Government & Policy
DOJ leadership, attorney general actions, executive orders, legislation, and public policy directly affecting the legal system
May 2026: Ken Paxton Defeats John Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate Runoff
Ken Paxton won the Texas GOP Senate primary runoff on May 26, 2026, signaling a shift toward Trump influence in Texas politics.
EFF Flags ALPR Use Beyond Policing, Including School Residency Checks
EFF reveals millions of automated license plate reader searches used for school residency verification and background checks, raising privacy concerns nationwide.
Democratic AGs Boycott Vance’s Fraud Roundtable Over Last-Minute Invites
Democratic attorneys general declined Vice President JD Vance’s fraud roundtable due to late invitations, highlighting partisan tensions in enforcement efforts.
Ohio Proposes Draft Regulations to Implement AB 1415 on Healthcare Deals
Ohio’s OHCA proposes draft regulations requiring 90-day notice to regulate private equity, hedge funds, and MSOs in healthcare transactions under AB 1415.
Supreme Court Sides with Trump on Federal Worker Speech Restrictions
On May 26, 2026, the Supreme Court upheld Trump-era speech limits on immigration judges, affecting federal worker speech enforcement.
Virginia Assault Firearm Ban Sparks Immediate Legal Challenges
Virginia has enacted a comprehensive ban on assault firearms and high-capacity magazines, triggering swift legal challenges that test constitutional limits and could reshape gun laws nationwide.
Tulsi Gabbard Steps Down as DNI Amid Personal Crisis
Tulsi Gabbard resigns as U.S. Director of National Intelligence effective June 30, 2026, citing her husband's cancer diagnosis. Aaron Lukas named acting DNI.
Rights Groups Press EU to Put Human Rights First in China Talks
Seven leading rights organizations urge the EU Parliament to prioritize human rights over business in upcoming China engagements, ahead of a key MEP visit.
Federal Judge Blocks Phoenix Cop’s Reinstatement Amid First Amendment Lawsuit
A federal judge denied reinstatement to a fired Phoenix police sergeant suing for alleged First Amendment retaliation, spotlighting tensions between free speech and law enforcement conduct.
Bipartisan Bill Would Bar Secret Federal Subpoenas Without Judge's Order
A bipartisan bill would restrict federal agencies from obtaining phone records without judicial oversight, directly impacting legal and privacy rights following high-profile investigations.
Virginia Governor Vetoes Marijuana Retail Bills, Delaying Market Launch
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger has vetoed bills to establish retail cannabis sales, prolonging uncertainty for legal, compliance, and business stakeholders in the state.
Palantir Challenges Pentagon Over DIA Data Analytics Contract
Palantir has filed a formal protest over a Defense Intelligence Agency contract, raising tensions over commercial access to federal defense tech procurement.
Tennessee man gets $835K after wrongful arrest over Facebook post on Charlie Kirk
Larry Bushart wins $835,000 settlement after being jailed for a Facebook meme about Charlie Kirk, raising new questions about First Amendment rights and law enforcement practices.
Law Professors Face Scrutiny Over Role in Constitutional Crises
Debate grows on whether law professors should intervene or advise during constitutional emergencies, as recent academic events highlight questions on their influence and responsibilities.
Jan. 6 Officers Challenge Legality of Trump’s $1.8B Settlement Fund
Capitol Police and DC officers sue to block Trump’s $1.8B IRS settlement fund, arguing it could compensate convicted Jan. 6 rioters. Case probes presidential power and public fund use.
House Democrats plot 2027 crackdown on AI in political ads
House Democrats pledge major AI ad regulation if they retake Congress in 2027, signaling new compliance burdens and legal oversight for political advertising.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy Loses GOP Primary After Impeachment Vote
U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy loses Louisiana GOP primary after voting to convict Trump in 2021, highlighting legal and political risks for lawmakers defying party lines.
Minnesota Charges ICE Agent with Assault in Minneapolis Shooting
Hennepin County charges ICE agent Christian Castro with assault and false reporting after a Minneapolis shooting, spotlighting law enforcement accountability in immigration operations.
DC Court Blocks ICE Warrantless Immigration Arrests—Again
A DC judge halts ICE's warrantless immigration arrests, reinforcing judicial limits on enforcement tactics and shaping compliance for legal professionals.
Trump Drops $10B IRS Lawsuit; DOJ Unveils $1.776B Compensation Fund
Donald Trump withdraws $10B tax lawsuit as DOJ announces a $1.776B fund for alleged victims of government targeting, drawing legal and political scrutiny.