AGP Executive Report

US Immigration Ruling: A federal judge in Boston struck down President Trump’s $100,000 H-1B fee, calling it an unlawful tax imposed without Congress’ power, after a multi-state challenge. Sports Law: A Texas judge restored Texas Tech QB Brendan Sorsby’s eligibility despite an NCAA gambling ban, though he’ll miss the first two games. Constitutional & Election Disputes: Armenia’s opposition “Hayastan” bloc says it will appeal parliamentary election results to the Constitutional Court, citing an unfair atmosphere. Human Rights & Courts: Kenya’s High Court upheld Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment but awarded damages, while Martha Karua criticized the ruling as flawed. Criminal Justice: Moscow’s appeals court upheld the prison sentence of German satirist Jacques Tilly over Carnival-related charges. Public Law & Procedure: The Madras High Court ordered the state to respond on creating a transparent SOP for appointing law officers. Environment & Property Access: Savannah Riverkeeper is stepping in as a pipeline company files dozens of petitions to enter land for surveys in South Carolina. Safety & Operations: The Philippines Supreme Court suspended court operations in parts of Mindanao after an earthquake.

Immigration & Administrative Law: A federal judge in Boston struck down Trump’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee as an unlawful tax Congress never approved, citing executive overreach under the Administrative Procedure Act, while the administration signaled an appeal. Energy Policy: Another federal ruling vacated IRS guidance that tightened when wind and solar projects count as “beginning construction” for tax credits, dealing another blow to efforts to slow clean-energy development. Legal Profession & Courts: England and Wales’ planned AI legal assistant pilots drew pushback from lawyers warning they can’t replace court funding and staff. High-Profile Litigation: In the Karen Read wrongful-death case, a judge denied Michael Proctor’s bid to delay his deposition, setting it for late June. Criminal Justice: A Detroit teen charged in a shooting tied to a teen takeover returned to court for a preliminary exam after testimony from the injured 14-year-old. Local Governance: Pasadena moved to authorize $6.6M in homeless-grant agreements after prior federal legal fights, while a rental board member was ruled ineligible over eligibility questions. IP & Tech: A new lawsuit alleges major labels’ AI deals left musicians uncompensated. Corporate/Consumer: Texas AG Paxton launched a glyphosate residue investigation into Bayer and PepsiCo via civil investigative demands.

UFC on the White House Lawn: A federal lawsuit seeks to block UFC’s planned White House South Lawn event for Trump’s 80th birthday, arguing federal land use and construction of a claw stadium structure were not properly authorized and lacked required environmental review. Criminal Legal Aid Access: Ireland’s proposed shift from appearances-based criminal legal aid to flat fees faces backlash from solicitors, with a survey warning it could drive an “exodus” and delay defendants getting representation. Human Trafficking Sentencing: Finland’s Lapland District Court sentenced two people in the country’s biggest trafficking case involving 78 Thai berry pickers, with an additional corporate fine and compensation ordered (verdict not final). Impeachment Procedure: In the Philippines, the House prosecution told the Senate impeachment court that Vice President Sara Duterte’s “answer” raised only procedural objections and did not require a reply. High Court on Exam Delays: India’s Supreme Court issued notice to CBSE over a plea to declare a Class 12 improvement result for a student in Saudi Arabia, citing academic impact from delays. THC Drink Crackdown: A report says a new federal rule could limit intoxicating hemp-derived drinks, threatening Florida’s THC beverage boom. Local Court Orders: A Kenyan ruling barred a bank from auctioning property once arrears were cleared and the loan account regularized. Public Safety: Kansas launched “Operation Zero,” a summer-long crackdown on speeding, impaired driving, and aggressive driving.

Domestic Violence Law Reform (Ireland): Ireland’s Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan will take “Jennie’s Law” to Cabinet, advancing a bill to create a public Domestic Violence (Judgements) Register so people can check serious convictions before entering relationships. US Federal Courts / Public Land Use (UFC at White House): A new federal lawsuit seeks to stop UFC “Freedom 250” on the White House South Lawn, arguing the event is unlawful under federal park rules, lacks congressional authorization for construction, and skipped required environmental review. Local Government / Legal Careers (US): California Gov. Gavin Newsom has appointed Mountain View City Attorney Jennifer Logue to the Contra Costa County Superior Court, setting up a city attorney replacement process. Public Safety / Policing (US): Kansas agencies launch “Operation Zero,” a summer crackdown on speeding, impaired driving, and aggressive driving. Civil Rights / Education Policy (Canada): A legal letter challenges a Manitoba school washroom policy over student safety and privacy concerns tied to a transgender student’s access to girls’ facilities. Corporate Liability / Aviation (Italy): ITA Airways says it will decide within weeks whether to sue RTX’s Pratt & Whitney over engine problems grounding a large share of its fleet. Criminal Justice (Iraq): Iraq’s judiciary has asked Parliament to lift a lawmaker’s immunity over alleged extortion linked to a residential development case.

