politics

Donald Trump Responds To Second Defamation Case By Digging Himself Deeper

by

Just a few weeks ago, a jury found Donald Trump guilty of sexually abusing magazine writer E. Jean Carroll during the 1990s. The verdict was reached in a civil case, coming at a time when the former President is gearing up for the 2024 election. In addition to the sexual abuse verdict, the jury concluded that Trump had defamed Carroll by publicly calling her a liar. The jury deliberated for three hours following an eight-day trial. As a result of the verdict, the court ordered Trump to pay $5 million in damages to Carroll.

The charges on which Trump was found guilty stem from an incident in the 90s. Carroll made allegations against Trump, claiming that he sexually assaulted her in the dressing room of a Bergdorf Goodman store in New York City. When Carroll went public with her account in 2019, Trump denied the accusation. At the time, he commented, “She’s not my type.” However, during the trial, evidence was presented to demonstrate that Carroll does fit Trump’s “type.” Attorneys showed a video of Trump’s deposition where he mistakenly identified Carroll as his former wife, Marla Maples. Since then, Trump has continued to defame the victim, leading to another defamation lawsuit.

Trump’s Troublesome Tweets

Magazine Columnist E. Jean Carroll arrives for her civil trial against former President Donald Trump at Manhattan Federal Court.
(Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images)

Donald Trump has had a history of going through numerous lawyers over the years. In some cases, they eventually turn against him. It seems that the former president’s current legal team must be growing frustrated with him. Recently, a new defamation lawsuit was filed against Trump. The suit was filed by E. Jean Carroll’s legal team, following his previous defamatory remarks. It also followed the verdict of a jury finding him guilty of defamation and sexual misconduct. Rather than refraining from further defamatory statements, Trump chose to repeat the same lines that have already resulted in two lawsuits against him. This has likely caused much dismay amongst his legal team.

“I don’t know E. Jean Carroll, I never met her or touched her (except on a celebrity line with her African American husband who she disgustingly called the ‘Ape’),” Trump posted on Truth Social. “I wouldn’t want to know or touch her, I never abused her or raped her or took her to a dressing room 25 years ago in a crowded department store where the doors are LOCKED, she has no idea when, or did anything else to her, except deny her Fake, Made Up Story, that she wrote in a book. IT NEVER HAPPENED, IS A TOTAL SCAM, UNFAIR TRIAL!” Trump, as always, went on to blame Democrats at large for the trial. Stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news on Trump and the many lawsuits against him.

[Via]

Florida School Bans Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, Citing “Indirect Hate Speech”

by
Florida School Bans Amanda Gorman's Inauguration Poem

Just day’s before controversial Florida governor Ron DeSantis is expected to formally announce his 2024 presidential bid, his recent legislation, which focuses on eliminating LGBTQ literature in K-12 classrooms, has added several more works to its list of censored or banned works- including Amanda Gorman‘s 2020 Presidential Inauguration Poem, “The Hill We Climb.”

The removal of the work from Bob Graham Education Center in Miami Lakes, a Miami-area K-8 school, came after a parent of two students objected to five titles at the school. The complaint against “The Hill We Climb” cited “indirect hate messages” and indoctrination and was ultimately deemed inappropriate for elementary school students. (It will still be available in the high school library.)

The advocacy group PEN America reports that at least 175 books have been removed from school libraries throughout Florida in recent months following the passage of DeSantis-backed legislation.

A Harvard graduate, Gorman was the United States’ first national youth poet laureate. At 22 years old, she was the youngest poet in memory to read at a presidential inaugural ceremony. A full viewing of the poem’s reading by Gorman can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ055ilIiN4.

The post Florida School Bans Amanda Gorman’s Inauguration Poem, Citing “Indirect Hate Speech” appeared first on The Source.

NAACP Issues Travel Advisory for the State of Florida Following Actions by Gov. Ron DeSantis

by
a

The NAACP has issued a travel advisory for Florida, citing that Gov. Ron DeSantis has led the area to be “hostile to Black Americans.”

