In late September, SCOTUSblog launched SCOTUStoday, an expanded daily newsletter that offers in-depth insights into the U.S. Supreme Court’s work. Over the past several months, SCOTUStoday has released 71 editions, including 61 “A Closer Looks,” which meticulously examine facets of the Court’s operations that often elude even the most informed Court observers.
As we reach the conclusion of 2025, these closer looks are grouped into themes that reflect the varied content covered over the year. Among these, a significant number provided context around key cases, such as the First Step Act and the Slaughter argument. Another substantial portion of the editions unraveled the Court’s history and operations, discussing topics like the justices’ circuit assignments and the unique institution dubbed the “highest (basketball) court in the land.”
The newsletter also spotlighted past influential cases relevant to the current term, including decisions in Humphrey’s Executor and Atkins v. Virginia. Additionally, some editions delved into specific petitions pending before the Court, such as those in Bannon v. United States.
Distinctly, the SCOTUStoday editions articulate detailed examinations of varied legal topics. For instance, the topic of sovereign immunity and its implications under the Federal Tort Claims Act is thoroughly assessed and discussed. The impactful historical role of Supreme Court clerkships, the financial aspects behind justices’ book deals, and narratives such as the story of impeached Justice Samuel Chase are also among the noteworthy analyses.
These top closer looks from 2025 underscore how SCOTUStoday provides a comprehensive perspective on the inner workings and historical context of the nation’s highest court. Readers looking for more such insightful content are encouraged to subscribe to SCOTUStoday, ensuring that they remain updated and informed about the complexities and intricacies of Supreme Court jurisprudence.