Nov 7, 2017

Justice Department abandons charges on Sessions protestor

Code Pink protestors, including Fairooz, demonstrate during Sessions' hearing. Photo: Lynch/MediaPunch/IPX

The Justice Department has dropped a case against a woman who was arrested after laughing during Jeff Sessions' confirmation hearing, per the Huffington Post. Desiree Fairooz was convicted in May of "disorderly or disruptive conduct," but a judge tossed that conviction. She was set to go on trial again next week, but prosecutors dropped the charges on Monday.

Fairooz laughed after GOP Sen. Richard Shelby said during the hearing that Sessions had a "clear" record of "treating all Americans equally under the law." She then shouted that Sessions was "evil" as she was being removed from the courtroom by Capitol Police.

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Rashaan Ayesh

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Ilhan Omar wins Minnesota primary

Photo: Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) won the Democratic primary against lawyer Antone Melton-Meaux on Tuesday evening, AP reports.

Why it matters: The race is one that's played out across the U.S. as progressives continue to sweep party nominations. Omar's win officially means all four progressive members of "The Squad" have won their primary elections.

Marisa Fernandez

Updated 2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

25 face felony charges after downtown Chicago hit by looters

Police officers inspect a damaged Best Buy in Chicago that was looted and vandalized. Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

Local police officers are seeking felony charges in 25 cases following the arrest of 100 people in the wake of widespread looting and property damage in Chicago on Monday, per the Washington Post.

Driving the news: Law enforcement said the event involving hundreds of people was a coordinated response after an officer shot a suspect Sunday evening, according to CBS Chicago.

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Jacob Knutson

2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Marjorie Taylor Greene wins Georgia's 14th district runoff

Photo: Elijah Nouvelage / Getty Images

Gun-rights activist Marjorie Taylor Greene defeated physician John Cowan in a runoff election for the Republican nomination in Georgia's deep-red 14th Congressional District on Tuesday, AP reports.

Why it matters: Greene, a vocal QAnon conspiracy theorist who has been condemned by GOP leaders for making multiple offensive remarks about Black people, Jews and Muslims in Facebook videos, is likely to win a seat in the House come November.