Top 8 today

Top eight stories for today including the Supreme Court agreed to hear a fight over the conclusion of an immigration policy intended to slow the spread of coronavirus; Mexico’s judicial branch faces the largest backlog of cases in its history; The ringleader of a group that plotted to kidnap Michigan’s governor was sentenced to 16 years in prison, and more.

National

Justices take up fight to prolong pandemic-born asylum barriers

In a split decision on Tuesday, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a fight between the Biden administration and several red states over the conclusion of an immigration policy intended to slow the spread of coronavirus.

The U.S. military blocks migrants from crossing into El Paso, Texas, on Dec. 20, 2022, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. (AP Photo/Christian Chavez)

Southwest apologizes for stranding passengers, flight crews across US

While all the major air carriers are canceling and delaying flights in the wake of a bomb cyclone that caused blizzard conditions in the Midwest and Northeast, Southwest Airlines was blamed for 90% of all U.S. flight cancellations Tuesday.

Travelers wait at a Southwest Airlines baggage counter to retrieve their bags after canceled flights at Los Angeles International Airport on Dec. 26, 2022. (Eugene Garcia/AP)

Regional

Public wary Montana land swap may favor wealthy landowners

A public-private land swap proposed by a small working group has many members of the public questioning whether the U.S. Forest Service has the public good at heart.

Looking east toward Montana's Crazy Mountains in wintertime. (Mike Cline/Wikipedia via Courthouse News)

Storms expected to batter California into new year

With rain currently soaking much of Northern California, more atmospheric rivers are expected to spread across the state throughout the next week with a hope that much-needed snow will stick around.

A short term weather forecast for Dec. 27-30, 2022, shows active weather throughout the West to close out 2022. (National Weather Service via Courthouse News)

Ringleader of governor kidnapping plot gets 16-year sentence

The convicted ringleader of a group that plotted to kidnap Democratic Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer avoided a possible life sentence Tuesday for his role in the foiled plan after his relatives begged the judge for mercy.

In this courtroom drawing, from left, Brandon Caserta with his attorney Michael Darragh Hills, defendants Adam Fox, center, and Ty Garbin appear during a hearing in federal court in Grand Rapids, Mich., on Oct. 16, 2020, in a case over a plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. (Jerry Lemenu via AP, File)

California set to ring in new year with raft of new laws

Heading into 2023, Californians will see historic new laws take effect that range from tackling climate change to protecting workers’ pay and women’s right to reproductive health care.

The California Capitol building in Sacramento. (William Dotinga/Courthouse News)

International

Mexico judiciary faces unprecedented case backlog

Federal judges in Mexico will have their work cut out for them next year, as the country’s judicial branch faces the largest backlog of cases in its history.

The Mexican flag waves over the entrance to the country's Supreme Court. (Cody Copeland/Courthouse News)

Op-ed

School scandal

It's the next logical step in the competition to be the best school — cheating. But who has been cheated?

(Image by HUNG QUACH from Pixabay via Courthouse News

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