politics

Mayor Lightfoot Says Chicago Feels “Vindicated” By Smollett Conviction

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Jussie Smollett Sentenced to 150 Days in Cook County Jail & Probation for Hate Crime Hoax

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot says the city feels “vindicated’ by the conviction of Jussie Smollett.

The former “Empire” actor was sentenced on Thursday to 150 days behind bars for staging a phony hate crime in Chicago. After the sentencing, Mayor Lightfoot released a statement saying it sends “a clear message to everyone in the City of Chicago that false claims and allegations will not be tolerated.” She added that Smollett’s claim cost the city over $130,000 in police overtime.

“The criminal conviction of Jussie Smollett by a jury of his peers and today’s sentencing should send a clear message to everyone in the City of Chicago that false claims and allegations will not be tolerated. The malicious and wholly fabricated claim made by Mr. Smollett resulted in over 1500 hours of police work that cost the City over $130,000 in police overtime. The City feels vindicated in today’s ruling that he is being held accountable and that we will appropriately receive restitution for his actions.”

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Disney Halts Movie Releases In Russia, Offers Aide To Ukraine

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Disney is blocking its movies in Russia.

The Walt Disney Company is pausing the theatrical release of its films in Russia. In a statement Monday, Disney it made the move given the “unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and the tragic humanitarian crisis.”

Disney added it is working with it’s NGO partners to provide urgent aid and other humanitarian assistance to refugees.

It’s day six of the war in Ukraine. At least 406 Ukrainian civilians are dead as Russia invades their country.

That’s the latest number according to United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths.

READ MORE: President Biden is promising the world will hold Russia accountable amid Ukraine Invasions.

Speaking to the UN Security Council on Monday, Griffiths said “the picture is grim.” He noted the casualties could be “considerably higher’ as many deaths have yet to be confirmed.

Two other Hollywood studios are also blocking the releases of movies in Russia amid their attack on the Ukraine.

Warner Bros. won’t be showing “The Batman” on the big screen there when it hits theaters Friday.

Sony Pictures is also holding off on releases in Russia including the “Spider-Man” spinoff slated for early April.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams Won’t Make Exception For Kyrie Iriving

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams is continuing to say he won’t make an exception for unvaccinated Nets star Kyrie Irving.

Mayor Adams told CNBC rules are rules and that letting Kyrie Irving play home games “would send the wrong message” to the rest of New York City.

Adams has told thousands of municipal employees “no jab, no job” so the way the Mayor sees it, No COVID shot, no court time in Brooklyn.

READ MORE: Adam Silver on NYC mandate keeping Kyrie Irving out of home games.

The mayor’s comments came a day after he released a statement saying the city is looking at March 7th to lift vaccination requirements for indoor dining, fitness centers and entertainment venues.

“I can’t wait to get it done,” Adams said. “I take my hat off to New Yorkers — through masks, vaccines, through social distancing, we were hit with the uncertainty, the fear of COVID. I’m really proud of how we responded as New Yorkers. And every morning I meet with my health professionals. Because I always stated I’m going to follow the science. I’m not going to get ahead of the science, because I’m ready to get ahead of all of this and get back to a level of normalcy.”

“But they’re giving us clear instructions, they’ve given us benchmarks, we’re going to follow those benchmarks. But I look forward in the next few weeks of going through a real transformation — that I don’t have to wonder what you look like … We’re going to get the city back up and operating. And we’re going to be rolling out some things in the next day or so on how we’re going to carry that out.”

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Young Thug Calls On Other Rappers To Help African Students Get Out Of Ukraine After Racism At Border

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Over the last week, many Ukrainians have fled their country after Russian President Vladimir Putin began a invasion of Ukraine under the guise of a “peacekeeping operation.” You would think that in a crisis like this, people would be decent human beings. Think again.

Over the weekend, video surfaced of African students being denied passage on a train taking citizens out of the country.

The videos spread across social media, and has prompted Young Thug, even though is thousands of miles away from the situation, to do something about it.

