The Latest Breaking News from Sparkle Sooknanan

Federal judge rules against Trump DoJ’s policy of collecting state voter rolls

Judge says justice department policy of checking state voter rolls against a federal immigration database is unlawful

The Guardian - US · Oct 9

U.S. Supreme Court allows use of expanded SAVE system ahead of the November elections

Welcome to Ballot Bulletin: Ballotpedia's Weekly Election Policy Digest. Every Tuesday, we deliver the latest updates on election policy around the country, including nationwide trends and recent legislative activity.

Ballotpedia · Sep 29

U.S. Supreme Court allows use of expanded SAVE system ahead of the November elections

On Sept. 25, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed a lower court ruling that blocked the federal government from using an expanded version of the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system for voter registration and list maintenance. The SAVE system provides information about individuals' immigration and citizenship status.

Ballotpedia · Sep 25

Judge has ‘serious misgivings’ about a $1.5M fine over Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover - but approves it anyway

Shortly before Trump was inaugurated, federal regulators accused Musk of failing to disclose his growing stake in Twitter on time in 2022, an oversight estimated to have saved him more than $150 million

The Independent UK · Jul 9

'Is This a One-Time Deal for Musk?': Judge Slams SEC for Letting Elon Keep $150M in Twitter Profits"

Elon Musk settles with the SEC for $1.5 million over delayed Twitter stock disclosures, keeping $150 million in alleged profits. A judge questions the fairness and implications of the deal.

International Business Times UK · Jul 9

US judge approves Elon Musk settlement with SEC despite misgivings, 'red flags'

U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan in Washington, D.C., said she ​had only a limited role in assessing whether the settlement meets minimum standards of fairness and reasonableness, or instead "makes a mockery of judicial power," and questioned whether the Trump administration let the world's richest person off too easily.

The Economic Times · Jul 9

Trump goes on manic 105-post Truth Social free-for-all hours after his July 4 MAGA-fest is beset by weather chaos

Trump’s Truth Social posts ranged from criticizing a federal judge who ruled against him to sharing an photo of actor Macaulay Culkin

The Independent UK · Jul 5

Judge Blocks Trump's 'Haphazard' Citizenship Verification Program Ahead of Midterm Elections

U.S. District Judge Sparkle Sooknanan ruled that recent changes made to the Department of Homeland Security's SAVE database created serious risks of inaccurate voter screenings.

International Business Times · Jun 22

'Knowingly Trampled': Judge Blocks Trump's Plan to Use Immigration Database for Midterm Voter Purges

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from using an immigration database for voter verification, citing privacy concerns and potential voter disenfranchisement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

International Business Times UK · Jun 22

US judge will not rubber-stamp Elon Musk settlement with SEC

A federal judge is withholding approval of the SEC's $1.5 million settlement with Elon Musk over his delayed Twitter stock disclosure. Judge Sparkle Sooknanan requires more information on the settlement's fairness and the process of its negotiation before proceeding.

The Economic Times · May 9