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Children At Risk Releases Annual School Rankings for 2022-2023 Academic Year

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Children At Risk Releases Annual School Rankings for 2022-2023 Academic Year

Local education nonprofit Children At Risk unveiled its eagerly awaited annual ranking of the top schools for the upcoming 2022-2023 academic year on Monday. The comprehensive report assessed 1,311 public schools across the Greater Houston area, including 786 elementary schools, 326 middle schools, and 199 high schools. Using a rigorous methodology, the nonprofit assigned A through F grades to school campuses based on key factors such as student achievement, campus performance, and student growth.

In their evaluation process, student achievement was gauged by students’ performance on state standardized tests (STAAR), campus performance involved comparing a school’s test scores to those of institutions with similar poverty levels, and student growth measured how students improved on STAAR tests over the course of a school year. High schools underwent an additional assessment of college readiness, specifically focusing on the on-time graduation rates of students.

Notably, the recently released rankings revealed a decrease in scores at over 75 percent of Houston ISD schools compared to the previous year, as reported by the Houston Chronicle. Overall, Houston-area school districts experienced a 55 percent drop in scores from the 2022 rankings.

Here are the top-ranked campuses in the Greater Houston area according to Children At Risk:

Elementary School Rankings:

  1. Commonwealth Elementary in Fort Bend ISD
  2. Bess Campbell Elementary in Lamar CISD
  3. Stafford Stem Magnet Academy in Stafford MSD
  4. Griffin Elementary School in Katy ISD
  5. T.H. Rogers in Houston ISD

Middle School Rankings:

  1. T.H. Rogers School in Houston ISD
  2. Mandarin Immersion Magnet School in Houston ISD
  3. Cornerstone Academy in Spring Branch ISD
  4. Briarmeadow Charter in Houston ISD
  5. Beckendorff Junior High in Katy ISD

High School Rankings:

  1. Carnegie Vanguard HS in Houston ISD
  2. Young Women’s College Prep in Houston ISD
  3. Alief Early College Prep HS in Alief ISD
  4. Eastwood Academy in Houston ISD
  5. Challenge Early College HS in Houston ISD

Children at Risk utilizes a methodology closely resembling that of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), which has yet to release its accountability ratings due to legal challenges from several districts. In October, District Court Judge Catherine Mauzy ruled that TEA’s new rating system was unlawful and could cause irreparable harm to Texas schools, following a lawsuit that contested the system’s potential drastic drop in school ratings. For a detailed breakdown of Children At Risk’s elementary, middle, and high school rankings, visit their website here.

Sheila Jackson Lee Clinches LGBTQ+ Caucus Endorsement Amidst Heated Primary Battle

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Sheila Jackson Lee Clinches LGBTQ+ Caucus Endorsement Amidst Heated Primary Battle

In a spirited endorsement event, incumbent U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee secured the backing of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus for the upcoming primary election, as she faces a tough challenge from former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards. The announcement of the endorsement was met with cheers and enthusiastic gestures from the audience.

Having recently faced defeat in the Houston mayoral race despite a prior caucus endorsement, Jackson Lee expressed gratitude for the LGBTQ+ community’s support and emphasized her commitment to fighting for their rights. She recalled her past advocacy against the denial of the right to marry and urged the audience to send her back to the United States government as a fearless advocate.

However, the event was not without controversy, with some caucus members engaging in a 30-minute discussion that delved into allegations surrounding an unverified voice recording of Jackson Lee using profanity towards a staffer during the campaign. Despite the heated exchanges, Jackson Lee received strong support from her backers.

A critical moment unfolded when an attendee recited quotes from the unverified audio recording, leading to impassioned reactions from the crowd. The speaker urged members to vote against Jackson Lee, emphasizing the importance of believing people when they reveal their true character.

Edwards, Jackson Lee’s challenger, highlighted her aspiration to bring innovative ideas to Congress, presenting a fresh perspective compared to Jackson Lee’s more than three decades in office.

