Big stakes in high court fight over partisan political maps
WASHINGTON — Democrats and Republicans are poised for a Supreme Court fight about political line-drawing with the potential to alter the balance of power across a country starkly divided between the two parties.The big question at the heart of next week's high court clash is whether there can be too much politics in the inherently political task of drawing electoral districts.
WASHINGTON — Democrats and Republicans are poised for a Supreme Court fight about political line-drawing with the potential to alter the balance of power across a country starkly divided between the two parties.The big question at the heart of next week's high court clash is whether there can be too much politics in the inherently political task of drawing electoral districts.
Senate passes $15.3B aid package for Harvey
WASHINGTON -- The Senate has passed a $15.3 billion aid package for victims of Harvey — nearly doubling President Donald Trump's emergency request and adding a deal between Trump and Democrats to temporarily extend the government's ability to borrow money to cover its bills.The 80-17 vote returns the legislation to the House for a vote Friday that would send it to the White House.The measure would also fund government agencies through Dec. 8, taking the threat of an Oct. 1 government shutdown off the table.The aid money comes as Harvey recovery efforts are draining federal disaster aid coffers — and as Hurricane Irma takes aim at Florida.Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved late Wednesday to add $7.4 billion in money for rebuilding to Trump's $7.9 billion Harvey request.
WASHINGTON -- The Senate has passed a $15.3 billion aid package for victims of Harvey — nearly doubling President Donald Trump's emergency request and adding a deal between Trump and Democrats to temporarily extend the government's ability to borrow money to cover its bills.The 80-17 vote returns the legislation to the House for a vote Friday that would send it to the White House.The measure would also fund government agencies through Dec. 8, taking the threat of an Oct. 1 government shutdown off the table.The aid money comes as Harvey recovery efforts are draining federal disaster aid coffers — and as Hurricane Irma takes aim at Florida.Majority Leader Mitch McConnell moved late Wednesday to add $7.4 billion in money for rebuilding to Trump's $7.9 billion Harvey request.
U.S. Supreme Court to begin electronic filing in November
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court will begin using an electronic filing system for documents starting in November, a move other federal courts began decades ago.The court said in a statement Thursday that the new system will begin operation on Nov. 13.
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court will begin using an electronic filing system for documents starting in November, a move other federal courts began decades ago.The court said in a statement Thursday that the new system will begin operation on Nov. 13.
Justice Department denies broad move against college affirmative action
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Wednesday it had no broad plans to investigate whether college and university admission programs discriminate against students based on race, seeking to defray worries that a job posting signaled an effort to reverse course on affirmative action.News reports of the posting inflamed advocacy groups that believed it would lead to legal action against universities for not admitting white students over minorities with similar qualifications.But a day after The New York Times reported the department was seeking current attorneys interested in "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions," the Justice Department said the job ad was related to just one complaint."The posting sought volunteers to investigate one administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations in May 2015 that the prior administration left unresolved," spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said.
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Wednesday it had no broad plans to investigate whether college and university admission programs discriminate against students based on race, seeking to defray worries that a job posting signaled an effort to reverse course on affirmative action.News reports of the posting inflamed advocacy groups that believed it would lead to legal action against universities for not admitting white students over minorities with similar qualifications.But a day after The New York Times reported the department was seeking current attorneys interested in "investigations and possible litigation related to intentional race-based discrimination in college and university admissions," the Justice Department said the job ad was related to just one complaint."The posting sought volunteers to investigate one administrative complaint filed by a coalition of 64 Asian-American associations in May 2015 that the prior administration left unresolved," spokeswoman Sarah Isgur Flores said.
"I felt like I was a victim:" Texas inmate appeals to U.S. Supreme Court to halt execution
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected an appeal from a man set to be put to death for killing a San Antonio woman in 2004 and his lawyers said they're taking their arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court to try to halt the execution.Attorneys for Texas death row inmate TaiChin Preyor say deficient legal help during earlier stages of his appeals tainted his case and that he should be spared from lethal injection so his appeals can be reviewed more fairly.The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to accept the arguments about six hours before the scheduled execution, saying in part that his current attorney had known about the issues being raised for two years but waited until two weeks before Preyor's planned punishment to begin seeking court relief.Preyor fatally slashed 24-year-old Jami Tackett, who court records identified as Preyor's drug supplier.If executed, the 46-year-old Preyor would be the fifth inmate put to death in Texas this year and the 16th nationally.Preyor's lawyers, who earlier lost in the Texas courts and before a federal judge in San Antonio, contend an inexperienced California attorney who handled federal appeals in his case from 2011 to 2014 was "utterly unqualified." They say she employed a disbarred lawyer for guidance, perpetrating a fraud on the courts.State attorneys said the late appeals to reopen his case were legally improper and that it was Preyor's decision to stay with the inexperienced lawyer who didn't appear to miss any filing deadlines and filed appropriate pleadings.
