Outspoken federal judge who led Yale boycott calls universities ‘incubators of bigotry’

An outspoken federal judge often viewed as a potential Supreme Court justice called the nation’s university campuses “incubators of bigotry” that discriminate against religious conservatives, during a speech on Oct. 25. Judge James C. Ho of the U.S. Court of … Continue reading Outspoken federal judge who led Yale boycott calls universities ‘incubators of bigotry’

Florida asks Supreme Court to halt injunction blocking enforcement of drag show law

Florida has asked the Supreme Court to allow its law regulating drag shows to be enforced. Drag shows have become an important issue across the country as the transgender movement presses for public and legal acceptance. Politicians in various states … Continue reading Florida asks Supreme Court to halt injunction blocking enforcement of drag show law

Supreme Court agrees to decide if federal banking laws supersede state banking laws

The Supreme Court has agreed to consider whether a federal banking law preempts a New York state law that compels banks to pay interest on mortgage escrow accounts. The case comes at a time of turmoil in the mortgage markets. Mortgage loan borrowing costs soared earlier this month to their highest point in 23 years. The average rate for 30-year mortgages has risen to 7.57 percent, which is more than double what it was two years ago. This is the highest level since Dec. 1, 2000, when the 30-year mortgage rate was at an average of 7.65 percent. At the same time, … Continue reading Supreme Court agrees to decide if federal banking laws supersede state banking laws

Supreme Court schedules arguments in OxyContin maker bankruptcy and wealth tax cases

The Supreme Court has scheduled several high-profile cases for oral argument in late November and early December. One is about a wealth tax on capital gains never received, and another challenges a securities law enforcer’s power to use in-house judges to try accused people. Seven cases in all were scheduled for hearing dates running from Nov. 27 through Dec. 6 by the court on Oct. 12. Other cases involve the bankruptcy of the company that makes OxyContin, hardship claims in the deportation process, and criminal appeals. For the court to hear a case, at least four of the nine justices … Continue reading Supreme Court schedules arguments in OxyContin maker bankruptcy and wealth tax cases

Republicans tell Supreme Court congressional district was drawn based on politics, not race

Republican state lawmakers told the Supreme Court on Oct. 11 that the justices should overturn a ruling that the South Carolina legislature racially gerrymandered a congressional district because lawmakers used political, not racial, data to justify the redrawn map. The … Continue reading Republicans tell Supreme Court congressional district was drawn based on politics, not race