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Construction for the President <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/the-top-quotes-from-barack-obama-kamala-harris-speech-last-night">Barack Obama</a> Center was suspended after a noose was found on the worksite."This shameless act of cowardice and hate is designed to get attention and divide us. Our priority is protecting the health and safety of our workforce," the Obama Foundation said in a statement. "We have notified authorities who are investigating the incident."The Barack Obama Presidential Center is a planned architectural building in Jackson Park, Chicago set to commemorate the presidency of Obama and be landmark symbol for hope.According to the website, "The Obama Presidential Center represents a historic opportunity to build a world-class museum and public gathering space that celebrates our nation’s first African American President and First Lady on the South Side of Chicago."The firm behind the construction site, Lakeside Alliance, shared a statement in an email according to the<a href="https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/breaking/ct-obama-center-act-of-hate-20221110-ijss7272vfcoxcobjo46myqbje-story.html"> Chicago Tribune</a>.”We reported the incident to the police and will provide any assistance required to identify those responsible,” the team, said in an emailed release.”We have zero tolerance for any form of bias or hate on our worksite. Anti-bias training is included in our onboarding process and reiterated during sitewide meetings. We are suspending all operations on-site in order to provide another series of these trainings and conversations for all staff and workers,” the statement said.Lakeside Alliance is a partnership between four black-owned construction companies Brown & Momen, Powers & Sons Construction, Safeway Construction and UJAMAA Construction -- and primary contractor Turner Construction. The firm began construction in 2021 with a project opening year in 2025.<h3 id="h-reward">Reward</h3>The group is offering a reward of $100,000 for information leading to those responsible.Illinois Governor JB Pritzker shared in a tweet, "Hate has no place in Illinois. The noose is more than a symbol of racism, it is a heart-stopping reminder of the violence and terror inflicted on Black Americans for centuries."https://twitter.com/GovPritzker/status/1590832810914631681

Construction Halted After Noose Found At Obama's Chicago Center

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Host of <a href="https://www.siriusxm.com/channels/siriusxm-urban-view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SiriusXM's Urban View</a> Lurie Daniel Favors joins <a href="https://www.hot97.com/talent/ebro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ebro in the Morning</a> to break down the different <a href="https://www.thecity.nyc/2022/9/1/23333603/4-ballot-proposals-on-nyc-ballot-in-november" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">propositions</a> voters face in Election 2022, the importance of voting in the midterm elections, and how to challenge those who lost confidence or decide they do not want to partake in the electorial process.Election day is Tuesday, November 8. Early voting has begun in various states across the nation, check <a href="http://vote.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vote.org</a> for your polling place, and latest information.

Lurie Daniel Favors On Election 2022 + What To Tell People Who Don't Want To Vote

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W<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hot-news/former-white-house-liaison-carri-twigg-talks-race-in-america-white-supremacy-video">hite House</a> Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre joined Ebro in the Morning to discuss updates on some of the biggest issues affecting the American people including whether the United States is in a recession and her <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/07/28/biden-economy-house-chips-xi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">assessment of the economy,</a> codifying Roe V. Wade, President Joe Biden's COVID-19 status, and more. She also discussed what it means as a Haitian-American getting the job, her families expectations of her, and some of the things she has to endure in the role.

