Trump Denied Presidential Immunity in Hush Money Trial: Case to Proceed on April 15th

New York: Former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity has been denied by Justice Juan Merchan in his criminal hush-money trial. The judge ruled that Trump had multiple opportunities to raise the claim of presidential immunity before he did, effectively shutting down his argument. The judge stated that since he was denying the motion on this basis, he did not need to address whether presidential immunity would prevent the introduction of evidence of official presidential acts in a criminal proceeding. Trump’s trial is still scheduled to begin on April 15th. Meanwhile, Special counsel Jack … Read more

Federal Judge Allows Lawsuit Against Department of Veterans Affairs for Racial Discrimination in Benefits to Proceed

WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal district court judge has ruled that a lawsuit against the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) alleging racial discrimination in disability benefits can proceed. The suit claims that the VA systematically rejected applications for benefits from Black veterans at a higher rate than their white counterparts, a practice that has allegedly persisted since World War II. The case was brought by Vietnam veteran Conley Monk Jr. of Connecticut on behalf of himself and his late father, a World War II veteran. The lawsuit asserts that the VA engaged in “systematic benefits … Read more

Federal Judge Allows Lawsuit by GOP Firebrands Gaetz and Greene Against California Cities to Proceed

ANAHEIM and RIVERSIDE, California – Republican Representatives Matt Gaetz from Florida and Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia have been granted permission to proceed with their lawsuit against two cities in California. Judge Hernan Vera, a Biden appointee, ruled that there is sufficient evidence to suggest that the GOP lawmakers have a valid claim against Anaheim and Riverside officials for canceling their planned rallies in 2021. The judge did, however, criticize Gaetz and Greene for their allegations of collusion between liberal nonprofits and the cities to violate their free speech rights. The lawsuit, which was filed … Read more

Federal Judge Grants Gaetz and Greene Permission to Proceed with Lawsuit Against California Cities, Rejects Blame on Liberal Groups

Riverside and Anaheim, two cities in California, are facing a lawsuit from the ultraconservative Reps. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) over the cancellation of their political rallies. However, a federal judge allowed the suit to proceed against the cities but dismissed the legal action against liberal organizations that the lawmakers blamed for the cancellations. The judge criticized Gaetz and Greene for suing the groups, calling their allegations a “conspiracy theory” based on speculation. The lawsuit filed by Gaetz and Greene targeted both cities as well as organizations like the League of Women … Read more