj-inspector-general-audit-epstein-files-transparency-act): The Justice Department's internal watchdog has opened a formal audit examining how the agency handled millions of pages of Epstein investigation records — scrutinizing redactions, missed deadlines, and the accidental exposure of alleged victims' identities.
- [Federal Appeals Court Refuses to Rehear Trump's Appeal in E. Jean Carroll $83M Defamation Case](https://www.courtnews.org/political/appeals-court-denies-trump-rehearing-e-jean-carroll-83-million): The Second Circuit Court of Appeals voted 12 to 3 on April 29, 2026 to reject Donald Trump's request for a full-court rehearing of the $83.3 million defamation judgment won by E. Jean Carroll, pushing the legal battle closer to a final showdown at the U.S. Supreme Court.

### Courts

- [US Appeals Court: Noem’s Decision to End Protections for Venezuelans Was Illegal](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/appeals-court-noem-tps-venezuela-haiti-illegal): A federal appeals court has ruled that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem overstepped her authority by terminating Temporary Protected Status for Venezuelans, with implications for Haitians facing similar cuts.
- [Appeals Court Dismisses Misconduct Complaint Against Judge in El Salvador Deportation Case](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/appeals-court-dismisses-doj-misconduct-judge-boasberg-deportation): Federal appeals court rejects Justice Department misconduct complaint against U.S. District Judge James Boasberg over comments tied to blocked Trump-era deportation flights to El Salvador.
- [Federal Judge Won't Halt DHS Immigration Enforcement Surge in Minnesota During Lawsuit](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/judge-denies-injunction-immigration-surge-minnesota-operation-metro): A federal judge in Minneapolis has refused to stop the ongoing federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota and the Twin Cities, despite a lawsuit claiming it violates the Constitution and harms communities.
- [Federal Judge Stops Trump Administration from Ending TPS for 350,000 Haitians](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/judge-blocks-trump-administration-haitian-tps-termination): A U.S. district judge in Washington, D.C. issued a temporary stay preventing Homeland Security from ending Temporary Protected Status for approximately 350,000 Haitians, preserving their legal right to live and work in the U.S.
- [Federal Appeals Court: Christian Teacher Must Use Preferred Pronouns for Transgender Students](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/appeals-court-teacher-must-use-trans-pronouns-maryland): The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that a Maryland school district’s policy requiring teachers to use transgender students’ preferred names and pronouns does not violate a Christian substitute teacher’s free speech or religious rights.
- [Tech Giants Lose Latest Fight Over USPTO Patent Review Rule](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/tech-giants-lose-latest-fight-uspto-patent-rule): The Federal Circuit has once again backed the U.S. Patent Office, turning down a fresh appeal by Apple, Google, Intel, Cisco and others against a policy that makes inter partes review harder to obtain.
- [Supreme Court Rolls Out Software to Help Flag Conflicts](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/supreme-court-software-helps-spot-conflicts-of-interest): The U.S. Supreme Court announced Tuesday it is now using new in-house software to assist justices in screening cases for potential conflicts of interest, supplementing existing self-review procedures.
- [Supreme Court: Trump Had No Legal Basis to Impose IEEPA Tariffs](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/supreme-court-ieepa-tariffs-unconstitutional-ruling-2026): A divided Supreme Court shut down one of Trump's most aggressive trade tools, ruling that a Cold War-era emergency law never gave any president the right to slap tariffs on imports — and demanding billions in contested duties be challenged through a separate court.
- [Trump Claims He Has 'Absolute Right' to Impose New Tariffs After Supreme Court Blow to His Trade Agenda](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/trump-absolute-right-tariffs-supreme-court-ruling-trade-duties-illegal): President Trump fired back at the Supreme Court in a late-night social media broadside after justices ruled his sweeping global tariffs were unlawful, vowing to push a new round of import duties and calling the court inept, embarrassing, and a threat to the country.
- [Alaska Man Faces Court After Sending Hundreds of Threats to Six Supreme Court Justices Over Their Rulings](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/alaska-man-guilty-plea-threatening-supreme-court-justices-messages): A 77-year-old Anchorage man has agreed to plead guilty to threatening to kill six sitting Supreme Court justices in more than 500 messages sent through the court's official website, in a case that highlights growing concern over the safety of federal judges across the United States.
- [9th Circuit Court Strikes Down California Law Requiring Federal Immigration Agents to Display ID](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/9th-circuit-blocks-california-ice-agent-identification-law): A unanimous three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked California's requirement that federal immigration officers wear visible identification while on duty, ruling the state law unconstitutionally overreaches into federal authority.
- [Supreme Court Expedites Louisiana Redistricting Ruling Before 2026 Midterms](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/supreme-court-louisiana-redistricting-midterms): In a rare procedural move, the Supreme Court on May 4 issued its judgment immediately in a major Louisiana redistricting case, bypassing the standard 32-day waiting period and handing Republican lawmakers the legal cover to redraw congressional maps ahead of the midterms.
- [Supreme Court Weighs Four Major Trump Executive Power Cases](https://www.courtnews.org/courts/trump-executive-power-supreme-court): Four landmark cases testing the outer limits of presidential authority are awaiting rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court, with decisions expected before the close of the current term that will shape American governance for decades.

