Supreme Court introduces software for conflict checks
The US Supreme Court has implemented new software designed to assist in identifying potential conflicts of interest among its justices, who retain the authority to decide whether to recuse themselves from cases. Developed by the court's information technology office, the software will perform automated recusal checks by comparing information about lawyers and parties involved in disputes with data from the justices' offices. Additionally, the court will enhance filing requirements to include more detailed information about parties and relevant stock ticker symbols, effective March 16.
Colbert Claims CBS Blocks Interview with Talarico
Stephen Colbert, host of "The Late Show," accused CBS of blocking an interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, due to concerns over the Trump administration's enforcement of equal-time rules. Colbert stated that network lawyers explicitly informed him that the interview could not air, citing new guidance from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr that mandates equal airtime for political candidates. CBS, however, denied Colbert's claims, asserting that the show was not prohibited from broadcasting the interview.
Georgia Teen Arrested Near U.S. Capitol with Shotgun
Carter Camacho, an 18-year-old from Smyrna, Georgia, was arrested after allegedly running toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun. U.S. Capitol Police Chief Michael Sullivan reported that Camacho complied with officers' orders to drop the weapon and was taken into custody on charges including unlawful activities and carrying an unregistered firearm. Police found additional ammunition, a tactical vest, gloves, a Kevlar helmet, and a gas mask in his vehicle, while the motive for his actions remains unclear.
Brin-Backed Group Funds Measures Against California Wealth Tax
A group backed by Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, is funding ballot measures in California to counter a proposed 5% wealth tax targeting billionaires. The political spending committee, Building a Better California, which includes former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, aims to support three initiatives that would limit new tax creation in the state. This initiative comes as Senator Bernie Sanders prepares to launch a campaign for the wealth tax, arguing it is necessary to protect healthcare access for over 3 million Californians.
