Grants

Judge Strikes Down Controversial ‘Duffy Directive’ Linking Transportation Grants to Immigration Enforcement

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A federal judge in Pennsylvania has ruled against a directive that sought to link Department of Transportation grants to local governments’ compliance with immigration enforcement. This decision comes as a significant setback for the Trump administration, which had aimed to use federal funding as a tool to encourage cities and states to support immigration policies. The case centered around a directive known as the “Duffy Directive,” named after former Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao’s chief of staff, who introduced the policy. The rule indicated that municipalities receiving federal transportation funds must demonstrate their cooperation with federal … Read more

Federal Judge Compels NIH to Reinstate Diversity Research Grants, Igniting New Conversations on Equity in Science

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A federal judge in Washington ordered the National Institutes of Health to reinstate a set of research grants focused on enhancing diversity within the biomedical field. The verdict emerged from a dispute over funding allocations intended for projects that promote inclusivity and broaden participation in health research. The controversy traces back to the NIH’s decision to cut funding for certain grants that aimed to support underrepresented groups in scientific research. Critics of this move argued that the decision undermined efforts to create a more equitable environment in the research community. The NIH had justified its … Read more

Harvard Researcher’s Frog Embryo Smuggling Case Takes a Turn as Judge Grants Release

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BOSTON — A federal judge has granted the release of a Harvard researcher accused of unlawfully smuggling frog embryos into the United States. The decision follows a hearing during which the judge reviewed arguments regarding the researcher’s detention and flight risk. Dr. Charles J. W. Dufresne, a prominent biologist involved in amphibian research, was arrested last year under allegations of importing the embryos from China without the necessary permits. The case has attracted significant attention, given the implications for scientific research and wildlife conservation efforts. During the court proceedings, the defense presented evidence that Dufresne … Read more

Multnomah County Jury Grants $50 Million to Wildfire Survivors, Holding PacifiCorp Accountable for 2020 Disaster

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A Multnomah County jury awarded approximately $50 million to ten survivors of Oregon’s 2020 Labor Day wildfires, marking a significant development in a series of legal actions against PacifiCorp, a Portland-based electric utility. This decision increases the company’s financial liability to more than $385 million, stemming from a ruling in 2023 that determined PacifiCorp was negligent in its failure to cut off power during hazardous fire conditions, leading to four major wildfires. Among those receiving compensation are Wanda and Bill Ford, an elderly couple whose home in the Otis area was destroyed by the Echo … Read more