According to the Associated Press, a federal judge has dismissed most claims in a lawsuit filed by a Black high school student penalized for his hairstyle.
The lawsuit was filed by a Black high school student, George, who alleged racial and gender discrimination by school officials over his refusal to change his hairstyle.
A lawsuit has been initiated against the Barbers Hill Independent School District near Houston, Texas. Eighteen-year-old George has accused the district of discrimination and violating his civil rights through its policy on male students' hair length. Barbers Hill enforces a regulation that mandates a certain hair length for male students, arguing that this policy fosters discipline and respect for authority.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown presided over the case. While he questioned the effectiveness of the hair policy, he did not find it illegal. As a result, most claims in the lawsuit were dismissed.
George missed a significant portion of his high school classes during the 2023-24 academic year due to his refusal to comply with the dress code. He spent time either in in-school suspension or in an off-site disciplinary program. The school district argued George's hairstyle, worn in tied and twisted locs, would violate policy if untied because his hair would fall below his shirt collar, eyebrows, or earlobes.
The district noted that other students with locs adhered to the hair length policy, leaving them unaffected. George and his mother, Darresha George, responded by filing a federal civil rights lawsuit against the school district last year.
This lawsuit also named Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Attorney General Ken Paxton, the district superintendent, the principal, and the assistant principal as defendants. They argued that the policy was primarily enforced against Black students.
Despite these claims, Judge Brown did not find sufficient evidence to prove race-based enforcement. Subsequently, officials such as Abbott, Paxton, the district superintendent, and other school employees were dropped from the case.
George's legal team contended that the hair policy violated his First Amendment rights by restricting his expressive conduct. However, this claim was rejected as his lawyer could not provide case law supporting this argument.
Additionally, several due process rights claims under the 14th Amendment were dismissed. This comprehensive legal action faced many hurdles, reducing the scope of the case significantly.
Referencing past judicial decisions, Judge Brown cited a 1970 case where a judge ruled against a school district’s hair length policy. This decision was later overturned on appeal. He highlighted a relevant point: "The presence and enforcement of the hair-cut rule causes far more disruption of the classroom instructional process than the hair it seeks to prohibit.”
In a different case involving Barbers Hill’s hair policy, two other students filed a federal lawsuit in May 2020. One of those students returned to regular classes after a temporary injunction was granted, presenting an ongoing dialogue about the policy’s impact on students.
George's lawsuit argued the punishment he faced violated the CROWN Act, a law prohibiting race-based hair discrimination that took effect last September. However, in February, a state judge ruled that the district’s actions did not breach this legislation. Judge Brown’s decision on most claims does not signify the end of judicial scrutiny on the Barbers Hill hair policy. The next phase will examine the dress code’s gender-based distinctions.
According to Daily Wire, Former President Donald Trump has unveiled plans to revolutionize America's energy production and safeguard the U.S. auto industry if he secures the presidency in the next election.
Trump made these declarations during a pre-recorded interview that aired on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures," hosted by Maria Bartiromo.
During the interview, Trump emphasized his commitment to boosting America's energy resources. He claimed that the U.S. holds more energy reserves than major producers such as Saudi Arabia and Russia. By tapping into these reserves, Trump aims to position the U.S. as a global energy leader.
"We’re going to get energy way down. Drill, baby, drill," Trump remarked, highlighting his strategy. He described the country’s energy resources as ‘liquid gold’ and stressed the potential to generate substantial revenue by exporting energy worldwide. Trump assured that this would lead to energy independence and lower domestic energy prices.
"We have more energy — we have more liquid gold, as I call it, under our feet than Saudi Arabia, than Russia, than anybody,” he continued. “We’re going to be energy-dominant, we’re going to make a fortune, we’re going to supply it all over Europe, all over the world. We’re going to be double and triple what they’re doing.”
Trump critiqued the current energy policies affecting New England, blaming the high energy prices on the lack of pipeline infrastructure. He argued that New York’s restrictions prevent essential pipelines from being built, significantly affecting energy costs for consumers in that region.