HUNTSVILLE, Texas — A federal appeals court on Thursday rejected an appeal from a man set to be put to death for killing a San Antonio woman in 2004 and his lawyers said they're taking their arguments to the U.S. Supreme Court to try to halt the execution.Attorneys for Texas death row inmate TaiChin Preyor say deficient legal help during earlier stages of his appeals tainted his case and that he should be spared from lethal injection so his appeals can be reviewed more fairly.The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to accept the arguments about six hours before the scheduled execution, saying in part that his current attorney had known about the issues being raised for two years but waited until two weeks before Preyor's planned punishment to begin seeking court relief.Preyor fatally slashed 24-year-old Jami Tackett, who court records identified as Preyor's drug supplier.If executed, the 46-year-old Preyor would be the fifth inmate put to death in Texas this year and the 16th nationally.Preyor's lawyers, who earlier lost in the Texas courts and before a federal judge in San Antonio, contend an inexperienced California attorney who handled federal appeals in his case from 2011 to 2014 was "utterly unqualified." They say she employed a disbarred lawyer for guidance, perpetrating a fraud on the courts.State attorneys said the late appeals to reopen his case were legally improper and that it was Preyor's decision to stay with the inexperienced lawyer who didn't appear to miss any filing deadlines and filed appropriate pleadings.
Feds appeal judge's travel ban ruling to Supreme Court
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's administration is seeking to close a legal window opened for tens of thousands of refugees to enter the United States, appealing a federal judge's order directly to the Supreme Court.U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson had ordered the government to allow in refugees formally working with a resettlement agency in the United States.
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump's administration is seeking to close a legal window opened for tens of thousands of refugees to enter the United States, appealing a federal judge's order directly to the Supreme Court.U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson had ordered the government to allow in refugees formally working with a resettlement agency in the United States.
Welcome back, Congress: Health care, budget await lawmakers
WASHINGTON — Congress is still trying to send President Donald Trump his first unqualified legislative triumph, nearly six months after Republicans grabbed full control of Washington.
WASHINGTON — Congress is still trying to send President Donald Trump his first unqualified legislative triumph, nearly six months after Republicans grabbed full control of Washington.
Limits on travel to US issued after Supreme Court ruling
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has set new criteria for visa applicants from six mainly Muslim nations and all refugees that require a "close" family or business tie to the United States.
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has set new criteria for visa applicants from six mainly Muslim nations and all refugees that require a "close" family or business tie to the United States.
Supreme Court takes on new clash of gay rights, religion
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is taking on a new clash between gay rights and religion in a case about a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in Colorado.The justices said Monday they will consider whether a baker who objects to same-sex marriage on religious grounds can refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple.The case asks the high court to balance the religious rights of the baker against the couple's right to equal treatment under the law.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court is taking on a new clash between gay rights and religion in a case about a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in Colorado.The justices said Monday they will consider whether a baker who objects to same-sex marriage on religious grounds can refuse to make a wedding cake for a gay couple.The case asks the high court to balance the religious rights of the baker against the couple's right to equal treatment under the law.
Big cases, retirement rumors as Supreme Court nears finish
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court enters its final week of work before a long summer hiatus with action expected on the Trump administration's travel ban and a decision due in a separation of church and state case that arises from a Missouri church playground.The biggest news of all, though, would be if Justice Anthony Kennedy were to use the court's last public session on Monday to announce his retirement.To be sure, Kennedy has given no public sign that he will retire this year and give President Donald Trump his second high court pick in the first months of his administration.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court enters its final week of work before a long summer hiatus with action expected on the Trump administration's travel ban and a decision due in a separation of church and state case that arises from a Missouri church playground.The biggest news of all, though, would be if Justice Anthony Kennedy were to use the court's last public session on Monday to announce his retirement.To be sure, Kennedy has given no public sign that he will retire this year and give President Donald Trump his second high court pick in the first months of his administration.
Supreme Court Justices rule against Wisconsin family in property rights case
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday ruled against a Wisconsin family in a property rights case that makes it easier for government officials to restrict development in environmentally sensitive areas.The 5-3 ruling involved the family's effort to sell part of its land along the St.
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court on Friday ruled against a Wisconsin family in a property rights case that makes it easier for government officials to restrict development in environmentally sensitive areas.The 5-3 ruling involved the family's effort to sell part of its land along the St.
Supreme Court to hear WI redistricting case that could reshape U.S. political map
MILWAUKEE -- The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear arguments on both sides of Wisconsin's partisan redistricting lawsuit, ultimately settling whether the Republican-drawn maps are unconstitutional.The high court also announced Monday that it had granted a stay of a lower court ruling that had required the GOP-controlled Legislature to redraw Assembly and Senate districts by this November.
