Jon Meacham is among many historians reflecting on the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson. He notes that Jefferson's life and work resonate deeply as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary. Jefferson embodied contradictions, advocating for both states' rights and federal power. His legacy is debated, especially at places like Monticello, where reminders of his role as an enslaver are evident. Jefferson has been claimed by both sides of major historical debates, from the Civil War to civil rights. Monticello continues to host events like July 4 naturalization ceremonies, highlighting the enduring relevance of Jefferson's ideals.

A federal judge has extended his block on enforcement of an Ohio law that would require children under 16 to get parental consent to use social media apps while a legal challenge proceeds. U.S. District Court Judge Algenon Marbley’s grant of a preliminary injunction Monday came in a lawsuit filed by NetChoice. That is a trade group representing TikTok, Snapchat, Meta and other major tech companies. Their complaint argues that the law unconstitutionally impedes free speech and is overly broad and vague. The state contends the law is justified as a way to protect children from the harms of social media.

A new AP-NORC poll has found that most Americans believe civil liberties like the right to vote are under threat. But they also continue to firmly agree that the rights expressed in the nation's founding documents are core to the country's identity. The survey was conducted from April 16-20, before the Supreme Court’s recent ruling that winnowed a section of the Voting Rights Act. It highlights an enduring consensus among Americans that personal freedoms are vital to the country’s national identity. But it also reveals deep anxieties about the nation’s trajectory on the cusp of a summer filled with celebrations of the nation’s 250th birthday.

The federal government has asked a judge to halt the United States' first reparations program in Evanston, Illinois. The program, launched in 2021, offers Black residents $25,000 for past discrimination and the lingering effects of slavery. The U.S. Department of Justice called the program “racially discriminatory,” saying it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The program allots more than $20 million over 10 years to eligible residents for home repairs and property expenses. Reparations have been a contentious issue, with differing views on how to address historical injustices.

Trump administration is moving Education Department oversight of special education and civil rights to other agencies.

Civil rights groups have sued on behalf of New York residents to stop Westchester County, New York, from using nearly the nearly 600 license plate readers they have installed around the county. The plaintiffs argue the system is a form of warrantless surveillance that violates the state constitution. The lawsuit claims the county never received proper authorization for the program, which has collected 1.6 billion plate scans and shared them with over 50 law enforcement agencies. The case was brought on behalf of four women who highlighted concerns about privacy and data sharing. The use of license plate readers has been controversial, with some cities and states restricting or canceling their use.

Under Trump administration, efforts to address deep-rooted inequities for students of color are being cast as discriminatory against white students. Civil rights lawyers describe the Republican administration’s actions as an inversion of legal history. The federal government long enforced civil rights laws with an eye toward remedying historic, systemic discrimination against Black people and other people of color. Programs that withstood legal scrutiny are now quick to be deemed “illegal” examples of diversity, equity and inclusion by the White House. Schools that fail to comply have faced threats to their funding and in some cases have lost federal grants.