"Do you know people in New England — they pay some of the highest prices in the world because we don’t have a pipeline, because New York won’t let a pipeline go through a very poor section of New York," Trump noted.
The former president also laid out plans to impose tariffs aimed at protecting the American auto industry. He expressed concern over the future of U.S. car manufacturing, warning that the industry could collapse within two years if Vice President Kamala Harris were elected.
Trump claimed that foreign nations, such as China, are heavily investing in new auto plants, which could overshadow American car production. He pointed out that auto manufacturing in the U.S. has dramatically declined, with significant portions being relocated to other countries.
"Those people in Michigan that love me and that I love, and they’re going to give us a victory because their auto industry won’t exist in two years if she [Harris] gets elected — China is going to make, and other countries are going to make, all the cars. They’re building some of the biggest auto plants,” he said.
Trump highlighted statistics to underline the downturn in U.S. auto manufacturing. He noted that auto production is down 64% from its peak. Mexico, he said, has captured a significant share of U.S. manufacturing — around 32%. To address this, Trump suggested reintroducing tariffs to curb car imports from Mexico and other countries.
"By the way, when you add it all up, including the taxes and everything else, we’re going to create jobs like you’ve never created before. If you look at auto manufacturing, it’s down 64% from its high number of jobs and everything else. But we used to be the world manufacturer, and every year it gets eaten away, and a big factor is Mexico,” he detailed.
Former President Donald Trump vowed to enhance the U.S. economy by ramping up energy production and imposing tariffs to protect the auto industry if he wins the upcoming presidential election. These commitments were shared during his interview on Fox News' "Sunday Morning Futures." Trump emphasized the nation's abundant energy resources and the potential economic benefits of energy dominance. Additionally, he underscored the need for tariffs to revive U.S. auto manufacturing and counteract international competition, particularly from China and Mexico.
According to CNN, members of an Arizona grand jury expressed a desire to charge former President Donald Trump for his role in attempting to overturn the 2020 election.
However, state prosecutors urged them not to indict Trump due to insufficient evidence and Department of Justice guidelines, ultimately designating him as “Unindicted co-conspirator 1.”
Earlier this year, 18 of Trump’s allies were indicted in Arizona for their alleged involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Those indicted were Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, both of whom pleaded not guilty. The grand jury showed interest in including Trump in these charges, but the state's lead prosecutor advised against it.
The state prosecutor made his case to the grand jury through a detailed PowerPoint presentation. He explained that while there was interest in charging Trump, the evidence at hand was insufficient to pursue an indictment. He also cited a Department of Justice policy that discourages prosecuting individuals who are already facing similar charges at the federal level.
Trump has already been charged at the federal level and in Georgia for actions related to the 2020 election. The prosecutor pointed out that gathering enough evidence to prosecute Trump could take a year or two, a timeline that influenced the decision not to proceed with charges at this stage.
Recent court documents have revealed more about the grand jury proceedings and the charges against Trump’s allies. These documents indicate that the investigation into the efforts to overturn the election is ongoing. This leaves open the possibility of future indictments, including potentially against Trump himself.
In the state’s response to a motion by several defendants, including Giuliani and Meadows, the prosecutors included excerpts from the grand jury conversations. The defendants had alleged selective prosecution and violations of anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws.
The grand jury’s interest in charging Trump highlights the ongoing legal challenges he faces. While he has not been indicted in Arizona, the investigation remains active, and prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility of future charges. This ongoing scrutiny adds to Trump’s legal battles as he continues to face charges in other jurisdictions.
The only state that has charged Trump alongside his allies is Georgia, where the case is currently paused. This pause is due to an appeals court decision on whether District Attorney Fani Willis should be disqualified from the case. The outcome of this decision could have significant implications for Trump and his co-defendants.
During his presentation, the state prosecutor emphasized the importance of weighing the DOJ policy heavily in their decision-making process. He acknowledged the grand jury’s interest in pursuing a charge against Trump but explained why he did not recommend it in the draft indictment.
