Mask Ban in Nassau County, New York

Nassau County, New York has signed a law banning the superfluous wearing of masks in public places, with exemptions for health, religious, or cultural reasons. The law aims to prevent criminal activities and violent protests by making it punishable with a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Surgical Castration for Sex Offenders in Louisiana

Louisiana has become the first US state to approve a law allowing surgical castration for sex offenders convicted of crimes against children under 13. The law permits judges to order the irreversible procedure for offenders guilty of rape, incest, molestation, or related offenses.

Louisiana's Ten Commandments Law

Louisiana faces a lawsuit over a new law requiring Ten Commandments to be displayed in public school classrooms. The law, signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, mandates a poster-sized display of the Commandments in all classrooms, along with historical documents. Opponents argue it violates separation of church and state.

Controversy over Ten Commandments law in Louisiana

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill defends a law requiring public school classrooms to display posters of the Ten Commandments, despite criticism for violating separation of church and state. The bill allows schools to accept donated posters, but not use state funding for them.

Lawsuit over Ten Commandments Display in Louisiana Schools

The ACLU is suing Louisiana over a new law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. Various groups are divided on the issue, with some viewing it as unconstitutional and others as a reflection of foundational principles.

Mandatory Display of Ten Commandments in Louisiana Schools

Louisiana becomes the first state to require the display of the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom under a new law signed by Governor Jeff Landry. The law also allows for the display of other historical documents but faces legal challenges from civil rights groups.

Louisiana Ten Commandments Law

Louisiana becomes the first state to require the display of the Ten Commandments in all public school classrooms, sparking legal challenges from civil liberties groups citing violations of the separation of church and state.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer's comments on former President Donald Trump

Governor Gretchen Whitmer criticizes former President Donald Trump for defying the law and getting caught, emphasizes the importance of holding leaders accountable and urges people to vote in the upcoming election.

Arizona's Secure the Border Act

Arizona House of Representatives approved a bill allowing voters to decide on the state's border security, despite opposition from Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs. The bill would make it a crime to enter Arizona illegally and allow local law enforcement to enforce federal immigration laws.

Arizona Proposal on Immigration Enforcement

Arizona lawmakers are considering a proposal to make it a state crime to cross the Arizona-Mexico border anywhere except a port of entry, with voters deciding whether it becomes law in November. The proposal would allow state and local police to arrest unauthorized border crossers and order them to return to their home country.

Analysis of New York Criminal Case against Donald Trump

CNN legal analyst criticizes New York criminal case against Donald Trump as unjustified mess, citing contorted law and structural infirmity. Charges against Trump are obscure and unprecedented as prosecutors push the boundaries of the law and due process.

Louisiana Law Restricting Approach to Police Officers

Louisiana Republican Governor signs law making it a crime to approach within 25 feet of a police officer under certain circumstances, potentially limiting the public's ability to film officers. Critics fear it infringes on First Amendment rights, while proponents argue it will ensure officer safety.

South Carolina's "Help Not Harm" Law Protecting Children from Risky Transgender Medical Procedures

South Carolina's Republican governor signs law protecting children from risky transgender medical procedures, ensuring parents are informed about transgender themes in schools. Other Republican governors expected to sign similar bills. Transgender treatments are deemed high-risk and irreversible, leading to potential lawsuits and financial support for families seeking care in other states. UK's Cass report highlights dangers of transgender treatments on children and adults, prompting rejection from the American transgender industry.

Louisiana Bill Requiring Display of Ten Commandments in Schools

Louisiana is poised to become the first state requiring display of the Ten Commandments at all schools that receive public funding, including colleges and universities. The bill has passed the state Senate and requires a second vote in front of the full House before potentially becoming a law.

Florida's New Climate Change Law

Florida introduces a new law that makes climate change a lesser priority, bans offshore wind turbines, and reduces regulations on gas pipelines. Democrats criticize the law for ignoring the threat of climate change in the state.

California's New Law on Price Transparency for Restaurants

California restaurant owners are required to list comprehensive prices for each item on their menus, with all mandatory charges included in one figure, starting July 1. Violating the law can result in consumers seeking at least $1,000 in damages. The law aims to bring clarity and transparency to retail transactions.