Karine Jean-Pierre On US Economy, Abortion Rights, + Becoming Press Secretary

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The House of Representatives voted on Tuesday (July 19) to pass a bill that would recognize same-sex marriage as a federal law. This is a direct response from Democrats after the overturn of Roe v. Wade by the conservative-led Supreme Court. It has only been seven years since the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide. This legalization was after the landmark civil rights case, Obergefell v. Hodges. On this day, LGBTQ+ Americans had the hope that better days were ahead. However, their relief drastically shifted after the overturn of Roe v. Wade. This ruling, in the words of President Biden via Twitter this morning, has stripped away “the basic right to privacy.” He continues his statement by implying that the right of marrying who you love (another basic right to privacy) is at risk. https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1549740415850536962?s=20&t=P8KLvAlftBZNdXtoGjUeEwOne of the infamous House of Representatives, Justice Clarence Thomas, revealed that the same rationale used to declare the ruling of Roe v. Wade should be used to overturn cases that established the rights to contraception and same-sex marriage. On Tuesday, 47 Republicans joined with Democrats for the bipartisan final vote of 267 to 157 in favor of codifying same-sex marriage. In addition to this, the bill also includes federal protections for interracial marriages and enacts legal safeguards for married couples intended to prevent discrimination on the basis of sex, ethnicity, or national origin. The final vote is a crucial step that gives LGBTQ+ members their right to privacy. However, this vote will not be enough. Now that the bill passed the House, it must make its way to the Senate, then to the President. Unfortunately, it is unclear whether or not the bill can pass the Senate. This is because at least 10 Republicans are needed to join with Democrats to overcome the filibuster’s 60-vote threshold.

House Passes Bill To Protect Same-Sex Marriage

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As more light is being shed on Brittney Griner, more people continue to speak out publicly.Brittney's coach/<a href="https://www.si.com/wnba/2022/07/05/brittney-griner-wnba-coach-russia-detainment-lebron-james">Phoenix Mercury</a> head coach Vanessa Nygaard spoke to reporters about her team player being detained in Russia. Vanessa expressed her frustration over the situation. In addition, she said it's more challenging getting Brittney back on American land since BG is a woman, LGBTQ+, and BLACK.Vanessa told reporters, "If it was LeBron, he'd be home, right?" She continued, "It's a statement about the value of women. It's a statement about the value of a Black person. It's a statement about the value of a gay person. All of those things. We know it, and so that's what hurts a little more."Earlier this year, Vanessa compared the news coverage of a white woman who went missing last year, Gabby Petito, and said the news covered the story 24/7. Vanessa feels BG isn't even getting half of that attention. Venessa said,"That white woman that was hiking, and we did everything to find her. She was from Florida, and she went on a hike, and her boyfriend killed her. How much attention went to that? BG hasn't got half that attention. And that's a crime. And that's a statement about our society and who we value, and we need to change that." It should be noted, LeBron fans pointed out they don't think they player would have done the same thing as BG, carrying cannabis oil overseas.Last week, we <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/moscow-orders-wnba-star-brittney-griner-to-be-jailed-for-another-18-days/">reported</a> that Brittney is "<a href="https://madamenoire.com/1318390/brittney-griner-vanessa-nygaard/">terrified</a>" she may be in Russia "<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/brittney-griner-begs-joe-biden-for-help-terrified-i-might-be-here-forever-dont-forget-about-me/">forever</a>." The trial started on July 1 in Moscow. Brittney, who is nearly seven feet tall, reportedly has to travel in a tiny cage round trip just for court.Russian authorities accused Brittney of smuggling cannabis oil in her luggage, and she's been detained since February. Brittney recently penned a plea to POTUS Joe Biden. CNN reports he responded to Brittney, and her wife, <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/wnbas-brittney-griners-wife-calls-on-joe-biden-to-get-brittney-released-from-russia/">Cherelle Griner.</a> In the letter, he said he's "working to secure Brittney's release soon as possible, as well as the release of Paul Whelan and other US nationals who are wrongfully detained or held hostage in Russia and around the world."https://twitter.com/mitchellreports/status/1544730224310583297?s=20&t=c-_Biq-uZK62AawhmU_3ugBrittney must remain in jail overseas for six additional months as her case goes on. She's facing 10 years.

Brittney Griner's Coach Told Reporters: 'If It Was LeBron, He'd Be Home, Right?'

