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Revitalize Thigh Strength After 60: 5 Effective Standing Exercises That Outperform Leg Press

Strong thighs play a vital role in maintaining stability, balance, and mobility, especially as you grow older.

Did you know that the muscles in your thighs are the largest in your body? While thigh strength might not seem crucial at first glance, it is fundamental for maintaining stability, balance, and mobility. Robust thighs not only help prevent falls and injuries as you age but also boost your metabolism and help control blood sugar levels.

Ready to enhance your thigh strength? We consulted with experts who recommend five standing exercises that can restore thigh strength more effectively than the leg press for those over 60.

“While the leg press is effective for building muscle, it falls short in developing functional strength,” says Ngo Okafor, a celebrity trainer and Founder and CEO of Iconoclast Fitness. “The main limitation is that the machine provides stabilization for you. In everyday life, no one is there to stabilize you when walking, climbing stairs, getting up from the floor, or preventing a fall. Standing exercises compel your body to operate as a cohesive unit—engaging legs, hips, core, balance, coordination, and posture all at once.”

“The leg press can build muscle, but it has limitations when it comes to functional strength,” explains Ngo Okafor, Celebrity Trainer, Founder + CEO of Iconoclast Fitness. “The biggest issue is that the machine stabilizes your body for you. In real life, nobody is stabilizing you when you walk, climb stairs, get off the floor, or catch yourself from falling. Standing exercises force your body to work as one integrated system—legs, hips, core, balance, coordination, and posture all working together.”

The difference between aging gracefully and aging in a more fragile state comes down to whether someone has maintained sufficient strength in the right movement patterns to be able to do tasks and hobbies that keep them independent, says Terry Tateossian, Founder, Certified Lifestyle Medicine Coach, Trainer, and Nutritionist for Women 40+ at THOR – The House of Rose, who has completed a variety of advanced training to support her work in women’s health and middle-aged weight loss.

“The exercises that hold up the best are ones that train the body to do what it already needs to do—only stronger, steadier, and with more confidence than the day before,” she tells us. “Strong thighs are built through real-life movement. That means standing, stabilizing, and moving the body in a way that real life actually demands.”

Bodyweight Squats

“Squats help strengthen the quads, glutes, and core while improving the ability to sit down and stand up safely,” Okafor says.

  1. Stand tall, feet shoulder-width apart on the floor.
  2. Extend your arms ahead of you or place your hands on your hips.
  3. Bend at the knees and hips as you lower into a squat.
  4. Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
  5. Press through your heels to rise back up to standing.

Step-Ups

“Step-ups mimic climbing stairs and improve single-leg strength and balance,” Okafor notes.

  1. Begin by standing tall, facing a step.
  2. Place your left foot firmly onto the surface, keeping your core engaged and chest tall.
  3. Press through your left heel to lift your body until your left leg is straight and you’re standing on the surface.
  4. Use control to lower back to the start position.
  5. Repeat on the other side.

Stationary Lunges

“Split squats are incredible for restoring stability, mobility, and strength in each leg individually, which becomes increasingly important as we age,” Okafor says.

  1. Stand tall with your feet parallel, hip-distance apart.
  2. Place your hands on your hips.
  3. Step forward with one foot.
  4. Engage your core as you bend your knees, lowering to form 90-degree bends in both legs.
  5. Keep your upper body straight.
  6. Press through your front heel and the ball of your back foot to rise back up.

Farmer’s Carry

“Farmer’s carries strengthen the legs while also challenging posture, grip strength, and core stability—all things that protect us from falls and injury,” Okafor notes.

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand at your sides.
  2. Start walking forward, keeping your torso still and maintaining a tall posture.

Dumbbell Romanian Deadlifts

“As we naturally lose muscle throughout our frame, some of the most affected areas are the thighs. Romanian deadlifts help build balanced strength between the quads, glutes and hamstrings,” Tateossian tells us.

  1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand. (If you’re not comfortable working with dumbbells, simply use your body weight.)
  2. Bend your knees slightly and hold the weights in front of your thighs.
  3. Press your hips back as you lower the dumbbells down your leg. Maintain a straight back as you do so.
  4. Squeeze your glutes to return to the start position.

Breaking News: Fort Stewart Soldier Charged in Child Molestation Case – What You Need to Know

In Coffee County, Georgia, a 26-year-old soldier from Fort Stewart found himself facing serious legal troubles as of Friday, May 15. Tyrone Barry Carter Jr. was apprehended on charges of aggravated child molestation, stemming from allegations spanning from 2017 to 2026.

