Latest Post
Seattle cop accuses Chief Diaz of ‘predatory behavior’ and ‘grooming’
Four female Seattle police officers notified the city on Thursday that they intend to sue for sex discrimination, harassment, and hostile work environment. The four women are Lt. Lauren Truscott, Officer Valerie Carson, Officer Kame Spencer, and Officer Judinna (Jean) Gulpan. They’re asking for $5 million in damages. Allegations of harassment extend to the chief. […]
Can a Protest Leader Be Sued for Negligence When Crimes Occur?
How liable are protest leaders for the actions of people attending the events they organize? Many protests over the years have involved violence, looting, and other criminal behavior. The First Amendment doesn’t protect speech that incites violence, but what about civil negligence claims? If protest leaders can be held liable on a theory of negligence, then […]
At least six current state lawmakers have been arrested while in office. None have resigned
Minnesota senators are expected to adhere to “the highest standard of ethical conduct,” according to the legislative body’s rulebook. House members, similarly, must show “good citizenship and high personal integrity,” according to the House code of conduct. But living up to those standards has proven to be a challenge for at least six current lawmakers who have […]
More Than 200,000 Washingtonians Could Lose Internet in May
As May approaches, some Washington State residents may lose their internet service. 200,000 Washingtonians who are part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), their access to affordable internet is at risk. What Is The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) In Washington State? The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created to provide eligible households with a discount on their internet […]
Supreme Court takes up Trump’s claim of ‘absolute immunity’ from criminal prosecution
Against the backdrop of a divisive 2024 presidential campaign, the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday will take up the monumental question of whether a former president turned presumptive GOP nominee can be criminally prosecuted for his efforts to stay in power after the last election . The case, Donald J. Trump v. United States, presents an unprecedented constitutional quandary for the […]
Seattle’s Social Justice Law Offers Valuable Lessons In Creating Racial Equity
The right-wing political campaign against diversity, equity and inclusion policies taking place in several states across the U.S. has called into question the nation’s commitment to achieving racial equality. In this landscape, Seattle is marking a milestone of sorts – the first anniversary of adopting its Race and Social Justice Initiative ordinance. This ordinance, signed into law in April […]
California Supreme Court rules that county jail kitchen workers can go unpaid
The California Supreme Court unanimously ruled Monday that county jail inmates are not entitled to be paid minimum wage and overtime — or any pay at all, even when doing work for a private contractor. The law, the justices found, “does not ensure county jail inmates working in the county jail will be paid anything […]
Federal court allows police to unlock parolees’ phones without warrant
A federal court ruled that police can compel parolees to unlock their phones by physically using their thumbprints. On April 17, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of Jeremy Travis Payne, who was stopped for a traffic violation in 2021 that led to charges of drug possession and distribution. Payne, on parole for assaulting an officer, […]
Alamosa County judge violated public trial right, prompting reversal of convictions
An Alamosa County judge closed his physical courtroom to the public without documenting his reasons for doing so, prompting Colorado’s second-highest court on Thursday to reverse the defendant’s convictions and order a new trial. In reaching its decision, a three-member panel of the Court of Appeals pointed to a recent ruling from the appellate court that recognized […]