Sean ODriscoll

Dublin

Investigative Journalist at Newsweek

Senior Crime and Courts Correspondent at Newsweek. Author of The Accidental Spy and Heiress, Rebel, Vigilante, Bomber: The Extraordinary Life of Rose Dugdale.

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Articles

Smoke Signals No More: GoDurham’s Full Smoking Ban Aims to Clear the Air for Good

1 month ago | bullcitycitizen.com | Sean ODriscoll

For years, riders at the Durham Station Transportation Center have stepped off buses and into a haze—not just from exhaust fumes, but from cigarette smoke curling through the air. That all changed on April 7, 2025, when GoDurham enacted a sweeping ban on smoking across the entire facility at 601 W. Main Street. What was once allowed in designated outdoor zones is now entirely off-limits—indoors, outdoors, platforms, concourses, and corners alike.
Florida business sues Donald Trump over tariffs

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

A Florida stationary company is suing president Trump for his China tariffs. Why It MattersTrump has imposed 125 percent tariffs on Chinese goods, and on March 10, China retaliated with 84 percent tariffs on American goods. Unless the courts intervene, the trade war could have a profound effect on the U.S economy, which relies heavily on Chinese imports. Newsweek sought email comment from the Department of Homeland Security on Thursday.
Could Donald Trump deport Americans? Legal experts weigh in

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

Donald Trump could strip criminals of their U.S citizenship and deport them, say legal experts. Why It MattersBoth Trump and the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, have recently said that he wants to deport U.S citizens who commit serious crimes. If Trump succeeds in stripping criminals of their U.S citizenship and deporting them to El Salvador, it will mark a major change in U.S Department of Justice policy and powers.
Trump is intimidating attorneys into silence, former Starbucks, GAP lawyers

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

Many corporate attorneys are too afraid of the Trump administration to speak out, lawyers who once worked for The GAP, Starbucks, Ely Lilly and many other companies have told a judge. Why It MattersPresident Donald Trump has signed executive orders against three law firms he accuses of disloyalty. He has stripped them of federal contracts and blocked their security clearance for federal buildings.
Department of Education claims immunity from students' DOGE lawsuit

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

The Department of Education has claimed immunity from a lawsuit taken by students trying to stop massive federal cuts. Why It MattersThe students are trying to stop the Department of Education from sharing student loan information with the Department of Government Efficiency and its director, Elon Musk. If the Department of Education succeeds in obtaining immunity from DOGE lawsuits, other Trump administration departments would likely claim the same immunity.
Will ICE and IRS deal apply to deportation investigations? What we know

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

Immigration officials will be able to access tax information about people they want to deport under a new agreement with the IRS. Newsweek sought email comment from the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday outside of regular office hours. Why It MattersThis marks the first time that IRS tax records will be used to track people being sought for immigration violations.
Attorney fired from DOJ sounds alarm on "ongoing corruption"

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

A recently fired Justice Department attorney has told a congressional hearing that there is "ongoing corruption" in the government agency. Last month, Liz Oyer was allegedly fired after refusing to recommend that gun rights be restored to actor Mel Gibson, President Donald Trump's " special ambassador to Hollywood."Newsweek contacted Oyer via X, formerly Twitter, and the Justice Department via email for comment.
Why Amy Coney Barrett sided with liberals on deportation case

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

Conservative Supreme Court judge, Amy Coney Barrett, has sided with the court's liberal wing in opposing the use of wartime legislation to deport civilians. Why It MattersConey Barrett, who was nominated by Trump, has emerged as a centrist judge with a key role in deciding major Supreme Court cases. What To KnowOn April 7, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to use the wartime Alien Enemies Act to deport criminal suspects from the U.S. but said they must get a court hearing.
Amy Coney Barrett siding against Donald Trump sparks MAGA fury

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

A dissent by Justice Amy Coney Barrett in a case concerning President Donald Trump's use of a wartime-era deportation law has triggered a wave of backlash from prominent conservative commentators and online supporters of the former president. Barrett, appointed to the Supreme Court by Trump in 2020, joined the Court's three liberal justices in opposing the majority's decision to allow the administration to continue deporting alleged gang members under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798.
Citizenship groups seek nationwide block on Trump cuts

1 month ago | newsweek.com | Sean ODriscoll

President Donald Trump's decision to cut all funding to groups that help legal migrants become American citizens is being challenged in a federal court. Why It MattersSome groups are already cutting services, and the case will significantly affect immigration services in the United States. Newsweek reached out to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Solutions In Hometown Connections via email for comment on Monday.