“On a seeming quest to silence African-American voices, the Governor and the State of Florida have shown that African Americans are not welcome in the State of Florida,” the statement reads.

“Due to this sustained, blatant, relentless and systemic attack on democracy and civil rights, the NAACP hereby issues a travel advisory to African Americans, and other people of color regarding the hostility towards African Americans in Florida.”

The advisory follows DeSantis’s action on Monday to prohibit the use of public funds on diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. According to The Hill, he also recently blocked an Advance Placement African American Studies course in-state public colleges.

“Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said in a statement.

This comes ahead of an anticipated announcement by DeSantis, who is expected to announce his bid for President. According to The Post, a major Republican Party funder plans to abort Trump and put his power behind DeSantis.

The funder is Hal Lambert, founder of Texas-based Point Bridge Capital, which manages the “Make America Great Again” investment fund. “I’m in for DeSantis this time. I plan to do a lot to help DeSantis win,” Lambert said.

DeSantis recently was reported to not think of Trump as a threat, stating the race is solely between him and Biden.

The post NAACP Issues Travel Advisory for the State of Florida Following Actions by Gov. Ron DeSantis appeared first on The Source.

NAACP Warns Against Traveling To Florida Due To “Openly Hostile” Behavior

by

The NAACP is advising against traveling to Florida, citing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs” in the state’s schools. The organization released its advisory in a press release on Saturday.

“Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals,” the NAACP said. “Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

Read More: Trick Daddy Calls Out FL Gov. Ron DeSantis: “He Thinks He’s A White European Bigot”

Ron DeSantis With Donald Trump

SUNRISE, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 26: U.S. President Donald Trump introduces Florida Governor Ron DeSantis during a homecoming campaign rally at the BB&T Center on November 26, 2019 in Sunrise, Florida. President Trump continues to campaign for re-election in the 2020 presidential race. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

“Let me be clear – failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” NAACP President & CEO Derrick Johnson added. “Under the leadership of Governor Desantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”

Back in January, DeSantis’ administration blocked an Advanced Placement course in African American Studies from Florida high schools. They argued that the content offered was “inexplicably contrary to Florida law and significantly lacks educational value.” Last year, he also implemented a “Stop WOKE Act,” which restricts the discussion of race and gender in classrooms. DeSantis will likely be running against former President Donald Trump during the Republican Primary for the 2024 Presidental Election. However, DeSantis has yet to comment on the NAACP’s new advisory.

Read More: Donald Trump Considering “Tiny D” As New Name For Ron DeSantis

[Via]

5 Rappers Who Have Run For Political Office

by

Music and politics have always been intertwined, especially in the world of hip-hop. But not all rappers relegate their political viewpoints to the confines of their art. Sometimes, they bring political candor to an actual campaign trail.

Plenty of rappers have flirted with the idea of running for political office. However, there have been a few who have thrown their hat in the ring, earnestly. From Belizean rapper-turned-congressman, Shyne to Kanye West, here are five rappers who have legitimately run for political office.

5. Shyne

Before his career in politics, Belizean rapper Shyne was probably best known for his hit song “Bad Boyz.” The track reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart. Shyne’s musical career was hit with some turbulence after he was convicted and imprisoned for assault and reckless endangerment.

While incarcerated, Shyne signed a multi-million-dollar contract with Def Jam Records and released his second album Godfather Buried Alive. The album was a hit. After Shyne’s release from prison in 2009, he was deported to Belize. A year later, he was appointed the Belize Music and Goodwill Ambassador. In 2020, he was elected to the Belize House of Representatives. Shyne’s political career shows no signs of waning as he is currently looking to run for prime minister of Belize in 2025.  

4. Esham

Detroit-based rapper Esham has had a long career in the world of underground rap. His breakout album Bruce Wayne: Gothom City 1987 reached number 57 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Album chart the year of its release. In 2002, Esham signed to Psychopathic Records and released a string of experimental “acid rap” albums including fan-favorite release Repentance.  

In 2008, Esham told Metro Times he was in the process of petitioning to run for Mayor of Detroit. His petition was ultimately denied. However, his potential bid for candidacy did give fans a mayoral campaign EP. And to be honest, it was kind of ill. Seriously.

3. Uncle Luke

Luther Campbell (aka Luke, Uncle Luke, or Luke Skyywalker) was the leader of one of rap’s foremost group of provocateurs, 2 Live Crew. With that in mind, it’s hard to believe Miami native would ever run for office. After all, this was the guy who co-wrote “Throw the D.” So, make of that what you will.

However, in 2011, Campbell ran for mayor of Miami-Dade County. He ran on a somewhat(?) progressive platform that looked to bring transparency to local government (and tax strippers). Uncle Luke came in fourth among a group of eleven candidates. Regardless, he still managed to get 11% of the vote, which seemed like an impressive percentage, all things considered.

2. Kanye West

Kanye West has been the subject of countless controversies over the course of his career. From interrupted awards shows to several public feuds, West was no stranger to combative behavior. However, one of the strangest moments in his career was his bid for the presidency of The United States. On July 4th, 2020, Kanye West announced his campaign for President of the United States. In what seemed like another media stunt by the controversial rapper, West managed to qualify for ballot access in 12 states. His bid for the highest office in the US garnered over 66 thousand votes, receiving an average of 0.32% of voter support

1. Wyclef Jean

Wyclef Jean has never been stranger to politics in his art. He helped galvanize the socially conscious rap group The Fugees in the early ’90 and has been politically active ever since. Jean has tackled several political topics in his art, but in 2010 he went a step further.

In a CNN interview, Jean confirmed that he was running in the 2010 Haitian presidential election. He intended to run for the Viv Ansanm (Live Together) party. However, shortly after his announcement, Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council rejected his bid. The reason was that Jean had not lived in Haiti for five years prior to the election. This did not meet the council’s constitutional residency requirements. Jean gracefully accepted the terms and bowed out.

SOURCE SPORTS: NFL’s Inspire Change Initiative Hits $300 Million in Support for Social Justice

by
NFL's Inspire Change Initiative Hits $300 Million in Support for Social Justice

The NFL today revealed that the league’s Inspire Change campaign had received more than $300 million in social justice donations from the NFL Family. This achievement comes as the NFL and the Players Coalition renewed 15 grant partnerships to encourage further improvements in police-community relations, criminal justice reform, education, and economic development.

“Players Coalition and the NFL have collaborated over the past five years through Inspire Change grants to help drive direct impact by supporting organizations at the frontlines of social justice and racial equity work,” said Anquan Boldin, co-founder of Players Coalition. “While the work is far from over, we look forward to advancing aligned partnerships with grant recipients and building on our continued partnership with the NFL to address priority social justice issues.”

“The NFL Family is proud to have contributed more than $300 million to support social justice efforts in communities across the country, but our work is far from over,” said Anna Isaacson, NFL Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility. “The positive impact of this work is being felt every day, and we are committed to continuing our efforts with players, clubs, and our Inspire Change grant partners to break down barriers to opportunity and end systemic racism.”

You can see the impact of Inspire Change on organizations like Alabama Appleseed in the video here.

“There was no reason for the NFL to care about what was happening in Alabama except that they legitimately wanted to help solve problems,” said Carla Crowder, Executive Director of Alabama Appleseed. “The NFL gave us not only resources to hire more people, but a national platform to lift up the crisis around prisons, excessive punishment, and the human rights of incarcerated Alabamians.”

The Player-Owner Social Justice Committee, which consists of a 10-person panel of players, Legends, and team owners, recently approved the 15 renewal grants. Nonprofit groups that are bringing about measurable change in all four areas of Inspire Change are given grants.