The Atlanta artist took to his Instagram Stories where he called upon his fellow rappers to help the thousands of African students get out of the country.

“If some of my rap brothers are in I’m willing to help Africans get out of Ukraine however I can sense they not letting us pass” Thug posted on his IG story. “Who ever holds the info for these movements please contact me ASAP I’m ready.”

Many students that are stranded in Ukraine have taken to social media to let the world know the racism that they are facing as they are trying to leave the country.

One student tweeted how the police threatened to shoot them and refused to let Africans cross into Poland and are allowing only Ukranians to pass.

“Watch how they are threatening to shoot us! We are currently at the Ukraine-Poland border. Their Police and Army refused to let Africans cross they only allow Ukrainian. Some have slept here for 2 days under this scorching cold weather, while many have gone back to Lviv.”

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Democratic National Committee Chair Releases Statement on Biden Nominating Kentaji Brown Jackson for Supreme Court

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Last week, President Joe Biden nominated the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, Kentaji Brown Jackson. The next step for Brown Jackson will be a confirmation, showing the forthcoming battle between Democratic leaders and the believed pushback from republicans. According to NBC News, IL representative and White House and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin aim to have the confirmation complete by April 9, with the inclusion of Republican voters.

In response to Biden’s nomination, Democratic National Committee Chair Jamie Harrison released a statement in support of the selection:

“Today, President Biden delivered on yet another campaign promise. In doing so, he has made history. By announcing he will nominate Judge Jackson to the Supreme Court, President Biden has put forward an exceptionally qualified, talented jurist to serve on our nation’s highest court.

Judge Jackson will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Court. Her experience as a public defender will add a vital perspective. In short, Judge Jackson will live up to the legacy of Justice Breyer and the other qualified jurists that have served and continue to serve on the Supreme Court. I fully expect the Senate will agree and confirm Judge Jackson with bipartisan support — as they have three times before.

Judge Jackson will also shatter a longstanding glass ceiling in the judicial branch of our government. America’s greatest strength is the nation’s diversity. Our government works best when it represents and reflects the diverse people it serves. For too long, Black women have not seen themselves represented on our nation’s highest court — a court that renders decisions that affect their daily lives on everything from reproductive freedom to voting rights.

When the Senate confirms Judge Jackson, that will finally change. I am so excited for the country to be reminded once again that there is nothing a Black woman cannot do. She can be vice president. She can shape the future of our nation. And yes, she can serve on the Supreme Court.”

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ICYMI: President Biden Promises To Hold Russia Accountable Amid Ukraine Invasion

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biden putin

President Biden is promising the world will hold Russia accountable. In a statement late Wednesday night, Biden said his prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they “suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces.” He said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “premeditated war” will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.

This follows reports of Russian forces invading parts of Ukraine. Ukraine is wedged between Russia and Europe.

Last Wednesday, Russian President Putin ordered a “special military operation” to protect the Donbas region of Ukraine. an eastern territory that is already held by pro-Russia rebels.

In 2014, Putin invaded and annexed Crimea, which lies just to the south of the rest of Ukraine. Then, Putin backed pro-Russia rebels who started seizing territory in eastern Ukraine.

Biden noted he is meeting with G7 counterparts on Thursday morning and then will tell the American people what consequences the U.S. and its Allies will impose on Russia.

President Biden previously warned Moscow there would be “swift and severe consequences” if Russia invaded Ukraine.

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Trump Calls Putin A “Genius” For Ukraine Invasion

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Trump might’ve gotten kicked off of every social media platform but we sure still do hear a lot from him. The former President shared his thoughts about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and admiration for Russian President Vladamir Putin on the right-wing radio show The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show.

The former President, who was impeached for allegedly threatening to withhold aid to Ukraine unless it could hurt Biden, praised Putin for his military strategy while also saying that none of this would have happened if he was still President.