The endorsement event took an unexpected turn during the process of endorsing Lizzie Fletcher in District 7, as protesters for Gaza disrupted the proceedings, expressing discontent with the nomination. The group, preferring to remain anonymous, criticized the caucus for endorsing candidates amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and was subsequently forced out of the building.

Caucus Board of Trustees President Austin Davis Ruiz addressed the audience about a fake list of endorsement recommendations circulating, underscoring the need to maintain order during the event. The caucus ultimately endorsed several candidates, including former Harris County prosecutor Sear Teare, who will run against County District Attorney Kim Ogg for her third term.

The competition for Houston Mayor Whitmire’s former state senate seat was fierce, and after careful consideration, the caucus endorsed Molly Cook, an emergency room nurse who identifies as bisexual. Cook, who lost in the 2022 race to the incumbent Whitmire, was praised for her grassroots organizing efforts, including advocacy against the Interstate 45 expansion project.

The Houston mayoral seat, vacant for the first time since 1983, attracted seven Democratic candidates for the March primary. The special election to fill the vacancy is scheduled for May 4, with Molly Cook emerging as the caucus-endorsed candidate in this highly contested race.

Three U.S. Troops Killed, 25 Injured in Drone Strike Near Syrian Border; Biden Blames Iran-Backed Militias

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Three U.S. Troops Killed, 25 Injured in Drone Strike Near Syrian Border; Biden Blames Iran-Backed Militias

In a tragic incident on Sunday, three American troops lost their lives, and 25 others sustained injuries in a drone strike in northeast Jordan, close to the Syrian border, according to the U.S. military. President Joe Biden attributed the attack to Iran-backed militias, marking the first U.S. fatalities in the wake of months of strikes by these groups against American forces in the Middle East during the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The situation has heightened the risk of military escalation in the region, prompting U.S. officials to actively identify the specific group responsible for the assault. While the investigation is ongoing, assessments indicate that one of several Iranian-backed groups is likely behind the attack.

President Biden asserted that the United States is committed to holding all those responsible accountable for their actions. He stated, “We will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner (of) our choosing.” The incident adds to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation as it unfolds.

Netflix’s “Griselda”: A Deep Dive into the Life of a Notorious Colombian Drug Lord

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Netflix’s “Griselda”: A Deep Dive into the Life of a Notorious Colombian Drug Lord

Premiering on Thursday, Netflix’s highly anticipated limited series “Griselda” promises a gripping narrative that delves into the notorious life of Griselda Blanco, portrayed by Emmy-nominated actor Sofía Vergara. The six-part drama, created by the producers of “Narcos” and “Narcos: Mexico,” offers a unique perspective on the rise and fall of Blanco, known as “The Godmother” and “Black Widow,” in the tumultuous drug trade between Colombia and Miami during the 1970s and ’80s.

Blanco’s legacy has resurfaced not only for her criminal exploits but also due to recent legal action taken by her surviving son, Michael Corleone Blanco, and his wife, Marie. The couple filed a lawsuit in Miami-Dade County against Vergara, Netflix, and others involved in the project, alleging the unauthorized use of family members’ “image, likeness, and/or identity.” The lawsuit also claims that recorded conversations with Blanco were used without compensation. Seeking damages “in excess of $50,000,” the plaintiffs aim to block the series’ release through an emergency temporary injunction.

Amidst the legal challenges, the creators of “Griselda” shared insights into the making of the series with NBC News. Doug Miro, co-creator of “Narcos,” expressed admiration for Vergara’s passion and understanding of Blanco’s complex journey. The narrative explores two powerful women on opposing sides of the law, namely Blanco and June Hawkins, a retired Miami police detective integral to Blanco’s conviction.

Vergara’s transformation into the notorious drug lord required meticulous efforts from the creative team. Departing from her usual comedic roles, Vergara spent hours in the makeup chair each day, undergoing extensive changes to embody Blanco authentically. The series aims to humanize rather than glamorize Blanco, showcasing her as a deeply flawed protagonist with a complex narrative.