"I think you should weigh this policy heavily. And that would be – that is why I have not recommended that in the draft indictment, despite clear indications from you all that there’s an interest in pursuing a charge against him," the prosecutor said.
"But that – that is – that is my analysis. That’s why you do not see that. And I know that may be disappointing to some of you. I understand. But it’s – you – I’ve heard you say today, [w]e worked up the other way because of this policy, and that’s where we’re at," he added.
Members of an Arizona grand jury considered charging former President Donald Trump for his involvement in efforts to overturn the 2020 election, but state prosecutors advised against it due to a lack of evidence and DOJ guidelines. The ongoing investigation has already led to the indictment of 18 of Trump’s allies, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.
According to Daily Wire, former President Donald Trump questioned Kamala Harris's ability to face the media, saying she avoids interviews because she struggles with answering questions.
Trump made these comments during a Wednesday interview on Fox News, criticizing Harris's record and decision-making. Trump discussed Harris's reluctance to engage with the media following President Joe Biden's announcement of not running for re-election. He specifically mentioned her avoiding questions, attributing this to her inability to discuss her performance.
Trump expanded his critique to Harris's selection of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro over Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. He suggested that Harris's choice was indicative of her poor leadership skills.
“She’s the worst of the group and she’s the one that’s leading it. Look at this decision. This is a really bad decision for the country," Trump stated.
Trump was particularly critical of Harris's performance in her role as the border czar. He argued that her record on security was weak, claiming she now denies having held that position.
"Because her record on security is horrible. She was a border czar, which she doesn’t admit it now. You know, the only thing they have going is the media will play off all of the bad things, bad things that happened during her term," Trump commented.
The former president revealed that there had been discussions about removing Harris from her position five weeks ago due to her perceived incompetence, although this idea was eventually discarded to avoid offending supporters.
"She was so bad that five weeks ago, they wanted to remove her because she was unthinkable to be president. They were going to go with anyone. And then they were afraid that they would offend people if they did that," he remarked.
Trump accused the press of being biased in favor of Harris, suggesting that the media downplays or ignores her shortcomings. “She’s so bad. She’s incompetent. And after they studied it a little bit, they realized it’s not going to be so easy to do. So they say, ‘Well, look, the press is going to do whatever we want,’ because the press is a rigged deal," Trump stated.
Trump emphasized that Harris does not engage in interviews because she cannot effectively respond to questions. He doubted her ability to participate in debates, mentioning future debates as a potential challenge for her. “She would never do an interview like this that I can get with any network. She doesn’t do interviews because she can’t answer questions. I don’t know how she debates," he said.
Trump also took a jab at Harris’s debating abilities, suggesting that despite her reputation for being disagreeable, she lacks effectiveness in debates.
I hear she’s sort of a nasty person, but not a good debater. But we’ll see, because we’ll be debating her, I guess, in the pretty near future. It’s gonna be announced fairly soon, but we’ll be debating her.
During a Fox News interview, former President Donald Trump criticized Kamala Harris for her leadership, decision-making, and media avoidance. He also questioned her performance as the border czar and alleged that there had been attempts to remove her from her position weeks ago. Trump accused the media of bias in Harris's favor and expressed doubt about her competence in answering questions and debating skills. Trump believes Harris’s decision-making and media strategy reflect poorly on her leadership and effectiveness.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's administration is under intense scrutiny following revelations of extensive financial mismanagement, including a major COVID-19 fraud scandal and massive unemployment benefit overpayments.
According to Just The News, Minnesota lost hundreds of millions of dollars under Governor Walz despite warnings about widespread failures.
The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Auditor reported that the state's losses are now approaching $1 billion since 2019. These issues have come to the forefront as Walz was recently chosen as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee for the 2024 election.
During the pandemic and border crisis, Walz's administration increased government giveaways. In February, auditors warned of pervasive noncompliance with grant management policies within the administration. The warning set the stage for a series of financial scandals that would soon come to light.
A $250 million fraud in the Feeding Our Future program was uncovered just months later. This program was intended to provide meals to children during the pandemic, but several entities were fraudulently set up to siphon off funds.