US Supreme Court Watch: The justices are set to rule on gun laws and transgender athletes, including challenges to a federal ban on gun ownership for people convicted of illegal drug use, a Hawaii handgun restriction, and state bans on transgender participation in women’s sports. Criminal Justice & Tribunals: Nigeria’s general court-martial over an alleged plot to overthrow President Tinubu faces fresh controversy after the court-martial president reportedly declared a “prima facie case” before the prosecution called any witnesses. Constitutional Law: South Korea’s Seoul court will deliver a verdict this week on former President Yoon Suk Yeol’s drone-incursion charges tied to his failed martial law bid, with prosecutors seeking a 30-year term. Access to Courts: Saskatchewan’s new Response to Illicit Drugs Act lets families and the government pursue civil damages against drug producers and traffickers, aiming to complement criminal enforcement. Due Process & Media: A Canadian judge revoked a publication ban after finding a justice of the peace exceeded jurisdiction, raising questions about how bans are applied in sexual assault cases. Public Accountability: West Bengal has launched a statewide madrasas survey to map registration, infrastructure, staffing, legal documentation, and courses. Immigration Litigation: A US judge struck down Trump-era immigration processing restrictions that blocked applicants from 39 countries from receiving decisions on asylum and other statuses. Tech & Courts: India’s CJI said young legal professionals are key to the judiciary’s AI and digital transformation, while stressing technology can’t replace human judgment. Sports Meets the Law: A WNBA game saw Mystics coach Sydney Johnson ejected and escorted off court by police after a heated exchange with officials.

US Immigration & SNAP Litigation: A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new conditions on billions in USDA nutrition funding, halting SNAP-related restrictions in 20 states and DC while the case proceeds. US Elections Probe: California’s U.S. attorney’s office announced multiple election fraud investigations, citing “structural vulnerabilities” in the state’s system. PDP Leadership Ruling: Nigeria’s Court of Appeal faulted a Federal High Court judge for granting reliefs not sought in a PDP caretaker committee dispute, saying the trial judge went beyond the parties’ requests. Environmental & Corporate Litigation: A coalition of 21 states and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce backed the U.S. Air Force in a lawsuit over WWII bomb detonation at Tarague Beach in Guam, arguing a major ruling could disrupt permitting nationwide. Human Rights & Equality: Philippines lawyers’ group NUPL won the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award for defending civil liberties; ASEAN’s SOGIE caucus welcomed Marcos’ Pride message but urged a national anti-discrimination law. Courts & Access to Justice: Saskatchewan’s anti-drug trafficking “Response to Illicit Drugs Act” took effect June 1, creating new civil and cost-recovery tools. Local Governance: Nebraska’s federal court struck down a state tuition benefit for undocumented students, finding it violated federal law. Speech vs. Lawsuit: A DC judge dismissed a breach-of-contract suit against musician Chuck Redd under anti-SLAPP rules after he canceled a Kennedy Center performance in protest of Trump’s name being added.

Immigration & Asylum: A federal judge in Rhode Island struck down Trump-era USCIS policies that paused immigration and asylum processing for nationals of 39 countries, calling them “illegal, arbitrary, and capricious” and leaving people in “indefinite legal limbo.” Public Finance & Welfare: Another federal court blocked new USDA conditions on SNAP funding, granting a preliminary injunction while a coalition of states challenges the requirements. Criminal Justice: The Supreme Court affirmed a death sentence for a kidnapper in Nigeria’s Delta State case, ending an appeal over kidnapping, armed robbery, and ATM theft. Corporate/Tech Liability: A lawsuit alleges IBM covered up major data breaches tied to APT 10 hacking activity, including claims that internal investigations were hampered by missing access logs. Local Government & Courts: In Florida, Fort Pierce commissioners will decide whether to renew city attorney Sara Hedges’ contract; in Kenya, a court suspended NTSA’s smart driving licence and automated fines rollout pending a legal challenge. Public Health: Bangladesh launched a nationwide dengue prevention campaign with mobile court enforcement for breeding sites. Sports & Injury: Yankees star Aaron Judge said his right rib stress fracture began after a late-April dive and will be re-imaged in 4–6 weeks.