MILWAUKEE -- The Supreme Court of the United States has agreed to hear arguments on both sides of Wisconsin's partisan redistricting lawsuit, ultimately settling whether the Republican-drawn maps are unconstitutional.The high court also announced Monday that it had granted a stay of a lower court ruling that had required the GOP-controlled Legislature to redraw Assembly and Senate districts by this November.
Supreme Court holds up on redrawing Wisconsin districts
The Supreme Court is putting the redrawing of Wisconsin legislative districts on hold while the justices consider the issue of partisan gerrymandering.The justices issued their order Monday about 90 minutes after they agreed to hear the Wisconsin case in the fall, the first case on partisan politics and redistricting in more than a decade.The court's five conservative justices voted to stop the redistricting process.
The Supreme Court is putting the redrawing of Wisconsin legislative districts on hold while the justices consider the issue of partisan gerrymandering.The justices issued their order Monday about 90 minutes after they agreed to hear the Wisconsin case in the fall, the first case on partisan politics and redistricting in more than a decade.The court's five conservative justices voted to stop the redistricting process.
Justices could take up high-stakes fight over electoral maps
WASHINGTON — In an era of deep partisan division, the Supreme Court could soon decide whether the drawing of electoral districts can be too political.A dispute over Wisconsin's Republican-drawn boundaries for the state legislature offers Democrats some hope of cutting into GOP electoral majorities across the United States.
WASHINGTON — In an era of deep partisan division, the Supreme Court could soon decide whether the drawing of electoral districts can be too political.A dispute over Wisconsin's Republican-drawn boundaries for the state legislature offers Democrats some hope of cutting into GOP electoral majorities across the United States.
AG Brad Schimel: Court should stay order for new legislative maps
MADISON — Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel wants the U.S. Supreme Court to stay an order to redraw Wisconsin's legislative district boundaries.A group of voters filed a federal lawsuit in 2015 arguing the Republican-drawn boundaries unconstitutionally discriminate against Democrats.
MADISON — Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel wants the U.S. Supreme Court to stay an order to redraw Wisconsin's legislative district boundaries.A group of voters filed a federal lawsuit in 2015 arguing the Republican-drawn boundaries unconstitutionally discriminate against Democrats.
Voters urge U.S. Supreme Court to uphold gerrymandering ruling
MADISON — A group of voters is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a ruling striking down Wisconsin's GOP-drawn legislative districts.The voters sued in 2015 alleging the boundaries are unconstitutional and discriminate against Democrats.
MADISON — A group of voters is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a ruling striking down Wisconsin's GOP-drawn legislative districts.The voters sued in 2015 alleging the boundaries are unconstitutional and discriminate against Democrats.
Monument to honor US helicopter crews from Vietnam War
ARLINGTON, Va. — A new monument at Arlington National Cemetery, near the U.S. capital, will honor American helicopter crews who flew during the Vietnam War.The Military Times reports Congress has approved the monument, which will be near the Tomb of the Unknowns.Spearheading the memorial campaign is retired Air Force Lt.
ARLINGTON, Va. — A new monument at Arlington National Cemetery, near the U.S. capital, will honor American helicopter crews who flew during the Vietnam War.The Military Times reports Congress has approved the monument, which will be near the Tomb of the Unknowns.Spearheading the memorial campaign is retired Air Force Lt.
US Supreme Court, with Neil Gorsuch, set to hear church-state case
WASHINGTON — Justice Neil Gorsuch's first week on the Supreme Court bench features an important case about the separation of church and state that has its roots on a Midwestern church playground.
WASHINGTON — Justice Neil Gorsuch's first week on the Supreme Court bench features an important case about the separation of church and state that has its roots on a Midwestern church playground.
Senate confirms Neil Gorsuch to Supreme Court, will be sworn in Monday
WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Neil Gorsuch to become the newest associate justice on the Supreme Court Friday, elevating Donald Trump's nominee following a corrosive partisan confrontation that could have lasting impacts for the Senate and the court.Vice President Mike Pence was presiding as the Senate voted 54-45 in favor of Gorsuch, a 49-year-old veteran of the 10th U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Denver whose rulings make him an intellectual heir to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, whose seat he will fill.
WASHINGTON — The Senate confirmed Neil Gorsuch to become the newest associate justice on the Supreme Court Friday, elevating Donald Trump's nominee following a corrosive partisan confrontation that could have lasting impacts for the Senate and the court.Vice President Mike Pence was presiding as the Senate voted 54-45 in favor of Gorsuch, a 49-year-old veteran of the 10th U.S. Circuit of Appeals in Denver whose rulings make him an intellectual heir to the late Justice Antonin Scalia, whose seat he will fill.