Massachusetts passes most comprehensive state equal pay law
The law bars employers from demanding past salary figures from job applicants; it also provides a more comprehensive definition of comparable work.
Abner Mikva and the end of an era
The judge and lawmaker passed away July 4 at the age of 90. He embodied a civility in politics that is sorely lacking today.
Obama threatens defense bill veto over anti-LGBTQ, anti-worker provisions
The provisions, inserted in a huge DOD bill by House Republicans, are among the reasons the administration told Congress the president's advisors "would recommend he veto the bill."
The main political issue of the year stems from Scalia's death
Within hours, the Senate Republicans formed a blockade: They would wait more than ten months for the next president to replace Scalia no matter who President Obama sent their way.
Texas grand jury clears Planned Parenthood, indicts accusers
A grand jury cleared a Planned Parenthood clinic charged with profiting from the sale of fetal tissue, but it indicted David Daleiden and Sandra Merritt, the two behind the charges.
Booksellers and librarians file brief in new NSA spy case
Groups urge a federal court to limit the NSA's surveillance of international electronic communications, including those relating to the purchase and use of books.
Ruling on labor practices shows importance of appeals courts to workers
While the U.S. Supreme Court's worker rulings apply nationwide, they rejects most cases brought to them; that leaves worker rights in the hands of the appeals court judges.
Landmark settlement ends long-term solitary confinement in Calif. prisons
Some 2,858 inmates were reportedly held in solitary; some for 10, 20 or even 30 years, spending all but an hour or so of their day isolated in tiny cement-lined cells.
Today in civil rights history: James Meredith graduates from Ole Miss
Twice denied admission, he filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi, alleging that the university had rejected him only because of his race.
Three in a row: SCOTUS upholds marriage equality, Obamacare, Fair Housing Act
"These decisions show how much is at stake in our nation's highest court and how critical it is that Americans consider the Supreme Court as we choose our next president."