The Minnesota Department of Education faced criticism for not adequately verifying sponsorship applications from high-risk applicants. Governor Walz acknowledged a lack of due diligence but stated that no state employees were involved in illegal activities.
"There’s not a single state employee that was implicated in doing anything that was illegal. They simply didn’t do as much due diligence as they should have," Walz said.
In June, federal prosecutors secured convictions for several individuals involved in the Feeding Our Future fraud. The fraud underscored the failures in the state's grant management and oversight processes.
The U.S. Department of Labor announced that Minnesota lost $430 million in overpaid unemployment benefits during the pandemic. This substantial loss added to the mounting criticism of Walz's financial management.
State House Minority Leader Lisa Demuth remarked on the prevalent pattern of fraud and waste, calling for accountability. "These are dollars that should be going to the people who truly need them, and those responsible for allowing this fraud and waste must be held accountable. Minnesotans deserve better than a governor who counts ‘not the worst’ as a victory," she said.
Former Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann criticized the administration's financial policies. "He increased spending in Minnesota in one year by almost 40% he had a surplus of $17 billion he spent every bit of that in one year, and he put Minnesota on a road toward constant tax increases," Bachmann stated.
An audit revealed that 41% of recipients from a Frontline Worker Pay program were unverifiable, with fraudulent payments also approved. The $250 million federal food program fraud could have been detected earlier if not for flawed verification processes.
Governor Walz's administration faced significant criticism due to financial mismanagement during the pandemic, including a $250 million COVID-19 fraud scandal and $430 million in unemployment benefit overpayments. Despite record-setting budgets and progressive programs, the administration struggled with pervasive issues of noncompliance and fraud. These financial controversies have become prominent as Walz was selected to be the Democratic vice-presidential nominee for the 2024 election.
According to Daily Caller, a Los Angeles jury has found Freddie Lee Trone guilty of murder and other charges in connection with the 2022 death of prominent rapper PnB Rock.
Trone was convicted of orchestrating a robbery and subsequent murder involving his teenage son and an accomplice, Tremont Jones.
Freddie Lee Trone was convicted on one count of murder following the shooting death of rapper PnB Rock. The jury also found Trone guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery and two counts of second-degree robbery. These charges stem from an incident that took place inside a Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles restaurant in Los Angeles.
The tragic event, which led to the rapper's demise, took place while PnB Rock, aged 30, was having a meal with his girlfriend. Prosecutors argued that Trone played a pivotal role in the crime by sending his teenage son into the restaurant to confront and rob PnB Rock. During the heist, the rapper was fatally shot.
Police revealed that the teenage son acted on Trone's orders. Trone remained outside the establishment in a vehicle, ready to act as the getaway driver. According to law enforcement, this established Trone as the scheme's mastermind.
Although Trone's teenage son was charged with the murder, he was declared incompetent to stand trial due to his age and mental state. Consequently, he remains under the custody of the juvenile system. The involvement of Trone's son added a tragic dimension to the already catastrophic event, entangling a young life in a criminal enterprise.
The motive behind the robbery appeared to be PnB Rock's luxurious jewelry, reportedly valued at $500,000, which he was wearing at the time of the incident. The robbery highlighted the risks and dangers of flaunting expensive items in public spaces.
Investigations also revealed that a man named Tremont Jones tipped off Trone about PnB Rock's whereabouts that fateful evening. This information led Trone to devise and execute the robbery plan.
Tremont Jones faced his own set of legal consequences for his role in the event. Jones was convicted on charges of two counts of robbery and one count of conspiracy. Prosecutors presented a strong case against both Trone and Jones, showcasing the premeditated nature of the crimes.
Trone, labeled as the architect of the crime, was portrayed by prosecutors as having directed the actions of both his son and Jones. Defense arguments painted a different picture, suggesting Trone's involvement was more peripheral. Despite these claims, the jury delivered a decisive verdict.
As Trone awaits his sentencing on August 27, 2024, the community continues to grapple with the repercussions of the event, reflecting on the intersecting issues of crime, family impact, and social influence.
