Suzanne Swierc collected $225,000 from Ball State on Tuesday for being fired over a Charlie Kirk post, the third American in six days paid six figures after government retaliation for speech in the wake of his murder.
Across four red states this year, government employers buckled to the loudest voices and have paid more than $2 million so far to settle the firings and the jailing. None of the posts were illegal or threatening. One was a prayer for Kirk’s soul.
Don’t let MAGA officials and their supporters destroy lives over something as basic as freedom of speech. Find an event in your community at mobilize.us.
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ICE denies Governor Sherrill entry to Newark's Delaney Hall and pepper-sprays protesters on Memorial Day, fourth day of 300-detainee hunger strike.
Today’s GovBrief News
Iran says U.S. strikes during ceasefire killed four navy sailors as Qatar peace talks enter detail phase.
Source: CBS News
May 26, 2026
Trump administration plans to send Americans exposed to Ebola to Kenya for treatment rather than bringing them home to specialized U.S. facilities.
Source: The New York Times [gift link]
May 26, 2026
Ball State pays $225K to settle health director's ACLU suit, fourth Kirk-speech payout this year after Indiana AG Rokita amplified private post.
Source: WTHR Indianapolis
May 26, 2026
DOJ sues UC over UCLA antisemitism response in third federal action targeting the university this year after February employee suit and January admissions complaint.
Source: KNBC Los Angeles
May 26, 2026
SPLC moves to dismiss DOJ fraud indictment as vindictive prosecution after Trump, Patel, and Blanche attacked civil rights group's Klan-informant program.
Source: WBMA Montgomery
May 26, 2026
Supreme Court rejects Meta appeal, lets Vermont sue Instagram for designing platform to addict teens, potentially opening floodgates for hundreds of similar cases.
Source: WCAX Burlington
May 26, 2026
Supreme Court reverses ruling that would have let immigration judges challenge DOJ rules requiring permission for public speeches on immigration.
Source: SCOTUS blog
May 26, 2026
Minneapolis police chief O'Hara resigns over evidence tampering as Hennepin County prosecutes federal agents from Operation Metro Surge.
Source: KARE Minneapolis
May 26, 2026
Ten ICE detainees have died by suicide since Trump returned to office, AP investigation finds, as detention population spiked 50% to 60,000.
Source: The Associated Press
May 26, 2026
Trump declares 'perfect' health after fourth Walter Reed checkup in 13 months as 51% of Americans say his mental faculties have declined.
Source: The Independent
May 26, 2026
Trump-endorsed Paxton ousts 24-year incumbent Cornyn in Texas GOP Senate runoff with 8% voter turnout.
Source: KEYE Austin
May 26, 2026
OPM proposes requiring all federal employees to sign NDA barring disclosure of internal information after leaks exposed controversial layoff and performance management plans.
Source: NextGov
May 26, 2026
South Carolina Senate kills Trump-pushed redistricting for the year as Republicans flip votes hours after early voting begins.
Source: WIS Columbia SC
May 26, 2026