You can learn more about the Inspire Change initiative here.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NFL’s Inspire Change Initiative Hits $300 Million in Support for Social Justice appeared first on The Source.

SAG-AFTRA Moves A Step Closer To Strike Action

by

Much of America’s TV and film production has shut down amid the ongoing strike by the Writer’s Guild of America. The union, which represents writers in both Hollywood and TV networks, has been on strike since May 2. While the reasons for the strike are myriad, they include demands over basic pay, access to sets, residual pay, and the use of AI.

However, while studio bosses are currently holding firm in denying the demands of the WGA, they might be about to be hit with another strike. This time, it’s the actors who are potentially preparing to walk out. If the strike is called, it would absolutely devastate the bloated, top-heavy entertainment industry that has long relied on its workers not doing this.

Union Board Endorses Strike Action

SAG-AFTRA is the primary union representing actors and on-screen personalities. The union is a behemoth, ranging from film stars to newscasters. However, SAG-AFTRA has not called for a strike since 2000. In that instance, members of the union executed a six-month work stoppage between May and October. Furthermore, while many SAG members have spoken out in solidarity with the WGA strike, their own time on the picket may be imminent. Late on May 17, the SAG-AFTRA board voted unanimously in favor of endorsing strike action and encouraging union members to vote in favor of strike authorization. One of the biggest reasons for the vote was opposition to the increasing use of AI.

The vote is a bold move towards strike action for SAG-AFTRA. If authorized, a SAG-AFTRA strike at the same time as a WGA strike would effectively cripple the entertainment industry. The 2000 SAG-AFTRA strike lasted six months. The 2007-08 WGA strike lasted 14 weeks. A combined SAG-WGA strike, especially as the key summer production block and fall premiere season approaches, should be a terrifying prospect to studio executives. This is exactly the sort of thing you want to avoid if you like having a job at a major studio. It’s unclear how much support the strike authorization vote will get. However, if the support for the WGA strike from SAG members is anything to go by, then SAG-AFTRA will be hitting the picket lines very soon.

[via]

Arizona Coyotes Relocation More Likely After Ballot Initative Fails

by

The Arizona Coyotes have been in arena limbo since the end of the 2022 season. After 19 years at the Gila River Arena, the Coyotes needed to find a new home. Plans to build a new stadium in Tempe had hit multiple roadblocks over the years. As a result, the Coyotes found themselves playing at Mullett Arena, the home of Arizona State. However, the capacity for NHL games has been capped at 4600.

A new plan for an arena in Tempe was formed, but it would require public funding. That meant that the Coyotes would need local voters to approve a ballot measure. If successful, this would divert tax dollars to the project. The Coyotes needed majorities on three ballot proposals to get the green light on the new arena. The estimated cost for the full project is believed to be $2.1 billion.

Voters Reject New Stadium

TEMPE, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: General view outside of Mullett Arena before the NHL game between the Arizona Coyotes and the Winnipeg Jets on October 28, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. The Coyotes will use Arizona State University’s Mullett Arena for the next three seasons while a permanent arena deal is finalized. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

However, it wasn’t to be. According to electoral sources, around 56% of voters chose to reject the three ballot proposals relating to the new arena. “We are very disappointed Tempe voters did not approve Propositions 301, 302, and 303,” CEO Xavier Gutierrez said in a statement. “While we wanted a different outcome, we remain grateful to all those who volunteered their time and talent. What is next for the franchise will be evaluated by our owners and the National Hockey League over the coming weeks.”

The immediate future appears to be another season at Mullett Arena. “I don’t envision a scenario in which the Coyotes are not playing in Mullett Arena next season,” Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly told ESPN in an email. However, beyond that, the future is uncertain. Relocation will become a much more likely scenario. If they were to move out of Arizona, it would be the NHL’s first relocation since the Atlanta Thrashers in 2011. There are several strong contenders for potential relocation, such as Houston, and Milwaukee. However, that is purely speculation and the immediate plan appears to be to try and make things work in Arizona. Despite this goal, the rejection of the ballot proposals is a major blow to an ailing franchise.