The situation came to light when a deputy from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report in Douglas on February 10. The report concerned alleged sexual assaults that had reportedly taken place over the last nine years. During the investigation, multiple individuals came forward, recounting incidents they claimed occurred during their childhood.

Tyrone Barry Carter Jr., 26

Following his detention at Fort Stewart, Carter Jr. was subsequently transported to Coffee County, where he faces the serious allegations and awaits legal proceedings.

While investigating, multiple victims came forward with incidents alleged during their childhood.

Carter Jr. was detained on Fort Stewart and transported to Coffee County.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active and ongoing and anyone with information, or anyone who may have been a victim, should contact the department at 912-384-4227.

Minneapolis ICE Agent Faces Charges for Alleged Shooting of Undocumented Immigrant

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On Monday, prosecutors in Minnesota issued a nationwide arrest warrant for a federal immigration officer accused of shooting an undocumented immigrant and subsequently misrepresenting the incident during last winter’s ICE operation in the state.

The officer in question, Christian Castro, 52, faces charges including four counts of second-degree assault with a deadly weapon and one count of falsely reporting a crime. These charges stem from his alleged actions during the shooting of Venezuelan migrant Julio Sosa-Celis amidst a tumultuous protest against ICE in Minneapolis on January 14, according to the Hennepin County District Court.

During the incident, Sosa-Celis suffered a gunshot wound to the leg. Along with two other undocumented immigrants, he was initially detained under the Department of Homeland Security’s assertion that they had incited violence by attacking ICE agents.

At that time, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem issued a statement describing the incident as an attempted murder of a federal officer. She claimed the officer, presumably Castro, had been assaulted by three individuals wielding snow shovels and broom handles, prompting him to discharge his weapon in self-defense.

However, subsequent video evidence contradicted the officer’s account, leading to the dismissal of all charges against the three undocumented immigrants, as reported by the Star Tribune.

Castro was identified as the gunman during an interview at the shooting scene with a representative from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension,  as well as medical records from his subsequent visit to the hospital, the outlet reported.

Sosa-Celis, who illegally entered the country in 2022, was previously arrested for driving without a license and two counts of giving a false name to a peace officer but “released by Minnesota authorities before ICE could even lodge a detainer,” DHS has said.

MAGA Strategist Rebuts Controversial Allegations Involving Nicki Minaj

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An influential figure in Trump’s circle, known for bridging connections between celebrities and the MAGA movement, is refuting allegations that Nicki Minaj’s support for Donald Trump was motivated by a desire for family pardons.

Alex Bruesewitz, a former Trump campaign aide and notable figure within MAGA circles, recently took a stand against Pop Crave. The media outlet had shared comments from Linda Perry, the lead singer of 4 Non Blondes, who speculated on Minaj’s reasons for backing the former President.

Perry implied that Minaj’s support was driven by personal gain, suggesting she sought favors from the Trump administration.

Bruesewitz vehemently denied these claims, labeling them as a “disgusting and disgraceful smear” propagated by Democrats and critics of Trump. He emphasized that Minaj had never requested anything from Trump and had only extended her support.

He further dismissed the notion that Minaj was seeking a quid pro quo, calling such insinuations “total garbage.”

Bruesewitz sang a similar tune to the Wall Street Journal, which chronicled Minaj’s move from closeted conservative to MAGA mainstay. 

A pardon for family members has ‘never been brought up or even referenced by her or anybody,’ he told the paper. 

Both Minaj’s brother and husband have been in legal trouble.

 

Rapper Nicki Minaj (left) poses with President Donald Trump (right) in January as the President touted 'Trump Accounts' through the Treasury Department

Rapper Nicki Minaj (left) poses with President Donald Trump (right) in January as the President touted ‘Trump Accounts’ through the Treasury Department 

Rapper Nicki Minaj poses on the black carpet at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center for the premiere of the Melania documentary in late January

Rapper Nicki Minaj poses on the black carpet at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center for the premiere of the Melania documentary in late January 

Her brother is serving a long prison sentence for child rape. 

Her husband has previously served prison time for the attempted rape of a minor, but has more recently been on house arrest and probation. 

White House officials pointed out to the Journal that the President’s pardon power wouldn’t extend to the state conviction of Minaj’s brother. 

It appears that Minaj has been quietly conservative all along. 

Friends told the paper that when Minaj was first starting her rap career, she leaned right. 

In her 2012 song Mercy, she rapped: ‘I’m a Republican voting for Mitt Romney / You lazy b****es is f***ing up the economy.’ 

A year later, she name-dropped Trump in a song in a positive way, noting that she was ‘at the Trump’ while ‘you b****es at the Radisson.’ 

Of course, he wouldn’t launch his first presidential bid until two years later. 

Rapper Nicki Minaj (right) gives Erika Kirk (left) a high five at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix in December

Rapper Nicki Minaj (right) gives Erika Kirk (left) a high five at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix in December 

Rapper Nicki Minaj (center) is photographed at the Trump Accounts event alongside Treasurey Secretary Scott Bessent (left) and MAGA celebrity whisperer Alex Bruesewitz (right)

Rapper Nicki Minaj (center) is photographed at the Trump Accounts event alongside Treasurey Secretary Scott Bessent (left) and MAGA celebrity whisperer Alex Bruesewitz (right) 

Nicki Minaj (right) sits down with Katie Miller (left) for an episode of her conservative-leaning podcast. Miller is married to top Trump adviser Stephen Miller

Nicki Minaj (right) sits down with Katie Miller (left) for an episode of her conservative-leaning podcast. Miller is married to top Trump adviser Stephen Miller 

During the first Trump administration, Minaj joined with other musicians and Hollywood types in condemning some of the administration’s policies, especially the separation of children and parents who crossed the southern border. 

But the COVID-19 pandemic changed things. 

Minaj got pounced on when she shared a story in 2021 claiming that a friend of her cousin in her native Trinidad had swollen testicles and was suffering from impotence after taking the COVID vaccine. 

‘His friend was weeks away from getting married, now the girl called off the wedding,’ the rapper wrote, telling her fans, nicknamed ‘Barbz,’ to ‘pray on it’ before getting jabbed. 

At the time, health ministers in Trinidad said they had received no reports of vaccine-related testicular swelling. 

Minaj was accused of pushing COVID conspiracy theories. 

In 2024, Minaj was introduced to Bruesewitz by model Amber Rose, the ex-girlfriend of rapper Kanye West, who spoke in support of Trump at the Milwaukee Republican National Convention. 

Rose also connected Minaj with James Blair, a top Trump political adviser, who, late in the 2024 election cycle, tried to make the case to the rapper to officially endorse Trump, the Journal reported. 

Nicki Minaj (center left) can be seen seated alongside allies of President Donald Trump for the screening of the documentary Melania at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center in January

Nicki Minaj (center left) can be seen seated alongside allies of President Donald Trump for the screening of the documentary Melania at the newly renamed Trump Kennedy Center in January 

Nicki Minaj enters the stage as a surprise guest at a Turning Point USA event in December

Nicki Minaj enters the stage as a surprise guest at a Turning Point USA event in December 

A person familiar with the matter told the paper that the campaign was trying to give black voters a ‘permission structure’ to vote for Trump, and believed endorsements from high-profile figures like Minaj would be a big help. 

While Minaj was supportive of the President on the phone with Blair, the Journal said, she told the political operative that she needed to talk to others in her life for advice before going public with her politics. 

Shortly before the election, Minaj also dialed Trump.  

She wanted to let him know she was supporting his reelection, the Journal said, but her management team told her she needed to stay on the sidelines because an endorsement could impact her business interests. 

Tragic Workplace Shooting: Woman Killed by Former Partner Outside Office, Police Report

A tragic incident unfolded in Southern California when a man allegedly ambushed his former partner outside her place of employment, fatally shooting her before escaping the scene. Authorities report that the suspect, Juan Marquez, 47, later left the country but was apprehended upon his return.

Juan Marquez and Sandra Fernandez

Insets: Juan Marquez (Tustin Police Department) and Sandra Fernandez (GoFundMe).

Marquez is charged with the murder of Sandra Fernandez, 42, in Tustin, a city neighboring Anaheim. The police were alerted to the shooting on Thursday evening, around 6 p.m., in the vicinity of Yorba Street and Medford Avenue. Upon arrival, officers discovered Fernandez unresponsive on the sidewalk with gunshot injuries, and she was declared deceased by paramedics.

Eyewitnesses recounted seeing a man dressed in black fleeing the area in an older, dark-colored sedan. Through their investigation, authorities identified Marquez as the alleged perpetrator, noting that he had been waiting near Fernandez’s workplace to carry out the attack as she was walking to her vehicle.

Cops responded shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday to a shooting in the area of Yorba Street and Medford Avenue. They found an unresponsive Fernandez on the curb suffering from gunshot wounds. Paramedics pronounced her dead.

Witnesses told cops they saw a man wearing all black fleeing the scene and driving away in a dark-colored, older-model sedan. Investigators identified Marquez as the shooter and said he “laid in wait near Sandra”s workplace.” He allegedly killed her as she walked to her car.

After the shooting, he fled across the U.S.-Mexico border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry, per cops.