The expected sentencing of Freddie Lee Trone will likely bring closure to those grieving the demise of PnB Rock. This case highlights the wider implications of violent crimes, especially those involving young people.
Although justice appears to be on the horizon, the emotional wounds and broader societal concerns stirred by the murder of PnB Rock persist. His memory and contributions to music are continually celebrated by his fans, family, and colleagues. The complexities of this case, marked by conspiracy and family involvement, serve as a grim warning of the dangers associated with celebrity and fortune.
According to Just The News, Special Counsel David Weiss's office has revealed that Hunter Biden allegedly received compensation from a Romanian businessman who aimed to influence U.S. policy.
Weiss's office made the revelation public on Wednesday through a court filing. The filing stated that Hunter Biden was compensated by a Romanian businessman who sought to influence United States policy decisions. This evidence will be introduced in Biden's federal tax case scheduled for next month.
The court document urged the rejection of Biden's request to exclude certain prejudicial evidence. Prosecutors argued that a business associate would testify about the relationship between Biden and the Romanian businessman.
“The evidence of what the defendant agreed to do and did do for [the businessman] demonstrates the defendant’s state of mind and intent during the relevant tax years charged in the indictment,” wrote senior assistant special counsel Derek Hines.
“It is also evidence that the defendant’s actions do not reflect someone with a diminished capacity, given that he agreed to attempt to influence U.S. public policy and receive millions of dollars pursuant to an oral agreement.”
Despite the significant allegations, the evidence presented does not show a direct financial connection between Hunter Biden and a foreign country. According to the court filing, the evidence showcases Biden’s state of mind and intent during the years relevant to the tax charges.
The accusations brought against Hunter Biden include failing to pay taxes, failing to file taxes, evading an assessment, and filing a fraudulent tax form. The prosecution aims to introduce testimonies and documents that outline Biden's alleged financial transactions and agreements.
Special Counsel Weiss’s team highlighted that Hunter Biden’s activities do not indicate a person with diminished capacity. The evidence surrounding Biden’s agreement with the Romanian businessman aims to show his intentional actions during the relevant tax years.
Prosecutors also mentioned that a business associate would provide testimony about Hunter Biden's relationship with the Romanian national. This individual is expected to offer detailed insights into the nature of Biden's business dealings and the alleged compensation.
Hunter Biden's trial is scheduled to begin on September 5. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Biden's high-profile family connections and the serious nature of the allegations.
The prosecution aims to present a strong case by showcasing a range of evidence, including financial records and testimony from business associates. These elements are expected to paint a comprehensive picture of Biden’s financial dealings.
According to Senior Assistant Special Counsel Derek Hines, the evidence also indicates that Hunter Biden acted with full capacity and intentionality when attempting to influence U.S. public policy. The evidence suggests that Biden accepted millions of dollars as part of an oral agreement with the Romanian businessman.
Hunter Biden's upcoming federal tax case will hinge on the revelation that he allegedly received compensation from a Romanian businessman who sought to influence U.S. policy. The special counsel's office plans to present this evidence next month to demonstrate Biden's intent and state of mind during the relevant tax years. The evidence does not directly link Biden to a foreign country but suggests deliberate financial dealings. Starting September 5, the trial will bring to light detailed testimonies and evidence about Biden's financial transactions and agreements.
Former President Donald Trump sat down with streamer Adin Ross to discuss various topics, including his legal troubles in Georgia and other political matters.
As reported by Fox5 Atlanta, Trump claimed Young Thug is being 'treated unfairly' during an interview with influencer Adin Ross.
In a bid to reach younger voters, former President Donald Trump participated in an interview with popular streamer Adin Ross. The conversation brought to light Trump's opinions on several pressing issues, with a particular focus on Georgia's ongoing legal drama.
During the interview, Trump criticized Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis for her investigation into his actions following the 2020 presidential election. Willis has been spearheading efforts to seek indictments against Trump and 18 others for allegedly attempting to overturn the election results in Georgia.