“Here’s a guy who’s very savvy … I know him very well,” Trump said about Putin. “Very, very well. By the way, this never would have happened with us. Had I been in office, not even thinkable. This would never have happened.” Trump went on to praise the Russian President for declaring two regions in Eastern Ukraine independent and calling the invasion a “peacekeeping” operation.

“I said, ‘This is genius.’ Putin declares a big portion of Ukraine, Putin declares it as independent. Oh, that’s wonderful,” Trump said. “So, Putin is now saying, ‘It’s independent,’ a large section of Ukraine. I said, ‘How smart is that?”

The White House responded to Trump’s remarks during a daily press briefing.

“As a matter of policy, we try not to take advice from anyone who praises President Putin and his military strategy, which I believe is what happened there, [or who] expresses an openness to lifting sanctions about the seizing of territory in Crimea, or at any point in time, told leaders of the [Group of Seven nations] that Crimea is a part of Russia, regardless if they are a former president,” Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

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Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother: “Thank You To Everyone Who Supported Us”

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ahmaud arbery mom wanda cooper

Ahmaud Arbery’s mother, Wanda Cooper-Jones is thankful the Department of Justice brought federal hate crimes against the three white men who were convicted of killing her son. 

Arbery’s mother, father and lawyers came out of the courtroom with their hands raised in victory after the guilty verdicts were read.  Mrs. Cooper-Jones said the DOJ was forced to convict the killers of her son because the family and supporters put pressure on them to do so. 

She said she knew Ahmaud’s race was involved in the case from the beginning and knew the courts would side with them because of that.

“I now want to address the members of the DOJ. I’m very thankful that you guys brought these charges… but back on January 31, you guys accepted a plea deal with these three murderers” Cooper-Jones said.

She continued that she had “begged” the DOJ not to take the deal, and asserted that the verdict today would not have happened without her family’s continued activism.

Travis and Greg McMichael along with William Bryan were found guilty in the federal hate crimes trial. For the fatal shooting of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery nearly two years ago.

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President Biden Promises To Hold Russia Accountable Amid Ukraine Invasion

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biden putin

President Biden is promising the world will hold Russia accountable. In a statement late Wednesday night, Biden said his prayers are with the people of Ukraine as they “suffer an unprovoked and unjustified attack by Russian military forces.” He said Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “premeditated war” will bring a catastrophic loss of life and human suffering.

This follows reports of Russian forces invading parts of Ukraine. Ukraine is wedged between Russia and Europe.

Earlier today, Russian President Putin ordered a “special military operation” to protect the Donbas region of Ukraine. an eastern territory that is already held by pro-Russia rebels.

In 2014, Putin invaded and annexed Crimea, which lies just to the south of the rest of Ukraine. Then, Putin backed pro-Russia rebels who started seizing territory in eastern Ukraine.

Biden noted he is meeting with G7 counterparts on Thursday morning and then will tell the American people what consequences the U.S. and its Allies will impose on Russia.

President Biden previously warned Moscow there would be “swift and severe consequences” if Russia invaded Ukraine.

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Former NBA Player Royce White Announced He Is Running For Congress

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Former NBA baller Royce White is running for Congress, he announced Tuesday.  White is running for Minnesota’s fifth congressional U.S. representative seat, currently held by Democrat Ilhan Omar. The former Iowa State player is running as a Republican, one of three vying to square off against her. 

“Ten years ago, I took on the NBA and the establishment,” he said in his video monologue. “I said that mental health was one of the greatest issues we face. And I was willing to give up my dream to fight for people I have never met. I took the lead when others wouldn’t. 

White gained national notoriety for his stances on mental health and those stances ultimately prevented him from having a real shot at an NBA career despite being selected No. 16 overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2012 NBA Draft. He played in only three NBA games for the Sacramento Kings during the 2013-14 season. 

In the years since, White has played professional basketball in several different leagues, including being the No. 1 overall pick in Ice Cube’s Big 3’s 2019 draft. He has also spent the past several years training for a mixed martial arts career.

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