The Ninth Circuit is the U.S. federal appeals court based in San Francisco, overseeing appeals from western states; it now faces high-profile social-media lawsuits and ongoing federal cases shaping national policy.
Google is rolling out the promised Play Store fee reductions and external payment options in Europe, the UK, and the US, as part of its Epic settlement. Android 17 begins a staged rollout on Pixel devices, bringing multitasking bubbles, foldable gaming mode, and Gemini/AI features, with broader release planned via Pixel Drops and Wear OS updates.
The Interior Department has finalized rules that require individualized protection plans for species added to the threatened list and mandate economic analyses for critical habitat. Critics warn the move could hamper wildlife recovery, while supporters say it balances conservation with development. Several species, including monarch butterflies and the grizzly bear, are cited in ongoing debates.
The DOJ has repeatedly lost in federal courts as it seeks voter rolls and citizenship data to back President Trump’s election-security push. Courts across the country have rebuffed its requests, citing constitutional boundaries and procedural limits, while some states have begun sharing data that is publicly available. The legal battle continues as cases move toward potential Supreme Court review.
The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Meta and TikTok cannot appeal early on Section 230 immunity claims, allowing multiple lawsuits over addictive design and youth safety to proceed. Trials for state AG actions and other plaintiffs remain scheduled, with bellwether cases moving forward.