Upholding

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

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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

Court Decision Strikes Down Trump Era Funding Cuts to Harvard, Upholding Educational Support

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BOSTON — A federal judge has determined that the Trump administration acted unlawfully when it rescinded a key funding program for Harvard University. The decision addresses a dispute over approximately $400 million that had been earmarked for Harvard, impacting various educational initiatives and research programs. The lawsuit, which was supported by numerous higher education institutions, centered on claims that the administration’s abrupt cancellation of the funds violated established legal procedures. The judge ruled that the cancellation was not only ineffective but also unjustifiable, as it failed to follow the necessary administrative protocols. In his ruling, … Read more

Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration’s $2 Billion Harvard Funding Freeze Illegal, Upholding Free Speech Rights

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BOSTON — A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration’s freeze of over $2 billion in grant funding for Harvard University, prompted by allegations of campus antisemitism, is illegal. U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs determined that the government had violated the First Amendment by attempting to influence the university’s internal policies and academic independence. In her 84-page ruling, Judge Burroughs emphasized the need to balance the fight against antisemitism with the protection of free speech rights. She stated that while combating such prejudice is crucial, it should not come at the expense of constitutional … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Bid to Remove Voice of America Director, Upholding Key Broadcasting Regulations

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Washington, D.C. — A federal court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot remove Michael Abramowitz from his position as director of Voice of America, delivering a setback to the administration’s attempts to modify the government-funded international news outlet. In a ruling issued on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth affirmed that Abramowitz’s dismissal would require approval from the International Broadcasting Advisory Board. The judge emphasized that the legal stipulations are explicit: Abramowitz can only be removed if a majority of the board votes in favor of such action. Lamberth stated, “There is no longer … Read more