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Rhode Island State Sen. Tiara Mack got creative while encouraging voters.Tiara went viral after sharing a video in a thong bikini, twerking on a handstand. She was promoting herself to get votes. Take a look:https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1544131356526948352?s=21&t=GkJm286WkOdBdWMoiNH5wQSocial media has mixed opinions. The majority of the conversations aren't in favor of Tiara. However, <a href="https://twitter.com/malikapplewhite/status/1544408603628650497?s=21&t=GkJm286WkOdBdWMoiNH5wQ">someone online</a> said, "Senator Tiara Mack was shaking what her momma gave her. She's got my vote in 2024!."Another <a href="https://twitter.com/malikapplewhite/status/1544408603628650497?s=21&t=GkJm286WkOdBdWMoiNH5wQ">person</a> wasn't impressed and said Tiara is why "Black people" aren't taken "seriously." The Twitter user wrote, "Tiara Mack is why blacks aren't taken seriously. The only way to gain votes from black people is to use celebrity endorsements, Ebonics, twerking, and emotions. Not logic, policies, or candid conservations." Another person <a href="https://twitter.com/afamdeluxo/status/1544168181559971842?s=21&t=GkJm286WkOdBdWMoiNH5wQ">said,</a> "Rhode Island State Senator Tiara Mack (D) twerking and encouraging people to vote [for her]. This doesn't help the stereotype we are battling with, but okay sha."Tiara responded to critics and said, "Damn. Twerking upside down really makes the conservative, unhinged internet accounts pop off on a Monday."https://twitter.com/mackdistrict6/status/1544136388064727041?s=21&t=GkJm286WkOdBdWMoiNH5wQTiara is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NBCOUT/posts/tiara-mack-became-the-first-openly-lgbtq-black-person-elected-to-the-rhode-islan/4599170350158169/">first openly LGBTQ</a> Black person elected to the Rhode Island Senate. In April, Tiara addressed a "fallout over a <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://twitter.com/MackDistrict6/status/1518979596015779842" target="_blank" rel="noopener">controversial tweet</a> she sent involving a contentious sex education bill she sponsored that has stirred up debate across the state." The <a href="https://turnto10.com/news/local/rhode-island-senator-tiara-mack-defends-controversial-tweet-april-28-2022-rhode-island">article</a> says, "part of the bill would amend Rhode Island's sex-education law to require courses including discussions of gender and sexual orientation, as well as 'affirmatively recognize pleasure-based sexual relations,' between grades 6 and 12." The "pleasure-based sexual relations" part didn't sit well with some people. Tiara responded and said, "I have received hundreds of messages if not thousands of messages attacking my character and calling me names online, and many of these attacks we've seen on other LGBTQ+ organizations where the word groomer or pedophile is used to try discredit LGBTQ+ members," she continued, "It's hurtful and harmful and it does hurt and does sting to have people who you don't know, who are faceless, who have two followers, who have just activated their Twitter account, call you these names and try to paint you as a villain."

Twitter Reacts To R.I. Senator Tiara Mack Twerking On A Handstand In A Thong

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Joe Biden has a conversation with<a href="https://www.tmz.com/2022/07/06/joe-biden-calls-brittney-griners-wife/"> Brittney Griner's wife</a>, Cherelle Griner, following Brittney's open letter.We previously reported that Brittney wrote a letter to President Biden pleading for his help. The letter reads, “on the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year.”The letter continued, “I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don’t forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you. I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home.”President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Brittney's wife Cherelle. The Biden administration assured Cherelle that the United States is doing everything it can to make sure Griner gets home safely, and as soon as humanly possible.Biden has since "directed his national security team to remain in regular contact with Cherelle and Brittney’s family, and with other families of Americans held hostage or wrongfully detained abroad, to keep them updated on efforts to secure the release of their loved ones as quickly as possible."We'll keep you posted on when Brittney will make it home safely.

Joe Biden Responds To Brittney Griner's Open Letter, Has A Conversation With Her Wife

Brittney Griner is "terrified" she may be in Russia "forever."The trial for the WNBA player began in <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/moscow-orders-wnba-star-brittney-griner-to-be-jailed-for-another-18-days/">Moscow</a> on July 1 after Russian authorities accused Brittney of smuggling cannabis oil in her luggage. She's been detained since February, faces 10 years, and must remain locked up for six additional months while the trial is on going.As reported on <a href="https://thejasminebrand.com/2022/07/04/brittney-griner-pens-open-letter-pleading-for-president-biden-to-help-free-her-from-russian-detainment-im-terrified-i-might-be-here-forever/">The Jasmine Brand</a>, Brittney penned an open letter to President Joe Biden, hoping he could step in and use his political power to do something. Part of the letter says, "as I sit here in a Russian prison, alone with my thoughts and without the protection of my wife, family, friends, Olympic jersey, or any accomplishments, I'm terrified I might be here forever."In another part, Brittney wrote, "On the 4th of July, our family normally honors the service of those who fought for our freedom, including my father who is a Vietnam War Veteran. It hurts thinking about how I usually celebrate this day because freedom means something completely different to me this year."She continued,"I realize you are dealing with so much, but please don't forget about me and the other American Detainees. Please do all you can to bring us home. I voted for the first time in 2020 and I voted for you." She continued, "I believe in you. I still have so much good to do with my freedom that you can help restore. I miss my wife! I miss my family! I miss my teammates! It kills me to know they are suffering so much right now. I am grateful for whatever you can do at this moment to get me home."A <a href="https://www.axios.com/2022/07/05/brittney-griner-letter-biden-cherelle">sports news outlet</a> says POTUS Biden hasn't gotten back to Brittney as of yet. Brittney's wife, Cherelle Griner, told CBS, Biden's lack of response is "is very disheartening." However, National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson, told the publication that they've been in contact with the Griner family in "recent weeks." Sullivan said,"<a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/3539333-white-house-says-wnba-star-brittney-griner-case-has-fullest-attention-of-the-president/">The White House</a> is closely coordinating with the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who has met with Brittney's family, her teammates and her <a href="https://thehill.com/policy/international/3546273-sharpton-presses-for-visit-with-brittney-griner-in-russia/">support network.</a>https://twitter.com/nytimes/status/1544190620918497280?s=20&t=8GR7ECJ0AxnycZycSnWmLQOver the weekend, Cherelle said, Brittney is "<a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/6-foot-9-brittney-griner-placed-in-very-tiny-cage-for-five-hours-to-go-to-court-trial-begins/">forced</a>" to go into a tiny cage whenever she has to make a <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/r-kelly-gets-30-years-nipsey-hussles-killer-eric-holder-viciously-attacked-before-trial/">court appearance</a>. Seemingly inhumane, considering Brittney is six-foot-nine.Cherelle told CNN Brittney has to travel in the small cage for court for five hours, round trip. <a href="https://www.insider.com/brittney-griner-tiny-cage-taken-russia-court-wife-2022-7?amp">Insider</a> reports "<a href="https://www.insider.com/brittney-griner-russia-trial-predetermined-kangroo-court-experts-warn-2022-6">experts</a>," say everything will be a "show trial" and an outcome has "likely been decided." Last week, <a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://amp.tmz.com/2022/06/27/brittney-griner-appears-russian-court-shackles-wrist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">photos</a> of Brittney went viral online as she wore shackles on her wrists, cuffed to an officer, and surrounded by multiple security guards.We'll keep you updated on the story.

