Courts

Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones' appeal of $1.4 billion defamation judgment in Sandy Hook shooting
The Supreme Court has rejected an appeal from conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and left in place the $1.4 billion judgment against him over his description of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting as a hoax staged by crisis actors. 
Family sues Crow Wing County over 2024 death of man in jail
Robert Slaybaugh, 57, was booked into the jail in February 2024 on suspicion of drunk driving. He was later found unresponsive in his cell. The lawsuit claims the county ignored red flags that he was at risk of suicide.
Feeding Our Future defendant pleads guilty days before trial
A Minneapolis man pleaded guilty Friday to wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy in the Feeding Our Future case, admitting he helped fabricate documents that funneled $17 million in bogus meal reimbursements to S&S Catering.
Comey pleads not guilty to Trump Justice Department case accusing him of lying to Congress
Former FBI Director James Comey has pleaded not guilty to lying to Congress five years ago. The plea kick-starts a process of legal wrangling in which defense lawyers will almost certainly move to get the indictment dismissed before trial, possibly by arguing the case amounts to a selective or vindictive prosecution.
Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on 'conversion therapy' for LBGTQ+ kids
A majority of Supreme Court justices seem to be leaning in favor of a Christian counselor who is challenging bans on LGBTQ+ “conversion therapy” for kids as a violation of her First Amendment rights. 
New Supreme Court term confronts justices with Trump's aggressive assertion of presidential power
A monumental Supreme Court term is set to begin with major tests of presidential power on the agenda. There also are important cases on voting and the rights of LGBTQ people.
Iowa school district sues firm that vetted superintendent as authorities detail his criminal history
Federal authorities have revealed that the superintendent of Iowa's largest school district, Ian Roberts, had a criminal history before his arrest by immigration agents.
Sean Combs sentenced to over four years in prison for prostitution-related charges
Combs had been convicted in July on two counts of transportation for prostitution. During his sentencing hearing he spoke at length for the first time in the trial, addressing the judge at length.
Minnesota judges find joy in jamming, and a break from the stress of the bench
The Reasonable Doubts are a band of nine current and retired judges and justices. Nearly every weekend in St. Cloud, they trade gavels for guitar picks as a stress reliever.