While facing criticism for perpetuating stereotypes, the creators argue that “Griselda” serves as a cautionary tale. They emphasize the tragic consequences of Blanco’s choices and highlight the value of storytelling that explores the flaws and mistakes of its characters. Despite the controversy, Vergara hopes the audience takes away a profound understanding of how power can corrupt individuals, transcending factors like gender, politics, and societal norms.

As “Griselda” prepares to make its debut, it promises a riveting exploration of a criminal mastermind’s life, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of power, crime, and human nature.

Climate Protestors Throw Soup at the ‘Mona Lisa’, Advocate for Healthy Farming

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Climate Protestors Throw Soup at the ‘Mona Lisa’, Advocate for Healthy Farming

In a bold protest for a sustainable food system, two climate activists disrupted the serene atmosphere of the Louvre Museum on Sunday by hurling soup at the protective glass surrounding the iconic “Mona Lisa.” The activists, adorned in T-shirts emblazoned with the words “FOOD RIPOSTE,” passionately advocated for a shift towards a healthier and more sustainable approach to food production.

A video of the incident circulated on social media, capturing the moment the two women breached security barriers, approached Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, and flung soup at the protective enclosure. Amidst their act, the activists vociferously questioned onlookers, asking, “What’s the most important thing? Art, or the right to a healthy and sustainable food?”

The protestors continued their verbal assault on the current agricultural system, declaring, “Our farming system is sick. Our farmers are dying at work.” Their disruptive actions prompted Louvre employees to swiftly respond by placing black panels in front of the Mona Lisa and urging visitors to evacuate the room.

Paris police confirmed the subsequent arrest of two individuals involved in the incident.

The Food Riposte group, responsible for the protest, expressed their grievances on their website, accusing the French government of neglecting climate commitments. The group called for the establishment of a comprehensive system similar to the country’s state-sponsored healthcare, aimed at ensuring widespread access to healthy food and providing farmers with a fair income.

The protest comes in the midst of heightened tensions within the French agricultural sector. Angry farmers, utilizing their tractors, have been staging road blockades and slowing traffic across the country for days. Their demands include better remuneration for their produce, reduced bureaucratic hurdles, and protection against the adverse effects of cheap imports. In a symbolic gesture, they also deposited foul-smelling agricultural waste at the entrances of government offices to draw attention to their plight.

Migrant Surge Continues to Strain US-Mexico Border as Texas Implements Unprecedented Measures

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Migrant Surge Continues to Strain US-Mexico Border as Texas Implements Unprecedented Measures

In an ongoing struggle to manage a surge of migrants at the US-Mexico border, developments reveal a complex web of political tensions and border security challenges. Key updates include:

