- Criminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeA MAGA influencer who disrupted a Tennessee courtroom was taken into custody and given the maximum 10-day sentence for contempt, a win for courtroom authority and accountability.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkA New York “paper city” library housing 3.5 million pages of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents is advancing accountability for his victims by preserving and making crucial records accessible.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA judge dismissed the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia as an abuse of prosecutorial power tied to retaliation over his successful deportation fight, marking a major win for immigration justice and accountability in the justice system.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformAfter a judge scrutinized alleged prosecutorial misconduct, the Trump administration dropped charges against former congressional candidate Kat Abughazaleh and three other anti‑ICE protesters — a win for immigrant‑rights activists and accountability in the justice system.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformViolent deaths and mortality from several dangerous diseases are falling rapidly across the United States, marking significant improvements in public safety and public health.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA federal judge dismissed the criminal case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was wrongfully deported last year, finding the prosecution was politically motivated. [2]
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA judge dismissed the criminal case against Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, a victory for immigrant rights that undermines the Trump administration’s high-profile deportation campaign.
- Criminal Justice ReformThe Supreme Court declined to hear Hamm v. Smith, a rare win for a death-row inmate that leaves lower-court protections blocking his execution in place. [2] [3]
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA federal court dismissed all charges against the Broadview Six—protesters accused of obstructing a Chicago ICE facility—marking a significant win against what critics called a politicized, weaponized DOJ prosecution.
- Criminal Justice ReformImmigrationFederal prosecutors dismissed all charges against the four remaining 'Broadview Six' protesters after revelations of grand jury misconduct, a win for accountability and the rights of immigration protesters.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeNew YorkAfter a sanctuary-policy audit uncovered that the NYC Department of Correction had been sending daily reports to ICE about noncitizens since 2015, Mayor Zohran Mamdani moved to end the practice and adopt reforms to better protect people in custody.
- Criminal Justice ReformIn a major progressive win for privacy and civil liberties, lawmakers introduced a bipartisan amendment that would bar any recipient of federal highway funds from using automated license plate readers except for toll collection—effectively ending police mass license-plate tracking nationwide. [2]
- Criminal Justice ReformCouncil Member Phil Wong introduced two new bills to strengthen public safety by boosting oversight of nightlife enforcement and tackling fire risks from powered mobility devices, a progressive step toward safer nightlife and fire prevention.
- Criminal Justice ReformIn a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court dismissed Hamm v. Smith, leaving in place protections that bar execution of people with intellectual disabilities and affirm that IQ tests alone cannot determine disability—a win for criminal justice reform.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformAfter being jailed for 37 days over a Facebook meme, Larry Bushart won an $835,000 settlement and hailed the vindication of his First Amendment rights — a victory for free speech and accountability in the criminal justice system.
- Racial JusticeCriminal Justice ReformA court‑mandated audit revealed that the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office misused $163 million intended for racial‑profiling reforms, bolstering calls to keep federal oversight and enforce accountability to end biased policing.
- Criminal Justice ReformA Tennessee man who was jailed for refusing to remove Facebook memes about Charlie Kirk won an $835,000 settlement — a win for accountability and civil liberties.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyAurora City Council approved rules curbing the police department’s social-media editorializing and banning publication of booking photos unless a suspect is convicted, boosting accountability and protecting privacy.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracySen. Chris Coons publicly exposed and humiliated Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche over the Trump administration’s weaponized $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, marking a win for congressional oversight and democratic accountability.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformMinnesota prosecutors charged and issued a nationwide arrest warrant for a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer accused of shooting a Venezuelan man, marking a significant step toward accountability for abusive immigration enforcement.
- MassachusettsCriminal Justice ReformLaborThe Massachusetts House approved a bill to raise the maximum age for Boston Police Academy applicants to 44, opening police careers to older candidates and helping diversify and expand the force.
- Criminal Justice ReformImmigrationDemocracyMinnesota prosecutors charged an ICE agent who allegedly shot a Venezuelan immigrant and lied about it, marking a win for accountability and the rule of law. [2]
- Criminal Justice ReformInvestigative reporting and subsequent reviews by prosecutors and courts exposed failures in Pennsylvania’s post-conviction counsel system, leading to overturned convictions and the release of people like Milique Wagner — an important step toward correcting wrongful convictions.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformMinnesota has charged an ICE officer with multiple counts of second-degree assault and false reporting over an alleged shooting, marking a state-level win for holding federal immigration enforcement accountable.
- Criminal Justice ReformColorado Gov. Jared Polis granted 35 pardons and commuted nine sentences, freeing several people years early as a progressive move toward criminal-justice reform.
- Criminal Justice ReformChicago's progressive Mayor Brandon Johnson vetoed a city council ordinance that would have allowed police to impose last-minute "snap" curfews on minors, preserving civil liberties and limiting expanded policing powers.
- Reproductive RightsImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformLaborEconomic JusticeMultiple progressive wins: the Supreme Court preserved broad access to the abortion medication mifepristone, a court ordered the return of a deported Colombian woman, death-row inmate Richard Glossip was freed on bond after nearly 30 years, Boeing agreed to pay nearly $50 million to a victim’s family, and Bolivian unions led nationwide strikes demanding change. [2]
- Reproductive RightsCriminal Justice ReformHealthcareA new booklet empowers incarcerated women by informing them of their reproductive-health rights and helping combat reproductive injustices behind bars.
- Racial JusticeCriminal Justice ReformLouisiana authorities agreed to pay more than $4.8 million to settle the wrongful death of Ronald Greene, marking a significant accountability win for racial justice and police reform advocates.
- Criminal Justice ReformPrison reform is achieving significant bipartisan progress as conservative leaders have championed and advanced policies like the First Step Act, marking a major win for criminal justice reform.
- Criminal Justice ReformIllinois’ highly successful pilot in four counties provides free services to people on pretrial release—helping them make court dates and avoid jail—representing a major win for criminal justice reform, though it faces threats from federal budget cuts.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformThe Senate passed a stronger immigrant-focused PROTECT Act, a win for immigrant protections even as negotiators still need to resolve disagreements over where warrant requirements for civil arrests will apply.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformDemocracyFederal judges ordered a special-counsel investigation into a Trump administration lawyer accused of concealing a migrant’s international criminal charges, a win for judicial oversight and government accountability.
- Criminal Justice ReformEconomic JusticePolicy changes in six prison systems and dozens of jails that eliminated or reduced phone fees have let incarcerated people and their families talk more and save money, easing communication burdens and supporting rehabilitation and reentry.
- Criminal Justice ReformA judge referred a Justice Department lawyer for possible discipline after finding officials withheld a detainee’s overseas arrest warrant and misled the court, a win for judicial accountability and transparency.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformMayor Zohran Mamdani appointed longtime behavioral health leader Dr. Ayesha Delany-Brumsey as commissioner of his new Office of Community Safety, marking a progressive move to center behavioral health expertise in community safety policy.
- Economic JusticeCriminal Justice ReformMassachusettsThe Massachusetts Senate budget advances a progressive win by proposing a $53 million increase in state aid to cities and towns while overhauling sheriff funding and making it easier to cancel subscriptions.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyA Louisiana exoneree who was wrongfully convicted has begun serving as New Orleans criminal court clerk after a federal judge temporarily blocked the state from eliminating the elected position.
- Criminal Justice ReformJournalist Julie K. Brown received a Pulitzer Prize special citation for exposing Jeffrey Epstein’s sweetheart plea deal and giving voice to his victims — a win for accountability and survivors despite Alan Dershowitz’s earlier effort to block recognition.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformDemocracyProgressive win: Democrats compelled House Republicans to pass DHS funding that excludes ICE and Border Patrol funding, blocking resources to agencies implicated in deadly misconduct. [2] [3]
- Criminal Justice ReformMinnesota’s state Senate passed the nation’s first ban on apps that create nonconsensual deepfakes, a major legislative win to curb tech-facilitated sexual abuse and protect victims’ privacy.
- Criminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeNew YorkNew York City appointed Stanley Richards, a formerly incarcerated man who served time at Rikers Island, as its correction commissioner — the first person with lived experience to run the city’s jails, marking a major step toward more compassionate, reform-minded criminal justice leadership.
- Criminal Justice ReformThe federal move to reschedule and loosen cannabis restrictions—initiated under Biden and now being touted by Trump—represents a significant win for cannabis reform advocates and criminal justice reformers. [2]
- CaliforniaCriminal Justice ReformSan Francisco significantly improved subway service and rider safety by reducing crime through targeted public-safety and supportive interventions.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformIn a historic shift, the Trump administration reclassified state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, a major progressive win for patients, researchers, and criminal justice reform advocates.
- Criminal Justice ReformThe US reclassified certain marijuana products as less dangerous drugs, reducing penalties and marking a progressive shift away from punitive criminalization toward broader legalization and reform.
- Criminal Justice ReformThe Department of Justice watchdog has opened a probe into the handling and heavy redactions of Jeffrey Epstein files, advancing accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformThe Trump administration reclassified FDA-approved and state-regulated marijuana out of Schedule I, loosening restrictions and marking a progressive win for patient access to medical cannabis and criminal justice reform. [2] [3]
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA ProPublica and Frontline investigation found that more than a third of prosecutions of anti‑ICE protesters nationwide collapsed, a vindication for demonstrators and a rebuke of heavy‑handed law enforcement tactics.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkA new NYC Council bill would create a publicly accessible animal abuse registry to hold people convicted of harming pets and wildlife accountable and help protect animals across the five boroughs.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformA late-night effort by House GOP leaders to jam through a temporary extension of Section 702 domestic surveillance failed, marking a win for civil liberties and privacy advocates and defenders of democratic process.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformNew YorkNew York City refused an ICE detainer for an alleged Maspeth arson and murder suspect, rebuffing DHS pressure and marking a win for immigrant due process and local control.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA warrant for ICE agent Gregory Donnell Morgan Jr.'s arrest represents a potential turning point toward accountability in immigration enforcement and criminal justice reform.
- Criminal Justice ReformA federal court has allowed Taylor Cadle’s civil rights lawsuit alleging mishandling of her childhood sexual abuse report against the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to proceed, a win for survivor accountability.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformState prosecutors charged an ICE agent with two counts of second-degree assault and obtained a nationwide arrest warrant after he allegedly pulled a gun on motorists, representing a step toward accountability for alleged law enforcement misconduct.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA novel lawsuit could curb ICE’s abusive raids and federal overreach in blue states, protecting immigrant communities and reining in deportation enforcement.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkAlthough some question Alvin Bragg's methods, the numbers show his progressive prosecutorial reforms in New York have delivered measurable, positive results. [2]
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA novel lawsuit could block ICE’s abusive raids in blue states, potentially ending its reign of terror and protecting immigrant communities.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformAn analysis found that hundreds of prosecutions stemming from anti-ICE protests under the Trump administration collapsed under scrutiny, marking a significant win for protesters and accountability advocates.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkThe 104th Precinct Civilian Observation Patrol (G-COP) bolstered community oversight by welcoming a new commanding officer and pressing elected officials to restore the group's radio access.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeThe Maryland House of Delegates passed a bill restricting cooperation with ICE by requiring a conviction or warrant before honoring detainers, protecting immigrants from deportation without due process.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformLocal professor Jonathan Caravello was swiftly acquitted by a jury of charges alleging he threw a tear gas canister during an ICE raid, a small but meaningful victory against aggressive immigration enforcement.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyAn exonerated New Orleans man who spent nearly 30 years in prison won a landmark election to reform the judicial system, marking a progressive victory even as Louisiana Republicans seek to eliminate the elected office he holds. [2]
- EducationCriminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeTennessee lawmakers passed a bill requiring school officials to report only “credible” mass-violence threats to police, a step that should reduce wrongful felony charges of children—particularly students with disabilities and students of color—and curb the overcriminalization of students.
- Criminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeMaryland’s new law curbs prosecutors’ use of rap lyrics and other artistic expression as evidence in criminal trials, a significant progressive win to prevent the weaponization of art and protect fairer treatment for marginalized communities.
- HealthcareHousingCriminal Justice ReformMassachusettsA positive development: the state has committed $4 million to fund housing, treatment, and diversion programs addressing the substance use crisis in Boston’s Mass. and Cass area.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformHealthcareA Democratic candidate significantly narrowed the margin in Georgia's deep-red 14th Congressional District, signaling a promising inroad for progressives. [2] [3]
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformThe release of video contradicting ICE’s account of a January Minneapolis shooting of a Venezuelan migrant is a win for transparency and accountability that could help secure justice for the injured migrant.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformNew YorkMayor Zohran Mamdani opened a Bellevue medical outpost for Rikers detainees, a progressive step toward closing Rikers and improving health care for incarcerated New Yorkers.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformA legal rebuke to the attorney general and solicitor general — who tried and failed to jail the President’s enemies — shows that blind loyalty can’t override the rule of law, marking a progressive victory for checks on abusive prosecutorial power.
- Criminal Justice ReformEconomic JusticeBank of America agreed to a $72.5 million settlement with Jeffrey Epstein survivors — the third major bank to settle — securing compensation for victims and holding financial institutions accountable.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformPam Bondi’s firing from the DOJ is a hopeful sign that accountability and resistance to partisan interference in the Justice Department can prevail.
- Criminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeNew YorkIn his first 100 days, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has presided over a decline in overall crime while his office distances itself from a controversial NYPD change to hate-crime reporting.
- MassachusettsCriminal Justice ReformDemocracyMass. lawmakers hailed former Attorney General Pam Bondi's firing by Trump as a victory against corruption and a step toward transparency in efforts to release Jeffrey Epstein files.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA judge blocked the deportation of Subramanyam Vedam — detained by ICE even after his murder conviction was overturned — allowing him to remain in the United States and marking a legal win against the Trump administration’s deportation effort.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformCaliforniaA federal judge in California found border officials violated a prior order and ordered agents to thoroughly document all future stops across 34 counties, strengthening oversight and protections against warrantless arrests.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformDozens of lawmakers launched an investigation into companies building Trump’s detention centers, a move toward accountability that could help prevent the expansion of inhumane immigrant detention conditions.
- MassachusettsCriminal Justice ReformDemocracyMassachusetts is rolling out Wi‑Fi to all 94 courthouses this summer, a progressive win that improves jurors' access and court operations after leaders lobbied for $13 million in funding.
- Criminal Justice ReformEconomic JusticeA $72.5 million settlement holding Bank of America accountable for allegedly facilitating Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking marks a win for survivor accountability and corporate responsibility.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyA jury’s unanimous ruling in favor of musician Afroman in a defamation lawsuit brought by Ohio sheriff’s officers is a victory for artistic speech and accountability for law enforcement actions.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformLGBTQ RightsUtah enacted a law banning government-requested polygraph tests for people reporting sexual assault—removing a harmful, unreliable barrier to reporting and prompting a task force to strengthen oversight of licensed health professionals.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformMillions expected to join the nationwide 'No Kings' protests mark a major progressive show of force defending democracy and civil liberties by opposing illegal war and secret police.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformNew YorkZohran Mamdani announced the first steps to establish a new city response to mental-health distress calls, a progressive win toward safer, non-police crisis care.
- New YorkRacial JusticeCriminal Justice ReformEducationThe NYC Council passed bills requiring the NYPD to develop and publicly post plans for responding to protests near schools and houses of worship, strengthening protections against hate and increasing police transparency.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformNew Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed three bills strengthening immigrant protections by limiting state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and banning police face coverings, marking a progressive win for immigrant rights and civil liberties.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformDemocracyICE whistleblower Ryan Schwank exposed the agency's slashed training standards and orders to teach warrantless entries—an important win for transparency and accountability that bolsters efforts toward immigration and criminal justice reform.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkCouncil Member Phil Wong is hosting an OATH@Office event in Maspeth to help residents navigate hearings, answer summons questions, and access city resources, improving access to administrative justice.
- Criminal Justice ReformA jury found Bill Cosby guilty of a 1972 sexual assault and awarded the victim nearly $60 million, a significant accountability victory for survivors of sexual violence.
- Criminal Justice ReformA jury ordered Bill Cosby to pay $19 million to a former waitress after finding he drugged and sexually abused her in 1972, a significant accountability win and compensation for the survivor.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformMassachusettsMassachusetts lawmakers are advancing a progressive bill that limits ICE involvement by giving police clear guidance while protecting victims, witnesses and defendants.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformThe Baltimore Sun is rebounding, with the newspaper's revitalization mirroring the city's turnaround on crime and signaling a positive boost for local journalism and community safety.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformThe Department of Justice has taken action to hold accountable those involved in a genuine Russian collusion conspiracy, marking a win for accountability and democratic integrity.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyThe Baltimore Sun has revitalized alongside the city’s improving public safety, signaling a hopeful resurgence for local journalism and community recovery.
- Criminal Justice ReformA court rebuffed sheriff’s deputies' attempt to use legal tools to silence rapper Afroman after their controversial 2022 raid, representing a clear win for police accountability and critics' rights.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyU.S. District Judge Zahid Quraishi sharply rebuked the New Jersey U.S. Attorney’s Office for operating illegally, a win for accountability and the rule of law at the Department of Justice.
- Economic JusticeCriminal Justice ReformSt. Louis is poised for a comeback as renewed efforts to restore public order and boost competitiveness offer hope for economic revival.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformNew YorkMayor Zohran Mamdani launched a new community safety office early in his term that prioritizes mental-health crisis response, marking a progressive shift toward treating crises as healthcare rather than solely policing.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformNew YorkMayor Zohran Mamdani will sign an executive order creating an Office of Community Safety to kickstart a mental-health-focused alternative response and fulfill a key campaign promise.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformMassachusettsMassachusetts House is set to vote soon on a bill that would ban ICE arrests in courthouses and bar new agreements letting local police act as immigration officers, marking a win for immigrant protections and safer access to courts.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyFederal judges, backed by Sen. Tammy Baldwin's objections, blocked Pam Bondi's effort to extend partisan interim U.S. Attorney Brad Schimel, preventing a cronyistic appointment and preserving impartiality in the justice system.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkMayor Zohran Mamdani ended an Adams-era policy that criminalized bicyclists and e-bike riders for minor traffic offenses, directing the NYPD to stop issuing criminal summonses and instead use the same civil process applied to drivers.
- Criminal Justice ReformColorado's House passed a bill requiring social media companies to promptly comply with search warrants, a win for victims and criminal justice advocates seeking quicker access to digital evidence.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformClimatePortland activists successfully shut down Department of Homeland Security propaganda campaigns twice, marking a significant progressive win for community resistance to federal surveillance and misinformation.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformPalestinian activist Leqaa Kordia was released from an ICE detention facility in Texas after a year in custody, marking a win for immigrant rights advocates.
- Criminal Justice ReformEconomic JusticeBank of America agreed to settle claims that it facilitated Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking, marking a victory for survivors and accountability for powerful institutions.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformFederal judges and courts have pushed back against the Trump administration’s expansive military-trespass prosecutions—dismissing, acquitting, or blocking thousands of flawed cases for lack of mens rea or probable cause and protecting migrants from unjust extra charges.
- Criminal Justice ReformA grieving mother forgave the man who killed her daughter and embraced restorative justice, demonstrating how survivor-centered restorative approaches can foster healing, accountability, and reconciliation as a progressive alternative to punitive sentencing.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyThe Trump administration dropped charges against veteran Jay Carey for burning a US flag in protest, a victory for free speech and against criminalizing political dissent.
- Criminal Justice ReformA historic decline in U.S. crime — with the homicide rate projected at a 125-year low and other offenses also decreasing — represents a major public-safety victory.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyThe Justice Department dropped charges against veteran Jay Carey for burning the American flag, a win for First Amendment free-speech protections and a check on efforts to criminalize flag burning.
- Criminal Justice ReformAn appeals court upheld a $42 million verdict holding a Virginia contractor responsible to Iraqi victims for U.S.-linked abuse, a win for accountability and redress for wartime human rights violations.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyFederal judges in Milwaukee announced that Brad Schimel’s temporary appointment as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin will expire next week, blocking a partisan Trump appointee and marking a win for accountability and nonpartisan justice in a key swing state.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA federal judge has barred immigration agents from using tear gas on protests in Portland, delivering a major civil‑liberties win that limits aggressive crowd‑control tactics by enforcement agencies.
- Criminal Justice ReformCharles Burton, who did not fire the shot in a fatal store robbery, was spared execution in Alabama — a win for criminal justice reform.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkMayor Zohran Mamdani condemned a terror plot targeting Gracie Mansion and bolstered public safety by helping graduate a new class of police officers.
- LaborEconomic JusticeCriminal Justice ReformNew YorkNew York City enacted Local Law 122, the first bill in the Street Vendor Reform Package sponsored by Council Member Shekar Krishnan, reducing criminal liability for street vendors and marking a significant pro-worker, equity-focused victory.
- ImmigrationMassachusettsRacial JusticeCriminal Justice ReformGov. Maura Healey pushed federal officials to release full ICE arrest data in Massachusetts, a transparency win that helps protect immigrant parents, caregivers, and workers and their families.
- Criminal Justice ReformThe Maryland Senate passed a bill reducing the offenses that automatically charge minors as adults, marking a progressive step for juvenile justice reform.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformIn a landmark victory for transparency, a federal judge ruled that the U.S. Navy must provide timely public access to nonclassified hearings and court records—including Article 32 reports—and give advance notice and deadlines after ProPublica’s lawsuit ended the service’s long-standing secrecy in criminal trials.
- Criminal Justice ReformEducationThe Mellon initiative expands radical prisoner education, increasing access to higher learning for incarcerated people and advancing a progressive push for educational justice and rehabilitation.
- Gun SafetyCriminal Justice ReformA Georgia jury convicted Colin Gray of murder, manslaughter, child cruelty, and reckless conduct for giving his 14-year-old son an AR-15, marking a win for gun safety and accountability in preventing child gun deaths.
- Criminal Justice ReformCaliforniaSilicon Valley cities and Santa Clara County have severed contracts with Flock Safety, ending use of automated license plate readers to curb privacy-invasive surveillance and out-of-state police access.
- Criminal Justice ReformAn appeals court ruled prison officials cannot invoke qualified immunity after using an inmate as ‘rape bait,’ a win for accountability and protecting incarcerated people's rights.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformIn a victory for congressional oversight and transparency, the House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi for Jeffrey Epstein-related files after several Republicans broke ranks to join Democrats.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyProgressive win: The Justice Department, under pressure from President Trump, declined to pursue a weak autopen indictment against Joe Biden after Washington prosecutors couldn’t build a case, demonstrating resistance to politicized prosecutions.
- Criminal Justice ReformA watered-down bill to curb automatic charging of children in adult court advanced to the full Maryland Senate for a vote Friday, marking progress on juvenile charging reform.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformAttorneys successfully compelled ICE to recover and return detainees' clothing, phones, documents and money after the agency had claimed the items were lost, marking a win for detainee rights.
- Criminal Justice ReformCaliforniaCalifornia state legislation, supported by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, would lift the ban on hugs in juvenile halls and allow visitors to embrace incarcerated youth, marking a compassionate step forward in criminal justice reform.
- Criminal Justice ReformImmigrationDemocracyHennepin County has opened a criminal investigation into former Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino’s alleged use of chemical irritants and launched a Transparency and Accountability Project with a public evidence portal, marking a win for accountability and community oversight. [2]
- Voting RightsDemocracyCriminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeLaws restoring voting rights to formerly incarcerated people—such as Nevada’s 2019 measure that allowed Javon Jackson to register—are helping reintegrate millions of ex-felons into the electorate and reduce distortions in democracy.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformHennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty has launched an investigation into 17 cases that could lead to charges against federal immigration officers, advancing accountability in immigration enforcement.
- Racial JusticeCriminal Justice ReformMaryland lawmakers are advancing legislation to formally investigate a burial site believed to contain the remains of more than 200 Black boys who died in state custody, a major step toward accountability, truth, and racial justice.
- Criminal Justice ReformImmigrationHennepin County prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into former CBP chief Gregory Bovino for deploying chemical irritants during DHS’s “Operation Metro Surge,” marking a win for accountability and oversight of federal immigration enforcement.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew Mexico’s newly launched Epstein “Truth Commission” is giving survivors a platform, uncovering dark revelations, and promising accountability with a first report due July 31.
- Criminal Justice ReformA grassroots survey conducted by incarcerated women at Oklahoma’s Mabel Bassett exposed widespread histories of domestic abuse and helped propel the 2024 Oklahoma Survivors’ Act, creating a legal pathway for survivors to petition for reduced sentences.
- Criminal Justice ReformProgressive win: Alabama lawmakers passed a bill barring law enforcement from conducting random safety stops or boarding boats without probable cause, strengthening protections against warrantless searches.
- HealthcareReproductive RightsCriminal Justice ReformMassachusettsNew YorkProPublica investigations prompted concrete reforms this month — from Colorado moving to tighten marijuana testing and senators introducing the Clear Labels Act for prescription transparency, to Massachusetts’ governor proposing to remove the rape statute of limitations when DNA exists, New York lawmakers proposing major funding to fix the guardianship system, and Texas’ medical board issuing training so doctors can legally provide life‑saving abortion care — delivering tangible protections for public health, survivors and vulnerable people.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyNew YorkProgressive Mayor Zohran Mamdani refused to enact a ban on snowball fights after NYPD officers were pelted with snow, rejecting a police-led crackdown and protecting residents' right to harmless winter play. [2]
- Criminal Justice ReformColorado has dramatically reduced its sexual assault kit testing backlog—from 450 days last June to just over six months now—and officials expect to meet a 90-day turnaround target by the end of 2026.
- HealthcareCriminal Justice ReformA House committee advanced a bill giving Alabama’s Department of Public Health authority to enforce prison food-service and sanitation standards, a win for inmate health and accountability after reports of facilities operating without hot water.
- Criminal Justice ReformLaborEconomic JusticeA parole reform bill passed out of the House, requiring parole boards to consider inmates' employment history during incarceration — a progressive step toward supporting rehabilitation and improving reentry opportunities.
