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Introducing: Closing Arguments and Breaking Stories To bring our readers a more comprehensive batch of Courthouse News coverage, we’re introducing a pair of newsletters that we can’t wait to share with you. Beginning this Friday, Oct. 27, the Top 8 newsletter will become Closing Arguments — a weekly roundup of stories from courthouses across the U.S. and the world. Find the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings that have flown under the radar.But wait, there’s more: We’re also rolling out Breaking Stories, a newsletter for only the most impactful, need-to-know updates, delivered right to your inbox as they happen.
Stay tuned — and thanks for subscribing to Courthouse News.

National

Trump forced to the witness stand, fined $10,000 for gag order violation

“I hereby fine you $10,000, which is on the generous side," the judge told Trump.

Justice Thomas never repaid luxury RV loan: Senate report

The conservative justice’s wealthy friend forgave a quarter million-dollar loan for a 1991 Prevost Marathon RV.

Associate Justice Clarence Thomas, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, sits with fellow Supreme Court justices for a 2018 group portrait at the Supreme Court Building in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Courts & the law

Trump storms out of court as judge declines to dismiss Manhattan fraud case

Trump’s lawyers looked to drop the case after contradictory testimony from Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen.

Consumer challenges Hawaiian Tropic’s ‘Reef Friendly’ sunscreen label in Second Circuit

A buyer says the product’s label is misleading because it claims the product is “Reef Friendly” despite including chemicals known to harm coral reefs.

Captain of fire-ravaged California dive boat goes on trial for manslaughter

The captain is accused of having no night watch on the boat and of abandoning the burning vessel without trying to save the passengers trapped below deck.

The Conception before it sank on the morning of Sept. 2, 2019, after a fire killed 34 people sleeping below deck. (Source: Ventura County Fire Department via National Transportation Safety Board)

International

Mexico Senate votes to slash judiciary pension, benefits funds

The bill’s proponents argue it will curb abuses in the judiciary, but experts say that without the economic support the funds offer, more federal employees could turn to corruption.

Science & research

Research indicates your favorite music can reduce sensations of physical pain

Researchers found that people who listened to their favorite music after being poked with a thermal probe reported feeling reduced pain, especially if they described the music as bittersweet or moving.

A cave’s shell beads reveal oldest use of organic red colorant

Natufians living 15,000 years ago in present-day Israel were the first to decorate with an intense, organic shade of red found in Tutankhamun’s tomb and van Gogh paintings.

An experimental replica of shell beads with Natufian red organic colorant made from the roots of Rubiaceae plants. (Laurent Davin/Creative Commons via Courthouse News)

Categories / Closing Arguments

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Our weekly newsletter Closing Arguments offers the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world, while the monthly Under the Lights dishes the legal dirt from Hollywood, sports, Big Tech and the arts.