DOJ Accountability: A Rhode Island federal judge referred Justice Department lawyers for possible discipline after finding they misled the court and mishandled a transgender youth care investigation tied to Rhode Island Hospital. AI in Courts: Yukon’s Supreme Court issued a directive requiring lawyers and litigants to certify that generative AI–sourced legal authorities and principles are accurate, warning of hallucinations. Immigration & Asylum: A federal judge blocked Trump-era policies that halted asylum processing and other benefits for people from 39 countries, finding USCIS acted unlawfully. Surveillance Fight: Senate Republicans and Democrats blocked debate on extending warrantless spying powers under FISA Section 702, with six GOP senators joining Democrats. Election Scrutiny: The U.S. attorney in Los Angeles opened multiple election fraud investigations and sent a prosecutor to the county vote-counting center amid Trump’s claims about California’s vote count. Consumer Class Action: A judge vacated a $630M timeshare settlement, calling it a “blank check” deal based on unreliable damages estimates. Local Governance: New Orleans asked for rehearing in the clerk of court dispute after a 4-3 ruling barred a fall election. Sports Meets Law: Yankees placed Aaron Judge on the injured list with a right rib stress fracture; the team will re-image him in 4–6 weeks.

Philippines Senate Power Struggle: The Supreme Court is set to weigh a petition challenging the legality of a June 3 Senate session and leadership actions taken by 12 senators, after quorum and constitutional arguments over who can preside sparked a legal fight. Japan Constitutional Reform: Japan’s ruling coalition and opposition parties filed a bill to revise referendum rules for constitutional amendments, aiming to ease logistics for remote voting and observer requirements ahead of a possible first national vote. U.S. White House Construction Fight: Trump’s legal team is resisting a BBC request for financial records in a $10bn defamation case, while a separate appeals battle over the White House ballroom continues. Sports Meets Law: The NBA handed lifetime bans to two people after a court-runner incident during the NBA Finals, while Yankees star Aaron Judge was diagnosed with a rib stress fracture and faces a 4–6 week recovery timeline. New Zealand Aviation Review: A High Court ruling rejected a challenge to Wellington flight-path changes, but residents say the decision leaves a gap between legal process and community fairness. Corporate Governance Clash (Netherlands/China): Wingtech sued Nexperia Netherlands in China to restore control of core assets amid a governance dispute, escalating cross-border legal pressure. South Africa Retail Eviction Case: Springs Mall owners seek eviction and rental arrears from Bathu Shoes after a breach-of-contract dispute landed in court. Hawaii Open-Meetings Ruling: A judge found Hawaii House committee meetings held behind closed doors violated the state constitution’s requirement that decision-making meetings be public.

US DOJ Leadership: President Trump says he will make acting Attorney General Todd Blanche permanent, after taking over the department following Pam Bondi’s firing and amid backlash over the DOJ’s “weaponization” fund plan. D.C. Construction Fight: A Trump-appointed planning chief argues a 1910 Height of Buildings Act shouldn’t apply to the administration’s 250-foot Kennedy Center arch, setting up a public legal fight. Criminal Justice Oversight: An Illinois federal judge questioned whether the Illinois Supreme Court overstepped by ousting a Cook County judge, but said federal courts may be constrained. Civil Rights in Courts: A federal judge ordered the Lawrence, Kansas school district to pay attorney fees to students after it violated the Kansas Open Records Act over monitoring software. Police Accountability: Colorado’s appeals court ordered a retrial for two paramedics convicted in Elijah McClain’s death, citing jury-instruction errors. Election/Political Campaigns: A Colombian court issued a provisional order barring presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella from using the national football jersey in campaign events and ads. Consumer/Traffic Law: Pennsylvania’s “Paul Miller’s Law” fully kicks in June 5, making handheld cellphone use while driving a $50 fine offense. International Arms & Rights: South Africa’s SALC sued to suspend arms export permits to the US, arguing the transfers may violate domestic and human-rights standards. Sports Injury Watch: The Yankees said a thoracic outlet syndrome specialist will review Aaron Judge’s rib/shoulder tests, leaving his status uncertain. Charity Ads in Court: California’s appeals court stayed an injunction against Kars4Kids over claims it misled donors, letting ads run while the appeal proceeds. Kennedy Center Name Dispute: The Kennedy Center began removing Trump references after a judge ruled the name was illegally added, with staff changes due by June 12. Israel Protest Crackdown: Israeli police detained 60+ ultra-Orthodox protesters near a Supreme Court deputy president’s home, calling it a serious criminal event rather than routine protest.

