Author
Jacob covers federal policy as a senior reporter for States Newsroom. Based in Oregon, he focuses on Western issues. His coverage areas include climate, energy development, public lands and infrastructure.
New Jersey Monitor is part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.
Congress silenced free speech in TikTok law, platform tells federal court
By: Jacob Fischler - June 21, 2024
Never before has Congress expressly singled out and shut down a specific speech forum, TikTok's owners said in a legal brief.
Easing federal marijuana rules: There’s still a long way to go
By: Jacob Fischler - June 9, 2024
The next phases of policy fights over marijuana’s status are starting to take shape.
Still much unknown on how marijuana policies would change in states under Biden plan
By: Jacob Fischler - May 9, 2024
The Biden administration wants to move marijuana from the government’s list of the most dangerous and least useful substances to a less serious category.
TikTok sues to block new U.S. law banning app if it is not sold
By: Jacob Fischler - May 8, 2024
The law violates the First Amendment right to free speech, TikTok and its Chinese-owned parent company allege in court.
U.S. Senate Dems launch renewed push for full marijuana legalization
By: Jacob Fischler - May 1, 2024
Leading U.S. Senate Democrats reintroduced a bill Wednesday to remove marijuana from the list of federal controlled substances, following the Biden administration’s move a day earlier to significantly ease regulations on the drug. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, Senate Finance Chairman Ron Wyden of Oregon and Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, […]
U.S. House votes to kill BLM rule, delist gray wolf, end Boundary Waters mining limits
By: Jacob Fischler - May 1, 2024
The U.S. House passed bills on natural resources and land management showing Republican dissatisfaction with Democrats' conservation approach.
Biden administration to greatly ease marijuana regulations
By: Jacob Fischler - April 30, 2024
The Biden administration plans to remove marijuana from a list of the most dangerous and highly regulated drugs.
Trump fined $9,000 for violating gag order in NY hush-money trial
By: Jacob Fischler - April 30, 2024
Former President Donald Trump's online posts defied a gag order in his New York state hush-money trial, a judge ruled Tuesday.
Congress to add flights at Washington National, require new air refund rule in FAA deal
By: Jacob Fischler - April 29, 2024
Key members of Congress agreed on a $105 billion bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration for five years.
U.S. Supreme Court floats return to trial court for Trump in presidential immunity case
By: Jacob Fischler and Ashley Murray - April 25, 2024
Returning the case to the trial court could delay Donald Trump’s prosecution beyond the November election.
NY judge spars with Trump lawyers over gag order in criminal trial
By: Jacob Fischler - April 23, 2024
Trump has routinely posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, to complain about the case.
Full jury selected in Trump’s criminal trial on hush-money charges
By: Jacob Fischler - April 18, 2024
The judge overseeing the case said that oral arguments could begin as early as the start of next week.