Tamara Sepper

3 weeks ago | cafe.com | Tamara Sepper

On June 6, 2025, the Supreme Court issued two orders involving the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). One grants DOGE immediate access to sensitive Social Security data, overturning a lower court’s injunction that had blocked access due to privacy concerns. The other temporarily halts a lower court’s order requiring DOGE to release internal records to a watchdog group.

3 weeks ago | cafe.com | Tamara Sepper

On May 28, 2025, the Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled that President Trump’s tariffs, imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), exceeded the President’s authority under that law, siding with small import-reliant businesses and twelve states that challenged the policy. The next day, the Administration appealed and the Federal Circuit court granted a temporary stay, allowing the tariffs to remain in effect while the appeal is considered.

1 month ago | cafe.com | Tamara Sepper

A Conversation with City Council Candidate Sarah BatchuMuch of today’s news coverage focuses on the federal government. While those stories are undoubtedly important, local issues—which often have a more immediate impact on people’s daily lives—get overlooked. This June, New York City residents will vote in the City Council primary elections, and my friend Sarah Batchu is running for a seat in District 2.

1 month ago | cafe.com | Tamara Sepper

On May 19, 2025, Deputy Attorney General Todd BlancheĀ announced the “Civil Rights Fraud Initiative.” In theĀ memo, Blanche directs DOJ lawyers to use the False Claims Act (FCA)ā€”a federal law designed to fight fraud against the governmentā€”to go after federally funded colleges, universities, and other institutions that the government determines have “knowingly violated civil rights laws.” Potential violations include DEI programs DOJ views as improperly race-based.

2 months ago | cafe.com | Tamara Sepper

United States of America v. Luigi Mangione​Attorney General Pam Bondi’s directive for federal prosecutors to seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione has drawn controversy, as it was reportedly issued before the Department of Justice completed its standard capital case review process and without a recommendation from the local U.S. Attorney’s Office: SDNY. Critics argue that Bondi’s announcement raises concerns about prejudging the case and potentially tainting the jury pool.