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Courts in West Virginia, New York, and Vermont have issued rulings affecting vaccine exemption policies. West Virginia's Supreme Court suspended a policy denying religious exemptions, while New York's court vacated a ruling upholding vaccine requirements. Vermont's case challenges mandatory in-person work for state employees. These legal decisions impact vaccination laws and school policies.
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The US Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas's new congressional map racially gerrymandered. The map, which favors Republicans, will remain in effect for the 2026 midterms, amid ongoing legal challenges. The decision reflects a broader trend of partisan redistricting efforts across the US.
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The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a case challenging the removal of books on race, gender, and sexuality from a rural Texas library. The lower court's decision, which sided with the county, allows the ban to stand, raising concerns about free speech and First Amendment rights amid ongoing book bans nationwide.
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The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago and other cities, citing lack of legal authority. The rulings challenge the administration's use of military force in domestic law enforcement and set a precedent for future legal battles over federal troop deployments in Democratic-led cities. The decisions come amid ongoing legal disputes and resistance from state and city officials.
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The U.S. Supreme Court will hear cases challenging laws in Idaho and West Virginia that ban transgender students from female sports teams. The cases could influence broader transgender rights and legal protections, with a decision expected soon. The court's conservative majority signals potential shifts in civil rights law.
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The Supreme Court is examining Hawaii's law banning guns on private property open to the public without explicit permission. The case tests whether private property rights can override Second Amendment protections, with arguments referencing historical laws like the Black Codes. A decision is expected by late June 2026.
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The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously ruled that Montana police acted reasonably when entering William Case's home without a warrant during a suspected suicide emergency. The court emphasized that emergency circumstances justify warrantless searches if police have an objectively reasonable basis for believing someone is in danger.
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On January 21, 2026, the US Supreme Court heard arguments over former President Trump's unprecedented attempt to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, citing unproven mortgage fraud allegations she denies. The court appeared skeptical of the administration's request to lift a lower court injunction preventing her immediate removal, raising concerns about the Fed's independence and economic impact. A ruling is expected by June.
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The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Harvard, demanding five years of admissions data to investigate potential race-based discrimination following a Supreme Court ruling. The case highlights ongoing tensions over affirmative action and federal oversight of university policies.
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Violet Zulu, a Zambian woman sentenced to seven years for self-managed abortion, was released after international rights groups intervened. Her case highlights barriers to legal abortion in Africa, including lack of access, stigma, and misinformation, with many women facing similar desperate choices.
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On February 25, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in history, highlighting economic growth, immigration enforcement, and military achievements. Despite Republican applause, Democrats criticized his policies and rhetoric amid low approval ratings and looming midterm elections. Trump also addressed the Supreme Court tariff ruling and tensions with Iran, while largely avoiding new policy proposals.
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U.S. District Judge Brian Murphy declared the Trump-era deportation policy invalid, citing violations of due process rights. He suspended his ruling for 15 days to allow an appeal, emphasizing the importance of legal protections for migrants facing expedited removal to third countries.