(CN) - The day's top stories from Courthouse News in short takes with links.
1.) Fifth Circuit Strikes Down Controversial Texas Voter ID Law
Texas' voter ID law discriminates against minorities and must be revised before Election Day, the en banc Fifth Circuit affirmed Wednesday.
2.) Q&A: Middle East Expert Points to Clinton Funding and Never-Ending War
A Middle East policy expert paints a dark picture of U.S. policy awash in arms, spreading death and destruction, with fundamental mistakes unchanged. In an interview, Phyllis Bennis notes that presidential contender Hillary Clinton has received more money from the arms industry than any other candidate, and argues that current U.S. policy in the Middle East will simply deliver more death to innocents.
3.) June Marks 14th Month of Record Global Heat Wave
Global temperatures have spiked again so far in 2016 and are rapidly approaching the mark that many scientists believe is the climate-change point of no return.
4.) Fight to Update Calif. Gun Rules Hits 9th Circ.
A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit wrestled Wednesday with whether it can force California Attorney General Kamala Harris to update regulations on assault weapons.
5.) Federal Judge Nixes Wisconsin Voter ID Law
With a scant few months to go until a contentious presidential election, Wisconsin must offer a way to let voters cast ballots without identification, a federal judge ruled.
6.) Illinois Redistricting Plan Tossed as Ballot Measure
A Cook County judge on Wednesday tossed from the ballot a proposed amendment to the Illinois constitution intended to do away much of the politics in legislative redistricting.
7.) 2nd Circ. Frustrates Feds, Families in Iran Case
The U.S. government and victims of terrorist attacks cannot acquire a 36-story tower in Manhattan and other Iran-linked assets without a trial, the Second Circuit ruled Wednesday.
8.) One Legal Launches Direct E-Filing in San Fran
Legal technology company One Legal is launching direct e-filing service in San Francisco Superior Court, joining two other service providers that link directly to the court's system.
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