USC cancels valedictorian’s speech after pro-Israel groups object
The University of Southern California said it has canceled plans for a graduation speech by this year’s valedictorian, Asna Tabassum, who is Muslim. The school said the decision stemmed from security concerns based on emails and other electronic communications warning of a plan to disrupt the commencement, including at least one that targeted Tabassum.
Supreme Court questions obstruction charges brought against Jan. 6 rioters and Trump
The Supreme Court on Tuesday questioned whether federal prosecutors went too far in bringing obstruction charges against hundreds of participants in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot. But it wasn’t clear how the justices would rule in a case that also could affect the prosecution of former President Donald Trump, who faces the same charge for his efforts to overturn his election loss in 2020.
Obituaries for April 17
Lawrence “Skip” Lee Black, 60, of Keaau died April 4 at Hilo Medical Center. Born in Honolulu, he was retired. Private services held. Survived by wife, Loriann Black of Keaau; children, Cheynne Black and Jonah Black of Keaau, Tiana Black of Sweden; stepchildren, Zachry Hernandez of Las Vegas and Jordan Hernandez of Georgia; mother, Dianna Black of Kailua, Oahu; brother, Lewis Black Jr. of Kailua, Oahu; mother-in-law, Rosita Yoro of Keaau; nine grandchildren. Arrangements by Dodo Mortuary.