### Investigations

- [Pentagon Contractor Indicted in Leak Case Tied to Search of Washington Post Reporter’s Home](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/pentagon-contractor-indicted-leak-washington-post-reporter): Aurelio Luis Perez-Lugones has been indicted on charges of unlawfully transmitting and retaining classified national defense information shared with a journalist, sparking controversy over an FBI raid on a reporter's residence.
- [Federal Judge Again Blocks ICE from Requiring 7-Day Notice for Congressional Oversight Visits](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/judge-blocks-ice-7-day-notice-congress-oversight-visits-again): U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb has once again halted a DHS policy that forced members of Congress to give seven days’ advance notice before conducting surprise inspections at ICE detention centers.
- [Wave Digital Assets Requests DOJ Inspector General Investigation Into US Marshals Service Cryptocurrency Management](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/wave-digital-requests-doj-investigation-usms-cryptocurrency): Wave Digital Assets has formally asked the DOJ Office of the Inspector General to investigate the US Marshals Service's handling of seized cryptocurrency, pointing to repeated procurement failures, unresolved audits, and serious transparency problems.
- [Tulsi Gabbard Accused of Trying to Keep Whistleblower Complaint from Congress](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/tulsi-gabbard-accused-hiding-whistleblower-complaint): A U.S. intelligence official claims DNI Tulsi Gabbard illegally delayed sharing a whistleblower complaint with Congress for nearly eight months, according to the official's attorney.
- [Trump's War on Global Justice: UN Expert and ICC Officials Hit with Sanctions](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/trumps-war-global-justice-sanctions-icc-un-albanese): The Trump administration imposed harsh sanctions—typically used against terrorists—on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese and key ICC figures over their work on Gaza and related investigations.
- [New Mexico Forms Truth Commission to Investigate Epstein’s Desert Ranch](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/new-mexico-truth-commission-epstein-zorro-ranch-probe): A bipartisan panel of New Mexico state representatives has launched an official inquiry into activities at Jeffrey Epstein’s secluded Zorro Ranch and whether local authorities ignored red flags.
- [NSA Section 702 Violations Revealed in Declassified Report](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/nsa-section-702-violations): A classified federal watchdog report, finally made public after a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, reveals that the National Security Agency continued to conduct unauthorized electronic searches of Americans' private data years after pledging to end such abuses — reigniting the battle over Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act ahead of its April 20, 2026 sunset.
- [Former FBI Director Comey Subpoenaed in Expanding DOJ Probe](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/james-comey-subpoenaed-doj-investigation-2016-election-probe): Federal prosecutors in Miami have subpoenaed former FBI Director James Comey as part of a widening Justice Department investigation into officials involved in the 2016 Russia inquiry, according to CBS News and Axios. The federal grand jury subpoena is the latest in a probe that has generated more than 130 subpoenas targeting former intelligence and law enforcement officials.
- [China Launches Trade Probes as U.S. Tariff Dispute Escalates](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/china-trade-probes-tariff-dispute): Beijing's Ministry of Commerce launched two formal trade barrier investigations into United States commercial practices on March 27, 2026, in direct retaliation for a pair of Section 301 probes initiated by the Trump administration earlier that month. The Chinese inquiries — covering U.S. restrictions on Chinese goods, advanced technology exports, and green energy trade — are expected to conclude within six months, with findings that could serve as leverage in the escalating tariff confrontation between the world's two largest economies.
- [FBI Criminal Investigation of John Brennan Over Russia Intelligence Report](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/fbi-criminal-probe-brennan-russia): Federal investigators are preparing to question approximately six former intelligence officials as part of a long-running criminal probe into ex-CIA Director John Brennan, focusing on his congressional testimony about the origins of the 2017 intelligence report that concluded Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election to benefit Donald Trump. The investigation, run out of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Miami, marks one of the most significant prosecutorial efforts by the Trump administration to revisit the foundational events of what the president has long condemned as a politically motivated witch hunt.
- [NYT Says FBI Investigated Reporter Who Covered Kash Patel's Girlfriend Story](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/fbi-investigated-nyt-reporter-kash-patel-girlfriend-story): The Federal Bureau of Investigation opened an inquiry into a New York Times journalist following her reporting on how FBI Director Kash Patel allegedly deployed federal agents to provide full-time protection and transportation services for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. The Times reported the probe began in March 2026, prompting sharp condemnation from press freedom advocates and the newspaper's top editor, who called the investigation an unconstitutional attempt to silence the press.
- [DC Police Crime Data Scandal: 13 High-Ranking Officials Face Firing After Internal Probe](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/dc-police-crime-data-scandal-firing-probe): Thirteen DC Metropolitan Police Department officials were served with termination notices after an internal affairs investigation found that crime data was manipulated to make violent crime rates appear lower than they were.
- [Whistleblower Who Cracked Minnesota Food Fraud Demands Ilhan Omar Testify](https://www.courtnews.org/investigations/whistleblower-minnesota-food-fraud-omar-testify): The federal whistleblower who first raised alarms about the Feeding Our Future pandemic fraud scheme is publicly calling for Rep. Ilhan Omar to testify before investigators — days after the scheme's ringleader was sentenced to 41 years in federal prison.

