In an alarming turn of events that underscores a growing crackdown on free speech, the beloved late-night show hosted by Jimmy Kimmel has been "indefinitely suspended" following what was characterized as a mild joke about former President Donald Trump. This incident marks another chapter in the increasingly common media shutdowns, raising concerns over the future of satire and free expression. [Read more about the suspension and its implications for free speech](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/09/were-in-the-cancelling-talk-shows-phase-of-free-speech-crackdowns/).

Further intensifying the assault on First Amendment rights, Trump has proposed that protesters be charged under the RICO Act, a law originally designed to combat organized crime. This move suggests a severe interpretation of lawful dissent, equating public protest with criminal acts, a stance that has sparked widespread controversy and fears of constitutional erosion. [Details on Trump's proposal can be found here](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/09/trump-demands-rico-for-protestors/).

In the legal arena, certain powerhouse law firms are being recognized as formidable opponents, notorious for their aggressive and effective litigation strategies. These firms instill a sense of dread among opposing counsel, shaping the landscape of legal confrontations. [Check which firms are considered the most intimidating](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/09/the-biglaw-firms-that-strike-fear-in-the-hearts-of-opposing-counsel-2026/).

Adding to the legal tumult, a Biglaw firm finds itself at the center of a massive $1.7 billion lawsuit filed by an "anti-woke" startup. This case highlights the increasing trend of ideological battles spilling over into the legal sector, raising questions about the motivations and implications of such lawsuits. [Read more about this controversial legal battle](https://abovethelaw.com/2025/09/anti-woke-startup-suing-biglaw-firm-because-why-the-hell-not/).

As these events unfold, they paint a concerning picture of the state of free speech and legal fairness in the United States. From comedy shows to street protests, and from corporate legal battles to the ideological warfare in courtrooms, the core values of expression and dissent are being tested in unprecedented ways.