  1. Eagle Pass, Texas Migrant Encounters Drop but Tensions Rise:
    • The once-migrant hotspot, Eagle Pass, Texas, has witnessed a significant reduction in daily apprehensions, down from thousands to around 500 per day.
    • However, political tensions between state and federal officials, particularly in Texas, remain high.
  2. Texas Blocks US Border Patrol and Initiates Aggressive Measures:
    • The Texas Military Department has taken an unprecedented step by blocking access to miles of the US-Mexico border, obstructing both federal law enforcement agencies and organizations aiding migrants.
    • Texas Governor Abbott, known for his tough stance on immigration, asserts the state’s legal authority to control border access.
  3. Biden Administration Appeals to Supreme Court:
    • President Biden’s administration has urged the US Supreme Court to intervene, citing new barriers erected by Texas that reinforce the need for federal intervention.
    • The legal battle intensifies as the administration seeks a resolution to the ongoing border security crisis.
  4. Factors Contributing to Decrease in Migrant Encounters:
    • The Department of Homeland Security attributes the recent decline in migrant encounters to enhanced enforcement actions by Mexico, including checks on trains and buses.
    • Mexico’s efforts also involve relocating migrants from the northern to the southern border and reinstating deportations of Venezuelans.
  5. Human Smugglers and Unpredictable Migration Patterns:
    • Despite the decrease in migrant encounters, concerns linger over human smugglers exploiting misinformation and encouraging large groups to cross illegally.
    • Unexplained fluctuations in migration patterns highlight the complexity of addressing border challenges.
  6. Abbott’s Unilateral Actions Draw Criticism:
    • Governor Abbott’s decision to block Border Patrol access and implement additional barriers has drawn criticism from federal officials.
    • The move caught Homeland Security officials off guard, highlighting a lack of coordination between state and federal entities.
  7. Biden Administration Condemns Abbott’s Actions:
    • The White House condemns Governor Abbott’s actions, accusing him of politicizing the border and making it more challenging for Border Patrol to perform their duties.
    • Legal battles over new barriers, including razor wire and fencing, underscore the deepening divide between state and federal authorities.
  8. Texas Asserts Control Without Resorting to Lethal Force:
    • Governor Abbott clarifies that Texas is utilizing all legal means to address the migrant situation, stopping short of using lethal force.
    • The state’s aggressive measures aim to assert control over the border while avoiding extreme tactics.
  9. Texas Democrats and ACLU Criticize Abbott’s Approach:
    • Texas Democrats and civil rights groups criticize Governor Abbott’s approach, labeling it as lacking morality and humanity.
    • Concerns are raised about the potential dangers at the border resulting from Abbott’s rhetoric and actions.
  10. Emergency Declaration Enables Texas Park Takeover:
    • Texas utilizes a disaster declaration from May 2021 to take over Shelby Park in Eagle Pass, staging resources for Operation Lone Star.
    • Eagle Pass officials express surprise at the timing of the park takeover, emphasizing the city’s reluctance to deny access.

The dynamic situation at the US-Mexico border continues to unfold, with political, legal, and humanitarian dimensions influencing the path forward.

House Speaker Johnson Casts Doubt on Bipartisan Immigration Deal, Deeming it Potentially “Dead on Arrival”

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House Speaker Johnson Casts Doubt on Bipartisan Immigration Deal, Deeming it Potentially “Dead on Arrival”

President Joe Biden is urging Congress to support a bipartisan Senate deal that combines border enforcement measures with aid for Ukraine. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, has signaled that the compromise on border and immigration policy may face resistance in the House.

In a statement on Friday, President Biden lauded the proposed policies as “the toughest and fairest set of reforms to secure the border we’ve ever had in our country.” He committed to using emergency authority to “shut down the border” once the legislation is signed into law.

While Biden’s endorsement signals a potential shift in the politics of immigration in an election year, the compromise’s fate in Congress is uncertain. House Speaker Johnson expressed skepticism, stating in a letter to colleagues that the legislation could be “dead on arrival in the House” based on leaked reports.

The Senate deal, initially demanding border policy changes in Biden’s $110 billion emergency request for Ukraine, Israel, and national security, faced criticism from Republicans, including former President Donald Trump. Trump labeled the deal a political “gift” to Democrats.

Johnson’s letter aligns him with hardline conservatives opposing the compromise. He accused Biden of attempting to blame Congress for problems intentionally created by the president. The proposed measures include stricter standards on asylum seekers and the denial of asylum applications at the border under certain conditions.

The Senate deal’s core negotiators aimed to release the text early next week, but conservative critics argue that the measures do not go far enough in limiting immigration. If the deal collapses, it could hinder Congress’s ability to approve funds for Ukraine, impacting U.S. allies globally.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell acknowledged tough opposition from Trump, hinting at alternative ways to pursue Ukraine aid. The impasse raises concerns about leaving Ukrainian soldiers without essential support on the battlefield.

While the lead GOP negotiator, Sen. James Lankford, urged lawmakers to withhold judgment until receiving the legislative text, Speaker Johnson’s alignment with hardline conservatives adds to the challenges facing the Senate deal.

As the political landscape intensifies, Biden’s push for the compromise underscores the urgency to address border security and provide crucial aid to Ukraine, a top priority for his administration. However, the path forward remains uncertain amid growing resistance from conservative quarters.

