Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration from Withholding Funds to Sanctuary Cities

San Francisco, California – A federal judge in California issued a ruling on Thursday that prohibits the Trump administration from withholding federal funds from so-called “sanctuary” cities. This decision reasserts the constitutional challenges faced by executive orders aimed at punishing jurisdictions that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Judge William Orrick of San Francisco granted a preliminary injunction against the administration, echoing his similar judgment from 2017. The ruling stemmed from lawsuits filed by San Francisco and over a dozen other cities. These municipalities challenged the legality of several executive orders signed by the Republican … Read more

Judge Questions Trump Administration Over Potential Sanctions on Law Firm

Washington — A federal judge is scrutinizing the U.S. government’s decision to impose sanctions on a prominent New York law firm, raising critical questions about the actions taken under the Trump administration. The law firm, which has been a vocal critic of several government policies, now faces potentially severe financial penalties that could significantly impact its operations. The case has attracted attention due to the legal implications and the broader concerns about the use of government power to exert pressure on entities that challenge its policies. Legal experts argue that the sanctions could set a … Read more

California Judge Temporarily Blocks Stringent Reporting Mandate for Money Services, Citing Privacy Concerns and Business Hardship

San Diego, CA — A California business owner achieved a temporary win in court this week when a federal judge delayed the enforcement of a new financial reporting rule that had dramatically increased her company’s workload and sparked a debate on privacy rights. The rule, introduced by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), required detailed reporting of any transaction over $200, a significant drop from the previous $10,000 threshold. Implemented last week, this requirement was part of a geographic targeting order aimed at combating money laundering and cartel activity primarily along the U.S.-Mexico border. The … Read more

Texas Judge Fights Back on Wedding Ceremony Recusal, Argues for Legal Recognition of Faith-Based Decisions

AUSTIN, Texas — In a notable legal proceeding, Jonathan Mitchell of Mitchell Law LLP presented Judge Dianne Hensley’s case to the Court of Appeals for the Third District of Texas on Thursday. Judge Hensley previously faced censure for choosing not to preside over same-sex marriages, citing her religious beliefs. This hearing follows a June 2024 Texas Supreme Court decision that ruled in her favor, mandating further examination of her objections to the reprimand she received from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. The controversy centers around Judge Hensley’s decision to recuse herself from conducting same-sex … Read more