Texas is about to ban talking on college campuses at night. Seriously. This proposed law, Senate Bill 2972, aims to prohibit “engaging in expressive activities on campus between the hours of 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.” The sheer breadth of this ban is staggering; it encompasses virtually any form of communication or expression, from casual conversation to writing a paper, posting online, or even wearing a t-shirt with a message.
This isn’t just about quiet hours; it’s about silencing any and all expressive conduct protected under the First Amendment. The potential impact is enormous, impacting students’ ability to study together, participate in late-night discussions, or even simply socialize.… Continue reading
NPR’s lawsuit against Trump’s executive order cutting public media funding centers on the order’s blatant retaliatory nature, explicitly labeling NPR and PBS as “biased media.” This direct attack on editorial choices, as detailed in the executive order and accompanying materials, constitutes viewpoint discrimination, violating the First Amendment. The lawsuit argues this action also breaches separation of powers, as the decision should reside with Congress, not the President, and due process. The case’s strength lies in Trump’s readily apparent retaliatory motive, making the unconstitutionality of the order undeniably clear.
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PBS filed a lawsuit against President Trump to prevent the termination of federal funding. The suit, mirroring a similar action by NPR, argues that Trump’s executive order violates the U.S. Constitution and federal law by attempting to control PBS’s programming and funding. PBS contends that the president’s actions constitute viewpoint discrimination and an infringement on editorial independence. The lawsuit cites a federal telecommunications law explicitly prohibiting government interference in public broadcasting.
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Donald Trump’s $20 billion defamation lawsuit against CBS News, stemming from a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris, continues to unfold. Trump’s legal team claims the interview caused him “mental anguish” and accuses CBS of using the First Amendment as a shield for “news distortion.” Paramount, CBS’s parent company, initially sought to dismiss the suit but has since offered a $15 million settlement, a figure Trump reportedly rejected. However, the settlement discussions have been complicated by internal tensions at CBS and concerns about potential legal repercussions, including investigations into possible bribery.
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President Trump’s $20 billion lawsuit against Paramount Global over a “60 Minutes” segment featuring Kamala Harris alleges deceptive editing that violated Texas consumer protection laws. Paramount’s motion to dismiss, citing First Amendment protection, was opposed by Trump’s legal team, arguing the editing constituted commercial speech damaging to Trump’s businesses. Settlement talks, involving a Paramount offer of $15 million rejected by Trump, are ongoing, amidst threats of further lawsuits from Trump’s lawyers. The case’s complexities intersect with Paramount’s pending merger with Skydance Media, raising concerns among some senators despite assurances of separation from the lawsuit by the FCC.
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The White House has temporarily halted new student visa appointments at U.S. embassies to implement expanded social media screenings for applicants. This pause, affecting all student visa applicants, is due to the “significant implications” the expanded vetting will have on embassy operations. The State Department will issue further guidance in the coming days. This action is the latest in a series of administration policies restricting international students, some of which have faced legal challenges.
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NPR and three Colorado public radio stations filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump White House, challenging an executive order that blocks Congressionally appropriated funds for NPR and PBS. The lawsuit alleges the order constitutes unconstitutional retaliation for perceived media bias, violating the First Amendment’s protection of free speech and the press. Named defendants include President Trump, key administration officials, and the chair of the National Endowment for the Arts. The suit argues the executive order illegally usurps Congress’s power over federal spending and jeopardizes the public radio system’s existence. PBS is considering similar legal action.
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In a lawsuit filed in federal court, NPR and three other public radio stations challenge President Trump’s executive order defunding public broadcasting. The plaintiffs argue the order violates First Amendment rights to free speech and press, infringes on Congressional authority, and threatens the viability of a crucial public information system. The suit alleges the order aims to punish perceived media bias in news coverage. The plaintiffs contend the executive order is unconstitutional and must be overturned.
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Following a federal judge’s blocking of an administration effort to bar Harvard from enrolling international students, Donald Trump demanded the names and countries of origin of all international students enrolled at the university. This request, made via Truth Social, follows a Homeland Security letter threatening to terminate Harvard’s participation in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Harvard subsequently sued the administration, citing First and Fourteenth Amendment violations, a suit which a judge temporarily ruled in favor of the university. Trump’s actions are part of a broader pattern of targeting elite universities, particularly regarding their endowments and diversity initiatives.
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A federal judge has completely blocked President Trump’s executive order targeting Jenner & Block LLP, deeming it unconstitutional. The order, which sought to punish the firm for its legal representation of political opponents and its involvement in investigations of the president, was found to violate the First Amendment by retaliating against the firm for its legal work. The judge further stated that the order undermined the separation of powers by attempting to chill legal representation critical of the executive branch. The White House plans to appeal, but faces further legal challenges.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker