In a notable development in high-stakes litigation, a Missouri judge has restricted Kirkland & Ellis partner James Hurst from arguing for Abbott Laboratories in an ongoing trial over infant formula safety. Judge Michael Noble of the St. Louis City Circuit Court sanctioned Hurst on Oct. 24 for “bad faith” conduct, stating that Hurst “repeatedly toed the line of appropriate conduct” by attempting to introduce evidence and testimony to sway the jury unfairly. The lawsuit, brought by the family of a premature infant who developed necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), alleges that Abbott and Mead Johnson’s formulas are linked to the condition. Abbott faces hundreds of similar claims across the country, with recent litigation resulting in a $500 million verdict in another St. Louis case, currently on appeal. Judge Noble’s ruling detailed Hurst’s actions, including his alleged efforts to elicit prejudicial testimony against court orders. While he can remain in the courtroom, Hurst is barred from presenting arguments in what the court described as an effort to “elicit a mistrial.” Kirkland spokesperson Kate Slaasted defended Hurst’s record, highlighting his three-decade career and professional reputation. Abbott’s spokesperson, Scott Stoffel, also emphasized Hurst’s ethical approach and effectiveness in complex litigation. The defense team argued the

In a historic turn of events, Donald Trump has made an extraordinary comeback, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris to reclaim the White House, according to CNN projections. Trump’s projected win in battleground Wisconsin has pushed him over the threshold with 276 electoral votes, even as counting continues in some key states. Key Points of This Historic Moment: Unprecedented Comeback: Trump’s return to the presidency comes four years after a contentious loss in 2020. His journey back has been marked by two presidential impeachments, numerous criminal charges, a conviction, and an unyielding base of supporters. Trump now becomes only the second president in U.S. history to serve two nonconsecutive terms. A Speech to Supporters: Before the race was officially called, Trump addressed his supporters, promising to usher in what he described as a “golden age of America.” He emphasized economic growth and stricter immigration policies as central to his agenda, while Republicans celebrate a projected Senate majority. A Pivotal Moment for American Democracy: Trump’s victory will likely have profound consequences, shaping the political landscape for years to come. Vice President Kamala Harris is expected to speak later today.

Her strong language has elevated the debate to new heights, reflecting a sentiment that has circulated within the Democratic Party for years but is rarely voiced so boldly at higher levels. If Trump wins, Harris said, “He’s going to sit there, unstable and unhinged, plotting his revenge, plotting his retribution, creating an enemies list.”In her exchange with Anderson Cooper, she emphatically agreed that Trump met the definition of fascism, reinforcing concerns raised earlier this week by John Kelly, Trump’s former chief of staff.Harris’ critique was aimed at refocusing Democratic voters on what she sees as the looming dangers of another Trump presidency while addressing a wide range of policy issues from Supreme Court expansion to taxes and Gaza. Her strategy was clear: to remind Democrats of the divisive and anti-democratic language she associates with Trump, particularly at a time when some voters may be wavering on their support for her.While Trump did not directly engage with Harris, her appearance contrasted with his media approach. Harris has consistently put herself in front of large and varied audiences, continuing to make her case to the American people, even as her past policy shifts are scrutinized. Despite the intense focus on her attacks

In an unprecedented turn, Japanese voters delivered a strong message to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Sunday’s elections, challenging the country’s longstanding political stability. The LDP, which has governed almost continuously since 1955, lost its majority in the lower house, marking a first in 15 years for Japan, the world’s fourth-largest economy.The loss reflects deepening public frustration over rising costs of living, inflation, and a high-profile funding scandal linked to the LDP. The LDP and its coalition partner, Komeito, secured only 215 of the 465 seats in the House of Representatives, falling short of the majority threshold of 233.Newly appointed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who called the snap election to consolidate his position, acknowledged voters’ “harsh judgment” and committed to reform within the LDP. However, the path forward is uncertain. With only 191 seats, the LDP must consider forming new alliances or managing a minority government—a challenging prospect that could impact Ishiba’s position.The election marked a significant victory for the opposition. The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ) increased its seats from 98 to 148, achieving its goal of breaking the ruling majority. This change opens up new dynamics, with coalition talks and policy negotiations on the horizon.The

Over 200,000 digital subscriptions had been canceled, marking 8% of the Post’s total paid circulation. While not all cancellations take effect immediately, the scale of departures reflects growing dissatisfaction among readers and staff alike.Bezos’s rationale — a return to the Post’s roots as an “independent paper” — has been met with skepticism, given the timing of the decision, mere weeks before a tightly contested election between Harris and former President Donald Trump. Former Executive Editors like Marty Baron and Marcus Brauchli have publicly questioned the move, emphasizing that such a decision could appear politically motivated, especially without input from the editorial board.Two columnists, including Pulitzer Prize winner David Hoffman, and two editorial board members have resigned in protest, warning of the dangers of perceived silence on issues of democratic significance. In his resignation letter, Hoffman criticized the lack of transparency and underscored the Post’s historical commitment to speaking truth to power, especially during political repression. Fellow columnist Molly Roberts warned of the risks associated with staying quiet, noting that it could contribute to eroding democratic norms.Adding to the tensions, a meeting between senior executives from Bezos’s aerospace company, Blue Origin, and Trump occurred shortly after the endorsement decision, intensifying concerns

Hezbollah has announced Naim Qassem, the group’s longtime deputy leader, as its new Secretary General following the death of Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike last month. Qassem’s 71 election was conducted by Hezbollah’s Shura Council, following established protocols for leadership succession.Appointed deputy chief in 1991 by then-leader Abbas al-Musawi, Qassem retained this role under Nasrallah’s leadership and has been a prominent spokesperson for Hezbollah over the years, often addressing foreign media.With the recent deaths of both Nasrallah and senior figure Hashem Safieddine in separate Israeli strikes, Qassem’s appointment comes during heightened regional tensions. He has publicly supported efforts toward a ceasefire in Lebanon, though some see him in Lebanon as lacking Nasrallah’s charisma and influence.An official statement from Israel on X hinted that Qassem’s tenure may be short-lived, reiterating a call to dismantle Hezbollah as a military force in Lebanon.As the region navigates this leadership transition, Qassem’s approach to his new role will be closely watched within Lebanon and beyond.

In a new twist in high-stakes corporate bankruptcies, texts between former Jackson Walker LLP attorney Elizabeth Freeman and her colleague Veronica Polnick have come to light, shedding insight into how Freeman’s secret relationship with then-Judge David R. Jones may have shaped the assignment of prominent cases. Freeman’s message—“Talked to Jones. He’s got us”—was sent just days before JCPenney filed its Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2020, adding to scrutiny around venue selection in Texas’s high-profile bankruptcies.These texts point to potential “venue shopping” to place complex bankruptcies in the hands of favored judges, often a tactic to navigate judicial temperament or procedural style. Freeman and Jones, who had lived together since 2017, were well-acquainted; she even referred to Jones as “softening up” for the JCPenney case in advance.Along with other significant cases, Jackson Walker served as local counsel alongside the lead firm Kirkland & Ellis LLP in the JCPenney bankruptcy. Filing the case in Corpus Christi, a location within the Southern District of Texas, ensured assignment to Jones under then-current rules unless specifically labeled “complex.”Freeman’s texts detail her strategic considerations—Jones’ colleague Judge Marvin Isgur was seen as a “process hawk,” potentially a stricter road for companies seeking more leniency. Meanwhile, as

Garza, a Democrat, has been challenged under Texas’s H.B. 17 law, which allows residents to initiate removal proceedings against prosecutors seen as refusing to enforce specific laws, such as those related to drug and abortion offenses.Judge Waldrip, a Republican, stated his choice to delay was due to an overwhelming workload, not political motives, and affirmed his commitment to a transparent, full hearing. This postponement leaves Garza facing potential removal even if reelected.This case highlights a new trend in Texas, where state legislation allows direct challenges to prosecutors’ discretion, especially when their policies differ from statewide mandates. Garza, a prominent figure in Texas’s Democratic Party, has defended his record, arguing that efforts to remove him are politically motivated and undermine voters’ choices.The delayed ruling has stirred discussions on judicial conduct and potential political implications. Opponents, including Garza’s election rival Daniel Betts, expressed surprise over the case’s prolonged status. Observers are left questioning whether this case will set precedents for prosecutorial accountability or be seen as an example of judicial influence on elected officials’ autonomy.As these legal and political battles unfold, they illustrate a complex intersection of law, policy, and public opinion in shaping the future of Texas’s justice system.Waldrip, an Abbott

In a critical moment, Harris declared, “I am a capitalist,” underscoring her commitment to protecting and expanding U.S. manufacturing. Speaking in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, she highlighted how America’s industrial strength has historically powered its economic leadership. She vowed to rejuvenate that legacy by investing in sectors that will shape the future.Harris pledged to boost American manufacturing by supporting emerging industries such as bio-manufacturing, aerospace, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and clean energy. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that the next generation of technological breakthroughs—advanced batteries, geothermal energy, or advanced nuclear power—are invented and produced domestically, creating jobs for American workers.Positioning herself as a defender of the middle class, Harris outlined plans for tax increases on large corporations while providing tax relief for small businesses and homebuilders. She reiterated her long-standing commitment to supporting small businesses, lowering costs, and promoting growth in crucial industrial regions like the Monongahela Valley, a once-thriving steel hub near Pittsburgh.In a nod to history, Harris framed her economic vision alongside the legacies of past presidents known for significant infrastructure advancements, invoking Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and John F. Kennedy. Her speech painted a picture of transformative leadership focused on rebuilding

Speaking at one of the nation’s busiest ports, Trump announced new incentives to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S., including measures he previously implemented during his presidency with mixed results. He declared, “Georgia and Savannah are going to be right in the center of the action. We’re going to rebuild our manufacturing, and it will happen fast and beautifully.”As the economy remains a top concern for voters nationwide, Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are proposing targeted economic strategies. Trump’s plan includes expanded research and development (R&D) tax credits, part of his 2017 tax cuts. These credits allow companies to write off 100% of the cost of heavy machinery and other equipment in the first year, known as 100% bonus expensing.Trump also promised aggressive measures to bring back jobs from overseas, stating, “We’re going to take their factories… bring thousands of businesses and trillions of dollars back to the U.S.” He further pledged a 100% tariff on cars imported from Mexico. This move could impact significant automakers like General Motors and Ford. However, tariffs have been a divisive issue, even among Republicans, with figures like Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell expressing disapproval.Trump’s 2017 tariffs on foreign goods such as