Brittney Griner Begs Joe Biden For Help: 'Terrified I Might Be Here Forever' + 'Don't Forget About Me'

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Primary elections are today (June 28) and New Yorkers are heading to the polls to vote for governor, lieutenant governor, state assembly, judges, and party positions. Remember, your vote counts!What is the Primary Election?The Primary Election is an opportunity for political parties to nominate their candidates for the General Election ballot. Because this election is dependent on voters who are registered with their affiliated political party, those who are registered as No Party must re-register to either the Democratic or Republican party.When and where can you vote? Polling places are open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. If you need help finding your polling site, go to the<a href="https://vote.nyc/page/how-vote"> Vote NYC</a> website. You can either enter your address directly onto the website, or you can call 1-866-VOTE-NYC (1-866-868-3692) or email your complete home address to <a href="mailto:vote@boe.nyc.ny.us">vote@boe.nyc.ny.us</a> with the name of your borough in the subject line. Vote NYC will be sure to email your polling place location back to you!Who can you vote for?Fortunately, there are a handful of potential candidates representing both parties for governor. Democrats can choose from three candidates: Current Governor Kathy C. Hochul, United States Representative Thomas R. Suozzi, and New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. Republicans can choose from four gubernatorial candidates: American political commentator Andrew Giuliani, American politician, radio producer, and television host Rob Astorino, American Attorney and Congressman Lee Zeldin, and American businessman Harry Wilson. For the list of candidates in the other sections (lieutenant governor, state assembly, etc), be sure to check them out in the <a href="https://vote.nyc/page/list-candidates">Vote NYC website.</a>If you can’t make it to the polls and vote today, no worries! You can still use today to apply for an online absentee ballot. Or, send a proxy to your local election board to pick up a ballot for you. Tune in to local news stations to listen to the final election results. There will be another set of Primary Elections for the U.S. Congress and State Senate on August 23, 2022. Early voting will be from August 13 - 21.

Here's Everything You Need To Know About 2022 NY Primary Election

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Megan Thee Stallion is in her hot girl summer bag!The rapper showed off a <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/young-buck-says-his-beef-with-50-cent-was-staged/">video</a> on Instagram, doing an insane twerk session. In the caption, she wrote, "all home grown from the mf souf." Take a look:https://www.instagram.com/reel/CfXifo2I8KP/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=Celebrities went crazy in the <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/the-wrap-up-loreal-luchi-young-thug-chris-brown-gunna/">comment section.</a> JT of the City Girls said in all <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/r-kelly-admitted-he-married-aaliyah-so-she-could-get-an-abortion-according-to-a-jane-doe/">caps,</a> "REMIND THESE HOES," and Yung Miami put a bunch of heart-eye emojis, along with Lala Anthony. Lightskin Keisha said, "[that] thang a fool." Kash Doll wrote, "whew."Fans showed love; one person said, "I wanna be Pardi" (referring to Megan's boyfriend). Someone else said, "I get on IG, and this [is] the first thing I see, yes <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/tina-knowles-explains-why-jay-z-is-always-rubbing-beyonces-leg-in-photos/">LAWD</a>." Another person said, "is this what we gon see on P Valley cause we are very much ready."Tina Snow will be heading to the Pynk as a guest appearance on the hit Starz series, <a href="https://tvline.com/2022/06/13/megan-thee-stallion-cast-p-valley-season-2-photo-starz/amp/">P-Valley</a> for season two. As reported by a source, the music composer of the show, Matthew Head, told a publication the Houston; Texas rapper will be on the show in a few weeks, as her alter ego, TS. Her voice already appeared on the show when DJ Neva Scared (played by Brandon Gilpin) turns down Lil Murda (J Alphonse Nicholson) to work with an artist in Atlanta. The artist in question is Megan, aka Tina. Viewers hear her say "run that beat back for a real b***h."In other Hot Girl news, Megan spoke out on the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2022/06/28/1107887181/musicians-react-to-roe-v-wade-decision">Supreme Court</a> overturning abortion rights at a recent show in the UK. She told the crowd in the middle of her performance,"You know I wouldn't be me if I didn't say something about these stupid-ass men. I mean, goddamn. What else you want?" She added,"Texas really embarrassing me right now; y'all know that's my home state." Abortion is now illegal in Texas. However, <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2022/06/28/texas-abortion-ban-blocked/">a judge lifted the ban,</a> temporarily. Before the recent ruling, the state banned abortions after six weeks of pregnancy. Megan ended the message with,"And I want to have it on the motherf*cking record that the hot boys and the hot girls do not support this bullsh*t that y'all campaign for," Megan continued. "My body is my motherf*cking choice." Take a look at the video:https://twitter.com/queen_stallion1/status/1540836708505116672?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1540836708505116672%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-23512962612100717168.ampproject.net%2F2205270638004%2Fframe.html

Celebs React To Megan Thee Stallion's Insane Twerk Session, 'All Home Grown From Da Mf Souf'

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Ebro, Laura Stylez & Rosenberg share their opinion on the Supreme Court decision to reverse the Roe V. Wade decision effectively making abortion illegal in certain States.For More On Roe V. Wade <a href="https://www.hot97.com/hip-hop-news/hot-news/roe-v-wade-has-been-overturned-by-the-supreme-court-what-it-means/">visit our rundown.</a>

Sound Off: Supreme Court Reversal Of Roe V. Wade

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After the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade and wiped away the reproductive rights of millions of Americans, stars haven’t been shy about using their platform to speak out against the decision.Many celebrities, like former first lady Michelle Obama, shared their opinions on Twitter the day the law got overturned. Michelle Obama started her thoughts with a moving statement: “I am heartbroken today”.https://www.instagram.com/p/CfMSJTKu_XY/?hl=enSinger and songwriter Taylor Swift retweeted Michelle Obama’s tweet with the caption: “I’m absolutely terrified that this is where we are - that after so many decades of people fighting for women’s rights to their bodies, today’s decision has stripped us of that”.Former President, Barack Obama, shares ways people can help, like protesting, volunteering, and encouraging others to vote, on his Twitter page.https://twitter.com/BarackObama/status/1540340642848690176?s=20&t=EfxkAw56R7fIkG6j3oj4WAMusician and songwriter Alicia Keys tweeted to the public on Twitter about this tragic event saying that the Supreme Court’s decision is not about abortion rights, but about the control of power. Other stars like singer and rapper Lizzo, pledged to generously donate $1 million to Planned Parenthood.https://twitter.com/aliciakeys/status/1540382914550108160?s=20&t=lmmnMHljCX8rYHFWe6FKjgFeatured artists from the Glastonbury Festival in England did not hesitate to speak out in favor of women’s rights after their performances.On Saturday (June 25), Megan Thee Stallion told the audience, “now you know it wouldn’t be me if I call out these stupid a** men. I mean goddamn. What else you want?”https://twitter.com/HOT97/status/1541215556442931200?s=20&t=ni1IvoLCKcH2ZP2nmYkqwAThe Houston native also added that it's embarrassing to call Texas her home state, considering that it is one of the trigger states that are expected to make abortion illegal. She then chants, “My body, my motherf***in; choice!” with the audience joining her in the statement.Also on Saturday, Olivia Rodrigo called out the members of the Supreme Court by name and told the audience that she dedicates her song “F*** You (which features Lilly Allen)” to them. Billie Eilish also emotionally told the crowd that “it was a dark day for America”.On Sunday (June 26), Kendrick Lamar made the audience roar with support as he chanted, “They judge you, they judge Christ. Godspeed for women’s rights” after performing “Savior.” The theatrical performance with his Christ-like bleeding headpiece made Lamar’s chanting bone-chilling.https://twitter.com/ComplexMusic/status/1541218752322207745?s=20&t=ni1IvoLCKcH2ZP2nmYkqwAAlso on Sunday (June 26) were the BET awards where Taraji P. Henson addressed both the Supreme Court decision and gun violence. She told audience members that it’s a sad day in America because of the fact that guns have more rights than a woman. She added, “A weapon that can take lives has more power than a woman who can give life if she chooses to”. During the singer’s acceptance speech, Jazmine Sullivan addressed men of the world to stand up for women: “We need y’all. We need y’all to stand up for us, stand up with us.” Singer and actress Janelle Monáe also shared her views by saying, “My decision. F– you, Supreme Court”.

