Elections
Harris County in talks with feds to send monitors to watch state inspectors on election night
Posted on · Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee said the Justice Department is "seriously considering our request" for election monitors.
Tag: U.S. Justice Department
Houston Matters
Race and Houston’s response to illegal dumping (July 25, 2022)
Posted on · On Monday's show: A new federal investigation examines the city's response to illegal dumping and whether racial discrimination played a role in it.
Politics
Galveston County’s redistricting plan provides a serious test case for the weakened Voting Rights Act
Posted on · The Biden Justice Department is suing the county under Section 2 of the act, alleging intentional discrimination against minority voters in the redrawing of its commissioner precinct boundaries.
Politics
U.S. Justice Department sues Galveston County over new Commissioners Court maps
Posted on · The lawsuit marks the third time the Biden administration has targeted Texas over changes to political maps or voting laws.
Politics
The Biden administration mounts a narrow challenge against Texas’ new election law
Posted on · The suit targets SB 1’s provisions limiting assistance to voters who need help navigating the voting process, as well as limiting how mail-in voters verify their identities.
abortion
The Justice Department is heading back to the Supreme Court over Texas’ abortion law
Posted on · The Justice Department wants the high court to put the restrictive law on hold during ongoing legal challenges. The U.S. government says the legislation is unconstitutional.
abortion
Federal appeals court reinstates Texas’ six-week abortion ban — for now
Posted on · The most restrictive abortion law in the country is back in effect in Texas, after a temporary block was lifted.
Immigration
Biden Administration Sues Texas Over Gov. Greg Abbott’s Latest Immigration Order
Posted on · Gov. Greg Abbott this week issued an order restricting ground transportation of migrants who could have COVID-19, a move Attorney General Merrick Garland said violates federal law.
National
Special Counsel Robert Mueller Steps Down After Leading Russia Inquiry
Posted on · Mueller, a decorated veteran and long-serving prosecutor, returned to public life to lead the most watched — and yet lowest profile — Washington investigation in a generation.
National
Special Counsel Mueller Announces Resignation In Justice Department Remarks
Posted on · Robert Mueller, who hasn't spoken publicly since the Russia investigation began, says he does not believe it is "appropriate" for him to testify before Congress as Democrats have requested.
Harris County
Harris County Settles DOJ Lawsuit Over Polling Locations That Violate The Americans With Disabilities Act
Posted on · Under the settlement, federal inspectors will monitor county voting sites for four years to ensure compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act.
News
Judge Bars Trump Administration From Detaining Asylum Seekers Without Cause
Posted on · Under Judge James E. Boasberg’s injunction, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) must grant parole to asylum seekers once they have passed a “credible fear interview,” as per a 2009 ICE directive
News
Fraud Trial Of Former Congressman Steve Stockman Begins
Posted on · Federal prosecutors charge Stockman with bilking conservative megadonors out of more than $1 million. He faces 24 criminal counts, including multiple counts of mail and wire fraud.
Hurricane Harvey
Federal Judge Denies DOJ Request For Year-Long Delay In Suits Over Harvey Flooding
Posted on · Justice Department attorneys said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers needed the time to “look for documents” regarding the release of floodwaters from Addicks and Barker Dams, which inundated thousands of homes. Chief Judge Susan G. Braden of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims slammed the request as “insulting.”
Politics
Redistricting Case Could Put Texas Back Under Federal Supervision
Posted on · At issue is whether the state drew up its most recent political maps with the intent to discriminate against minority voters.