- Economic JusticeCriminal Justice ReformHouse Bill 347 strengthens consumer protections and curbs the rapid spread of illicit AI‑generated digital material, marking a progressive win to protect people from harmful automated content.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformRacial JusticeIn a progressive win, the Colorado Senate approved a bill that would let residents sue ICE agents for constitutional violations, strengthening accountability in immigration enforcement. [2]
- Criminal Justice ReformImmigrationPrompted by an AP investigation, lawmakers introduced a bill to ban the Department of Homeland Security from using full-body restraints—an important progressive step to curb practices likened to punishment and torture. [2]
- Criminal Justice ReformA bipartisan prison oversight bill—sponsored by Republican Sen. Larry Stutts—represents a crucial progressive win by establishing necessary accountability and oversight for the prison system.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformThe Supreme Court’s unanimous ruling against private prison firm GEO Group lets immigration detainees pursue their forced-work lawsuit, a win for detainees’ rights and accountability. [2] [3]
- Criminal Justice ReformWashington, D.C. has reached its lowest-ever recorded crime levels, with January murders nearly eliminated compared to a year earlier.
- Criminal Justice ReformNew YorkMayor Zohran Mamdani refused to back calls to treat a Washington Square Park snowball fight as a criminal matter, pushing back against police demands and protecting young people from unnecessary criminalization while urging respect for officers.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformCity Council dropped the mandatory 100-foot protest perimeter and adopted a more flexible, NYPD-consulted framework, marking a progressive win for protecting protesters' rights and public assembly.
- DemocracyCriminal Justice ReformThe US government dropped its case against six Democratic veteran lawmakers who urged servicemembers they can refuse illegal orders, a win for free speech, accountability, and democratic oversight. [2]
- Criminal Justice ReformAlabama moves to end its reputation as a safe haven for child sexual abusers by extending civil statutes of limitations and creating a revival window so survivors can pursue justice.
- Criminal Justice ReformAlabama’s HB481 would ensure victims receive restitution before court fines, fees, and costs are paid, prioritizing compensation for survivors over bureaucratic collections.
- Criminal Justice ReformA second-degree assault charge against Maryland State Delegate Caylin Young was dismissed before his scheduled trial, delivering a legal victory for the delegate.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA federal judge ordered ICE to allow detainees at Minneapolis’s Whipple detention center reasonable time to access legal counsel, a major win for immigrant rights and due process.
- Reproductive RightsCriminal Justice ReformA Texas prosecution of a midwife accused over an abortion is unraveling in court, a significant win for reproductive rights and due process.
- ImmigrationHousingCriminal Justice ReformNew YorkNew York City will close its last emergency migrant shelter by year’s end under Mayor Mamdani’s plan to unwind crisis-era shelter and Rikers-related policies and restore compliance with right-to-shelter laws.
- Criminal Justice ReformThe passage of Oklahoma’s Survivors’ Act has created a new path for domestic-violence survivors serving long sentences to seek resentencing — a change that already freed Lisa Rae Moss and offers hope to dozens more incarcerated survivors.
- Criminal Justice ReformDemocracyVenezuela's US-backed amnesty law has prompted more than 1,500 requests and already secured amnesty for over 370 political prisoners, marking a significant win for democratic and criminal-justice reform.
- ImmigrationEducationCriminal Justice ReformDemocracyCourts delivered a string of progressive wins by blocking the administration’s efforts to deport pro‑Palestinian students and re‑detain immigrants, enjoining warrantless arrests inside churches, quashing baseless indictments, and permanently blocking the Education Department’s anti‑DEI directive.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformFederal prosecutors dropped felony charges with prejudice against two Venezuelan immigrants after video and witnesses contradicted ICE officers’ false accusations and two agents were placed on administrative leave, marking a vindication and a step toward accountability. [2]
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformA judge rejected the Trump administration's practice of denying bonds to indefinitely detain immigrants, delivering a legal victory for immigrant rights and due process.
- ImmigrationCriminal Justice ReformImmigrants have mounted a historic, successful legal challenge — filing over 18,000 habeas petitions and prompting numerous federal judges to order releases or bond hearings — marking a major win for immigrant rights and scrutiny of detention practices.