### Civil Rights

- [Federal Judge Dismisses Justice Department Lawsuit Seeking Oregon’s Voter Rolls](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/federal-judge-dismisses-doj-oregon-voter-rolls-lawsuit): In another setback to the Trump administration's push for state voter data, a federal judge in Oregon dismissed the DOJ's suit, ruling the government lacked proper authority and basis for the request.
- [Federal Judge Weighs Limits on Agents' Use of Force After Portland ICE Protests](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/judge-weighs-limits-federal-force-portland-ice-protests): A U.S. district judge is reviewing whether to restrict federal officers' use of force at a Portland ICE facility following tear gas use on demonstrators, including families and children.
- [New York Deploys Purple-Vested Legal Observers to Monitor Trump Deportation Efforts](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/new-york-legal-observers-monitor-trump-deportations): New York is deploying trained volunteer legal observers to document federal immigration enforcement operations and ensure they comply with the law during the Trump administration's deportation push.
- [Don Lemon Faces Federal Civil Rights Charges After Covering Anti-ICE Church Protest](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/don-lemon-charged-federal-civil-rights-church-protest): Former CNN journalist Don Lemon was arrested and charged with federal civil rights violations for his coverage of a protest that interrupted a Minnesota church service during an anti-ICE demonstration.
- [The Long American Tradition of Criminalizing Protest and Dissent](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/history-criminalizing-protest-dissent-america-trump-era): Labeling protesters 'domestic terrorists' is not new — the Trump administration’s tactic against anti-ICE demonstrators echoes a deep historical pattern of suppressing dissent in the United States.
- [HRW Report: Trump Policies Fuel Worldwide Democratic Decline](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/hrw-report-trump-era-global-democratic-recession-2025): Human Rights Watch warns that 2025 marked a dangerous turning point for global rights, with the Trump administration accelerating authoritarian trends and putting the international rules-based system in serious jeopardy.
- [Denver Mayor Orders Police to Guard Protesters and Blocks ICE Access](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/denver-mayor-protects-protesters-bans-ice-city-property-2026): Mayor Mike Johnston issued an executive order Thursday directing Denver police to safeguard peaceful demonstrators against federal immigration enforcement while prohibiting ICE from using any city-owned facilities.
- [ICE Agents Filmed Restraining Woman at SFO Airport as Child Cries](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/ice-agents-filmed-restraining-woman-san-francisco-airport-child-cries): Plainclothes federal immigration agents sparked outrage at San Francisco International Airport late Sunday after video footage posted on social media showed them forcibly restraining a weeping woman while her young daughter stood nearby in tears. California state Sen. Scott Wiener called the scene an act of terrorizing and demanded that ICE withdraw from the state.
- [ICE Attorneys Relied on False Memo to Detain Thousands](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/ice-lawyers-false-memo-detain-thousands-immigration-courts): Newly filed court documents reveal that attorneys representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement acknowledged a key internal memo they cited for months to justify mass arrests outside immigration courts never actually authorized those detentions — a disclosure that could reshape one of the most consequential civil rights battles currently before the federal judiciary.
- [Federal Judge Rejects Justice Department Bid for Rhode Island Voter Data](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/judge-blocks-doj-rhode-island-voter-data-2026): A federal judge has thrown out the Trump administration's attempt to compel Rhode Island to hand over private data on nearly 750,000 registered voters, dealing the Justice Department another legal blow in its nationwide campaign to obtain sensitive voter records from states.
- [Alaska Sued Over Sharing Voter Data With DOJ](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/alaska-sued-sharing-voter-data-doj): The League of Women Voters of Alaska and the Alaska Black Caucus filed suit against state election officials Wednesday, alleging the transfer of unredacted voter records to the DOJ violates Alaska's constitution.
- [Kemp Orders Georgia Capitol Session to Redraw Electoral Maps After Supreme Court Gerrymandering Ruling](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/georgia-redraw-electoral-maps-gerrymandering): Gov. Brian Kemp signed a proclamation Wednesday ordering Georgia lawmakers into a rare special session on June 17, directing them to redraw the state's congressional and legislative district maps in compliance with a landmark Supreme Court ruling — and to resolve a looming ballot tabulation crisis before the fall election.
- [Federal Court Blocks Alabama Map Over Black Voter Discrimination](https://www.courtnews.org/civil-rights/alabama-map-black-voter-discrimination): A federal three-judge panel rejected Alabama's latest Republican-drawn congressional map Tuesday, finding it deliberately dilutes Black voting power ahead of the 2026 midterms — and ordered the state to keep using a court-drawn map instead.

