Policy

US States File Lawsuit Against Meta Over Child Privacy on Instagram and Facebook

A coalition of US states has filed a lawsuit against Meta Platforms, Inc., seeking to enforce changes to Instagram and Facebook to enhance child privacy protections. This legal action reflects ongoing concerns about the safety of young users on social media.

DOJ Opens Investigation into College of William and Mary for Potential Civil Rights Violations

The Department of Justice is investigating the College of William and Mary for potential violations of the Civil Rights Act, specifically regarding the use of race-based criteria in scholarship distribution. The inquiry includes several programs that may favor certain racial groups, and the DOJ has not yet concluded whether any violations have occurred.

Legal experts question Trump's ability to limit birthright citizenship

Legal experts are doubtful about the feasibility of former President Trump's new order targeting 'birth tourism' and its potential to limit birthright citizenship. They highlight the challenges it may face, especially in light of a prior Supreme Court ruling against similar measures.

German Authorities Conduct Raids on Smuggling Operations

German authorities have seized dinghies and life jackets in raids targeting smuggling operations. These actions are part of a new law aimed at addressing the issue of smuggling in the region.

DOJ Investigates College of William & Mary for Potential Race-Based Scholarship Violations

The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into the College of William & Mary to determine if its scholarship programs violate civil rights laws by favoring certain racial groups. The inquiry will review various scholarship programs, and the college has been asked to provide documentation by September 8, 2026. William & Mary has stated its commitment to nondiscriminatory practices.

Texas Families Challenge Law Requiring Ten Commandments Display in Schools

Texas families are challenging a 2025 law that requires public schools to display a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. After an appellate court upheld the law, the families filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing that the law violates the First Amendment by imposing religious beliefs on students and infringing on parental rights regarding religious education.

House Ethics Chair Michael Guest Violates STOCK Act

Michael Guest, Chair of the House Ethics Committee, has violated the STOCK Act by failing to disclose stock sales made by a family trust fund. This marks his second violation of the law, which requires timely disclosure of stock trades by members of Congress. The incident comes shortly after the House passed a bill aimed at banning individual stock purchases by lawmakers.

Trump announces reduction of US-South Korea military exercises

President Trump announced plans to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, referencing his favorable relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This statement reflects a shift in US military policy in the region.

Trump to Announce Position on Flock Cameras After Review

President Donald Trump announced that he is reviewing the use of Flock cameras and will disclose his position in the coming weeks. Flock cameras, which are used for license plate recognition, have raised privacy concerns, prompting the company to adjust its data retention policies following public backlash.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reduces Delays for Concealed Carry Permits Following DOJ Lawsuit

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has improved the processing of concealed carry permit applications following a DOJ lawsuit that highlighted significant delays. The DOJ concluded its lawsuit after LASD implemented new personnel and software, now meeting California's permitting deadlines.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reduces Concealed Carry Permit Delays Following DOJ Lawsuit

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has addressed lengthy delays in concealed carry permit processing following a lawsuit from the Department of Justice. The DOJ reported that the LASD is now compliant with California's permitting deadlines after implementing new personnel and technology. The lawsuit highlighted significant delays experienced by applicants, some waiting nearly three years for permit decisions.

DOJ Plans to Deploy 1,000 Election Monitors for November Midterms

The DOJ plans to deploy around 1,000 election monitors for the November midterm elections, as stated by Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon. The monitors will focus on ensuring compliance with federal voting laws in various jurisdictions, particularly those with potential issues related to language access and voter fraud. The DOJ remains committed to its voter roll initiatives despite facing legal challenges.

U.S. Supreme Court asked to review Texas law mandating display of Ten Commandments in public schools

Portland Parent Files Lawsuit Against School District Over Gender Curriculum Retaliation

A Portland mother, Allison Roberts, has filed a lawsuit against Portland Public Schools, claiming retaliation for her opposition to the school's gender curriculum. The lawsuit alleges violations of her First and Fourteenth Amendment rights after she was barred from school events following her public criticism of the school's policies. The Liberty Justice Center is representing Roberts and seeking a federal court ruling on the matter.

Pentagon Orders 30 Universities to Audit Foreign Ties to Avoid Funding Loss

The Pentagon has ordered 30 universities, including Harvard and NYU, to audit their foreign financial and research ties to prevent potential loss of federal funding. The audits are due by August 31 and are part of a broader initiative to safeguard U.S. national security in research collaborations.

Supreme Court to consider Texas law mandating display of the Ten Commandments in public schools

The Supreme Court is set to review a Texas law that mandates the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Families' attorneys contend that this law violates the First Amendment's separation of church and state.

CDC Reports Increase in Kindergarten Vaccine Exemptions for 2025-2026

The CDC reported a decrease in vaccination rates among kindergartners for the 2025-2026 school year, with exemptions rising to 4.2%. Coverage for key vaccines like MMR and DTaP fell in more than half of the states, raising concerns about herd immunity against measles. The report highlights ongoing discussions about vaccine policies and public trust in vaccination.

ACLU petitions Supreme Court to review Texas law on Ten Commandments in schools

The ACLU has requested the Supreme Court to review a Texas law that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments, claiming it violates First Amendment rights. The law, enacted in 2025, is being challenged by families across 22 school districts, and follows a ruling by the 5th Circuit Court that upheld the mandate. The ACLU argues that the law contravenes both the establishment and free exercise clauses of the First Amendment.

Progressive Lawmakers Attend PanAmerican Congress in Uruguay

Progressive lawmakers and Democratic candidates are heading to Montevideo, Uruguay, for the PanAmerican Congress scheduled for August 21-23. They plan to discuss President Trump's Latin American policies, known as the 'Donroe Doctrine,' and advocate for building a coalition to address these challenges.

Democrats Consider Stephen Miller's Approach for 2028 Immigration Policy

Democrats are looking to Stephen Miller's approach to immigration as a potential model for future policy if a Democratic president is elected in 2028. Ken Salazar emphasized the need for a strong leader in immigration policy, while Alex Brockwehl suggested a more streamlined approach could be adopted. The immigration issue continues to be a contentious topic in American politics.