January 30, 2026

In a week brimming with pivotal legal developments, From Minneapolis to Idaho, and a potential Hollywood screenplay, the legal landscape continues to evolve dynamically. Here’s a glance at some of the most compelling legal stories curated by Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog.
In Minneapolis, a storm brews among federal prosecutors handling the controversial shootings involving Renée Good and Alex Pretti. Perry Stein from The Washington Post reports a palpable frustration among the legal team, with threats of mass resignations looming over the Justice Department. The fallout could signal significant changes in prosecutorial approaches in high-stakes cases.
Further west, the Ninth Circuit has made headlines by reviving a challenge to Idaho's library book censorship law, which has raised constitutional questions about free speech. Monique Merrill of Courthouse News Service provides insight into this decision, emphasizing the court's stance on potentially violating the First Amendment through subjective, age-based censorship.
The legal odyssey of Tom Goldstein, known for his significant Supreme Court advocacy, might soon capture the imaginations of moviegoers. Rachel Rippetoe of Law360 hints at the cinematic potential of Goldstein's career, which has navigated complex landscapes of American law.
Turning to immigration law, Jazmine Ulloa of The New York Times covers a crucial ruling that upholds protections for Venezuelan immigrants under the Temporary Protected Status. This decision counters efforts by the Trump administration to revoke the protections extended to many from troubled nations, spotlighting the ongoing debate over immigration policies in the U.S.
In a striking critique of ICE's tactics, Judge Patrick Schiltz, a George W. Bush appointee, stands out for his candid disapproval of the Trump administration's approach. Zach Montague of The New York Times explores how Schiltz, likened to ethicist Antonin Scalia for his judicial philosophy, becomes an unexpected critic in the legal discourse surrounding immigration enforcement.
Lastly, the intellectual property world watches closely as Gene Quinn of IPWatchdog discusses the Supreme Court's potential review of the USAA case. This case could clarify the 'Abstract Ideas' doctrine under the Alice decision, which has been a thorny issue in patent law.
Each of these stories reflects the diverse and intricate nature of legal challenges and the continuous evolution of jurisprudence in the United States. For more in-depth analysis, visit Howard Bashman’s How Appealing blog.