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Former President Trump Arrested, Booked, and Pleads Not Guilty to 37 Charges Tied to Alleged Mishandling of Classified Documents

In an almost surreal sequence of events that defied the once noble legacy of the U.S. presidency, former President Donald Trump, already marred by a litany of firsts throughout his political career, orchestrated a mesmerizing motorcade entrance, concealing the imminent arrest that awaited him in a Miami courtroom on serious federal criminal charges.

With crowds filling the area around the courthouse, the unprecedented scene unfolded as a symbolic embodiment of his remarkable knack for theatricality, further punctuating his notorious legacy as the first President twice impeached, to face civil sex harassment charges resulting in a lawsuit loss, and to be indicted on state criminal charges.

Now, another dark milestone joins this extensive list, as he becomes the first President to face federal charges, including allegations connected to the Espionage Act, leaving his supporters stunned and angry.

Trump made his first court appearance on Tuesday, June 13, entering a plea of not guilty to 37 charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified documents.

As he went through the booking process with deputy marshals, authorities took electronic copies of Trump’s fingerprints but omitted taking a mugshot due to his notoriety as ex-President.

The hearing marked the escalation of legal jeopardy for the 2024 GOP front-runner, with special counsel Jack Smith in attendance.

The charges brought forth by the Justice Department’s classified documents case against Trump include 37 felony counts.

The allegations involve the illegal retention of national defense information and the concealment of documents violating witness-tampering laws in the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into these materials.

Trump’s close aide, Walt Nauta, was also indicted and faces charges related to a conspiracy to obstruct the federal investigation.

Nauta was also booked and arraigned. WI

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

‘All Up in the Biz’ With Biz Markie

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5Rapper Big Daddy Kane and Biz Markie were hip-hop collaborators. Kane is featured in the documentary about Markie, “All Up in the Biz,” premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival this month. (Courtesy Photo/ Showtime)

“All Up in the Biz,” a documentary about the late rapper Biz Markie premieres on June 17 at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The film gives us a wider view of the artist, who was best known for his mega-hit “Just a Friend.” Known as “The Clown Prince of Hip Hop,” Biz Markie was a beatbox wiz who shouted out comical rhymes in an upbeat, whimsical style.

The documentary features never seen footage, animation, puppet reenactments and interviews with Biz Markie and other prominent figures. On-camera comments will be heard from Fat Joe, Nick Cannon, Tracy Morgan, and many others. Noted rap icons like Rakim and Big Daddy Kane credit Markie as an influence on their careers. Following the screening at Tribeca, the film will have its global premiere on Showtime in August.

Sacha Jenkins directed “All Up in the Biz.” He also cowrote the film with Andre Wilkins.

Jenkins has an extensive background working on productions about music figures. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for writing the docuseries “Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men.” He was also nominated for a Black Reel Award for Outstanding Documentary Feature for the film, “Louis Armstrong's Black & Blues.” WI

Bowser Celebrates McMillan Park Project Progress

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, along with members of her administration, community members and residents, gathered on June 13 to celebrate the progress of the McMillan redevelopment project in Northwest.

The Bowser administration has invested more than $100 million to support the transformational project which is expected to deliver a 17,000 square-foot community center with a pool and a 6.2-acre park. Two-thirds of the project is also being developed by a private entity and will include housing, a grocery store, and amenities.

“We are here today, celebrating this progress, because of the relentless, government-wide commitment to delivering a transformational project to Ward 5 and our entire city,” said Bowser, 50. “When we talk about the District’s comeback, this project is in so many ways what it looks like—creating jobs for our residents; eliminating amenity gaps and building more housing.”

McMillan was designated a historical site locally and nationally in 1991. Presently, about 60% of the community center has been developed and the park will include large play areas, a children’s playground, historic Memorial Fountain and Olmsted Walk, adult exercise stations, a plaza with splash pads and an amphitheater.

“The progress shows the dedication and commitment of Mayor Bowser, and the collaborative efforts of our team and residents,” said Delano Hunter, the director of the Department of General Services. “The park and community center are a tremendous investment in the community and will enhance the quality of life for residents.”

Additionally, most of the site is being developed by Vision McMillan Partners and will feature a full-service grocery store, restaurants, and retail, 146 for-sale townhouses, 467 rental apartments, and over one million square feet of healthcare facility space. The first townhouses are expected to be delivered in 2024. WI