A Los Angeles court granted Taylor Swift a restraining order against Brian Wagner of Colorado, who allegedly stalked her. Wagner’s repeated visits to Swift’s home and unsettling communications to her staff prompted the petition, citing fears for her safety and that of her family. The order prohibits Wagner from contacting or approaching Swift within 100 yards and is in effect until a June 30th hearing. Swift stated she never provided Wagner with her address.
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Cui Guanghai and John Miller, a Chinese and U.S. resident respectively, were indicted on charges of interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling, and violating the Arms Export Control Act. Their alleged actions targeted a Los Angeles artist who had criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping, involving surveillance, vandalism, and attempts to suppress the artist’s speech. The defendants also sought to illegally export sensitive U.S. military technology to China. If convicted, they face significant prison time.
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Luigi Mangione attorneys are seeking a dismissal of the state murder charges against their client. The complexity of the situation arises from the fact that the case has also landed in federal court, raising questions about jurisdiction and the potential for double jeopardy. One perspective is that if the crime allegedly occurred in New York City, subject to New York State laws that ensure a fair trial for both the victim and the accused, then federal involvement seems unnecessary. The question remains: why the federal intervention?
The core issue appears to be the interstate nature of the alleged crime. While the initial charges were for murder within New York state, the inclusion of interstate stalking as a contributing factor has opened the door to federal prosecution.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood