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WEATHER ALERT

3 advisories in effect for 3 regions in the area

JUSSIE SMOLLETT


No description available

Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned

Read full article: Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned

The Illinois Supreme Court has overturned actor Jussie Smollett’s conviction on charges that he staged a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied to Chicago police.

No description available

Illinois Supreme Court to hear actor Jussie Smollett appeal of conviction for staging racist attack

Read full article: Illinois Supreme Court to hear actor Jussie Smollett appeal of conviction for staging racist attack

The Illinois Supreme Court will hear an appeal of actor Jussie Smollett’s disorderly conduct conviction for staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lying to Chicago police.

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Jussie Smollett asks Illinois high court to hear appeal of convictions for lying about hate crime

Read full article: Jussie Smollett asks Illinois high court to hear appeal of convictions for lying about hate crime

Actor Jussie Smollett has asked the Illinois Supreme Court to intervene in his yearslong legal battle stemming from charges that he staged a racist, homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and lied about it to Chicago police.

No description available

Illinois appeals court affirms actor Jussie Smollett's convictions and jail sentence

Read full article: Illinois appeals court affirms actor Jussie Smollett's convictions and jail sentence

An appeals court has upheld the disorderly conduct convictions of actor Jussie Smollett, who was accused of staging a racist, homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and then lying about it to Chicago police.

No description available

Illinois appeals court hears arguments on Jussie Smollett request to toss convictions

Read full article: Illinois appeals court hears arguments on Jussie Smollett request to toss convictions

Jussie Smollett’s lawyers have told an Illinois appellate court that it should toss the former “Empire” actor’s convictions for staging a racist, homophobic attack against himself in 2019 and then lying about it to Chicago police.

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Jussie Smollett is out of jail, but faces uncertain future

Read full article: Jussie Smollett is out of jail, but faces uncertain future

Jussie Smollett walked out of a Chicago jail after serving six days and walked into months, if not years, of uncertainty — from what’s next for his career to whether he’ll eventually be back behind bars.

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Jussie Smollett released from county jail during appeal

Read full article: Jussie Smollett released from county jail during appeal

Jussie Smollett has been released from jail in Chicago after an appeals court agreed with his lawyers that he should be free pending the appeal of the Black and gay actor's conviction for lying to police about a racist and homophobic attack.

No description available

Chris Cuomo wants $125 million for 'unlawful' CNN firing

Read full article: Chris Cuomo wants $125 million for 'unlawful' CNN firing

Former prime time anchor Chris Cuomo on Wednesday asked an arbitrator to award him $125 million for what he called his “unlawful” firing.

No description available

Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail in fake attack

Read full article: Jussie Smollett sentenced to 150 days in jail in fake attack

Jussie Smollett has been sentenced to 150 days in jail for lying to police in a racist and homophobic attack that he staged himself.

No description available

Jussie Smollett starts 150-day jail term in protected status

Read full article: Jussie Smollett starts 150-day jail term in protected status

Jail officials say Jussie Smollett began a 150-day jail sentence for lying to police about a racist and homophobic attack that he staged himself in protective custody.

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EXPLAINER: What charges did Jussie Smollett face at trial?

Read full article: EXPLAINER: What charges did Jussie Smollett face at trial?

The legal saga surrounding Jussie Smollett’s claim in 2019 that he was the target of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago culminated Thursday in his sentencing to 150 days in jail and being ordered to pay $120,106 in restitution to the city of Chicago.

No description available

Jussie Smollett to learn fate after staged attack conviction

Read full article: Jussie Smollett to learn fate after staged attack conviction

Jussie Smollett is returning to a Chicago courtroom for sentencing with just two questions hanging over his head: Will he admit that he lied about a racist homophobic attack and will a judge send him to jail.

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Threats, vitriol aimed at women in positions of power

Read full article: Threats, vitriol aimed at women in positions of power

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was one of the more high-profile targets of political violence when prosecutors say a group of men who were angry about pandemic restrictions plotted to kidnap her.

No description available

Jussie Smollett to be sentenced March 10 for lying to police

Read full article: Jussie Smollett to be sentenced March 10 for lying to police

Jussie Smollett, who was convicted last month of for lying to police about a racist, homophobic attack that authorities said he staged, will return to court for sentencing March 10.

No description available

EXPLAINER: Are more defendants testifying at trial?

Read full article: EXPLAINER: Are more defendants testifying at trial?

Defendants spoke directly to jurors in a series of recent high-profile trials, defying conventional wisdom that the risks of a client taking the stand usually outweigh the benefits.

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Black juror: Smollett's reaction to noose makes no sense

Read full article: Black juror: Smollett's reaction to noose makes no sense

The lone Black juror on the panel that convicted Jussie Smollett of lying to Chicago police about what authorities say was a staged hate crime says he cannot get past how the actor put a noose around his neck when officers were coming to interview him.

No description available

After Jussie Smollett verdict, more court cases await

Read full article: After Jussie Smollett verdict, more court cases await

The jury's guilty verdict that Jussie Smollett faked a racist and homophobic attack isn’t the end of legal proceedings for the former “Empire” actor or others.

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Jussie Smollett guilty verdict latest in polarizing case

Read full article: Jussie Smollett guilty verdict latest in polarizing case

Jussie Smollett’s conviction for lying to police has come nearly three years after his report of a horrifying hate crime quickly became part of a polarized political landscape.

No description available

Jussie Smollett case in jurors' hands at Chicago trial

Read full article: Jussie Smollett case in jurors' hands at Chicago trial

A jury has completed deliberations for the day in the trial of actor Jussie Smollett on charges he staged a racist, anti-gay attack on himself and lied to Chicago police about it.

No description available

Defense rests after Jussie Smollett repeatedly denies 'hoax'

Read full article: Defense rests after Jussie Smollett repeatedly denies 'hoax'

Jussie Smollett has repeatedly denied he staged a racist, anti-gay attack on himself for publicity, telling a prosecutor that “there was no hoax on my part” and that two brothers who testified against him are “liars.”.

No description available

In and outside court, Smollett fights for reputation, career

Read full article: In and outside court, Smollett fights for reputation, career

As Jussie Smollett fights criminal charges that he lied to Chicago police about being the victim of an anti-gay, racist attack, his supporters are also working on a broader strategy: Ensuring the 39-year-old emerges from the scandal with his reputation and career intact, whatever the outcome of the trial.

No description available

Jussie Smollett testifies at his trial: 'There was no hoax'

Read full article: Jussie Smollett testifies at his trial: 'There was no hoax'

Former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett has testified that claims he staged an anti-gay, racist attack on himself are “100% false.”.

No description available

EXPLAINER: Jussie Smollett's turn to testify. Will he?

Read full article: EXPLAINER: Jussie Smollett's turn to testify. Will he?

After two brothers spent hours telling a jury how Jussie Smollett paid them to carry out a fake racist and anti-gay attack on himself, the big question when the actor's trial resumes is whether he will tell his side of the story.

No description available

State rests case at Smollett trial after star witnesses

Read full article: State rests case at Smollett trial after star witnesses

The state has rested its case to jurors at Jussie Smollett’s trial after key testimony from two brothers who said the actor plotted a racist and anti-gay attack on himself and paid them to carry it out.

No description available

Man testifies Smollett recruited him, brother to fake attack

Read full article: Man testifies Smollett recruited him, brother to fake attack

A man who worked with Jussie Smollett says the former “Empire” actor recruited him and his brother to fake a homophobic and racist attack.

No description available

Detective: Brothers detailed how Jussie Smollett staged hoax

Read full article: Detective: Brothers detailed how Jussie Smollett staged hoax

A lead investigator of an alleged attack on Jussie Smollett says two brothers arrested for the reported crime recounted for Chicago police how the ex-“Empire” actor orchestrated the elaborate hoax.

No description available

Lawyer: Jussie Smollett 'a real victim' of attack in Chicago

Read full article: Lawyer: Jussie Smollett 'a real victim' of attack in Chicago

Jussie Smollett's defense attorney says he is a “real victim” of a racist and homophobic attack in Chicago in January 2019.

No description available

Trial set to start on charges Smollett faked racist attack

Read full article: Trial set to start on charges Smollett faked racist attack

Jussie Smollett is going on trial this week, accused of lying to police when he reported he was the victim of a racist, homophobic attack downtown Chicago nearly three years ago.

No description available

Judge firms up trial date for Smollett, won't dismiss case

Read full article: Judge firms up trial date for Smollett, won't dismiss case

A judge in Chicago has denied a last-ditch effort to dismiss a criminal case against actor Jussie Smollett.

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Jussie Smollett attorneys cannot call prosecutor to testify

Read full article: Jussie Smollett attorneys cannot call prosecutor to testify

A judge has ruled that Jussie Smollett’s attorneys cannot call as a witness the Chicago prosecutor whose office dropped initial charges accusing the actor of staging a racist, anti-gay attack on himself in 2019.

No description available

Judge allows Jussie Smollett's lawyer to stay on the case

Read full article: Judge allows Jussie Smollett's lawyer to stay on the case

A judge has ruled that he won't kick one of Jussie Smollett's attorneys off his case but that the attorney won't be allowed to question two key witnesses if the case goes to trial.

No description available

Hunt still on for suspects in ransacking of Chicago stores

Read full article: Hunt still on for suspects in ransacking of Chicago stores

FILE In this Monday, Aug. 10, 2020, file photo, Kajal Dalal walks through the her family's food and liquor store after it was vandalized in downtown Chicago. A Chicago police task force that was formed after crowds swarmed into downtown and smashed their way into hundreds of stores in August is still investigating and making arrests four months later. They keep adding to the nearly 100 video clips they've posted online in the hopes someone might identify suspects. “The message (to suspects) is the task force isn’t quitting ... and you will eventually be found and arrested,” Deputy Chief Brendan Deenihan said. Just as detectives stitched together videos to follow two men who allegedly participated in the attack on Smollett, Looting Task Force detectives followed suspects as they moved from store to store.

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Review cites 'operational failures' in Smollett prosecution

Read full article: Review cites 'operational failures' in Smollett prosecution

“There were not thousands of (or, arguably any) similar cases” resolved by Foxx's office the way they resolved Smollett’s case, Webb said. And Smollett, Webb noted, was able to walk away without admitting any wrongdoing. Webb said Foxx began speaking to her before suspicions were raised that Jussie Smollett may have staged the attack on himself. “State’s Attorney Foxx then made false statements to the media claiming she ceased all communications with Ms. Smollett,” Webb concluded. The alleged false statements started to pile up.

No description available

Foxx touts record as Smollett case engulfs Illinois primary

Read full article: Foxx touts record as Smollett case engulfs Illinois primary

“The Jussie Smollett case was a pebble in the giant boulder of her career. She isn’t getting a fair shake.”Foxx is counting on more voters like Smith as she seeks a second term against three Democratic primary challengers who've seized on the Smollett case and a fractured relationship with police. Things worsened when the Smollett charges were dropped. Still, the Smollett case does resonate with some. Chicagoan Demetrius Williams, 35, voted for Foxx before but thinks Smollett got off easy and will support Conway.

No description available

Vivica A. Fox Hints at a Potential Jussie Smollett Cameo on the Final Season of 'Empire'

Read full article: Vivica A. Fox Hints at a Potential Jussie Smollett Cameo on the Final Season of 'Empire'

Could Jussie Smollett be making his return to Empire? Fox, who stars as Candace on the series, stopped by Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Sunday and opened up about Smollett's exit from Empire ahead of its sixth and final season. "That was tough," Fox admitted of creator Lee Daniels' decision to cut Smollett from the Fox series. Despite that drama, Fox said that "of course" she's still in touch with Smollett, adding, "I love him. RELATED CONTENT: 'Empire': Serayah Reacts to Jussie Smollett Not Returning for Season 6 (Exclusive) Embed Code RestartTerrence Howard Says He Misses Jussie Smollett on 'Empire': 'He Was the Heart of Our Show'How 'Empire' Addressed Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final SeasonFox Boss Reveals How 'Empire' Will Address Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final Season