DOJ Leadership Shake-Up (US): President Trump says he will nominate acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as permanent AG, teeing up a Senate confirmation fight after Blanche’s role in the IRS settlement backlash. Sports Law & Player Rights (Spain/UK): Manchester City threatens legal action after Real Madrid presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme pledged to sign Erling Haaland (and Rodri), arguing there’s “no chance” and citing possible misuse of the player image. Criminal Justice (Philippines): The Sandiganbayan entered a not-guilty plea for Sen. Jinggoy Estrada in his graft case, while a co-accused’s arraignment was postponed due to hospitalization. Courtroom Safety (US): An NBA Finals fan ran onto the court to take a selfie with Victor Wembanyama, briefly halting play before security removed him. Human Rights (Israel): Israel’s High Court backed a challenge to a ban on International Committee of the Red Cross visits to security detainees, ordering the policy canceled. Legal Ethics/Discipline (Canada): Ontario’s Law Society tribunal upheld permission for a Kingston lawyer to surrender his licence after trust-fund misconduct findings. Death Penalty Procedure (US): A Louisiana judge ordered a sanity commission to assess whether death row inmate Laderick Campbell is competent for execution.

Tariff Refund Appeal: The Trump administration has formally appealed a judge’s order requiring refunds of global tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court, putting about $166 billion in repayments in play as CBP processes hundreds of billions’ worth of claims. Criminal Courts Transparency: New York lawmakers advanced a bill to study wider publication of criminal court suppression opinions, arguing it could improve access while critics warn it could pressure judicial independence. Consumer & Health Enforcement: Nevada AG Aaron Ford announced nearly $90 million in asset turn-over tied to the IM Mastery investment training and multi-level-marketing scam, and separately warned consumers about misleading marketing of over-the-counter hearing devices. Student Loan Access Fight: Ford and other states sued the U.S. Department of Education over a rule narrowing eligibility for federal student loans for professional degree programs. Immigration & Victims’ Visas: DOJ moved to challenge Colorado’s U-Visa law, arguing it conflicts with federal immigration rules on law-enforcement certifications. Public Safety Funding: DOJ unveiled a Model Cities Initiative directing nearly $300 million for local public-safety strategies, with proposals due Sept. 1. International Humanitarian Oversight: Israel’s Supreme Court annulled a ban on ICRC visits to Palestinian prisoners, ordering access to resume. Local Government & Detention: In Maryland, a county councilwoman urged leaders to mount legal defenses in a federal fight over an ICE facility in Elkridge.

Philippines Senate Power Struggle: Malacañang said the Senate leadership shuffle is “in accordance with the law,” after Acting Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian took over amid claims of an “illegal coup” by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and a boycott tied to a blue ribbon committee hearing. Philippines Veterans Law: Former Senate leader Loren Legarda hailed Republic Act 12320, signed May 26, designating April as Philippine Veterans’ Month with nationwide programs for benefits, health, and public awareness. Australia Defamation Venue Fight: A Victorian Supreme Court judge refused to move a defamation case over a lewd photo to a private Family Court setting. Sri Lanka Travel Ban: A magistrate imposed a foreign travel ban on ex-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two officers in the Easter Sunday attacks investigation. EU Tech Antitrust: The EU General Court ordered looser Digital Markets Act limits for Facebook Marketplace, but kept Messenger under the stricter gatekeeper rules. Massachusetts Health Fraud Suit: AG Andrea Joy Campbell sued UnitedHealthcare, alleging $100M+ in Medicaid-related overbilling via manipulated risk assessments. Pakistan Courts vs Lawyer Strikes: The Federal Constitutional Court ruled bar association strike calls illegal for violating the right to justice and delaying cases. Online Safety Funding Critique: A Free Speech Union urged Parliament to pause work on a children’s online-safety regulator, saying the government is building before the law exists. US Voting Rights Clash: A federal judge in Boston pressed Trump’s mail-voting executive order, weighing whether to block it ahead of November. Corporate Legal Strategy: Meta lost another EU court fight over DMA “core platform” designation. UK Criminal Courts: A teenager accused of a bomb hoax at a Peter Kay show was removed from court after stripping; separately, an electrician was convicted of murdering a judge’s daughter.

