A federal judge in Georgia, R. Stan Baker, rejected a last-minute attempt by the Republican National Committee to invalidate absentee ballots from Democratic-leaning counties, calling the effort dishonest and based on misinterpretations of state law. The judge criticized the RNC's claims as lacking factual support and warned against undermining public confidence in elections. The case was seen as an attempt to influence the election outcome by targeting specific counties based on political affiliation.
U.S. District Judge Eric Tostrud ruled that the city of Minneapolis can proceed with its plan to clear a homeless encampment, Camp Nenookaasi, on the south side of the city. The judge determined that the city's actions would not violate constitutional rights and noted that the city had provided adequate notice. The land is set to be sold to a nonprofit for the development of an art and wellness center. The judge emphasized that policy decisions on homelessness are better suited for lawmakers rather than the judiciary. The encampment is scheduled to be closed on Thursday.
A federal judge in Iowa has issued a preliminary injunction against a state law that banned books with sexual content from school libraries and restricted teaching on LGBTQ topics, citing the law's broadness and vagueness as unconstitutional under the First Amendment and due process clause. The law, which led to the removal of hundreds of books and created confusion among educators, was criticized for its lack of clear definition and for potentially violating free speech rights. While the judge did not halt a provision requiring parental notification for pronoun changes, the overall ruling represents a significant pushback against the legislation signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. The case will continue to be litigated.