### Law and Justice

- [Supreme Court Greenlights New California Map Favoring Democrats](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/supreme-court-approves-california-democratic-favoring-map): The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed California to use its new congressional map — which benefits Democrats — for upcoming elections, turning down a last-minute challenge from Republicans and the Trump administration.
- [Appeals Court: Trump Administration Unlawfully Ended Protections for Venezuelans](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/court-rules-trump-illegally-ended-venezuelan-tps): A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration illegally ended Temporary Protected Status for roughly 600,000 Venezuelans, though a Supreme Court stay keeps the termination in effect for now.
- [Paul Weiss Chairman Brad Karp Resigns After Epstein Emails Surface](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/paul-weiss-chair-brad-karp-resigns-epstein-emails): Longtime Paul Weiss leader Brad Karp has stepped down after emails showed his extensive contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, including dinners and efforts to secure his son a film job.
- [New START Treaty Expires Today, Ending Decades of US-Russia Nuclear Limits](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/new-start-treaty-expires-us-russia-nuclear-arms-control-ends): The final remaining nuclear arms control agreement between Washington and Moscow expires Thursday, removing binding limits on strategic warheads and opening the door to renewed nuclear competition.
- [Epstein Survivors: Bondi Wouldn't Face Us in Hearing](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/epstein-survivors-bondi-refused-face-hearing): Jeffrey Epstein survivors accused Attorney General Pam Bondi of refusing to turn and look at them during a tense congressional hearing, describing the moment as humiliating and re-victimizing.
- [Utah Supreme Court Turns Down Legislature's Redistricting Challenge](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/utah-supreme-court-dismisses-redistricting-challenge): In a procedural dismissal, the Utah Supreme Court has declined to hear the Legislature's appeal against a lower court's decision, leaving the court-imposed congressional map in effect for the next election cycle.
- [Supreme Court Freezes California Transgender Student Privacy Policies in Win for Christian Parents](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/supreme-court-blocks-california-trans-student-privacy): A divided Supreme Court put California’s school policies protecting transgender students’ gender identity from parents on hold, handing Christian families and teachers a significant win in a fight over parental rights and religious freedom.
- [Federal Judges Break Silence as Death Threats, Hateful Emails, and Intimidating Tactics Surge Across the Country](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/federal-judges-sound-alarm-death-threats-surge-country): Five federal judges from across the country — appointed under both Democratic and Republican administrations — publicly denounced a wave of threats targeting members of the judiciary, describing death wishes, messages attacking their identity, and unsolicited pizza deliveries sent to their private homes as a warning that bad actors know where they live.
- [Supreme Court Opens Door for Dismissal of Steve Bannon Contempt Case](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/supreme-court-clears-path-to-dismiss-bannon-contempt-case): The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday vacated an appeals court decision that had upheld Steve Bannon’s conviction for defying a congressional subpoena, paving the way for the Justice Department to drop the case.
- [US Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Massachusetts School Gender Identity Policy Challenge](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/supreme-court-rejects-massachusetts-school-gender-identity-challenge): The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned away an appeal from Massachusetts parents who argued that a public school district violated their constitutional rights by supporting their child's gender identity without notifying them.
- [US Judges Split as AI Creeps Into Courtrooms](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/judges-split-ai-creeps-courtrooms): As artificial intelligence infiltrates American courtrooms, judges are drawing battle lines — some banning it outright, others racing to build guardrails before the technology outpaces the law.
- [Supreme Court Keeps Abortion Pill Access by Mail](https://www.courtnews.org/law-and-justice/supreme-court-mifepristone-mail-access-louisiana-fda-2026): A divided Supreme Court handed abortion-rights advocates a narrow but significant win Thursday, blocking a lower court order that would have cut off mail and telehealth access to the nation's most widely used abortion drug.

