October 31, 2025

Trump and Justice Department Tussle Draws Attention
An opinion piece by Carol Leonnig in The New York Times delves into former President Donald Trump's impact on the Justice Department under his administration. The detailed analysis explores the mechanisms and consequences of the administration's influence on this pivotal body.
Snapchat Parody Case Reaches Second Circuit
A recent ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has reversed a previous dismissal of a defamation suit brought by a Sullivan County student. The student had been suspended for creating Snapchat parodies related to the George Floyd murder, sparking significant local controversy in 2021. The court's decision highlights the boundaries of school authority over student social media expression.
Alaska’s New Solicitor General from Outside the State
In Alaska, Governor Cox has appointed an attorney from outside the state as the new solicitor general, according to a report by Iris Samuels of The Anchorage Daily News. This unusual move has sparked discussions on the implications for the state's legal strategies and policies.
Texas Judges' New Freedom to Decline Gay Weddings
A quiet amendment by the Texas Supreme Court to the state rules on judicial conduct now allows judges to refuse to officiate gay weddings based on religious beliefs. Gwen Howerton of Chron reports on this development, which could potentially complicate marriage processes for gay couples in Texas.
Border Patrol Official Exempted from Court Appearance
A top Border Patrol official was exempted from appearing before a Chicago federal judge due to an appeals court ruling, as reported by Devan Cole and Elizabeth Wolfe of CNN. This decision comes amidst ongoing debates over immigration enforcement practices.
Supreme Court to Decide on Trump’s Tariff Policies
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear a case concerning tariffs implemented during Trump's presidency, with prediction markets indicating a close outcome. Laura Curtis of Bloomberg News provides insights into the potential economic and political ramifications of this highly anticipated decision.
Supreme Court Decision Could Influence U.S. Inflation Rates
An essay by John W. Snow and Christopher Smith in The Washington Post argues that a recent Supreme Court decision could lead to higher inflation by affecting the independence of the Federal Reserve. The authors discuss the historical context and potential impacts of political interference in monetary policy.
For more in-depth analysis and updates on these stories, visit Howard Bashman's How Appealing blog, a dedicated resource for appellate litigation news.