How Celebrities Are Bringing Roe V. Wade Decision To The Forefront

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In a ruling today (June 23), the Supreme Court says the constitution protects the right to carry guns outside the home. Since 1913, the law said, "a person applying for a license to carry a concealed handgun in public has to show 'proper cause,' or a specific need, to carry the weapon," NBC NY reports. It was a 6-3 decision "handed down by the court's conservative majority found that requiring people to show a particular need to legally carry a gun in public violated Americans' Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms," the outlet says. The law will "effectively" permit more people to legally carry guns in New York, including the five boroughs and other parts. The decision is one of the biggest gun rights cases in over a decade. Approximately a quarter of Americans live in states "that are expected to be affected by it."Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said, the decision "severely undermines public safety." He added, "New York still has some of the toughest gun laws in the country on the books, and we will continue to use these statutes to hold accountable those who commit gun violence."N.Y. Gov. Kathy Hochul said, "Shocking, absolutely shocking that they have taken away our right to have reasonable restrictions."7 Things You Should Know:<ul> <li>The New York State Rifle & Pistol Association challenged N.Y. law because they're "seeking an unrestricted ability to carry guns outside their homes." They reportedly describe themselves as the oldest firearms advocacy organization in the nation. </li></ul><ul> <li>A NY gun permit issues two types of licenses. An unrestricted licenses where a person can carry their gun anywhere. Or, a restricted licenses, which only allows someone to carry the weapon for a special reason like hunting. </li></ul><ul> <li>It'll be easier to carry guns in large U.S. cities. </li></ul><ul> <li>Ahead of the anticipated high court ruling, New York state legislators passed a package of gun legislation to shore up protections. Hochul signed the ten bills into law, including one <a href="https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/ny-passes-bill-banning-anyone-under-age-21-from-buying-owning-semi-automatic-rifles/3718224/">banning</a> anyone under the age of 21 from buying or owning semi-automatic rifles. </li></ul><ul> <li>Lawmakers could implement new conditions, like requiring firearm training, mental health evaluation, or disqualifying "certain types" of criminal convictions.</li></ul><ul> <li>Lawmakers could designate areas where people can't carry concealed weapons, such as public transit systems, school zones, bars, parks, government offices, or polling places.</li></ul><ul> <li>Bragg also told The NY Times, "At this very moment, my office is analyzing this ruling and crafting gun safety legislation that will take the strongest steps possible to mitigate the damage done today."</li></ul>Let us know your thoughts…<a href="https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/what-changes-after-supreme-court-decision-in-ny-gun-case/3746436/?amp">VIA</a>

U.S. Supreme Court Expands Gun Rights, Overturned NY's Concealed Carry Law, 7 Things To Know