Chinese Communist Regime Drafts Law for Military Training of Children

The Chinese Communist regime is drafting a law to require military training for children as young as elementary school, amid tensions with Taiwan and the Philippines. The law aims to instill military skills and loyalty in students, potentially to bolster recruitment for the People's Liberation Army.

Georgia Governor Signs Series of Bills into Law

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed bills into law including the Georgia Criminal Alien Track and Report Act, focusing on public safety and immigration enforcement. The legislation was prompted by the death of a nursing student killed by an illegal alien. Other bills signed include one requiring certification as a peace officer for sheriff or jailer positions, increasing penalties for providing contraband to inmates, and providing insurance coverage for first responders with PTSD.

Arizona Abortion Law Repeal

Arizona lawmakers voted to repeal the law banning almost all abortions after three weeks of national debate on abortion, with Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs promising to sign it.

Missouri Law on Divorce for Pregnant Women

Missouri law preventing pregnant women from getting divorced is being challenged by lawmakers due to urgency after Roe vs. Wade was overturned.

Iraq's Law Criminalizing Same-Sex Relationships

Iraq's parliament passed a law criminalizing same-sex relationships with a maximum 15-year prison sentence, condemned by rights advocates and the U.S. State Department as a threat to human rights and freedoms.

Controversy Surrounding DEI Departments at Public Universities

Republican State Sen. Brandon Creighton discusses law to close DEI departments at public universities. UNC board of governors committee to vote on policy repealing and replacing diversity and inclusion policy. DEI roles at state universities in Florida and Texas being eliminated. UNC considering eliminating DEI policy and focusing on academic freedom, institutional neutrality, and free speech.

Ohio Law on Gender Reassignment and Transgender Sports Participation

An Ohio judge temporarily blocked a law banning gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy for minors, following a challenge by the ACLU. The law also prohibits transgender players from joining women's sports teams in high school and college.

Controversy Over Iowa's Immigration Protection Law

Iowa's Republican politicians passed a law to protect Americans from Biden's immigration policies, sparking controversy with business-backed progressives who claim it's a political stunt. The law allows police to pressure illegal migrants to leave the state but doesn't affect migrants with questionable permits. The law is popular among likely voters, mandating E-Verify for employers. Critics argue for immigrants' rights, economic losses, and cultural diversity over prosperity for Americans.

Polish Abortion Law Reform

Polish lawmakers voted to move forward with proposals to lift a near-total ban on abortion, a divisive issue in Poland, which has one of the most restrictive laws in Europe. The proposed bills aim to legalize abortion through the 12th week of pregnancy, aligning with European norms.

Iowa's New Illegal Immigration Law

Republican governor of Iowa signed a bill into law making illegal immigration a state crime for those previously deported or denied entry; similar to Texas law. Democrats criticize the bill as a ‘political stunt’. Several other states, including Georgia, New Hampshire, and Tennessee, are also considering similar measures. Mexico threatens to take Iowa to court over the law.

Abortion Law in Arizona

The Arizona Supreme Court upholds an old law from the 1860s that bans nearly all abortions in the state.

Florida Bill Criminalizing Harassment of First Responders

Florida bill criminalizing harassment of first responders on duty awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis' signature. Harassment defined as causing substantial emotional distress in first responder with no legitimate purpose. Violators could face fine or jail time.

Immigration Enforcement

The law allows state officials to arrest and deport undocumented people.

Scotland's Hate Crime Law and J.K. Rowling's Challenge

J.K. Rowling challenges Scotland's new hate speech law, expressing concerns about free speech. Police in Scotland declared they will not prosecute the author for her online speech about transgender identity.

Iowa Bill Allowing Arrest and Deportation of Migrants

A bill in Iowa allowing the state to arrest and deport some migrants is causing anxiety among immigrant communities. The legislation mirrors a Texas law and could lead to criminal charges for individuals with deportation orders. Republican leaders support the bill, while immigrant groups are organizing to address concerns about safety and trust in law enforcement.

