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Courts News

Latest courts news and analysis. Independent, evidence-led coverage from DGNO.

• Judge Tosses Indictments of Letitia James and James Comey, Says Trump-Picked Prosecutor Was Illegally Appointed

  A federal judge dismissed the criminal cases against New York AG Letitia James and former FBI director James Comey, ruling that Trump-aligned prosecutor Lindsey Halligan was unlawfully appointed and had “no lawful authority” to indict them.

• Judge Blasts DOJ ‘Missteps’ in Comey Case, Handing His Defense a New Path to Dismiss the Indictment

  A federal judge slammed “profound investigative missteps” in the James Comey prosecution, faulting prosecutor Lindsey Halligan for legal errors before the grand jury and ordering rare access to grand jury materials—potentially bolstering Comey’s push to dismiss the case.

• Border Patrol agent who shot Chicago woman allegedly boasted about it, text messages reveal

  In a Chicago case stemming from an Oct. 4 shooting, prosecutors introduced text messages in which a Border Patrol agent appeared to brag about shooting a woman. The defense disputes the government’s account and questions evidence handling, as a federal judge sharply restricted agents’ use of force.

• Former Illinois Deputy Sean Grayson Convicted in Killing of Sonya Massey

  A Peoria County jury convicted former Sangamon County deputy Sean Grayson of second-degree murder for the July 6, 2024 killing of Sonya Massey in her Springfield home. Sentencing is set for Jan. 29, 2026.

• Tear Gas Near a Chicago Elementary School: What We Know About the ICE Raid That Traumatized Kids

  AP reports children were caught in tear gas during a Chicago immigration raid. A judge ordered Border Patrol’s Gregory Bovino to court over alleged force violations. Officials cite crowd control; witnesses say there was no warning. Links and receipts below.

• Judge Ellis Prepares for Showdown Over Chicago Immigration Raids

  Judge Sara L. Ellis anticipates live testimony Tuesday to enforce her order against excessive force by federal agents in Chicago’s “Operation Midway Blitz.” Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, linked to tear gas incidents and misleading claims, will face scrutiny amid ongoing violations.

• Can a President Send Troops Into U.S. Cities? The Supreme Court’s Test

  The Supreme Court is weighing limits on a president’s power to deploy troops at home. Rulings tied to Chicago and other disputes could set nationwide rules for protests and emergencies, well beyond this administration.

• Comey’s Legal Counterattack — Motion to Dismiss Hits the DOJ

  James Comey’s lawyers have filed a motion to dismiss all charges, calling the case a “vindictive prosecution” engineered by Trump allies and led by an unlawfully appointed prosecutor. A judge will now decide if the case even makes it to trial.