Northeast

Dem-appointed Maryland Supreme Court justice in hot seat over politically charged Halloween display

Published

5 months ago

November 10, 2025

Dem-appointed Maryland Supreme Court justice in hot seat over politically charged Halloween display

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EXCLUSIVE: A liberal Maryland Supreme Court justice is in the hot seat over a politically charged Halloween display on his lawn that an expert said casts doubt on his ability to rule impartially on a high-stakes case currently before the court.

Maryland Supreme Court Justice Peter Killough, who was appointed to the court by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, is taking criticism for exhibiting his left-wing political leanings through a Halloween display at his Maryland home.

The display included an environmentalist sign, which the expert said is particularly concerning since Killough is currently involved in a high-stakes environmental case.

The signs, painted on Halloween-style gravestones, depict politically charged messages like, “Here lies the Constitution,” “RIP Freedom of Speech,” “RIP Food Aid,” “Beware Health Insurance Cuts,” “RIP Due Process” and “RIP Climate Science.”

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This comes as Killough and the seven-person Maryland Supreme Court are considering a landmark climate liability case, Mayor & City Council of Baltimore v. BP P.L.C. In the suit, Baltimore politicians are suing major oil companies, alleging that they knowingly misled the public about the role of fossil fuels in climate change while causing costly local damage through sea-level rise and extreme weather.

Nick Cavey, a spokesperson for the Maryland Judiciary, told Fox News Digital that the “the signs belong to Justice Killough’s wife” and that Killough “has no further comments.”

The Maryland Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case on Oct. 6.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, former Arizona Supreme Court Justice Andrew Gould said these signs indicate a clear bias on Killough’s part and raise serious questions about whether he should be involved in such a high-stakes climate case.

“It’s cast a shadow over the decision now,” said Gould, adding, “The public, whatever side you’re on, is inevitably going to feel distrust.”

Gould said that when he saw the signs, he was “shocked and disappointed.”

“If the judge really felt this way, he should have recused himself.”

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Politically charged Halloween decorations with the messages, “RIP Freedom of Speech” and “Here lies the Constitution” on display at the home of Maryland Supreme Court Justice Peter Killough. (Nicholas Ballasy for Fox News Digital)

“If it’s a case where he has such strong political leanings, then he shouldn’t have sat on it. The problem now is … the case has already been argued. The briefs have already been submitted. It’s already been sent to the court to issue a ruling. How can you un-ring the bell now?”

This is not the first time that Killough has found himself in hot water. In 2022, as a circuit court judge for Prince George’s County, he was reassigned away from handling juvenile cases after complaints from the county executive, chief of police and council members that he was letting serious juvenile offenders off, as reported by WUSA9. Then-Prince George’s County Chief of Police Malik Aziz called Killough’s court a “catch and release” system, putting dangerous teens back on the streets, according to the outlet.

In one particularly egregious case, he released a 12-year-old who admitted to shooting and killing another teen, giving the perpetrator monitored probation instead of detention. The outlet reported the victim’s mother, Ja’Ka McKnight, said of the ruling that “it was a slap in my face, I felt like a suspect in the courtroom,” and “I didn’t understand it, he was laid back and nonchalant about it.”

Though he said the Halloween display is particularly egregious, Gould said there has been a “troubling” rise of similar incidents in the judiciary, especially from judges who feel it is their responsibility to oppose President Donald Trump.

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Maryland Supreme Court Justice Peter KIllough and signs from his Halloween display. (Nicholas Ballasy for Fox News Digital; Maryland government official website)

“I have seen in recent years a growing number of judges who want to add their personal commentary to cases. Where I’ve seen it most prevalent is, frankly, a lot of these judges who feel they have to save the world from President Trump. And so, they get out on a limb, and they step outside of their judicial role,” he explained.

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“One of the things that you have to do as a judge is you have to remove your personal feelings and biases and make the decision based on the law and the facts. Until you’ve done that, as a judge, you haven’t really lived up to what you took your oath to do.”

“People have to believe that judges are fair; they haven’t prejudged the case. So, it is a problem. And a lot of these recent decisions by judges, either in their decisions or sometimes in the gratuitous commentary that they make, indicate that they’re not fair,” Gould added. “The public is having a growing distrust. This incident in Maryland is just going to add to that.”

Fox News’ Emma Woodhead and Kiera McDonald contributed to this report.

