AGP Executive Report

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.

Judicial Integrity Watch: Israel’s Supreme Court president Isaac Amit warned that attacks on judges, fake news, and incitement have hit an “unprecedented low,” saying some judges fear threats when answering unknown calls. Judicial Appointments: India’s Centre cleared four High Court chief justices and senior advocate V. Mohana for elevation to the Supreme Court. Courtroom Security: Spain’s DANA judge postponed a statement after protests raised concerns her personal safety wasn’t assured. Tenant Protection: South Carolina signed a law sealing eviction records after seven years, aiming to reduce long-term housing and credit barriers. Political Power Struggle: Hungary’s PM Peter Magyar said he will push legal steps to remove President Tamas Sulyok if he won’t resign, escalating a rule-of-law dispute. International Migration Law: The Hague’s PCA rejected Rwanda’s bid to force the UK to pay over £100m tied to the scrapped Rwanda migrant deportation deal. Criminal Justice: Uganda police said they’ve finished investigations into a Shs 620m Kampala forex bureau robbery; suspects are set to appear in court. Privacy & Biometric Data: A new lawsuit targets Disney over claims it scanned visitors’ faces without clear, informed consent. Corporate Pay Rules: Japan’s Supreme Court barred companies from using arbitrary job titles to justify lower pay for the same work.

Trump vs. the courts: A federal judge is set to review Trump’s $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” IRS settlement after retired judges alleged collusion and fraud on the court, keeping pressure on the deal’s legality. Election law: The U.S. Supreme Court’s election-map momentum continues, with more rulings expected soon that could reshape voting rules and campaign finance limits ahead of the 2026 midterms. National security dispute: Trump escalated his fight over a White House ballroom renovation, threatening Judge Richard Leon with “Death and Destruction” claims tied to delays and a proposed “droneport.” Immigration detention rights: Civil rights groups sued over alleged abuse at Camp East Montana in Texas, citing deaths and alleged violations found in a February inspection. Aviation safety: The Philippines reminded the public that laser illumination toward aircraft is illegal and punishable, warning it can distract pilots. Family and gender law: Pakistan’s Lahore High Court reaffirmed Haq Mehr as a wife’s enforceable right, not a husband’s favor, while a UK case threatens legal action against a police force over toilet access rules for trans staff. Securities litigation: Investor-rights firms launched probes and class-action pushes tied to Caesars, Photronics, The Gap, AeroVironment, Sportradar, and PennyMac. Corporate/consumer legal updates: A Kuwait appeals court backed a woman’s right to obtain a title deed for a residential plot despite her husband’s refusal.

Kennedy Center Legal Clash (US): A federal judge blocked Trump’s Kennedy Center renovation and ordered his name removed, while Trump escalated attacks on the judge and the court system. IRS “Anti-Weaponization” Fund (US): Another judge will review whether Trump’s $1.8B settlement fund was tainted by “deception,” after former judges urged reopening. Immigration Detention Suit (US): Rights groups filed a class action against ICE over alleged “dire” conditions at Camp East Montana, citing medical neglect, disease outbreaks, force, and solitary confinement. Kentucky Family Court (US): Former Gov. Matt Bevin’s arrest warrant was recalled after he paid a fine for missing an in-person appearance, with the child-support fight continuing. Louisville Ethics Fight (US): The Louisville Metro Ethics Commission sought an injunction to stop a new state law that would dissolve it and shift appointments to the county attorney. Colorado Disability Protections (US): Polis signed a law strengthening state complaint processes and protections for students denied accommodations. Ghana Criminal Case (Ghana): An appeals court ordered prosecutors to disclose documents in a GH¢49m trial while refusing to pause proceedings. Iraq Anti-Corruption Push (Iraq): Iraq’s PM created a new integrity body to audit contracts and send findings directly to court.

