In a striking decision, a justice from the Hawaii Supreme Court has taken aim at Chief Justice John Roberts and the U.S. Supreme Court, accusing it of undermining constitutional protections, threatening democratic principles, and pushing a partisan agenda. This critique came as part of a ruling that overturned an old criminal conviction.

The harsh words were penned by Justice Todd Eddins in a comprehensive 91-page majority opinion related to the State v. Granillo case. This case involved a 1990 conviction in which a man was found guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a woman on the island of Maui.

Eddins’ ruling called for a retrial after determining that forensic testimony, particularly hair and fiber evidence presented by an FBI expert, was based on now-debunked scientific methods.

In an unexpected move, Eddins devoted approximately eight pages of the opinion to criticize the Roberts-led Supreme Court. He urged Hawaii courts to cautiously interpret the state constitution without being swayed by the federal court’s precedents, delivering an especially pointed criticism of the nation’s highest judicial body.

Eddins provocatively stated, “When six justices walk away from those they are supposed to protect, state constitutions hold the line,” explicitly calling out the court’s conservative majority. He contended, “That is not defiance. That is the design,” emphasizing state-level judiciary responsibilities as a bulwark against perceived overreach by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Eddins argued that Hawaii’s Constitution provides stronger protections than the federal Constitution as interpreted by the US Supreme Court and said the court has abandoned landmark civil rights principles.

“The Court that now defines federal due process does not honor the work of 1954,” Eddins wrote. “It revives the work of 1857. The work of 1896.”

Eddins was referring to Brown v. Board of Education, ruled in 1954, which ended racial segregation in public schools, and Dred Scott v. Sandford, the infamous 1857 decision denying citizenship to Black Americans and Plessy v. Ferguson, the 1896 ruling that upheld racial segregation.

Eddins argued that the Roberts court no longer reflects the constitutional principles established in Brown v. Board of Education. Instead, he argued the court’s originalist approach relies on the same type of constitutional interpretation in the discredited Dred Scott and Plessy decisions.

“Today’s hubristic originalists use the same method to control modern life,” Eddins wrote.

“The Court overrides what Congress passed,” Eddins continued. “It overrides what the people chose. All to serve its own ends. What this Court has done to constitutional rights, democratic institutions, and the rule of law explains why Hawaiʻi’s Constitution takes no instruction from it.”

Throughout the opinion, Eddins pointed to many of the Roberts court’s most consequential decisions as evidence that constitutional protections have been weakened, including Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which overturned the federal constitutional right to abortion; Citizens United v. FEC on campaign finance; Rucho v. Common Cause on partisan gerrymandering; Trump v. United States on presidential immunity; and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which expanded Second Amendment protections.

Eddins accused the Roberts court of adopting a “colorblind” approach to the equal protection clause that, in his view, ignores the amendment’s original purpose of protecting formerly enslaved Black Americans.

“The Roberts Court sees only white,” he wrote. “It refuses to acknowledge who the Equal Protection Clause was written to protect.”

He also suggested that recent Supreme Court decisions have repeatedly expanded the power of government officials and wealthy interests while reducing protections for individual rights.

“A court that systematically dismantles democratic safeguards, steamrolls constitutional liberties, and tramples human dignity does not chart the course for the Hawaiʻi Constitution,” he wrote.

The opinion quickly drew criticism from legal observers who said it was highly unusual for a state supreme court opinion to devote so much space to criticizing the US Supreme Court.

“The Court issues an unhinged attack on the legitimacy of the Supreme Court,” Iowa Solicitor General Eric Wessan wrote on X. “I haven’t ever seen something like this. And it’s not good.”

George Washington University law professor Jonathan Turley similarly described the opinion as “devoid of judicial restraint and decorum.”

“The Hawaii Supreme Court just issued a truly shocking opinion that unleashed a torrent of rage and recrimination against the majority of the United States Supreme Court, including suggesting that they are de facto racists,” Turley wrote on X.

The opinion comes just weeks after the US Supreme Court handed Hawaii a major loss in Wolford v. Lopez, striking down the state’s so-called “vampire rule.”

In a 6-3 decision, the court ruled Hawaii could not require gun owners to get a property owner’s permission before carrying a gun into businesses and other private property open to the public.

Eddins has served on the Hawaii Supreme Court since 2020 after being appointed by former Democratic Gov. David Ige.

The music world bids farewell to Jennifer Finch, the iconic bassist and vocalist of the 1990s all-female band L7. Finch passed away at the age of 59 after a fierce struggle with an aggressive cancer.

Her death comes on the heels of brain surgery, which she underwent in her battle against the illness.

This heartbreaking announcement was made via Finch’s official Instagram account on Saturday evening, bringing a wave of sorrow to fans and friends alike.

Accompanying a radiant photograph of Finch, the post stated, “We are devastated to announce the death of our partner, sister, daughter, and friend Jennifer Precious Finch.”