U.S. DOJ Funding Fight: Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche told Congress the Trump administration will not move forward with a criticized $1.8B “anti-weaponization” fund, calling it defunct and saying the purpose is over. Sports Betting Regulation: Colorado Gov. Jared Polis signed SB 26-131, tightening rules with deposit limits, bans on credit-card funding, and restrictions on targeting under-21 bettors. Federal Courts vs. Climate Science: A judge blocked the Trump administration’s plan to dismantle NCAR in Boulder, finding no justification to move or shut it down. Local Courts Reshaped in Louisiana: Louisiana’s Supreme Court upheld a law eliminating three Orleans Parish Criminal District Court judges and ending Calvin Duncan’s clerk position. Criminal Dockets: Courts handled multiple remand hearings, including two men in a Melville armed robbery case and a Yorkton firearms seizure suspect. Privacy & Tech Litigation: A lawsuit targets Amazon’s Ring “Familiar Faces” feature, alleging facial-recognition collection without consent. Biometric/Detention Rights: A federal judge held a hearing on conditions at a short-term detention facility tied to ICE. Public Access to Court Names: A Nunavut judge partially lifted a publication ban in a historical sexual assault case, but kept limits tied to youth-crime rules. Historic Site Fight: An appeals court will decide whether a slavery exhibit at Philadelphia’s President’s House Site must be restored.

Transgender Military Ban: A divided D.C. appeals panel ruled the Pentagon’s policy illegally barred transgender troops, keeping the ban in place for now but limiting its effect to current plaintiffs while the administration seeks further review. Mass Tort Settlement: A legal fight could delay a proposed $7.25B Roundup settlement after an opponent moved the case to federal court, potentially disrupting Missouri opt-out deadlines and Supreme Court-linked state-court limits. UK Party Embezzlement: Scotland’s High Court heard detailed allegations that SNP former chief Peter Murrell embezzled £400,310.65 using party charge cards, false invoices, and misleading accounting—spending on a £124,550 motorhome and other luxury items. Celebrity/Film Legal Notices: Salman Khan’s team sent notices over “Kala Hiran,” a film tied to the blackbuck case, alleging personality-rights violations and seeking to halt release and promotion amid producer claims of intimidation. Family Law Fees Fight: In New York, Blake Lively returned to court seeking legal bills and penalties from Justin Baldoni after a settlement ended an earlier defamation/extortion countersuit. Consumer Protection: Maryland AG accused MV Realty of deceptive “Homeowner Benefit Agreements,” seeking cease-and-desist, restitution, and termination over predatory long-term listing terms. Courts & Access: Delhi High Court faced a NSUI petition challenging CBSE’s on-screen marking system, asking for portal extensions, manual rechecking, and an independent inquiry. Local Tax Relief: Washington’s new law raises Spokane County seniors’ property tax exemption income limit, expanding eligibility starting in 2027. Criminal Case Updates: In Nevada, a murder suspect’s case continued with next court dates set for July 27 and an August preliminary hearing.

AI & Consumer Protection: Florida sued OpenAI and Sam Altman, alleging ChatGPT safety warnings were hidden and that the system was marketed while putting children at risk, pointing to alleged links between ChatGPT questions and real-world shootings. Judicial Power & Politics: Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry criticized a late legislative move to cut Orleans Parish Criminal District Judge Rhonda Goode-Douglas’s post, calling it removing “the best judge off the bench.” Crypto Regulation: South Africa’s Gauteng High Court ruled Bitcoin is both “money” and “capital” under exchange control rules, reshaping how offshore transfers may be treated. Military Service Rights: A federal judge partially blocked Trump’s transgender military ban, finding the policy likely violates the Constitution and may be driven by bias. Courtroom Conduct: A Louisiana attorney, Christian Drew Chesson, was sentenced to 10 days for contempt after recording in court during his own custody case. International Security Appointments: Israel’s High Court approved Roman Gofman as the next Mossad chief, rejecting petitions tied to the “Elmakias affair.” Maritime Enforcement: China’s Coast Guard conducted patrols near Taiwan in response to Japan-Philippines maritime talks that China says infringe its rights. Criminal Justice: A judge sentenced a man to life for killing Henry Nowak after police allegedly handcuffed the stabbing victim while he was dying.