Citing

Federal Judge Blocks DOJ’s Attempt to Unseal Epstein Case Grand Jury Transcripts, Citing Victim Privacy Concerns

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NEW YORK — A federal judge has blocked the Department of Justice’s attempt to unseal grand jury transcripts linked to the sex trafficking case of the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. U.S. District Judge Richard Berman made the ruling in Manhattan on Wednesday, echoing a previous decision regarding documents from Ghislaine Maxwell’s case that had also been denied. Maxwell, a British socialite and long-time associate of Epstein, is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted for her role in facilitating Epstein’s sexual exploitation of minors and young women. Epstein, who was facing federal charges … Read more

Judge Curbs Immigration Lawsuit Against ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ Citing Detainees’ Legal Access

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Miami — A federal judge has dismissed part of a lawsuit filed by immigrant advocates against a Miami-area detention center known informally as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The suit was challenged on the grounds that many plaintiffs have had access to legal representation, prompting the decision to transfer the case to a different jurisdiction. U.S. District Judge Rodolfo Ruiz, appointed during the Trump administration, made the ruling soon after a Monday hearing in which lawyers for the detainees sought a requirement for increased legal access at the facility. In his overnight ruling, Judge Ruiz noted several changes … Read more

Court Blocks FTC Investigation into Media Matters, Citing First Amendment Protections Amidst Concerns of Government Retaliation

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WASHINGTON — A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s Federal Trade Commission from proceeding with an investigation into Media Matters for America, a liberal watchdog organization known for its scrutiny of media practices. The ruling is significant in light of Media Matters’ recent statements regarding the rise of hate speech on X, formerly known as Twitter, since Elon Musk took control of the platform. U.S. District Court Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan delivered the injunction on Friday, asserting that the FTC’s inquiry, which was allegedly centered around an advertiser boycott related to social media, infringes … Read more

Michigan Leads Legal Challenge Against Federal Energy Department’s New Funding Policy, Citing Risks to State Programs

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LANSING, Mich. — Michigan has joined a coalition of more than a dozen states in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Energy over a recent policy directive regarding federal funding for state energy efficiency programs. The policy, issued in May, aims to modify reimbursement rates for costs associated with these programs, prompting concerns among state officials. Federal support typically helps states cover indirect expenses, including staff salaries and office supplies. Previously, states could negotiate reimbursement rates, allowing for a maximum charge of up to 15% of a project’s total funding. However, the newly … Read more