Four of the defendants have pleaded guilty, while Trump and the others have entered not-guilty pleas. Trump's legal team has accused Willis of misconduct, alleging that her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, a former special prosecutor, influenced the case. Willis and Wade have admitted to their relationship but maintain that it began after Wade was hired and did not impact the investigation.
In March, Judge Scott McAfee ruled that either Willis or Wade must step aside, resulting in Wade’s resignation. Trump's criticism extended beyond the election inquiry, claiming that Willis intended to indict several senators unrelated to the election case.
Court documents revealed thirty unindicted co-conspirators, leaving only one associated with a notable White House meeting in December 2020 unnamed. Trump expressed his admiration for Georgia, referencing a rally he held with Senator JD Vance at Georgia State University.
Not all of Trump's remarks about Georgia were positive. He critiqued the state's governor, Brian Kemp, and first lady Marty Kemp. He also falsely claimed credit for funding historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) during the pandemic, a claim refuted by Clark Atlanta University. Furthermore, Trump described Atlanta as a "killing field," a comment that Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens promptly rebuked.
The topic of rapper Young Thug's legal troubles also surfaced during the interview. Young Thug faces charges of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s anti-racketeering law, along with gang, drug, and gun-related crimes. His trial began in January 2023, with jury selection extending nearly ten months before opening statements commenced in November.
The case is now presided over by Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, the third judge to manage it. Trump suggested that Young Thug was receiving unfair treatment from Willis, echoing concerns raised by Ross during the conversation.
The conversation took another turn when Trump repeated a debunked conspiracy theory about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, alleging that Trudeau is the son of Fidel Castro. The Canadian government has categorically denied this claim, clarifying that Trudeau’s parents visited Cuba years after his birth.
Adin Ross, born on Oct. 11, 2000, in Boca Raton, Florida, has gained significant popularity as a streamer. Known for his diverse content and engaging personality, Ross initially streamed NBA 2K on Twitch before gaining wider recognition through collaborations with figures from the music industry. In 2021, he transitioned to the streaming platform Kick, expanding his repertoire to include comedy, lifestyle, and interactive content.
The interview detailed Trump’s opinions on various legal and political matters, including conflicts with Fulton County DA Fani Willis, unfair treatment of Young Thug, and repeating debunked theories about Justin Trudeau. Trump's engagement with streamer Adin Ross marks a strategic move to influence younger voters while highlighting key narratives in his ongoing political strategy.
Connie Chiume, the award-winning actress best known for her role in "Black Panther," has died at the age of 72.
The Daily Caller reported that the beloved actress passed away on August 6, 2024, in Johannesburg, South Africa, with tributes pouring in from family members and the government.
Her family confirmed her death through a social media announcement on her official Instagram page. Chiume, who was recovering well, according to her son Nongelo Chiume, experienced an unexpected turn of events leading to her death.
“She was recovering well, but, unfortunately, today we caught the news of her passing,” said Nongelo Chiume in a statement to Newsroom Afrika. The exact cause of her death remains unconfirmed by her son.
The Chiume family expressed their deep sorrow in an official statement:
The Chiume family regrets to inform you of the passing of the internationally acclaimed award-winning actress, Connie Chiume. Connie Chiume passed on at Garden City Hospital today on the 6th of August, 2024. The family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details.
In addition to her family's sentiments, tributes from all over began to pour in, including a statement from the South African government. “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of multi-award-winning and legendary actress Connie Chiume. Her outstanding work will always be remembered #RIPConnieChiume,” the government shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Fans have also taken to social media to share their expressions of grief and remembrances, celebrating her life and career.
Connie Chiume's career spanned several decades, earning her a place as a beloved and respected figure in the entertainment industry. She was most famous for her portrayal of the tribal leader Zawavari in the 2018 blockbuster "Black Panther." She reprised her role in the 2022 sequel, "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
Her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed. Chiume received two South African Film and Television Awards during her illustrious career. Her contributions to the arts have left a lasting impact on audiences both in South Africa and worldwide.
“We want her to be remembered as a person who gave her all through her talents. We want her to be remembered as someone who was selfless and someone who always wanted to see the next person doing great and believing in their God-given talents,” her son Nongelo expressed.
