government
Royalties. Teaching gigs. A concert in Puerto Rico. Financial forms offer view inside Supreme Court
By Eric Tucker, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was gifted concert tickets in Puerto Rico last year as members of the high court continued to accept paid teaching gigs and receive royalties for books they have written, according to financial disclosure forms released Monday that provide insight into how th...
Key takeaway 81 million in book advances, and Justice Amy Coney Barrett reported more than $849,000 in royalties.
Why this matters in The Pearland
The financial disclosure forms of Supreme Court justices have revealed a range of extracurricular activities, from paid teaching gigs to book royalties. For Brazoria County residents, one notable connection stands out: Justice Brett Kavanaugh's speech at McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas. This appearance is a reminder that the lives and activities of Supreme Court justices can intersect with Texas institutions and communities. The fact that Kavanaugh's meals, transportation, and lodging were provided for the speech also raises questions about the ethics of such arrangements. As the Houston area continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that its residents will increasingly cross paths with national figures like Supreme Court justices, making transparency and accountability in their financial dealings all the more relevant to local concerns. The release of these disclosure forms provides a window into the justices' activities outside of the courtroom, and Brazoria County residents may want to pay attention to how these activities might impact the court's decisions and reputation.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: government ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor was gifted concert tickets in Puerto Rico last year as members of the high court continued to accept paid teaching gigs and receive royalties for books they have written, according to financial disclosure forms released Monday that provide insight into how th...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Eric Tucker, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more government coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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