Wisconsin's Supreme Court has seen a shift in power, with liberal Judge Janet Protasiewicz winning a heated race against former Supreme Court Justice Daniel Kelly. This marks the first time since 2008 that the court's liberal bloc has held the majority, and is seen as a major win for the state's progressive movement. Protasiewicz is the first woman of color to serve on the court, and her appointment is expected to have a lasting impact on the court's decisions.
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Brandon Johnson, a progressive Cook County commissioner and organizer for the Chicago Teachers Union, has been elected mayor of Chicago, overcoming a major fundraising gap, accusations of "defunding" the police, and public polling that predicted his defeat. His victory marks a major shift in the city's politics, as he has promised to focus on issues such as police reform, economic inequality, and education, and to invest in communities that have been neglected for too long.
In his Tuesday night speech, former President Donald Trump addressed the Presidential Records Act, which requires negotiations between himself and the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) for the return of documents. He also used the speech to criticize President Joe Biden and the various prosecutors investigating him. The speech was met with mixed reactions from the public, with some praising Trump and others condemning him. Negotiations between Trump and NARA are set to begin in the coming weeks.
Former President Donald Trump was arraigned in a New York Supreme Court on Tuesday, facing charges of inciting violence and civil unrest. Acting Justice Juan Merchan warned Trump against using social media for violent ends, and the prosecution must turn over all evidence within 15 days. Trump's legal team is expected to mount a vigorous defense against the charges, with the case expected to unfold in the coming months.
Janet Protasiewicz has been elected to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, giving liberals their first majority on the state’s highest court in 15 years. This election has been closely watched by both Democrats and Republicans, as the outcome will have big ramifications in and out of the state. The court’s new liberal majority will determine the future of several pivotal issues, including abortion rights, gerrymandered legislative maps, and election administration.
Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in a New York courtroom on Tuesday, stemming from an investigation into an alleged scheme to hide hush money payments ahead of the 2016 election. Trump's lawyers argued the charges are politically motivated and that the former president is being targeted by a “Trump-hating judge, with a Trump-hating wife and a Trump-hating prosecutor.” The case is ongoing, and Trump is scheduled to appear in court again in July, making it the first time a former president has been forced to respond to criminal charges.
Johnson & Johnson has announced a settlement of nearly $9 billion to cover thousands of lawsuits alleging that its baby powder containing talc caused cancer. The settlement, which is more than quadruple the amount previously set aside, is one of the largest product-liability settlements in U.S. history and will be payable over the next 25 years. The company has been adamant that its products are safe, but has decided to settle the cases in order to avoid the costs and risks associated with a prolonged legal battle.
On March 27, the Nashville Police Department searched the home of Audrey Hale, the shooter responsible for the deadly attack at The Covenant School. They found two shotguns, ammunition, five yearbooks, a school photo, and a suicide note. The motive for the shooting is still unknown and authorities are asking for anyone with information to contact them.