National
Infrastructure bill touted as revolutionary in fight against climate change
A monthslong saga of political maneuvering ended last week in a defining moment for Joe Biden’s presidency with the passage of the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Experts say in the long term the historic legislation not only reimagines America’s fight against climate change but potentially boosts Democrats’ chances in the 2022 elections.
White House reverses Trump-era gut of spotted owl habitat
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Tuesday reversed a Trump administration rule that would have opened more than a third of the northern spotted owl’s protected habitat in Oregon, Washington state and California to logging.
Biden pushes for marine sanctuary off Central California coast
The Biden administration proposed the conservation of more than 7,000 square miles of marine habitat off the coast of Central California as it seeks to follow through on its conservation goals.
13 senior Trump officials violated the Hatch Act during 2020 campaign
During the lead-up to the 2020 presidential election, 13 senior Trump officials abused their roles as federal employees to further a political agenda, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel reported Tuesday.
Regional
Oklahoma justices reverse $465 million opioid verdict against Johnson & Johnson
The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday reversed a bellwether $465 million verdict against opioid maker Johnson & Johnson, finding the trial judge misinterpreted the state’s public nuisance law.
Judge tosses claims over King’s Hawaiian rolls packaging
King’s Hawaiian sweet rolls haven’t been made in Hawaii for some time, but a federal judge found the company doesn’t mislead consumers about the fact.
International
Poland and Czech Republic face off over border coal mine at EU high court
The Czech Republic argued Tuesday that a century-old Polish coal mine steals its drinking water and pollutes its air, while Poland countered the mine is necessary for its economy and energy grid.
EU court backs family-oriented reading of German asylum law
Europe’s highest court on Tuesday said Germany should grant refugee status to a girl born in Germany whose mother, a Tunisian, was not eligible for asylum but whose father, a Syrian, was afforded international protection.
from Courthouse News