No description available

Judge refuses to dismiss Chicago lawsuit against Jussie Smollett

Read full article: Judge refuses to dismiss Chicago lawsuit against Jussie Smollett

(CNN) - A federal judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the City of Chicago against actor Jussie Smollett, court documents show. A legal battle is being fought in federal court as Chicago seeks to recover more than $130,000 to cover police overtime during the investigation of Smollett's report of a hate crime attack in January. After police investigated the case for weeks, they said investigators believed Smollett staged the attack to bolster his profile and career. Tuesday, US District Judge Virginia Kendall denied Smollett's request to dismiss the lawsuit, allowing the case to proceed to the discovery phase. Chicago's Department of Law filed the lawsuit in state court in April but the case was later moved to federal court.

No description available

Terrence Howard Says He Misses Jussie Smollett on 'Empire': 'He Was the Heart of Our

Read full article: Terrence Howard Says He Misses Jussie Smollett on 'Empire': 'He Was the Heart of Our

Terrence Howard is standing by Jussie Smollett even now that he's off Empire. "And then, out of nowhere, you know, he's snatched away from us," he continued. Jamal's absence in the sixth and final season has simply been explained by his mother, Cookie (Taraji P. Henson), saying he left for London to escape the Lyon drama. When Empire does air its final episode, Howard plans to walk away from acting, something he said he's "dead serious" about. RELATED CONTENT:Terrence Howard Expresses Support for Jussie Smollett After Felony Charge: 'We Love the Hell Outta You'How 'Empire' Addressed Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final SeasonFox Boss Reveals How 'Empire' Will Address Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final Season

No description available

How 'Empire' Addressed Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final Season

Read full article: How 'Empire' Addressed Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final Season

Warning: Spoilers below from Tuesday's final season premiere of Empire. Empire kicked off its sixth and final season without former star Jussie Smollett, but how did Fox's hip-hop drama explain his absence? In August, Fox Entertainment CEO Charlie Collier hinted at how producers planned on addressing Smollett's abrupt absence in the show's final run, saying Jamal would be spending it in post-wedded bliss. "I'm running away [from acting] as quickly as possible to get to where I'm supposed to be. RELATED CONTENT:'Empire' Star Terrence Howard Says He's 'Running Away From Acting' After Final Season (Exclusive)Fox Boss Reveals How 'Empire' Will Address Jussie Smollett's Absence in Final SeasonEmmys 2019: 10 Moments You Didn't See on TV

No description available

Judge rules on motions in Smollett case

Read full article: Judge rules on motions in Smollett case

CHICAGO - A Chicago judge Wednesday denied a request by Jussie Smollett's lawyers that a replacement judge be assigned in the former "Empire" actor's special prosecutor case, in addition to rejecting other motions put forward by Smollett's team. Judge Michael Toomin also denied a motion asking that Smollett's lawyers be allowed to intervene and argue other motions during the court appearance. Smollett's lawyers had hoped to use the brothers' testimony to reveal inconsistencies in their stories, as they are the only two witnesses in the case. Bodycam footage yields new detailsNo timeline has been provided for when Toomin will select a special prosecutor. In the case of a formal recusal, Toomin wrote, the court would have been responsible for appointing a special prosecutor.

No description available

Jussie Smollett Shows Cops Noose Around His Neck in Newly Released Video

Read full article: Jussie Smollett Shows Cops Noose Around His Neck in Newly Released Video

Police just released nearly 70 hours of footage in the Jussie Smollett case, including video of him showing police the noose that was allegedly put around his neck. In the video, police arrive at Smolletts apartment after he called 911 and the noose can be seen around his neck. In the footage, he tells investigators two men shouted homophobic slurs at him and put the noose around his neck. In another newly released video, the brothers can be seen in hazmat suits inside a taxi. Chris Rock Wonders 'What the Hell' Jussie Smollett Was ThinkingJussie Smollett Indicted on 16 Counts by Grand Jury

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