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The Supreme Court has decided to overturn the 1973 decision of Roe v. Wade in a split decision that has become one of the biggest debates in America about abortion.This decision allows states to create their own laws on abortion, with a number across the nation readying a complete ban on abortion.As written by <a href="https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/3523884-supreme-court-strikes-down-roe-v-wade/">The Hill</a>, "the ruling upholds Mississippi’s 15-week abortion ban, which directly clashed with Roe’s requirement that states permit abortion up to the point of fetal viability, around 24 weeks. More than two dozen states, primarily in the South and Midwest, are expected to tighten abortion access as a result of Roe falling, including 13 states with “trigger bans” set to take effect automatically or through minimal effort by state officials."What it means for you.<ul> <li>Some states that will trigger laws banning or severely limiting abortion include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming according to the Guttmacher Institute.<ul> <li><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/06/24/abortion-laws-by-state-roe-v-wade-00037695">Politico</a> details each state's laws and limits after this decision.</li></ul></li> <li>In 2019, New York passed the Reproductive Health Act, which enshrined Roe v. Wade into state law and allows an abortion to be performed up to 24 weeks of pregnancy. New York Attorney General Tish James made a statement on the decision. “Today’s ruling is a vicious, dangerous, and deliberate attack on our most basic freedom as humans," she said. "Every single person in this country should have the right to make their own decisions about their own bodies. Regardless of the situation at the national level, New York will always be a safe haven for anyone seeking an abortion."</li> <li>Abortion will remain legal in New Jersey after the passing of the <a href="https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/health/2022/06/24/supreme-court-abortion-new-jersey-legal-roe-v-wade-dobbs/7683890001/">Freedom of Reproductive Choice Act</a> which was signed by Governor Phil Murphy on January 13.</li> <li>Justice Kavanaugh rules that states cannot block residents from<a href="https://nypost.com/2022/06/24/live-updates-supreme-court-overturns-roe-v-wade/#22792975"> perusing an abortion</a> in a state where it is legal.</li></ul>We will continue to provide updates as available.

Roe V. Wade Has Been Overturned By The Supreme Court: What It Means

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<h1>New York Senate Passes a Bill to Protect Artists from their Lyrics in Court.</h1>Hip-hop has had an adversarial relationship with the law since its inception. From NWA to Eminem to Bobby Shmurda, there is a history of artists being persecuted by the government for the lyrics in their art. More recently we’ve seen artists like Young Thug and Gunna incarcerated and questioned about their lyrics in court. Recently the New York Senate passed the “Rap Music On Trial” bill <a href="https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s7527">(S7527)</a> in an attempt to protect artists from having their lyrics used against them in court. The legislation will set a precedent that prosecutors need to prove that the lyrics mentioned in any given song are literal and not figurative. The bill states “In order to overcome the presumption of inadmissibility of evidence of defendant's creative expression, the proffering party must affirmatively prove by clear and convincing evidence: literal, rather than figurative or fictional, meaning and, where the work is derivative, that the defendant intended to adopt the literal meaning of the work as the defendant's own thought or statement.”Meaning that if the <a href="https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2021/S7527">Rap Music On Trial Bill</a> passes the New York State Assembly and is then signed into law by the Governor, rappers could still have their lyrics presented in court however the burden is now on the prosecution to prove that lyrics are literal.<h3>Per this bill, there are four levels of criteria that would allow lyrics to be used against an artist in court:</h3><ul> <li>(a) literal, rather than figurative or fictional, meaning and, where the work is derivative, that the defendant intended to adopt the literal meaning of the work as the defendant's own thought or statement;</li> <li>(b) a strong factual nexus indicating that the creative expression refers to the specific facts of the crime alleged;</li> <li>(c) relevance to an issue of fact that is disputed; and</li> <li>(d) distinct probative value not provided by other admissible evidence.</li></ul>Read the full bill here: <a href="https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2021/S7527">https://legislation.nysenate.gov/pdf/bills/2021/S7527</a>Hip-hop artists are facing an inequity in prosecution compared to other art forms. Pop artists, country singers, and comedians rarely have their art used as evidence against them. The authentic and straightforward nature of hip-hop has blurred the line between art and reality. Without a legal precedent set by bills like the Rap Music on Trial Bill, the interpretation of the difference between art and reality is left wide open for jurors to decide. Whereas with a framework for understanding how hip-hop should be interpreted in court, the burden of proving the difference between art and reality is now on the prosecution to even enter lyrics as evidence.As of July 9th, 2022 the bill has passed the New York Senate and has been delivered to the New York State Assembly, if passed by the Assembly - it’s up to the Governor to pass it. Artists like Jay-Z, Meek Mill, Killer Mike, and Fat Joe have come out in support of this bill and if passed it could set a precedent for other state governments to follow. Follow the progress of the Rap Music On Trial Bill: <a href="https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s7527">https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/s7527</a>

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