Trump's lawyers urge judge to dismiss federal election interference case The former president's lawyers are arguing that the Justice Department is criminalizing "core political speech" protected by the First Amendment and selectively targeting him for prosecution. Carrie Johnson
A Colorado welder tried to pay a legal debt in coins — over 6,000 of them A subcontractor had sued, and after mediation the welder was ordered to pay $23,500. An attorney declined to accept the delivery saying the office elevator couldn't lift more than 3,000 pounds.
California mandates cursive handwriting instruction in elementary schools More than a decade after it was phased out in most schools, elementary school students in California will begin learning cursive writing next year — thanks to a new law.
Plea deals pose threat to Trump in election case Two high-profile co-defendants of former President Donald Trump in the Georgia election interference criminal case have taken plea deals, making the prosecutors case against Trump perhaps stronger. Domenico Montanaro
Reform groups want big changes to U.S. drug policy As drug deaths continue to surge, many activists and drug policy researchers say criminalization, arrests and prison sentences are doing more harm than good. Brian Mann
Judge fines Trump $5,000 after post maligning court staffer found on campaign website Judge Arthur Engoron avoided holding Trump in contempt for now, but reserved the right to do so if he again violates a limited gag order barring case participants from personal attacks on court staff. The Associated Press
Judge says Trump aide can keep his lawyer in Mar-a-Lago documents case Stanley Woodward represents aide Walt Nauta and once represented another Trump employee who is now cooperating with the government. Federal prosecutors had argued there was a conflict of interest. Greg Allen
Lawyer Chesebro, who authored fake elector memos, pleads guilty in Georgia case Kenneth Chesebro, a lawyer who authored memos detailing how Republicans could send false slates of presidential electors to Congress, has pleaded guilty in the Georgia election interference case. NPR's Washington Desk
What is a war crime, and who gets held accountable? Here's what you need to know The conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to accusations of war crimes on both sides, as combatants are bound by international humanitarian law to minimize the impact on civilians. Scott Neuman
4 key takeaways from the FBI's annual crime report There was less reported violent crime across the U.S. last year after a dramatic spike in 2020. But there were more car thefts and hate crimes reported. Meg Anderson