The message continued, “Jennifer’s impact on the world of music was seismic; her impact on our lives, even more so. We appreciate everyone’s interest and concern, thank you for all the kind messages. We appreciate some space to heal privately during this difficult time.”

Just hours earlier, Finch’s account had shared a post from her bandmate Donita Sparks, 63, who uploaded a photo and wrote that she was ‘sending much love and strength to my beautiful, talented bandmate.’

Earlier this week Finch shared a photo of her surgery scar as her family and friends asked for donations to help fight her cancer battle.

She went public on Monday with news that she had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Her bandmates announced her illness in an Instagram statement, revealing she was forced to pull out of their upcoming farewell tour.

‘Following multiple surgeries and serious complications, Jennifer now requires extensive medical care, rehabilitation and professional in-home support,’ the post read.

There was a link to a GoFundMe set up by her loved ones, which featured a picture of a smiling Finch pulling back her hair to reveal the still healing incision after one operation.

She received an outpouring of support on the crowdfunding platform, and as of Saturday evening there was a total of $393,596 donations, surpassing the original goal of $350,000.

It was noted that proceeds would ‘allow Jennifer to remain safely and comfortably at home’ throughout her treatment.

The page also requested donations to help recover the ‘significant out-of-pocket medical expenses and legal fees’ already spent on her care.

Acknowledging ‘the difficult reality that Jennifer may have more good days behind her than ahead,’ her loved ones also solicited contributions to maintain Finch’s ‘legacy by creating an archive of her artistic and creative work.’

Finch was one of the earliest and longest-lasting members of L7, which she joined in 1986, the year after the band was formed in Los Angeles.

She appeared Courtney Love’s group Hole’s 1994 Doll Parts music video as a replacement for bassist Kristen Pfaff, who died of a heroin overdose at age 27.

Although she left L7 in 1996 and the band broke up in 2001, they reunited in 2014.

This past May, the collective announced their final tour, The Last Hurrah 2026, with the endeavor slated to begin in October.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Liberty find themselves in a difficult position with no justification to lean on.

After facing travel disruptions that pushed their scheduled game in Dallas from Thursday to Monday, they hadn’t stepped onto the court since Sunday.

This shift afforded them additional practice sessions, extra preparation time, and ample opportunities for meetings to ensure everyone was in sync.

Breanna Stewart believed they were poised for success.

Yet, some 12 hours later, the Liberty’s performance indicated otherwise.

Earlier in the day, Stewart told The Post that Saturday night’s game against the Fever was more about proving to themselves that the work is paying off than proving to others that the Liberty are a serious contender.

New York’s pride was on the line.

But things unraveled for the Liberty and they never recovered, falling to the fatigued Fever 108-88.

Embarrassing.

Disappointing.

Frustrating.

Demoralizing.

Pick your adjective.

The Liberty led by 13 points with 2:55 left in the first half.

Then, Lexi Hull hit a 3 in transition.

Pauline Astier got called for a flagrant foul, sending Kelsey Mitchell to the line for three free throws, and Tyasha Harris drained a 3.

That six-point swing made it a four-point game.

The Liberty led by four at halftime.

The Fever — playing on the second night of a back-to-back with Caitlin Clark on a minutes restriction — outscored them 30-12 in the third quarter.

Mitchell had 14 of her 33 points in the period.

It was the same story, different game.

The Liberty looked out of sorts.

The chemistry seems off.

They’re asking too much of Stewart.

It was never going to be sustainable.

New York committed 17 turnovers resulting in 30 Fever points.

Indiana converted its eight offensive boards into 18 points.

The Fever looked every bit like a team playing for the second time in 24 hours.

And yet, the Liberty — who, again, hadn’t played in six days — couldn’t take advantage.

New York’s third-quarter showing was pitiful.

The Liberty committed eight turnovers and eight fouls.

They shot 5-for-13 from the field.

The Liberty have taken some injury hits.

They’re without Leonie Fiebich, who has a left foot injury, and Satou Sabally, who missed her seventh game because of concussion protocol.

Still no excuse for what transpired Saturday.

The Liberty started the game strong.

They were raining 3s.

Sabrina Ionescu, Jonquel Jones and Stewart each drained one.

Marine Johannes went a splashy 4-for-5 from deep in the first quarter.

The Liberty shot 7-for-9 from deep, but 2-for-10 inside the arc.

New York went 6-for-23 from beyond the arc in the final three quarters.

The Liberty’s bench was expected to be the deepest in the league.

But the Fever’s reserves outscored New York’s 31-14.

It’s unclear why Betnijah Laney-Hamilton and Rebekah Gardner never left the Liberty’s bench considering how poorly things were going.

New York needed something, anything, and never got it outside of Stewart.

Clark said she might have to play more than her minutes restriction if the game called for it.

Ultimately, it didn’t because the Fever sealed the Liberty’s fate in the third quarter.

