House committee approves guidelines for impeachment hearings
U.S. House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler says there’s no confusion about what his committee is doing: It’s an impeachment investigation, no matter how you want to phrase it.
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Plaintiffs challenge Mich. redistricting panel’s independence
The release of emails in the gerrymandering lawsuit brought by the League of Women Voters spurred Michigan residents to strip their legislators of redistricting duties and turn the mapmaking over to an independent commission. However, a new federal lawsuit is challenging the new body, asserting the exclusion of certain individuals violates the First and 14th amendments.
Long partisan gerrymandering fight ends, but struggle continues
For a team of Indiana lawyers who successfully litigated a case contesting partisan gerrymandering in Michigan, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision was a disappointment that likely will vacate the judgment in their favor. Legal observers say the issue now will be fought in statehouses across the country.
House Judiciary sues to force McGahn to testify
The House Judiciary Committee took another step toward possible impeachment proceedings, filing a lawsuit in federal court on Wednesday aimed at forcing former White House counsel Donald McGahn to testify about his interactions with President Donald Trump.
Gunmaker asks US Supreme Court to hear Sandy Hook appeal
The maker of the rifle used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its appeal of a state ruling against the company. Remington Arms, based in Madison, North Carolina, cited a much-debated 2005 federal law that shields firearms manufacturers from liability in most cases when their products are used in crimes.
Trump says he wants stronger gun checks but gives no details
President Donald Trump on Monday condemned weekend shootings in Texas and Ohio as “barbaric” attacks and crimes “against all humanity” as he called for bipartisan cooperation to strengthen the nation’s gun laws. Trump said he wants legislation providing “strong background checks” for gun users, but he provided scant details and has reneged on previous promises after mass shootings.
Trump says Coats is out as national intelligence director
Dan Coats, director of national intelligence, is resigning after a turbulent two years in which he and President Donald Trump were often at odds over Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump named a GOP congressman and fierce loyalist to replace him.
What comes after Mueller? Investigations, lawsuits and more
After months of anticipation, Congress finally heard testimony from former special counsel Robert Mueller. So what now? Congressional Democrats plan more investigations and court cases while Republicans say the investigation is over.
Mueller raises alarm on Russian interference
Former special counsel Robert Mueller told the House Intelligence Committee that election interference by Russia in 2016 was not an isolated attempt, adding Wednesday “They’re doing it as we sit here.”
Damon Leichty takes ‘quiet confidence’ to federal judiciary
The U.S. Senate approved Damon Leichty on an 85-10 vote, sending the South Bend Barnes & Thornburgh partner to fill the last vacancy in Indiana’s federal judiciary and making him the fourth judge confirmed to Indiana’s federal bench since last August.
Outgoing Rep. Brooks joins Dems condemning Trump’s racist tweets
In a remarkable political repudiation, the Democratic-led U.S. House voted to condemn President Donald Trump’s “racist comments” against four congresswomen of color, despite protestations by Trump’s Republican congressional allies and his own insistence he hasn’t “a racist bone in my body.” Retiring Indiana Rep. Susan Brooks was among four Republicans joining the condemnation of Trump’s statements.
Judge bars Trump confidant Roger Stone from social media
A federal judge in Washington on Tuesday restricted Roger Stone’s use of social media after finding that the longtime friend of President Donald Trump violated her gag order.
Democrats acknowledge questioning Mueller ‘will not be easy’
Some are watching old video of his previous testimony. Others are closely re-reading his 448-page report. And almost all are worrying about how they’ll make the most of the short time they’ll have for questioning. Robert Mueller, the Democrats know, will be tough to crack.
Barnes’ Leichty confirmed to Indiana’s Northern District bench
Damon Leichty has been confirmed to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana, filling the last vacant seat on the federal bench in the Hoosier state.
Latest ‘Obamacare’ court battle plays out in New Orleans
The fate of former President Barack Obama’s signature health care law, and its coverage and insurance protections for millions of Americans, is again being argued before a panel of judges — this time a federal appeals court in New Orleans. At issue in a hearing scheduled Tuesday is whether Congress effectively rendered it unconstitutional in 2017 when it zeroed out the tax imposed on those who chose not to buy insurance.
Judge strikes down rule requiring drug ads to reveal prices
A federal judge Monday blocked a major White House initiative on prescription drug costs, saying the Trump administration lacked the legal authority to require drugmakers to disclose their prices in TV ads. The lawsuit was brought by three major manufacturers: Merck, Amgen and Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly.
House committee files lawsuit over Trump tax returns
A House committee has filed a lawsuit in federal court seeking President Donald Trump’s tax returns.
House boosts LSC funding without key Hoosier’s vote
The appropriations bill that included a significant boost in funding to the Legal Service Corp. passed through the U.S. House of Representatives without the vote of a key advocate of civil legal aid who said the measure contained too many “poison pills” and was impossible to support.
5-4 Supreme Court won’t block districts drawn for partisan gain
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled federal courts have no role to play in policing political districts drawn for partisan gain. The decision could embolden political line-drawing for partisan gain when state lawmakers undertake the next round of redistricting after the 2020 census.
Mueller to testify publicly before 2 House committees
Former special counsel Robert Mueller has agreed to testify publicly before Congress on July 17 after Democrats issued subpoenas to compel him to appear, the chairmen of two House committees announced.