Hawaii Judge Restores Ocean Protections, Halting Commercial Fishing in Pacific National Monument After Environmentalists’ Challenge

HONOLULU — A federal judge in Hawaii has supported environmental advocates by ordering a halt to commercial fishing in a vast area of the Pacific Ocean, a move that challenges an earlier decision made under the Trump administration to roll back ocean protections. The ruling affects the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a designated area that shelters various marine species such as turtles, seabirds, and marine mammals. Environmental organizations argue that longline fishing, which uses baited hooks on lines stretching up to 60 miles, poses a significant threat to these vulnerable species. In 2017, … Read more

Leavenworth County Judge Upholds Restraining Order Against CoreCivic, Halting Inmate Housing Plans

Leavenworth, Kansas — A judge in Leavenworth County has upheld a temporary restraining order that prohibits CoreCivic from housing inmates at its facility. This decision comes as local officials continue to express safety concerns and push for accountability regarding the private correctional company. The restraining order stems from ongoing investigations into the facility’s operations, raising alarms about conditions within the prison and the treatment of inmates. CoreCivic, which operates numerous correctional institutions nationwide, has been under scrutiny for its practices and management. The court’s ruling will remain in effect while further evaluations are conducted. Local … Read more

Court Upholds Historic Preservation in Derry Rail Trail Lawsuit, Halting Controversial I-93 Expansion Design

CONCORD, N.H. — Efforts to protect the Derry Rail Trail and the historic Manchester & Lawrence Railroad corridor received a major boost on July 1, when a federal judge ruled in favor of local advocacy groups in their lawsuit against the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The dispute stemmed from plans related to the Exit 4A expansion of Interstate 93 in Derry, which posed significant risks to the integrity of the historic district. The litigation, initiated in August 2024, focused on a controversial design alteration approved by the … Read more

Florida Attorney General Takes Stand Against Ruling Halting Controversial Immigration Law

Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody is taking a firm stance against a recent judicial decision that has halted the enforcement of a controversial immigration law in the state. The law, which was enacted this year, aims to crack down on illegal immigration and has sparked significant debate among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Moody’s response comes after a federal judge ruled that key provisions of the law were unconstitutional, raising concerns over the balance of state and federal powers in immigration enforcement. The attorney general has expressed her intentions to appeal the decision, arguing that the … Read more