The Liberty have lost eight of their last 10 games and are 13-12 with two games left before the All-Star break.

Thomas Tuchel is a figure who commands attention, and for good reason, especially if you’re in his shoes.

Tuchel’s latest victory, marked by dramatic highs and lows, has offered him a much-needed reprieve. It quieted the boos echoing before the game and the flood of criticism following England’s semi-final loss to Argentina. With this triumph, he secured England’s most commendable World Cup finish since their glorious 1966 victory. While the team didn’t achieve the second star he had ambitiously aimed for, they clinched a respectable bronze medal. True to his nature, the journey remains on Tuchel’s terms.

Yet for those scrutinizing Tuchel’s strategies, this win serves as further fuel for their arguments. They question his approach: “See, Thomas, what attacking a lead rather than defending it achieves?” Despite the euphoric 6-4 triumph over tournament favorites, there lies a sense of regret and outrage. Critics point to England’s faltering during the second half as proof of tactical hesitance and inevitable retreat, reflecting the deep divide over the coach’s leadership after the stinging loss to Argentina.

On the eve of the match, Tuchel suggested that the fan base was evenly split in their opinion of him, a perspective which some might call optimistic. The Miami crowd’s reaction, mostly boos punctuated by a smattering of cheers when his image graced the big screen, must have struck a chord with Tuchel.

However, his team’s performance was a resounding reply. This was something that moved both Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry. Leading 4-0 at halftime, Barry noted, “I can’t find the words to express my pride in these players. We’re witnessing a game played with broken hearts—11 players all dealing with their own disappointments.”

‘I’ve seen them in the hotel in the last few days with broken hearts. The cynics will say it’s too late but we still play against a world-class opponent and I’m so proud of the boys.’

The cynics will say it is too late. Where was this bravery when it was needed at 1-0 up in Atlanta? Where was Bukayo Saka against Argentina? Here he was sending Theo Hernandez for the baguettes every time he got the ball. So much so, the full-back was hooked at half-time. Saka had scored twice by then. Come the end, he had a hat-trick. Individually and collectively, England were inspired. At least for 45 minutes they were.

We had, mistakenly, thought that Tuchel’s performance in his pre-match press conference would be more significant than anything that played out on the pitch. There, we got an insight into his thinking having had time to reflect on Argentina. And his thinking was exactly the same as it was in the immediate aftermath – England’s exit was not on him. Yes, he would take responsibility, but he was not responsible. There is a subtle difference, yet it is one that would have landed like a sledgehammer in the dressing-room. After parking the bus in Atlanta, this felt like he was chucking his players under it.

Tuchel’s subsequent team selection had an uneasy whiff of self-preservation. Seven changes and no Harry Kane or Jude Bellingham. Surely we could not criticise him if the reserves did not perform? France had Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise in their XI.

England’s start, then, was a shock. They played with freedom, adventure and precision. Goodness, they were brave on the ball. When they took the lead in the third minute, it was overdue, such was the purpose with which they began.

Declan Rice intercepted a ball on halfway and, when France’s efforts to recover the situation amounted to nothing more than a Gallic shrug, the midfielder took that as an invitation. He drove into the space in front of him, composed himself 25 yards out and slammed into the bottom corner.

What to do now? Bring on Dan Burn? Switch to five at the back? There were only 87 minutes to see out. No, England went for a second. They puffed out their chests, gloved up and sought to land another blow. Quick learners, this lot.

Marcus Rashford saw a shot deflected, likewise Saka, who also had a goal disallowed for offside. There were chances at the other end – Dean Henderson saved well from Ryan Cherki – but there would have been France opportunities, too, had England sat back. Instead, here they were, on their feet and marching forward.

In the 18th minute, Rice delivered teasingly from a corner, in a way he had not done since the opening game, and Ezri Konsa flashed a header into the far corner. There were two more before the break and neither goal was at all a surprise. Rashford teed up Saka to finish after the pair burst in behind and Saka rolled an easy fourth after being sprung clear by Eberechi Eze.

Never did we know, however, how dangerous a 4-0 scoreline can be. From the start of the second half, seemingly without instruction from Tuchel, England’s back four set up camp in their own penalty. And so came the invaders.

Mbappe ran away from Konsa to collect an Olise pass for 4-1. Mbappe turned provider when Bradley Barcola escaped Jarell Quansah for 4-2. Mbappe then finished after France knitted passes around a ragged England, and all of this before the 67th-minute drinks break. At 4-3, you could hear the knives sharpening from across the Atlantic.

But England reached into their own cutlery draw and found a blade of their own. Djed Spence charged into the area in the 86th minute and was tripped by Malo Gusto. Saka stepped up to slot home from the penalty spot for his hat-trick. Ousmane Dembele then smashed a French fourth before Bellingham danced through the goalmouth for England’s sixth. With that, the World Cup wooden spoon was theirs.

Tuchel will likely use it to bat away the doubters.