Seven individuals arrested for protesting the silencing of Zephyr in the state House will not face legal repercussions.

Montana prosecutors have decided not to pursue misdemeanor trespassing charges against seven individuals who were arrested for protesting the actions of Republican lawmakers in the state House. The protesters had gathered in the gallery to show their support for transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr, who was denied the right to debate bills near the end of the 2023 legislative session.

Zephyr, who made history as the first openly transgender lawmaker in Montana, was silenced by Republican legislators after speaking out against a bill that would restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors. The protestors, who were upset by the silencing of Zephyr, were arrested for trespassing but will now face no further legal action following the decision by prosecutors.

This move has sparked reactions from both supporters and critics of the transgender lawmaker. Advocates for Zephyr argue that the protests were a necessary act of resistance in the face of an unjust decision by the legislative body, while opponents believe the arrests were justified due to the disruption caused in the House gallery.

The decision not to charge the protesters is seen as a victory for those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and it continues to raise important questions about freedom of speech, legislative power, and the treatment of transgender individuals in politics.

Former New York City Mayor laughs uncomfortably when asked about his ties to Donald Trump amid legal proceedings.

Rudy Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City, had a moment of discomfort when questioned about his long-standing relationship with Donald Trump during his surrender in Georgia. As Giuliani faced charges related to the 2020 election, he was asked whether he regretted aligning himself with the former president, whose legal challenges have been ongoing. The former mayor awkwardly laughed off the question, before stating, “If they can do this to me, they can do this to you.”

Giuliani’s legal battles have intensified in recent months, and his surrender in Georgia adds to the growing list of legal entanglements the former Trump ally faces. His uncomfortable reaction to the question has sparked further discussion about the controversial nature of his alliance with Trump, which has been under increasing scrutiny.

As Giuliani navigates the serious charges, his comments reflect the pressures he is facing, while his history with Trump continues to be a focal point in ongoing legal battles.

The call follows growing frustration from constituents and political leaders over Dorries’ prolonged absenteeism.

A second local council has now called on Nadine Dorries, the former Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire, to immediately resign from her parliamentary seat. The motion, passed by the Mid Bedfordshire District Council, follows mounting pressure after Dorries announced that she would step down from her role but had yet to formally vacate the seat. The decision to ask for her resignation comes as a response to what the council describes as a prolonged period of absenteeism, with Dorries being largely absent from her constituency duties for several months.

The council’s plea for her resignation is in line with calls from local residents and political leaders, who have expressed frustration over the lack of representation in the constituency. Mid Bedfordshire has been without a clear representative for an extended period, and there have been numerous complaints from constituents regarding the lack of engagement with their concerns. Some have even pointed out that the delay in Dorries’ resignation has caused unnecessary uncertainty, especially as the constituency could be left without direct support if a by-election is not called soon.

Dorries, who had previously been a prominent figure in UK politics, serving as Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport under former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, has faced scrutiny for her continued tenure despite having largely retreated from public duties. Her resignation was initially announced back in June but, as of August, she has yet to formally leave the position, adding to the growing concerns about her commitment to the role. Political commentators and local officials have pointed out that the situation could lead to further instability in the region if action is not taken swiftly.

In response, Dorries has made statements suggesting that she is taking time to consider her next steps. However, her delay in resigning has fueled ongoing criticisms that her absence has left Mid Bedfordshire residents without a clear voice in Parliament.