Israeli Government's Approval of Al Jazeera Law

The Knesset approved the Al Jazeera law, giving the government powers to prevent foreign news networks from operating in Israel if deemed harmful to national security. The US expressed concern over the legislation.

Louisiana's Expanded Execution Methods

Louisiana has expanded its execution methods, potentially leading to the state's first execution in over a decade.

Germany Legalizes Cannabis Possession

Germany has legalized cannabis possession for personal use, allowing individuals to carry up to 25 grams in public and 50 grams at home. The law also permits individuals to own three plants for self-cultivation. This change follows years of campaigning by Federal health minister Karl Lauterbach.

Crackdown on Squatters

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a bill cracking down on squatters after a woman in Dallas documented her nightmare experience with a squatter who trashed her home and sold her belongings while she was away caring for a family member. The squatter took advantage of 'squatters' rights laws, making it difficult for the homeowner to evict them.

Prevention of Squatters' Rights in New York

NY State Assemblyman introduces bill to prevent squatters' rights and protect homeowners. ABC News reports on the threat squatters pose and offers tips to protect homes. Efforts to change the law gaining traction after viral video of property owner confronting squatters. Assemblyman's bill aims to classify squatters as trespassers.

Florida Squatting Law

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation into law that eliminates squatters’ rights in the state, increasing penalties against offenders and allowing property owners to quickly remove squatters. The law will take effect on July 1.

ACLU lawsuit against Ohio over transgender healthcare law

ACLU sues Ohio over law banning gender transition surgeries and hormone blockers for minors, citing harm to transgender youth. The law also prohibits biological men identifying as transgender women from participating in women's sports. Legal battle ensues over constitutionality of the law.

Cell Phone Ban in Indiana Public Schools

Indiana public schools will ban cell phones in classrooms next fall under a new law passed with bipartisan support to help students focus on learning, reduce conflicts around social media, and promote face-to-face communication.

Wyoming bans gender-reassignment procedures for children

Wyoming has passed a law banning gender-reassignment procedures for children, with exceptions for cases of genetic disorders. Governor Mark Gordon signed the law, stating support for protections for children but expressing concerns about government involvement in family affairs. The law prohibits surgeries that sterilize children and the use of puberty-blocking hormones.

Texas' immigration law SB4 and Mexico's reaction

NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer discusses Texas' immigration law SB4 and Mexico's reaction to it with Washington Post columnist Eduardo Porter.

Border Patrol Chief's Response to Texas Border Law

Border Patrol Chief Jason Owens responded to a question on the Texas border law stating that it won't stop Border Patrol from doing its job and that they will continue to work well with the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Current Events

Controversial Texas border law on hold, ex-Mississippi officers sentenced for torturing Black men, Trump-endorsed candidate wins Ohio GOP primary.

Texas Law on Teen Access to Birth Control

Texas law requires teens to get parental permission to receive birth control in federally funded family planning clinics. NPR's Leila Fadel talks to Shefali Luthra, health reporter for The 19th.

U.S. Politics

Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen discusses a law that could provide more aid to people in Gaza with NPR's Mary Louise Kelly.

Alabama law protecting IVF

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with fertility specialist Dr. Beth Malizia about the new Alabama law that protects IVF.

Alabama's IVF Protection Law

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill protecting in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments after a court ruling led to a pause in procedures. The law ensures civil and criminal immunity for medical professionals in case of unintentional death or damage to an embryo.

Indiana law banning transgender-related medical procedures for minors

Indiana law banning transgender-related medical procedures for minors allowed to take effect after federal court ruling. Doctors prohibited from providing cross-sex hormone treatments, puberty blockers, and sex trait modification surgeries for children. ACLU of Indiana and activists express disappointment, while Attorney General celebrates decision to ban procedures.

Supreme Court decision-making process

Learn about how Supreme Court decisions are made and test your knowledge with this article by Anya Steinberg.

New York City Voting Rights for Foreign Nationals Struck Down

A New York appeals court upheld a ruling that struck down a law giving local voting rights to nearly a million foreign nationals in New York City. The law was deemed unconstitutional as it violated voting rights reserved for American citizens.