Newport City Council Settles ACLU Lawsuit Over Controversial Trespass Order, Upholding Public Access Rights

NEWPORT, Vt. — The Newport City Council has reached a settlement in a lawsuit involving a former city employee, Andrew Cappello, who faced a controversial no trespass order issued in August 2021. The order prohibited Cappello from accessing city property for a year, a decision that raised significant legal and civil rights concerns. Cappello was employed by the City of Newport from 2009 until his resignation in June 2021, where he served in various capacities within the parks and recreation department. Tensions escalated between him and the Public Works Director, Tom Bernier, eventually leading to … Read more

Governor Greg Abbott Considers Executive Order to Revamp THC Laws After Legislative Setbacks

Austin, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott is considering using an executive order to amend laws related to Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Texas. This potential move comes after unsuccessful attempts to implement a statewide ban on THC products during special legislative sessions. The governor’s authority to enact such changes has garnered attention as the state grapples with the ongoing debate surrounding THC and cannabis regulations. Lawmakers have been unable to reach a consensus in previous sessions, leading Abbott to explore alternative avenues for regulating THC products, which include edibles and oils. Abbott’s possible executive order could significantly … Read more

Alligator Alcatraz Detention Facility Remains Open as Appeals Court Blocks Closure Order

ATLANTA — An appeals court on Thursday granted a temporary reprieve for Florida’s controversial migrant detention facility known as “Alligator Alcatraz,” blocking a previous order from a federal judge that mandated its closure. Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier hailed the court’s decision as a victory for the state, drawing attention to efforts that align with the policies of former President Donald Trump. Uthmeier expressed his satisfaction on social media, stating that the 11th Circuit not only halted the closure but also stopped the federal judge from taking further action until the appeal process is complete. … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order, Upholding Constitutional Protections Amid Ongoing Legal Battles

Baltimore, Maryland — A federal judge appointed by President Biden has issued a nationwide injunction against former President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman ruled Thursday that the order likely violates the Constitution. The injunction follows a class-action lawsuit initiated by the immigration advocacy group CASA. In her ruling, Boardman emphasized that the plaintiffs demonstrated a strong likelihood of success in proving that the executive order contradicts both the Fourteenth Amendment and established Supreme Court precedent. She noted that the order would cause irreparable harm by denying citizenship … Read more