The Supreme Court has revived a lawsuit brought by Illinois Republican Congressman Mike Bost challenging a state law allowing mail-in ballots received after Election Day to be counted. The 7-2 decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, determined that candidates have a concrete interest in the rules governing vote counting. Justices debated whether candidates have standing to challenge such laws, despite lower courts dismissing Bost’s suit. This case reflects broader Republican efforts to challenge mail-in voting practices, with sixteen states currently accepting mail-in ballots received after Election Day.
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Beijing tells Chinese firms to stop using US and Israeli cybersecurity software, sources say. Well, this is a pretty significant move, isn’t it? It seems Beijing has instructed its domestic companies to immediately ditch cybersecurity software from about a dozen U.S. and Israeli firms. The rationale? National security. They’re worried about the potential for these tools to collect and transmit sensitive data back to those countries. Think of it as a preemptive strike against potential vulnerabilities, a move to safeguard their digital infrastructure.
This directive really underscores China’s commitment to technological self-reliance, and it’s happening at a rapid pace, especially with all the tech tensions brewing between the U.S.… Continue reading
Following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, Minneapolis residents report an escalation of violence and intimidation tactics by ICE agents. Videos and accounts depict ICE officers threatening residents, employing aggressive methods such as ramming vehicles and using chemical irritants. Observers on the ground describe a “war zone” atmosphere, citing ICE’s expanded targeting to include those who oppose their agenda. Right-wing figures and organizations have rallied in support of the officer who shot Good, further increasing tensions and fear within the community.
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California to investigate xAI over Grok chatbot images, officials say. It’s becoming increasingly clear that California officials are stepping in, and it’s not a moment too soon. The focus is squarely on the xAI company and its Grok chatbot, specifically regarding the images it generates. The investigation is likely driven by serious concerns about the potential for Grok to produce harmful content, including child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Given the sheer scope of this issue, and the numerous countries beginning investigations, it’s not surprising to see California add its weight to the chorus of concern.
Not being aware is a flimsy defense, especially when the person at the helm of xAI is running the show.… Continue reading
The US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has demanded the University of Pennsylvania provide personal information about Jewish faculty, staff, and students, sparking strong criticism. Faculty groups, including the American Association of University Professors, have intervened in the lawsuit, denouncing the request as an egregious overreach with potentially dangerous historical implications. The university, which established a taskforce to combat antisemitism, initially refused to comply with the subpoena, citing concerns about privacy and safety for the Jewish community. The EEOC maintains its commitment to investigating workplace antisemitism and seeks to identify potential victims, but the faculty groups argue that the request to create a centralized registry of Jewish individuals infringes on fundamental rights and evokes disturbing historical parallels.
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Vice President J.D. Vance claimed ICE agents possess “absolute immunity” from state prosecution, citing the 1890 case *In re Neagle* as precedent. However, the Supreme Court’s ruling in *Drury v. Lewis* contradicts this claim. In *Drury v. Lewis*, the court allowed a state court to consider murder charges against a U.S. soldier, even though he was acting in his official capacity, if the lawfulness of the force used was disputed. Therefore, Vance’s assertion of absolute immunity is an unsound interpretation of legal precedent.
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The Trump administration has reportedly considered military action to acquire Greenland, threatening Denmark despite the kingdom’s obligation to defend the territory from attack. A 1952 royal decree mandates Danish troops to defend Greenland, while a bipartisan group in Congress seeks to block funds for a potential invasion. Despite the U.S. already having a significant military presence on the island, including the strategic Pituffik Space Base, Trump has expressed interest in outright ownership, raising concerns about undermining NATO allies and international law. Meanwhile, Greenlanders overwhelmingly oppose joining the U.S. and Danish officials have warned that a military takeover would end the NATO alliance.
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“The Illegal News” provides weekly analysis where law intersects with politics. Hosted by Bulwark publisher Sarah Longwell, the show features legal experts who break down Trump-era court proceedings. The podcast aims to simplify complex legal matters, offering context for significant developments and highlighting less-publicized legal actions. While George Conway is pursuing other ventures, Longwell continues to provide coverage.
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The military is facing mounting fear of repercussions for questioning the legality of actions, as evidenced by Admiral Holsey’s offer to resign after questioning the strikes. This comes amidst ongoing U.S. military involvement in what is perceived by some as an illegal war, potentially increasing the number of individuals seeking legal counsel. Military strikes on vessels linked to Venezuela may be triggering the Geneva Conventions, potentially violating the rights of civilians involved in mere criminality.
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The president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe is calling for the immediate release of tribal members detained by ICE agents in Minneapolis. Three out of the four tribal members arrested have been transferred to an ICE facility at Fort Snelling, with one released from detention. The tribe has asserted that tribal members are not subject to immigration jurisdiction and has refused to enter an agreement with ICE. Concerns are raised due to the history of Fort Snelling and previous incidents of ICE detaining tribal members.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Minneapolis Residents: ICE Treatment Feels Like “War Zone,” Violence Escalates
Following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer, Minneapolis residents report an escalation of violence and intimidation tactics by ICE agents. Videos and accounts depict ICE officers threatening residents, employing aggressive methods such as ramming vehicles and using chemical irritants. Observers on the ground describe a “war zone” atmosphere, citing ICE’s expanded targeting to include those who oppose their agenda. Right-wing figures and organizations have rallied in support of the officer who shot Good, further increasing tensions and fear within the community.
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