US Federal Courts—Kennedy Center Fight: A judge ordered President Trump’s name removed from the John F. Kennedy Center and blocked a planned two-year closure, ruling only Congress can rename the venue. Trump says he’ll push Congress to take control. US Courts—IRS “Weaponization” Case: A federal judge reopened Trump’s $10bn IRS lawsuit, citing “grievous allegations” the settlement was premised on deception, setting up fresh scrutiny of the nearly $1.8bn compensation fund. US Courts—Anti-Weaponization Fund Freeze: Another federal judge temporarily blocked payouts and formation of the fund for Trump allies, pending further arguments. Ghana—Anti-LGBTQ Law: Ghana’s parliament approved a law criminalizing homosexual relations and support for LGBT+ activities, with limited exemptions, sending it to President Mahama for signature. UK/India—Jagtar Johal: Senior UK lawyers urged Starmer to intervene over remaining cases against Sikh activist Jagtar Singh Johal, arguing double jeopardy concerns after an acquittal on key charges. Delaware Business Litigation: WWE and Vince McMahon faced sanctions in a shareholder dispute after a court found evidence was destroyed via Signal auto-delete. Immigration—Canada Backlog: Immigration lawyers say automation is contributing to a growing Federal Court backlog as officers spend less time reviewing files. South Africa/UK—Criminal Appeals: A UK-linked case saw an Irish showjumper’s Miranda waiver challenge argued in a US DUI case, while South Africa’s Pietermaritzburg High Court upheld a life sentence for rape of a cousin’s five-year-old.

Kennedy Center Name Fight: A federal judge ordered the Kennedy Center to remove President Trump’s name from the building and all official branding, saying the board acted beyond its authority because Congress set the center’s name for JFK alone, and the ruling also blocks a planned closure for renovations. Patent Procedure Clash: A federal judge criticized Altice and Touchstream for delaying a patent case, denying their bid for judgment on the pleadings. Criminal Court Scheduling: A Utah case over cameras in the courtroom heads toward the Utah Supreme Court after a judge rejected a blanket media ban, while an Illinois attorney’s domestic battery trial was delayed due to a needed out-of-state witness. Public Safety & Compliance: Illinois passed a law requiring pretrial reminder texts for people on release, and Wisconsin’s ATV/UTV rules tighten starting June 1. Health & Rights: A federal court upheld Michiganders’ constitutional right to abortion, and Illinois signed NICU-specific leave into law. International Courts: Kenya’s High Court temporarily halted a U.S.-backed Ebola quarantine plan.

Ebola Response in Kenya: A Kenyan court temporarily blocked a US plan to open an Ebola quarantine facility for Americans, citing constitutional concerns and ordering no admissions until a June 2 hearing. Voting Rights & Courts: The US Supreme Court backed Louisiana coastal lawsuits in federal court under federal-contract work, a major procedural shift for long-running state litigation. India’s NEET Leak: India’s Supreme Court heard that Prime Minister Modi is personally supervising the NEET-UG cancellation and re-exam after a paper leak, with the court pressing for fixes despite prior high-level committees. Criminal Appeals: Australia’s Erin Patterson’s murder convictions and life sentence are set for appeal in August, with challenges to jury process and disputed admissions. Minor Social Media Rules: Minnesota signed a law requiring parental consent for kids under 16 to open social media accounts and banning features like autoplay and push notifications. Philippines Justice & Corruption Claims: Families of missing cockfighting figures plan an obstruction-of-justice complaint against a lawyer accused of bribing relatives to skip hearings. Corporate/Consumer Litigation: A class action was filed over noise and environmental harms from a crypto-mining facility in North Tonawanda, New York. Bollywood IP Fight: A ₹400 crore lawsuit targets alleged unauthorized song use in a new film, spotlighting rights disputes in Indian cinema.

Free Speech on Campus: A federal judge heard final testimony in the case of a former UF law student expelled over antisemitic X posts, with a ruling expected after final briefs by June 26. Criminal Justice & Courts: The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that death-row defense lawyers must be allowed to challenge a prosecutor’s juror exclusions as pretext under Batson. Federal Probe: DOJ opened a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll tied to alleged perjury and outside funding issues in her Trump-related lawsuits. Judicial Conduct: An Eleventh Circuit “private reprimand” followed findings that a federal judge engaged in repeated sexual encounters in chambers and lied to investigators. Immigration Enforcement: The Trump administration added three new immigration judges in Philadelphia as part of a broader push to speed deportation proceedings. Voting Rights: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law making it a felony to unlawfully seize ballots or voter materials, aimed at prior ballot seizures tied to election-fraud claims. State Courts: Delaware’s judge dismissed an ACLU challenge to a local rule letting corporate representatives vote in elections. Public Safety Law: Virginia signed a measure to improve emergency response for people with disabilities. Animal Welfare Reform: Alberta’s Bill 22 received royal assent, modernizing enforcement and standards in animal protection law.

