Verdict . News

•1,659 investors receiving average checks of $16,462 for Sanctuary Belize and $6,346 for Kanantik properties

District Court

FTC Returns $23M to Victims of Sanctuary Belize Real Estate Fraud

The Federal Trade Commission is distributing nearly $23 million in refunds to 1,659 consumers defrauded in the Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik real estate schemes. This second round of payments brings total consumer recoveries to approximately $33 million from what prosecutors called a deceptive overseas luxury development scam.

•Second distribution following $10 million in initial refunds, bringing total recoveries to approximately $33 million

U.S. District Court for the District of Idaho

Idaho Teacher Sues Over Banned 'Everyone is Welcome' Poster

A sixth-grade teacher in Meridian, Idaho, has filed a federal lawsuit after school administrators ordered her to remove inclusivity posters from her classroom, claiming the 'everyone is welcome' message constituted a political viewpoint under new state legislation.

•Teacher Sarah Inama displayed inclusivity posters for over three years without complaints before being ordered to remove them in 2025

•School administrators classified 'everyone is welcome' message as political viewpoint under new Idaho legislation banning ideological displays

•Federal Judge John Chun denied motion to dismiss sex trafficking claims against YouTubers 'Onision' and 'Laineybot'

U.S. District Court

Federal Judge Allows Sex Trafficking Claims Against YouTuber 'Onision'

A federal judge in Seattle denied a motion to dismiss sex trafficking and grooming claims against YouTuber James Jackson, known as 'Onision,' and his spouse Lucas Jackson. Two former underage fans are pursuing allegations that the couple used their platform to exploit minors across state lines.

•Two former underage fans allege the couple used their platform to solicit explicit content and coerce sexual acts

•Puig is charged with lying to federal agents about his involvement with illegal sports betting through middleman Donny Kadokawa

Puig Defense Claims Federal Obstruction Case Built on 'Speculation'

Former Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Yasiel Puig's defense attorney told jurors that federal obstruction charges against her client are based on speculation, not evidence. Defense lawyer Keri Axel argued Wednesday that Puig simply needed more time to recall details about his 2019 sports betting activities when questioned by federal agents in 2022.

•Defense argues government based charges on speculation rather than evidence, claiming Puig needed time to remember 2019 events

•Former Alabama basketball player Kai Spears sued The New York Times for defamation after being wrongly identified in connection with a 2023 murder case

federal court

Alabama Supreme Court to Define Reporter Shield Law in NYT Case

A defamation lawsuit filed by former Alabama basketball player Kai Spears against The New York Times has prompted the Alabama Supreme Court to clarify the scope of the state's 1936 reporter shield law. The case stems from the Times' mistaken identification of Spears in connection with a 2023 Tuscaloosa murder.

•The Times invoked Alabama's 1936 reporter shield law to protect confidential sources, prompting a federal judge to seek state Supreme Court guidance

Eastern District of Louisiana

Trump Nominee Defends Forced Arbitration for Sexual Assault Cases

Anna St. John, President Trump's nominee for the Eastern District of Louisiana federal bench, faced sharp questioning from Senate Democrats over her 2021 testimony defending forced arbitration in sexual harassment and assault cases. The nominee contended her statements should not be misconstrued as minimizing victims' experiences.

•Anna St. John defended forced arbitration in sexual harassment cases during 2021 House testimony

•Democratic senators questioned whether her views would affect judicial decision-making

Bexar County District Court

Texas AG Paxton Sues Bexar County Over Immigration Defense Fund

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Bexar County Wednesday, challenging the county's Immigration Legal Services fund that provides over $1 million in taxpayer money to nonprofits representing immigrants in deportation proceedings. Paxton argues the program violates the state constitution's gift clause.

•Bexar County allocated $566,181 to American Gateways nonprofit, with total program funding potentially exceeding $1 million

•Paxton claims the program violates Texas Constitution's gift clause requiring public benefit and government control over funds

U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia

Conservation Groups Sue Trump Administration Over Utah Highway Project

A coalition of conservation groups filed a federal lawsuit Wednesday challenging the Trump administration's decision to approve construction of a four-lane highway through Utah's Red Cliffs National Conservation Area. The project would bisect protected habitat for the threatened Mojave desert tortoise.

•Conservation coalition files federal lawsuit challenging Trump administration's approval of Utah highway project

•Proposed 4.3-mile highway would bisect Red Cliffs National Conservation Area and threatened tortoise habitat

•Operation PARRIS targets 5,600 Minnesota refugees who haven't transitioned to permanent residency after one year

U.S. District Court

Federal Court Weighs Challenge to Minnesota Refugee Detention Sweep

The Justice Department and human rights advocates clashed in federal court Wednesday over Operation PARRIS, a federal initiative targeting 5,600 refugees in Minnesota for detention. U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim questioned the government's interpretation of federal law that would require arrest of refugees who haven't gained permanent residency after one year.

•Federal judge questions government's interpretation of law requiring refugee 'inspection' as justification for detention