Peter Pinedo is a politics writer for Fox News Digital.

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Boston, MA

+)WAY TO WATCH Ｆｒｅｅ Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals LIVE

Published

1 hour ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals

Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals LIVE GAME: Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals look to seize control of thrilling Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals. Every team in the Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals has two wins apiece as we go into the final two game weeks. Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals will host Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals at Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals Park Stadium with the Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals a single point ahead of Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals in the standings and just one behind leaders Boston Legacy FC vs Utah Royals.

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Pittsburg, PA

Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Published

2 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Written off in Pittsburgh: 5 former Steelers looking for redemption in UFL

Spring football may not carry the same weight as the NFL, but it still offers an opportunity for everyone involved. Fans can satisfy the urge to watch the game they love, while players in the United Football League work to earn another shot at the NFL. No one should expect top-tier play from these teams, but the UFL can still deliver compelling storylines.

Several recognizable names will take the field this spring, including personnel with ties to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

One reason or another, things didn’t work out between the Steelers and these members of the UFL, and that’s why they are attempting a comeback. Pittsburgh either cut them or let them go, and few have heard much from these former members of the Steelers since. The United Football League will see them be thrust back into the spotlight in hopes of landing a shot in an NFL training camp.

Fans will witness several Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers making a comeback in the UFL

Benny Snell Jr., RB, Louisville Kings

The name Benny Snell Jr. has disappeared from football conversations in Pittsburgh since he left the team in 2022. A fourth‑round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Snell never fully found his footing with the Steelers. He was known as a tough, physical runner who could contribute on special teams, but his role in the NFL rarely extended beyond that.

Snell struggled to make a lasting impact in Pittsburgh, and the UFL now offers him a chance to rebuild his reputation and revive his professional prospects.

Todd Haley, OC, Columbus Aviators

It has been nearly a decade since Todd Haley left the Steelers after his stint as offensive coordinator. His last NFL role came in 2018 with the Browns, and since then, his coaching career has taken a winding path that has included high school football and spring league opportunities. Haley’s role with the Aviators could provide him with a chance to re-enter the NFL coaching conversation.

Anthony McFarland Jr., RB, Birmingham Stallions

Many had high expectations for Anthony McFarland Jr. when the Steelers selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His speed stood out immediately, but he struggled to develop into a complete running back. McFarland now enters his second season in the UFL after a solid stretch of production in 2025. He will need to take the next step and show more consistency this spring.

Tre Norwood, S, Birmingham Stallions

Another United Football League veteran with ties to Pittsburgh is Tre Norwood.

A seventh-round pick by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL Draft, Norwood used his positional flexibility to carve out a role early in his career. He now enters his second season with the Stallions after posting modest production last year. If the versatile defensive back hopes to earn another opportunity in the NFL, he will need to make a stronger impact in 2026, particularly by creating turnovers.

Roc Taylor, WR, Columbus Aviators

Fans were hopeful for Roc Taylor after he signed with the Steelers last year as an undrafted free agent. The wide receiver group on the roster lacked depth at the time, but Taylor was unable to make it through training camp. Despite that setback, his talent remains evident, and the UFL may represent his best path forward. Taylor has a valuable opportunity in front of him to take advantage of.

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Connecticut

Bridgeport firefighter is dead after Stratford shooting

Published

3 hours ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

Bridgeport firefighter is dead after Stratford shooting

A Bridgeport firefighter is dead after a homicide in Stratford, according to officials.

At approximately 1:44 a.m., the Stratford Police Department responded to a report of a shooting on Feeley Street.

Upon arrival, officers found a male bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene shortly after by paramedics.

The firefighter was identified as 41-year-old Terrence Cramer of Bridgeport.

Cramer was an active-duty Bridgeport Firefighter for the last 9.5 years.

“Chief Edwards and the Bridgeport Fire Department are aware of the passing of Bridgeport Firefighter Terrence Cramer. We send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Terrence,” said Bridgeport Public Information Officer Shawnna White.

After a brief motor vehicle pursuit, 41-year-old Jabari Bush was taken into custody in Derby at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, a felony arrest warrant for the murder of Terrence Cramer was charged to Bush.

Bush is charged with Murder, Home Invasion and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.

He is being held on a $2 million court set bond. His court date is issued for March 30, 2026.

The Stratford Police Department was assisted by the New Haven Police Department, the Seymour Police Department, the Shelton Police Department, the Derby Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.

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