Get Ready for the Oscars: A Guide to Watching the 2024 Best Picture Nominees

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Get Ready for the Oscars: A Guide to Watching the 2024 Best Picture Nominees

Now that the 2024 Oscar nominations have been revealed, movie enthusiasts have a limited time to catch up on the nominated films before the prestigious ceremony. With the 96th Academy Awards set to be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, scheduled to air at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST on Sunday, March 10, on ABC, here’s a breakdown of the 10 films nominated for Best Picture and how you can watch them.

“American Fiction” From MGM: “Cord Jefferson’s hilarious directorial debut, ‘American Fiction,’ confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes. Jeffrey Wright stars as Monk, a frustrated novelist challenging the establishment’s profit from ‘Black’ entertainment built on tired and offensive tropes. To make his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish ‘Black’ book, propelling him into the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.”

How to watch: Currently playing in theaters and available for preorder on VOD platforms like Amazon’s Prime Video and Apple TV.

“Anatomy of a Fall” From Neon: “Sandra, her husband Samuel, and their 11-year-old son Daniel live a secluded life in the French Alps. When Samuel is found dead, Sandra becomes the main suspect, leading to an investigation into the circumstances of his death and an unsettling psychological journey into their conflicted relationship.”

How to watch: Available to rent or buy on VOD platforms like Amazon’s Prime Video and Apple TV.

“Barbie” From Warner Bros. Pictures: “Living in Barbie Land means being a perfect being in a perfect place unless you have a full-on existential crisis. Or you’re a Ken.”

How to watch: Streaming exclusively on Max and available to rent or buy on VOD platforms like Amazon’s Prime Video and Apple TV.

“The Holdovers” From Focus Features: “Directed by Alexander Payne, ‘The Holdovers’ follows a curmudgeonly instructor (Paul Giamatti) at a New England prep school who must remain on campus during Christmas break, forming unlikely bonds with a troubled student and the school’s head cook.”

How to watch: Streaming exclusively on Peacock and available to buy on VOD platforms like Amazon’s Prime Video and Apple TV.

“Killers of the Flower Moon” From Apple TV: “Based on a true story, ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ is an epic western crime saga following the wealth of the Osage Nation and the manipulation, extortion, and murder that ensued.”

How to watch: Streaming exclusively on Apple TV+ and available to buy on VOD platforms like Amazon’s Prime Video.

“Maestro” From Netflix: “Directed by Bradley Cooper, ‘Maestro’ chronicles the lifelong relationship between Leonard Bernstein and Felicia Montealegre Cohn Bernstein, offering an emotionally epic portrayal of family and love.”

How to watch: Streaming exclusively on Netflix.

“Oppenheimer” From Universal Pictures: “Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, ‘Oppenheimer’ is an IMAX-shot epic thriller delving into the paradox of the enigmatic man who risks destroying the world to save it.”

How to watch: Available on Peacock starting Feb. 16 and for rent or purchase on VOD platforms like Amazon’s Prime Video.

“Past Lives” From A24: “Nora and Hae Sung, childhood friends separated by emigration, reunite in New York for a week, confronting destiny, love, and life choices in this heartrending modern romance.”

How to watch: Available to rent or buy on VOD platforms like Amazon’s Prime Video and Apple TV.

“Poor Things” From Searchlight Pictures: “Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, ‘Poor Things’ tells the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter, brought back to life by Dr. Godwin Baxter, and her adventure with lawyer Duncan Wedderburn.”

How to watch: Currently playing in theaters.

“The Zone of Interest” From A24: “The commandant of Auschwitz and his wife strive to build a dream life next to the camp in ‘The Zone of Interest.'”

How to watch: Currently playing in theaters.

Mark your calendars for Oscar Sunday on March 10, 2024. To catch the 2024 Oscars live on ABC, tune in at 7 p.m. EST/4 p.m. PST. After the awards ceremony, stay with “On The Red Carpet” for continuing coverage. For all the latest Oscar news and updates, follow @OnTheRedCarpet. Watch “On The Red Carpet” on your preferred streaming platform.