### US News

- [New Jersey Democrats Choose From Large Field in Special Primary for Sherrill’s House Seat](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/new-jersey-democrats-crowded-special-primary-sherrill-seat): Democratic voters in New Jersey head to the polls Thursday to select their nominee from a crowded field to fill the U.S. House seat left open by Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
- [Pentagon Threatens to End Partnership With Scouting America Over 'Core Values'](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/pentagon-threatens-cut-ties-scouting-america-core-values): The Defense Department says it may sever ties with Scouting America unless the youth organization reverts to traditional values and abandons its inclusivity changes.
- [Pope Leo and Archbishop Coakley Call for Renewal of Last US-Russia Nuclear Treaty](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/pope-leo-archbishop-coakley-urge-new-start-renewal): With New START set to expire, Pope Leo XIV and Archbishop Paul Coakley urge policymakers to renew the treaty, warning that failure to do so risks a dangerous new nuclear arms race.
- [Chinese Activist Guan Heng Released from Detention After Winning Asylum](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/guan-heng-chinese-whistleblower-xinjiang-asylum-released): After more than five months in custody, Guan Heng — who documented abuses in Xinjiang — has been freed following a successful asylum claim based on fear of persecution in China.
- [Epstein Files Release Marred by Missed Redactions, Exposed Victim Information](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/epstein-files-unredacted-nudes-victim-names-doj-redaction-fail): The Justice Department’s long-awaited Epstein document dump has revealed serious privacy breaches, including unredacted nude images, victims’ names, faces and personal data.
- [Savannah Guthrie Makes Emotional Plea for Missing Mother](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/savannah-guthrie-mother-nancy-missing-abducted-arizona-plea): Today show host Savannah Guthrie and her family make an emotional public appeal for the safe return of their 84-year-old mother Nancy, believed abducted from her Tucson-area home.
- [Homeland Security Shutdown Seems Certain as Funding Talks Stall](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/dhs-shutdown-certain-white-house-democrats-funding-talks-stall): A Department of Homeland Security shutdown appeared likely Thursday as talks between the White House and Democrats stalled over demands for new ICE restrictions. Lawmakers left Washington for a 10-day break with no resolution.
- [Federal Judge to Weigh Pentagon Rules That Restrict What Journalists Can Report](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/pentagon-press-access-rules-federal-court-first-amendment): A Washington federal court is set to hear arguments over a Defense Department policy that requires credentialed journalists to report only government-approved information — a restriction that major U.S. media organizations say violates the First Amendment and undermines independent coverage of the military.
- [DHS Weighs Withdrawing Customs Officers From Airports in Sanctuary Cities](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/dhs-halt-airport-customs-sanctuary-cities): The Department of Homeland Security is considering a plan to pull customs processing from major international airports in cities that have declined to coordinate with federal immigration enforcement — a move that could disrupt air travel, commerce, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
- [Former Army Employee with Top Secret Clearance Arrested for Leaking Classified Information](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/army-contractor-top-secret-clearance-leak): A former Army contractor who held Top Secret clearance has been arrested and indicted after authorities say she repeatedly shared classified national defense information with a journalist and on social media.
- [Federal Judge in Boston Blocks Trump Policies That Halted Wind and Solar Energy Permitting](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/judge-blocks-trump-wind-solar-permitting-policies): A federal court dealt the Trump administration a significant legal setback Tuesday, blocking Interior Department policies that renewable energy advocates say created unlawful bureaucratic barriers to wind and solar development nationwide.
- [State Department to Put Trump's Portrait Inside U.S. Passports for 250th Anniversary](https://www.courtnews.org/us-news/state-department-trump-passport-portrait): The announcement adds the president's likeness to one of the most consequential federal identity documents carried by Americans abroad, raising questions from legal experts that have not surfaced in coverage elsewhere.

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