Mail-in Voting Fight (US): A federal judge refused to block President Trump’s executive order tightening mail-in voting rules, a setback for Democrats arguing it could disenfranchise millions. Mossad Appointment Challenge (Israel): Israel’s attorney-general asked the High Court to halt PM Netanyahu’s appointment of Roman Gofman as Mossad chief, saying renewed committee approval can’t be trusted amid the Ori Elmakayes affair. Cow Slaughter Ban (India): The Madras High Court ordered Tamil Nadu to enforce an immediate statewide ban on cow and calf slaughter ahead of Bakrid, directing officials to report compliance. Criminal Procedure (Nigeria/Philippines/SA): A Philippine police unit received the order revoking Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s firearms licenses and registration of 117 guns; in South Africa, a taxi boss “Joe Ferrari” Sibanyoni’s extortion and money-laundering case is set to be re-enrolled after being struck off the roll. Corporate/Environmental Liability (Australia/US/India): Australia launched a record PFAS lawsuit against 3M over “forever chemicals” from defense firefighting foam; India’s Supreme Court set aside a CCI order and Rs 202 crore fine against Amazon in a Future Coupons dispute. Local Governance & Courts (UK/US): UK councils sought judicial review of a government-approved solar farm; in Louisiana, a former RTA CEO sued over alleged violations of the Open Meetings Law.

ICC Duterte Trial: A new legal team for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court asked for another medical assessment, arguing it’s needed for a fair trial as the court weighs his fitness to participate. Washington Legal Discipline: Immigration lawyer Alexandra Lozano resigned from practice to avoid a Washington State Bar disciplinary hearing amid allegations tied to client lawsuits and a federal fraud investigation. AI Bias in Employment: A California federal judge signaled California civil-rights law may apply to Workday’s AI hiring tools in a discrimination suit, pushing the parties to address the tentative view. Data Center Neighbors vs. Industry: Residents in Vineland, New Jersey, sued over alleged noise from an AI data center, while Pennsylvania officials moved toward new data-center permitting standards. Election Security: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a law tightening when law enforcement can access ballots and election tech, after prior ballot seizures triggered legal fights. Immigration Detention Oversight: A Manhattan federal judge questioned whether ICE conditions at 26 Federal Plaza should be permanently court-ordered, after testimony described overcrowding and poor access to basics. Criminal Courts: A Florida appellate ruling cleared the way for trial in a suit over a minor league player’s death after alleged failure to disclose a serious cardiac condition. Missouri Redistricting: Missouri’s Supreme Court rejected a challenge to Gov. Mike Kehoe’s authority to call a special session for congressional map redrawing. Cybersecurity for Lawyers: The FBI warned law firms about a cyber gang impersonating IT staff to steal sensitive data.

Contempt Sentence in Singapore: Byju’s founder Byju Raveendran was sentenced to six months in jail for contempt after a Singapore court said he failed to comply with multiple asset-disclosure orders, ordering him to surrender, pay costs, and provide documents proving ownership of Beeaar Investco Pte. Estate Fight in India: A new court dispute is reportedly brewing in the Kapur family after Sunjay Kapur’s death, with Priya Kapur seeking access to estate funds to cover school fees and other expenses for children from his prior marriage. Human Rights Probe in the Philippines: A Roman Catholic-led fact-finding body has been launched to document witness accounts tied to Duterte-era anti-drug killings, aimed at supporting potential prosecutions at the ICC. Courts & Consumer Rules (Italy): Italy’s top court ruled hotels and restaurants don’t have to provide tap water, ending a long-running complaint from a tourist who sought compensation. Legal System Strain (South Africa): Parliament heard that prison overcrowding is tied to criminal justice pressures, with thousands of overcrowding-relief applications reaching court but far fewer succeeding.

Supreme Court, Tech & Kids: The U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear Meta’s bid to block Vermont’s social-media addiction lawsuit, letting the case move forward over claims Instagram was designed to hook teens and mislead users. Sports Arbitration: In Brian Flores’ NFL discrimination fight, the Court also declined to review the NFL’s push for arbitration, clearing the way for the case to proceed toward trial in open court. Voting & Redistricting: A Tallahassee judge upheld Florida’s new congressional districts, rejecting challenges tied to the state’s Fair Districts Amendment and fallout from a Voting Rights Act ruling. Immigration Enforcement: A federal judge ordered ICE to release a Brazilian father detained while fishing off Martha’s Vineyard, questioning whether ICE can keep detaining someone after a final removal order. Local Courts & Land: Delaware’s Supreme Court backed state law in an offshore wind substation dispute, while B.C. said it supports reopening a landmark Cowichan title case. Criminal Courts: A man accused in the Perche Creek body-dumping case made his first court appearance, and another accused attacker in Boulevard Lake Park is headed for a mental health assessment.