RodeoHouston Seeks Seasonal Staff for Upcoming Job Fair TODAY

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RodeoHouston Seeks Seasonal Staff for Upcoming Job Fair TODAY

In anticipation of one of Houston’s most anticipated events, RodeoHouston organizers are actively recruiting for part-time positions to ensure the smooth running of the festivities in February.

If you or someone you know is in search of a seasonal job opportunity, the Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo’s job fair on Saturday, January 27, is the place to be. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NRG Stadium West Club.

Various part-time roles are available, encompassing positions such as concessions cashiers, bartenders, wait staff, event staff, carnival ride and game attendants, as well as security personnel.

To streamline the application process, interested candidates planning to attend the job fair are encouraged to apply online beforehand. The job fair venue will be the Teal Lot at Gate 14, located at Kirby Drive and Murorth.

For additional details and comprehensive information, interested individuals can visit the RodeoHouston website.

The Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo, set to kick off on February 27, 2024, promises an exciting array of events and performances, making it a noteworthy occasion for both participants and attendees.

Jury Orders Former President Trump to Pay $83.3 Million in Defamation Case

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Jury Orders Former President Trump to Pay $83.3 Million in Defamation Case

In a significant legal development, a jury has mandated that former President Donald Trump must pay writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million for defamatory statements against her, according to reports from multiple sources on Friday.

The verdict follows the jury’s determination that Trump had damaged Carroll’s reputation in response to her allegations of sexual assault in the 1990s. Closing arguments concluded earlier on Friday, leading to the decisive ruling.

The jury’s decision included an award of $18.3 million in compensatory damages and an additional $65 million in punitive damages, resulting in the total sum of $83.3 million, as reported by several outlets.

Carroll’s attorney, Roberta Kaplan, urged the jury to order Trump to pay a minimum of $24 million in damages. Kaplan emphasized the need for “unusually high” punitive damages to prevent Trump from further defaming Carroll, citing his considerable wealth. Earlier in the trial, she stated that a minimum of $12 million was required to repair her client’s tarnished reputation, a figure endorsed by an expert witness.

Deliberations by the jury began around 1:45 pm EST, according to NBC News.

E. Jean Carroll, in a statement shared with Axios, declared, “This is a great victory for every woman who stands up when she’s been knocked down, and a huge defeat for every bully who has tried to keep a woman down.”

Kaplan asserted that the verdict “proves that the law applies to everyone in our country, even the rich, even the famous, even former presidents.” She commended Carroll for her courage in standing up to Trump.

Trump’s attorney, Alina Habba, announced outside the courthouse that they would “immediately appeal” the verdict and dismiss the jury’s decision as “ridiculous.” Trump himself, in a post on Truth Social, called the verdict “absolutely ridiculous” and expressed strong disagreement, vowing to appeal.

The trial, distinct from a previous case where Trump was found liable for sexually abusing Carroll, focused on determining the damages owed for defamation. Trump left the New York federal courtroom briefly during Kaplan’s closing arguments but returned before the defense began its concluding statements.

Habba contended that Carroll lied about the assault for fame, a claim rejected by Presiding Judge Lewis Kaplan. The defense also argued against Trump’s responsibility for the threats and harmful messages received by Carroll after he denied her rape accusations during a televised CNN town hall.

The ongoing legal battles stem from Carroll’s original 2019 defamation lawsuit against Trump, who is a leading contender for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. While in office, Trump dismissed Carroll’s allegations, asserting that she fabricated the rape accusations for book sales. Carroll filed a second lawsuit in 2022, which concluded last year with a jury finding Trump liable and ordering him to pay $5 million in damages.

Throughout the trial, Trump, positioning himself for a potential 2024 presidential run, has used the courtroom as a platform to criticize the legal proceedings, presenting himself as a victim of unjust actions. Attempts to dismiss or delay the lawsuit based on claims of presidential immunity were rejected by the courts.

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