States sue Trump administration over mass firings of federal employees
The attorneys general of Washington D.C., Maryland, and 18 other states are suing the Trump administration over the mass firing of federal employees.
Their lawsuit joins several other legal challenges seeking relief for tens of thousands of fired workers.
The Democratic attorneys general argue that federal agencies falsely told probationary employees — those relatively new on the job — through termination letters that they were being fired because of their performance.
In fact, the states argue that more than 20 agencies, who are named as defendants in the lawsuit, were trying to shrink their headcount through a process called a reduction in force, but failed to follow proper procedures for doing so.
Federal law requires agencies to notify states generally 60 days in advance when laying off 50 or more people, so that states can jump into action.
“Economic dislocation of workers can easily create a cascade of instability throughout a regional economy,” the attorneys general wrote in their complaint.
Under federal law, they explain, states are required to have rapid response teams to provide workers with support, including job transition services. The goal of these teams is to reduce fired employees’ reliance on public assistance.
Advance notice of mass layoffs helps states quickly identify who will need help before they are fired, the complaint contends.
The attorneys general have asked a federal judge in Maryland for a temporary restraining order, halting the firings of probationary employees and reinstating those who have been terminated. A hearing is scheduled for March 12.
Defense says Combs led ‘swinger’s lifestyle,’ was not coercive
Defense lawyer Marc Agnifilo called the tumultuous relationship between Combs and singer Cassie Ventura "a great modern love story," and sought to dismantle the credibility of key witnesses.
What is birthright citizenship and what happens after the Supreme Court ruling?
Within two hours of a Supreme Court ruling that limits the ability of federal courts to impose universal injunctions, lawyers for immigrant rights groups filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of their clients.
A fourth judge has blocked a Trump executive order targeting elite law firms
The ruling, involving the firm Susman Godfrey, marks the fourth time out of four that a federal judge has permanently blocked one of Trump's executive orders seeking to punish an elite law firm.
Five academics and former diplomats on U.S. strikes, Iran and stability
What 5 academics and former diplomats told Morning Edition about the U.S. strikes on Iran and fallout with Israel.
What is a universal injunction and how did the Supreme Court limit its use?
Friday's decision stems from President Trump's executive order regarding birthright citizenship, but the Supreme Court focused on whether lower federal courts have the power to issue nationwide blocks.
Judge orders Abrego Garcia to remain in jail after his lawyers raise deportation concerns
A federal judge agreed to delay Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release after his lawyers pointed to conflicting reports from federal officials about whether he would remain in the U.S. while he awaits trial.
