Executive Branch

Trump’s anti-DEI orders can proceed after appeals courts ends block

A preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s executive orders to withhold federal funding for diversity, equity and inclusion grants and contracts was lifted by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals at Richmond, Virginia, on Friday.

Feb 9, 2026 11:18 AM CST

Justice Dept. demotes Ed Martin, stripping Trump ally of most authority

Top Justice Department officials have stripped Ed Martin of the bulk of his expansive responsibilities, leaving the staunch ally of President Donald Trump on the sidelines of many of the controversial investigations he has championed, according to two people familiar with the personnel move.

Feb 2, 2026 2:36 PM CST

Outlook for the second session of the 119th Congress

After a first session defined by procedural friction, short-term funding measures and a record government shutdown, the second session of the 119th Congress is unfolding with fresh challenges, along with unresolved issues from the previous session.

Jan 22, 2026 8:59 AM CST

Supreme Court appears likely to allow Lisa Cook to remain on Fed board

The Supreme Court on Wednesday appeared likely to block President Donald Trump from immediately firing Democratic-appointed Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve board, a move that would prevent Trump from exerting greater influence over the powerful central bank that guides the economy.

Jan 21, 2026 12:30 PM CST

Lindsey Halligan out as US attorney following pressure from judges

Lindsey Halligan, a Trump administration lawyer who was named head of a key U.S. attorney’s office in Virginia last year with instructions to seek criminal charges against President Donald Trump’s political adversaries, left her post at the Justice Department on Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi said.

Jan 20, 2026 1:51 PM CST

When Supreme Court decides her fate, it may also help determine Fed chair’s future

The legality of President Donald Trump’s push to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook was already one of the biggest issues of the Supreme Court term before a bombshell dropped a little over a week ago.

Jan 20, 2026 10:48 AM CST

These prosecutors spent years on cases; then Trump granted pardons

Melanie Smith pulled grueling hours alongside FBI agents and other prosecutors as she prepped dozens of witnesses to prove that a Virginia sheriff had accepted $75,000 in bribes from wealthy business owners and undercover agents. Just over a year ago, the jury returned a guilty verdict against former Culpeper County sheriff Scott Jenkins in an astounding 90 minutes.

Jan 14, 2026 10:50 AM CST

ABA Advocacy: The first session of the 119th Congress

The first session of the 119th Congress convened on Jan. 3, 2025, with Republicans taking control of both chambers following Donald Trump’s reelection. What ensued was a turbulent session that adjourned Jan. 3, 2026, marked by bitter disputes among members, challenges to Speaker Mike Johnson by members of his own party, and a standoff over Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions that ultimately triggered the 43-day government shutdown—the longest in U.S. history.

Jan 14, 2026 9:24 AM CST

Whistleblower lawyer says his security clearance has been restored

A whistleblower lawyer said in a LinkedIn post Tuesday his access to classified information has been restored months after President Donald Trump announced in a memo that he was revoking the Washington, D.C., lawyer's security clearance.

Jan 13, 2026 2:33 PM CST

Judge disqualifies US attorney in Albany investigating Letitia James

A judge on Thursday barred the top federal prosecutor in Albany from overseeing a criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, delivering the latest blow to the Justice Department’s efforts to prosecute President Donald Trump’s perceived enemies.

Jan 8, 2026 3:36 PM CST

Federal appeals judge tells fellow judges ‘to get over themselves’

A federal appeals judge on Monday blasted fellow judges, claiming that too many of them "have an overinflated view of their intelligence and their abilities," and they ought "to get over themselves."

Jan 7, 2026 2:20 PM CST

Florida Supreme Court nixes proposal that lets lawyers not take state bar exam

The Florida Supreme Court recently struck down a proposal that would have allowed certain state government lawyers to practice in the state for three years without taking the Florida bar exam.

Jan 5, 2026 9:31 AM CST

Chemerinsky: Supreme Court moves into new year with potential landmark cases

The matters already on the docket, as well as those likely to arrive, promise many blockbuster decisions that will shape American government and directly affect people’s lives in a myriad of ways. Here are some of the stories to look for.

Jan 5, 2026 9:22 AM CST

March 2, 1877: Election of 1876 decided—finally

The presidential election of 1876 had the highest turnout in U.S. history, with 81.8% of the voting-eligible population going to the polls to choose between two governors: Democrat Samuel Tilden of New York and Republican Rutherford B. Hayes of Ohio. It was also the most contested election ever, remaining undecided for 116 days.

Jan 1, 2026 12:05 AM CST

Chemerinsky: A look back at the Supreme Court in 2025 reflects its conservative leanings

What will be the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in the midst of a presidency that is challenging constitutional limits, and at a time when the country is deeply ideologically divided? The court provided initial answers to those questions in 2025.

Dec 22, 2025 9:18 AM CST