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Jim Jordan Fails to Secure House Speaker Role in Opening Round of Voting as Dems Unanimously Vote for Hakeem Jeffries

NNPA NEWSWIRE — The House has now been without a speaker for more than 14 days, and many political watchers predict a continued and uphill battle for Jordan, a central figure in the Ohio State University scandal, where former wrestlers have accused him of ignoring sexual abuse during his tenure as an assistant wrestling coach in the 1980s and 1990s.
The post Jim Jordan Fails to Secure House Speaker Role in Opening Round of Voting as Dems Unanimously Vote for Hakeem Jeffries first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent
@StacyBrownMedia

Representative Jim Jordan, the Ohio Republican known for his prominent role in disputing the 2020 election outcome and refusing to concede Donald Trump’s defeat to Joe Biden, fell short of the necessary floor votes on Tuesday to ascend to the position of House Speaker. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries received the most votes, getting all 212 Democratic votes. Jordan received 200 votes while former Speaker Kevin McCarthy had 6, with six others also having ballots cast in their favor. To win the Speakership, a nominee must receive 217 votes.

The House has now been without a speaker for more than 14 days, and many political watchers predict a continued and uphill battle for Jordan, a central figure in the Ohio State University scandal, where former wrestlers have accused him of ignoring sexual abuse during his tenure as an assistant wrestling coach in the 1980s and 1990s. With Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) publicly expressing opposition due to Jordan’s repeated failure to acknowledge Trump’s loss and other candidates receiving votes, the House remained without a speaker after a first round of voting. In January, it took former Speaker Kevin McCarthy an unprecedented 15-rounds before he received the support necessary to take over the job.

While Jordan has consistently denied any wrongdoing in the Ohio State matter, the allegations raised in 2018 have clung to his reputation, earning him the epithet “Gym Jordan” from critics. He served as an assistant coach at Ohio State University in Columbus from 1986 to 1994, immediately following his graduation. During this period, he pursued advanced degrees, including a master’s degree in education and a law degree.

In 1994, he transitioned to the Ohio General Assembly, concluding his time as an assistant coach. Jordan subsequently won a congressional seat in 2006.

The university’s inquiry into Dr. Richard Strauss, a university physician, began in April 2018 after former college wrestler Mike DiSabato accused him of sexual misconduct. The investigation concluded in 2019 and revealed that Strauss had sexually abused at least 177 male students, including 48 wrestling team members, between 1978 and 1998. The misconduct ranged from inappropriate questioning to overt fondling.

The investigation also disclosed that university staff knew about Strauss’ abusive conduct as early as 1979. A limited inquiry was conducted in 1996, after which Strauss retired voluntarily in 1998. Tragically, he took his own life in 2005. In July 2018, several former wrestlers accused Jordan of failing to intervene in the abuse, contending that he was well aware of the situation.

Advocacy group, The Republican Accountability Project actively campaigned against Jordan’s nomination, highlighting concerns over the stability of democracy following the recent leadership upheaval within the GOP.

In a digital ad, the group emphasized Jordan’s support for Donald Trump’s baseless claims about the 2020 election and his efforts to obstruct the vote’s certification. The advertisement underlined the need for a Congress presided over by someone who upholds democracy.

Jordan’s bid faced internal resistance within the GOP, with several Republican lawmakers hesitating to support him. Jordan could only afford to lose four Republican votes and still secure the Speakership.

Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff voiced his reservations, stating, “Republicans may make Jim Jordan the Speaker… After he was deeply involved in trying to overturn the last one. Just when you think they can’t be more irresponsible, they prove you wrong.”

Rep. Steve Cohen, a Democrat from Tennessee, expressed disbelief in a now-deleted post on social media, “I can’t believe this is happening after January 6. If Trump can get to another electoral college, House Speaker will be able to subvert votes of the people/ This is the first act in insurrection 2.0.”

The post Jim Jordan Fails to Secure House Speaker Role in Opening Round of Voting as Dems Unanimously Vote for Hakeem Jeffries first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Black Feminist Movement Mobilizes in Response to National Threats

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

More than 500 Black feminists will convene in New Orleans from June 5 through 7 for what organizers are calling the largest Black feminist gathering in the United States. The event, led by the organization Black Feminist Future, is headlined by activist and scholar Angela Y. Davis. Paris Hatcher, executive director of Black Feminist Future, joined Black Press USA’s Let It Be Known to outline the mission and urgency behind the gathering, titled “Get Free.” “This is not just a conference to dress up and have a good time,” Hatcher said. “We’re building power to address the conditions that are putting our lives at risk—whether that’s policing, reproductive injustice, or economic inequality.” Hatcher pointed to issues such as rising evictions among Black families, the rollback of bodily autonomy laws, and the high cost of living as key drivers of the event’s agenda. “Our communities are facing premature death,” she said.

Workshops and plenaries will focus on direct action, policy advocacy, and practical organizing skills. Attendees will participate in training sessions that include how to resist evictions, organize around immigration enforcement, and disrupt systemic policies contributing to poverty and incarceration. “This is about fighting back,” Hatcher said. “We’re not conceding anything.” Hatcher addressed the persistent misconceptions about Black feminism, including the idea that it is a movement against men or families. “Black feminism is not a rejection of men,” she said. “It’s a rejection of patriarchy. Black men must be part of this struggle because patriarchy harms them too.” She also responded to claims that organizing around Black women’s issues weakens broader coalitions. “We don’t live single-issue lives,” Hatcher said. “Our blueprint is one that lifts all Black people.”

The conference will not be streamed virtually, but recaps and updates will be posted daily on Black Feminist Future’s YouTube channel and Instagram account. The event includes performances by Tank and the Bangas and honors longtime activists including Billy Avery, Erica Huggins, and Alexis Pauline Gumbs. When asked how Black feminism helps families, Hatcher said the real threat to family stability is systemic oppression. “If we want to talk about strong Black families, we have to talk about mass incarceration, the income gap, and the systems that tear our families apart,” Hatcher said. “Black feminism gives us the tools to build and sustain healthy families—not just survive but thrive.”

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Hoover’s Commutation Divides Chicago as State Sentence Remains

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial.

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By Stacy M. Brown
Black Press USA Senior National Correspondent

The federal sentence for Gangster Disciples founder Larry Hoover has been commuted, but he remains incarcerated under a 200-year state sentence in Illinois. The decision by Donald Trump to reduce Hoover’s federal time has reignited longstanding debates over his legacy and whether rehabilitation or continued punishment is warranted. The commutation drew immediate public attention after music executive Jay Prince and artist Chance the Rapper publicly praised Trump’s decision. “I’m glad that Larry Hoover is home,” said Chance the Rapper. “He was a political prisoner set up by the federal government. He created Chicago Votes, mobilized our people, and was targeted for that.”

But Hoover, the founder of the Gangster Disciples, is not home—not yet. Now in federal custody at the Florence Supermax in Colorado, Hoover was convicted of murder and running a criminal enterprise. Although some supporters describe him as a political prisoner, the legal and public safety concerns associated with his name remain substantial. “There is a divide in the Black community here,” said Chicago journalist Jason Palmer during an appearance on the Let It Be Known morning program. “Some view Hoover as someone who brought structure and leadership. Others remember the violence that came with his organization.” Palmer explained that while Hoover’s gang originally formed for protection, it grew into a criminal network responsible for extensive harm in Chicago. He also noted that Hoover continued to run his organization from state prison using coded messages passed through visitors, prompting his transfer to federal custody.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is widely considered a potential 2028 presidential contender, has not issued a statement. Palmer suggested that silence is strategic. “Releasing Hoover would create enormous political consequences,” Palmer said. “The governor’s in a difficult spot—he either resists pressure from supporters or risks national backlash if he acts.” According to Palmer, Hoover’s federal commutation does not make him a free man. “The federal sentence may be commuted, but he still has a 200-year state sentence,” he said. “And Illinois officials have already made it clear they don’t want to house him in state facilities again. They prefer he remains in federal custody, just somewhere outside of Colorado.”

Palmer also raised concerns about what Hoover’s case could signal for others. “When R. Kelly was convicted federally, state prosecutors in Illinois and Minnesota dropped their charges. If a president can commute federal sentences based on public pressure or celebrity support, others like R. Kelly or Sean Combs could be next,” Palmer said. “Meanwhile, there are thousands of incarcerated people without fame or access to public platforms who will never get that consideration.” “There are people who are not here today because of the violence connected to these organizations,” Palmer said. “That has to be part of this conversation.”

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WATCH: Five Years After George Floyd: Full Panel Discussion | Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real | Live Podcast Event

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

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https://youtube.com/watch?v=OsNLWTz6jU0&feature=oembed

May 25, 2020. The world stopped and watched as a life was taken.

But what has happened since?

Join us as we return to the city where it happened and speak with a voice from the heart of the community – Tracey Williams-Dillard, CEO/Publisher of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder.

She shares reflections, insights, and the story of a community forever changed. What has a year truly meant, and where do we go from here?

This is more than just a date; it’s a moment in history. See what one leader in the Black press has to say about it.

Recorded live at UROC in Minneapolis, this powerful discussion features:

Panelists:

  • Medaria Arradondo – Former Minneapolis Police Chief
  • Nekima Levy Armstrong – Civil Rights Activist & Attorney
  • Dr. Yohuru Williams – Racial Justice Initiative,
  • UST Mary Moriarty – Hennepin County Attorney
  • Fireside Chat with Andre Locke – Father of Amir Locke

Special Guests:

  • Kennedy Pounds – Spoken Word Artist
  • Known MPLS – Youth Choir bringing purpose through song

This podcast episode looks at the past five years through the lens of grief, truth, and hope—and challenges us all to do more.

🔔 Subscribe to Tracey’s Keepin’ It Real wherever you get your podcasts or follow ‪@mnspokesmanrecorder‬ for more.

🔗 Visit https://spokesman-recorder.com for more coverage and stories from Minnesota’s trusted Black news source.

#GeorgeFloyd #BlackPress #SpokesmanRecorder #Minneapolis #BlackHistory

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