Citing

Maryland Leads Multi-State Legal Battle Against Federal Layoffs, Citing Unlawful Firings and Economic Strain

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WASHINGTON — Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown is spearheading a legal challenge joined by 19 other states against the Trump administration’s sweeping dismissal of federal probationary workers. The coalition asserts that these layoffs not only violate federal laws but also subsequently burden state resources significantly. Brown announced the formation of this coalition on Thursday evening, highlighting the abrupt terminations as part of a broader effort by the administration to downsize the federal workforce. He maintained that the move infringes on necessary state-federal cooperation and imposes financial strains by escalating unemployment claims and associated administrative … Read more

Federal Judge Halts NIH Plan to Cap Research Funding, Citing Potential Loss of Lives and Scientific Progress

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Boston, MA — A federal judge in Massachusetts has halted the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) controversial plan to slash the reimbursement for indirect costs on grants, which institutions argued could decimate vital scientific research and lead to significant job losses. The cap was set to reduce these reimbursements to only 15 percent of direct research costs, a sharp decline from the current average of 28 percent. These indirect costs, crucial for labs and facilities maintenance, among others, are fundamental to the daily operational needs of research. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Angel … Read more

Federal Judge Halts Trump’s Attempt to Fire MSPB Chair, Citing Presidential Overreach

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WASHINGTON — A federal judge has issued a permanent injunction that halts an attempt by President Donald Trump to dismiss Cathy Harris, the chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). The ruling underscores that the president does not have blanket authority to fire Harris, adhering to legal statutes that protect such positions unless there’s evidence of inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance. This landmark decision by District Judge Rudolph Contreras of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, represents a significant check on the presidential power to remove federal employees. The ruling … Read more

Judge Orders Former Probate Judge to Surrender Car in DUI Case, Citing Public Safety Concerns

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Waterbury, Connecticut – In a rare legal move, former probate judge Peter Mariano, who was found incapacitated in his home, has been ordered to forfeit custody of his vehicle as a condition of his release on a $150,000 bond. This directive, issued by Judge Jane Grossman, came after the prosecutor highlighted Mariano’s continuous threat to public safety due to his persistence in driving despite severe health issues. Prosecutor Maureen Platt of Waterbury State’s Attorney’s office drew a parallel between the relinquishment of Mariano’s car and gun restrictions under protective orders. “Just as firearms are often … Read more