Federal

Iowa’s ‘Ag-Gag’ Laws Upheld by Federal Appeals Court, Free Speech Battle Continues

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DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal appeals court has ruled that Iowa’s “ag-gag” laws, which criminalize undercover investigations at agricultural facilities, do not infringe upon free speech rights. The decision by the court upholds a lower court’s ruling and has sparked debate among animal rights activists and agricultural industry representatives. The laws, enacted in 2012 and 2019, aimed at preventing undercover activists from filming or documenting activities at animal production facilities without permission. The legislation was largely driven by concerns over animal welfare and potential economic harm to the agricultural industry. Critics argue that these … Read more

Federal Judge Orders New North Dakota Legislative District for Native American Tribes, Citing Voting Rights Violation

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BISMARCK, N.D. — A federal judge has ordered a new joint legislative district in North Dakota for two Native American tribes. The tribes argued that the 2021 redistricting map violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting their voting strength. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Peter Welte made the decision to create a new map after ruling in November that the original map prevented Native American voters from having an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. The judge had given North Dakota Republican Secretary of State Michael Howe and the GOP-controlled Legislature until December … Read more

Federal Judge Overseeing Trump’s Election Interference Case Targeted in “Swatting” Attack at Her Home

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WASHINGTON — Authorities responded to a potential “swatting” attack at the home of Tanya Chutkan, the federal judge overseeing former President Donald Trump’s election interference case. Police and fire trucks arrived at Chutkan’s residence after receiving false reports of a shooting. Although Chutkan was home at the time, she was unharmed, and police found no evidence of any crime. The origins of the emergency call remain unknown. “Swatting” involves making a false report to law enforcement in order to draw a response to a specific location. Chutkan is presiding over Special Counsel Jack Smith’s federal … Read more

Federal Jury Awards $148 Million in Damages to Georgia Election Workers Defamed by Rudy Giuliani

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WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal jury has ordered Rudy Giuliani, the former lawyer for ex-President Donald Trump, to pay $148 million in damages to two Georgia election workers accused of fraud. Ruby Freeman and her daughter, Wandrea “Shaye” Moss, testified during the four-day trial about the racist and violent threats they faced as a result of Giuliani’s false claims of election fraud. The damages awarded included defamation, emotional distress, and punitive damages. Freeman expressed her gratitude for the jury’s decision, stating that it holds Giuliani accountable for the harm he caused her and her daughter. … Read more