Ethiopian Government Uses State of Emergency as a Tool for Silencing Dissent and Violating Human Rights, says Amnesty International

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – The Ethiopian government has come under fire for using the state of emergency as a means to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices. Amnesty International has accused authorities of arbitrarily detaining politicians critical of the government and journalists, while also highlighting the lack of transparency and violation of basic rights. The state of emergency was initially implemented in August 2023 amidst escalating violence in the Amhara region between government forces and the Fano militia. The emergency measures granted authorities broad powers, including the ability to arrest suspects without a court warrant, … Read more

Missouri Chief Justice Calls for Urgent Increase in Juror Pay: State Representative Rudy Veit Supports Proposal

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri – The chief justice of the Missouri Supreme Court is calling for an increase in juror pay, citing embarrassment among judges in the state when disclosing the current rate. Chief Justice Mary Russell made the plea during the 2024 State of the Judiciary address held in Jefferson City. She emphasized that Missouri’s statutory minimum for juror pay has remained unchanged since 1989, at just $6 per day plus seven cents per mile for travel expenses. State Representative Rudy Veit, the vice chair of the Missouri House Judiciary Committee, is backing the chief … Read more

Clemson Watches Closely as ACC and Florida State Engage in Legal Battle Over Conference Exit

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The recent lawsuits between the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and Florida State University (FSU) have caught the attention of Clemson, another member of the ACC. It is widely believed that Clemson would seize the opportunity to leave the ACC if offered an invitation from either the Southeastern Conference (SEC) or the Big Ten Conference. However, all ACC members, including Clemson, are contractually obligated to remain in the conference for the next ten years, unless a way out can be found. The legal battle began when FSU filed a lawsuit against the ACC … Read more

Houston District Attorney’s Surprising Move: Tapping State GOP Lawyer to Investigate Lina Hidalgo’s Office Sparks Controversy

HOUSTON, TEXAS – The hiring of a lawyer with ties to the state’s Republican Party by Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg has raised questions and sparked controversy. Ogg’s decision to enlist a state GOP lawyer for an investigation into the office of County Judge Lina Hidalgo has led to speculation about political motivations and potential conflicts of interest. The move by Ogg, a Democrat, to hire Mary Nan Huffman, who has previously run for multiple Republican positions, has drawn criticism from those who question the impartiality of the investigation. Hidalgo, also a Democrat, oversees … Read more