DOJ Settles Trump IRS Suit, Creates $1.776 Billion Anti-Weaponization FundMay 18, 2026Law and PolicyThe DOJ settled Trump's $10 billion IRS tax return lawsuit with a formal apology and a new $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, drawing immediate legal scrutiny.
Murdaugh Sues Former Court Clerk Over Jury Tampering Days After Murder Convictions OverturnedMay 18, 2026Law and PolicyAlex Murdaugh filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against former clerk Becky Hill four days after his murder convictions were overturned, alleging jury tampering under 42 U.S.C. § 1983.
South Carolina Supreme Court Vacates Murdaugh Murder Convictions, Orders RetrialMay 18, 2026Law and PolicyThe South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously overturned Alex Murdaugh's double murder convictions on May 13, 2026, citing jury interference by the county clerk of court.
Trump New York Hush-Money Appeal Advances Toward Supreme CourtMay 17, 2026Law and PolicyTrump's New York hush-money conviction, the last standing criminal case against him, moves through state appeals with a potential Supreme Court petition ahead.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former National Security Advisor Bolton on 18 CountsMay 17, 2026Law and PolicyA federal grand jury indicted former National Security Advisor John Bolton on 18 counts of transmitting and retaining classified national defense information, the DOJ announced Oct. 20, 2025.
Publishers and Authors Sue Meta Over AI Training Data UseMay 17, 2026Law and PolicyPublishers including Elsevier and Hachette sue Meta and Mark Zuckerberg in a federal class action over alleged copyright infringement in AI model training.
Judge Kaplan Denies Bankman-Fried Pro Se Motion for New TrialMay 17, 2026Law and PolicyJudge Lewis Kaplan denied Sam Bankman-Fried's pro se new-trial motion, calling it baseless, leaving only a Second Circuit appeal between him and a 25-year sentence.
New York Court Dismisses Combs’ $100 Million Defamation Suit Against NBCUniversalMay 17, 2026Law and PolicyA New York court dismissed Sean Combs' $100 million defamation suit against NBCUniversal, ruling the Peacock documentary could not damage his already-ruined reputation.
America First Legal’s FARA Suit Against DOJ Dismissed for Lack of StandingMay 17, 2026Law and PolicyA federal judge dismissed America First Legal Foundation's suit to compel Hunter Biden's FARA registration, ruling the group lacked standing to bring the claim.
DOJ Settles Berenson First Amendment Suit Over Twitter SuppressionMay 17, 2026Law and PolicyThe DOJ settled Alex Berenson's First Amendment lawsuit alleging the Biden administration pressured Twitter to suppress his speech, with no financial terms disclosed.