The news of Connie Chiume's passing has reverberated throughout the entertainment industry and her home country of South Africa. The breadth of her work and the tributes she has received highlight the depth of her influence and the love she garnered throughout her career.
Connie Chiume's life was filled with moments of greatness, and her death leaves behind a legacy worthy of celebration and remembrance. Her extraordinary journey in the acting world is a testament to her hard work, passion, and dedication to her craft.
In summary, Connie Chiume's passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from her family, the South African government, and her numerous fans worldwide. Her celebrated career, particularly her role as Zawavari in "Black Panther," and her award-winning achievements have cemented her status as a legendary actress whose legacy will endure.
According to The Hill, the Arizona grand jury considered charging Donald Trump along with 18 Republican supporters who falsely claimed he won the 2020 election, but prosecutors advised against it due to double jeopardy concerns.
Trump is referred to as an "unindicted coconspirator" in this case while facing separate federal charges for attempts to overturn the election results. The 18 Republican supporters were accused of forgery, fraud, and conspiracy for asserting that Trump had won in Arizona despite clear evidence to the contrary.
The grand jury considered charging Trump but was advised against it by prosecutors. Citing the U.S. Justice Department policy, prosecutors highlighted potential double jeopardy issues, as Trump is already facing separate federal charges by special counsel Jack Smith for his efforts to overturn the election. Additionally, doubts about the sufficiency of the evidence to charge Trump were a factor in the decision.
The indictment list included 11 Republicans who falsely claimed Trump won Arizona, five lawyers linked to Trump, and two of his former aides. While Trump himself wasn't charged, his involvement in the issue remains significant, earning him the status of "unindicted coconspirator."
Arizona Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes’ office played a significant role in the proceedings, filing court records that revealed exchanges between prosecutors and grand jurors. Prosecutors also recommended grand jurors not press charges against several Republican state lawmakers who signed a document urging then-Vice President Mike Pence to accept the fake electors’ certificates.
The list of those indicted includes attorney Jenna Ellis, who signed an agreement to cooperate with Arizona prosecutors in exchange for having her charges dismissed. This follows her previous guilty plea in Georgia to a felony charge connected to efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. Additionally, Republican activist Loraine Pellegrino pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of filing a false document in the fake elector case.
Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows, both prominent figures linked to Trump’s orbit, have pled not guilty. This case is just part of a broader pattern across the country, with similar criminal charges filed in Michigan, Nevada, Georgia, and Wisconsin.
During the grand jury investigation, prosecutors emphasized that grand jurors had autonomy and independence in their decision-making process. One prosecutor acknowledged the potential disappointment in choosing not to charge Trump, saying, “I know that may be disappointing to some of you. I understand.”
Jason Lamm, a defense lawyer, commented on the proceedings, suggesting that the decision to avoid charging Trump was a deliberate choice rather than a legal necessity. He opined that there were alternative means to handle the case without compromising the grand jury's autonomy.
The excerpts from the grand jury proceedings were included in a document filed in response to defendants’ requests to dismiss their charges. Defense lawyers argued that their clients' actions were protected by constitutional free speech rights and accused the Attorney General’s Office of bias in their investigation.
Prosecutors countered these claims by reassuring the independence and discretion of the grand jurors, underscoring the legitimacy of the indictments.
The case remains a significant chapter in the legal challenges surrounding the 2020 presidential election. The gathering of 11 Arizona Republican electors on Dec. 14, 2020, in Phoenix to falsely certify Trump as the winner illustrates the lengths to which Trump’s supporters went. The false certification was sent to Congress and the National Archives, though it was ultimately ignored.
The indictment of 18 Republican supporters in Arizona for false claims about the 2020 election highlights the ongoing legal struggles stemming from the tumultuous election. While Trump was not indicted due to prosecutors' advice, his central role in the saga remains a focal point. This case and similar cases in other states underscore the enduring complexities and legal battles over the 2020 election results. Additionally, the events illustrate the intricate balance of justice and the rule of law in addressing attempts to undermine democratic processes.