[via]

Gold Medal Figure Skater Announces Congressional Bid

by

Sarah Hughes took home gold in the ladies’ singles figure skating event at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. It was Hughes’ first, and only, Olympic medal prior to her 2003 retirement. However, Hughes marked the first time that an America had seen back-to-back gold medallists in the event since 1960.

After retiring, Hughes became a lawyer and earned degrees at two Ivy League schools. After doing her undergraduate studies at Yale, she headed to Penn for law school. In 2022, she began postgraduate degrees in business and education at Stanford. In a related effort, Hughes has supported Figure Skaters in Harlem for over a decade. The program provides academic tutoring for girls in Harlem. Now, she’s looking to further help the communities where she grew up.

Hughes Declares Congress Campaign For NY-4

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 13: Sarah Hughes attends The Women’s Sports Foundation’s Annual Salute to Women in Sports at New York Historical Society on October 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Women’s Sports Foundation)

On May 15, Hughes submitted paperwork to run as a Democrat in the Congressional race for New York’s 4th District. Hughes is originally from Great Neck, a town that sits in the neighboring 3rd District, which is currently represented by the embattled George Santos. However, the 4th District is also under Republican control. Anthony Esposito flipped the district after Democrat Kathleen Rice retired. The Democrats had held the district since 1997. Hughes is one of three Democrats who have already filed to run next year.

In an email to NBC, a representative for Hughes explained why she had chosen to run. “Born and raised on Long Island, Sarah is concerned about where we’re headed, whether it’s rising prices, public safety and gun violence, or threats to women’s health. She’s putting the pieces into place to make an announcement in the next few weeks.” According to all major political forecasters, the district is a toss-up. However, Hughes is not the only figure skater to have gone into politics. Two-time Olympic medallist Michelle Kwan currently serves as the US Ambassador to Belize.

[via]

Lil Durk Attends Swearing In Ceremony For New Chicago Mayor

by

Lil Durk has been making moves to make lives better. Last week, Lil Durk and J. Cole finally released their collaboration, “All My Life.” Interestingly, some speculated that this track could potentially become Lil Durk’s first number-one hit. The two rappers also filmed a music video for the song, which features a chorus of children singing the hook. The single’s production was helmed by renowned pop producer Dr. Luke.

In the song, Lil Durk reflects on his journey to fame and his determination to reshape public perception of him. In an interview with XXL, Durk expressed that the track serves as a reflection of his recent experiences and his desire for personal growth. Additionally, he discussed the challenge of finding the right artist to feature on the song. Durk explained, “Dr. Luke produced it. We were just trying to figure out who would be the perfect fit for the second verse… I feel like Cole can bring the energy that I’m looking for to it.” The song is a marked change and very much the opposite direction of Durk’s supposed rival, NBA YoungBoy. The rapper seems to be focusing on the betterment of his life and the lives of those around him.

Durk Shows Up In Support Of The New Mayor Of Chicago

Recently, it was reported that Lil Durk had met with the mayor-elect of Chicago. While some suggested that this might be part of album promotion, the rapper was clear that it had nothing to do with his music. “It ain’t album promo it’s saving kids lives,” Durk said in a comment on a picture of himself and the Chicago mayor-elect. Well, at the very least, it looks as though the two forged some sort of connection in their initial meeting.

Today, Lil Durk attended the swearing in ceremony for the new Chicago mayor. The two posed for pictures together after the event. In the post above from DJ Akademiks’ Instagram, the rapper shakes the mayor’s hand and makes small talk with the politician and his staff. It is unclear what the two have planned after their meeting and Durk’s subsequent visit to the ceremony. However, it does seem that the rapper wants to do everything he can to improve the lives of Chicago’s children. What do you think of Lil Durk’s new venture? Let us know in the comments!

Read More: Lil Durk Net Worth 2023: What Is The Rapper Worth?