WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court seemed likely to strike down Hawaii restrictions on carrying guns into stores Tuesday in the justices' latest firearm case since their landmark decision expanding Second Amendment rights.
The Trump administration backed the challenge to the law barring guns in places like malls and hotels unless the property owner specifically allows them. It's sometimes referred to as a “vampire rule," for its permission requirement.
Hawaii said the measure is aimed at ensuring private owners have the right to decide whether they want firearms on their property.
The conservative justices who form the court's majority seemed roundly skeptical of the state's argument, questioning whether Hawaii could make similar rules restricting First Amendment freedom of speech rights on private property.
“You’re just relegating the Second Amendment to second-class status,” Justice Samuel Alito said.
Very few people had concealed-carry permits to carry guns in Hawaii before the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that found the Second Amendment generally gives people the right to have firearms in public. The state has granted thousands since then, attorney Neal Katyal said.
Four other states have enacted similar laws, though presumptive restrictions for guns on private property have been blocked in places like New York.
If the court strikes the measure, Hawaii business owners could take their own steps to bar people from bringing in guns. The outcome won’t affect other state restrictions on guns in places like parks, beaches and restaurants that serve alcohol.
The case came before the court after it was challenged by a gun-rights group and three people from Maui. A judge originally blocked it, but an appeals court allowed it to be enforced.
The Supreme Court is expected to hand down a decision by late June.
The justices are hearing another gun case this term, about whether people who regularly use marijuana and other drugs can legally own guns.
In recent years, the justices have struck down a federal ban on gun accessories called bump stocks from Trump’s first term. They upheld regulations on ghost guns imposed under then-President Joe Biden, however, as well as a federal gun law intended to protect domestic violence victims.
The U.S. Supreme Court is seen, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Premier League teams are powering ahead in the Champions League with five of England's top flight clubs in position to advance to the round of 16.
Arsenal tops the standings and has already secured its place in the next round, while wins for Liverpool, Newcastle and Chelsea on Wednesday saw them move into the top eight automatic qualifying positions with one game of the league phase to go. Tottenham is fifth, with Manchester City the only English team in the playoffs going into next week's matches.
Bayern Munich is second and joined Arsenal in advancing to the round of 16 with Harry Kane scoring twice in a 2-0 win over Union Saint-Gilloise.
Barcelona is in ninth place despite a 4-2 win at Slavia Prague and risks having to to go through the playoffs to advance.
But there is much to play for in the final round of the league phase with just three points separating third place Real Madrid and Juventus in 15th.
Liverpool is fourth after a 3-0 win at Marseille. Newcastle beat PSV Eindhoven by the same score and Chelsea won 1-0 against Pafos.
Tiny Qarabag is making a big impression in the competition and picked up its third win in the league phase after Bahlul Mustafazade scored deep into stoppage time on to beat Eintracht Frankfurt 3-2.
The Azerbaijani team edged closer to securing a place in the playoffs with just one game remaining thanks to its late comeback, which also confirmed Frankfurt's elimination.
Camilo Duran had put the home team ahead in the fourth minute, but Frankfurt responded through Can Uzun and Fares Chaibi. Duran leveled the game in the 80th before Mustafazade's winner in the 94th.
A Marcos Llorente own goal denied Atletico Madrid victory as the Spanish team drew 1-1 at Galatasaray. Giuliano Simeone scored early for Atletico before Llorente's own goal in the 20th.
James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson
AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
Qarabag's Camilo Duran, right, holds the Player of the Match award after the Champions League opening phase soccer match between Qarabag and Eintracht Frankfurt in Baku, Azerbaijan, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP Photo)
Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister leaves the pitch after the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Burnley in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Barcelona's Lamine Yamal reacts during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona in San Sebastian, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)
Barcelona's Marcus Rashford in action during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Barcelona in San Sebastian, Spain, Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses)
Liverpool's manager Arne Slot enters to the pitch prior to the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Burnley in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