Police obtained an arrest warrant on Saturday and U.S. Customs and Border Protection arrested Marquez upon his return to the country. He is now being held in the Orange County Jail without bond.

Authorities have yet to divulge a motive for the shooting. A future court date was not immediately available.

Local CW affiliate KTLA reported Fernandez was a mother of three who was starting a new job and was leaving a training session when she was killed.

“Even though it was just under a month, she already was making good relationships and having a great impact, so this is really a tragedy,” co-worker Cassie Rossel told the outlet.

Her family started a GoFundMe to raise money for a funeral. The fundraiser said her kids were ages 5 and 14, and she also had an adult son who is in college.

“No one deserves to leave there family the way she went. Words won’t describe what our family is feeling and going through right now,” the description said.

Shocking Revelation: Mohamed Salah’s Agent Unveils Explosive Details on Anfield Departure and Future Plans

In the wake of Mohamed Salah’s announcement about departing Liverpool at the season’s end, his agent has released a strongly worded statement.

The 33-year-old star, who has been a central figure at Anfield for nearly a decade, plans to conclude his time with the club in May. This decision comes despite him inking a lucrative two-year contract extension worth £400,000 per week just about a year ago.

Having reached a mutual agreement with Liverpool, Salah will exit the club as a free agent.

Salah’s agent, Abbas, took to the social media platform X to express uncertainty about the player’s future, stating, “We do not know where Mohamed will play next season.”

He further cautioned, “This also means that no one else knows. Beware of the click-whoring attention seekers.”

Mohamed Salah's agent Ramy Abbas has immediately snuffed out speculation that he has a new club in mind

Mohamed Salah’s agent Ramy Abbas has immediately snuffed out speculation that he has a new club in mind

The Liverpool legend announced that he is set to leave Anfield at the end of the campaign

The Liverpool legend announced that he is set to leave Anfield at the end of the campaign

Daily Mail Sport understands that there could be appetite for clubs keen to make an offer to the Egyptian superstar from across the globe. 

Salah was the subject of an audacious £150million bid in summer 2023 from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad, while a number of the team’s rivals will now likely circle the winger ahead of the transfer window. 

Amid uncertainty of Salah’s future last season, Salah was also linked to interest from the MLS, while his free-agent status could prove enticing to Liverpool’s European rivals. 

‘Hello everyone,’ Salah announced in an emotional video. ‘Unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. 

‘I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people, would become part of my life. 

‘Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club. 

‘We celebrated victory together, we won the most important trophies, and we fought together through the hardest time in our lives.’

Paying tribute to the fans, he added: ‘I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me, through the best time in my career, and the toughest time – it’s something I will never forget. I will take it with me always.

‘Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will always be one of you. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.’ 

Liverpool’s statement read: ‘Salah expressed his wish to make this announcement to the supporters at the earliest possible opportunity to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude for them.

‘With plenty still left to play for this season, Salah is firmly focused on trying to achieve the best possible finish to the campaign for Liverpool and, therefore, the time to fully celebrate his legacy and achievements will follow later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield.’ 

Salah leaves the Reds as the third-highest goalscorer in the club’s history, having netted 255 goals in 435 appearances. 

As well as winning the Golden Boot four times, and being named PFA Players’ Player of the Year last season to make it his third time winning the award, Salah and his team-mates won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup and two League Cups. 

Suspicion had been swirling for some time that this season might prove the Egyptian superstar’s last at the club. 

In December, the 33-year-old gave an incendiary interview in which he said he had ‘no relationship’ with head coach Arne Slot, and hinted that he might be moving on after competing at AFCON with Egypt after he was dropped from the manager’s starting XI.  

‘I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes,’ he said after he had been an unused substitute against Leeds. ‘That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career I think.

‘(I am) very disappointed, I have done so much for this club over the years, especially last season. It seems like the club has thrown me under the bus. That’s how I feel.

‘Someone wants me to get all the blame. The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I’m on bench so I can say they haven’t kept those promises.

‘I used to have a good relationship (with manager Slot). Now we don’t have any relationship and I don’t know why.

‘It seems like someone does not want me in the club.

‘I called my mum and dad and told them to come to the Brighton game. It doesn’t matter if I play or not. I’m going to enjoy it. I’m just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the African Cup of Nations, because I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there.’

Instead, Salah repaired his relationship with his head coach, and will receive a hero’s farewell from fans at the end of the season. 

Norfolk Southern Train Collides with Septic Truck at Virginia Railroad Crossing, Bystander Video Reveals

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A freight train and a septic truck collided at a railroad crossing in Virginia last week, resulting in the destruction of the vehicle and a sewage spill at the location.

The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on May 14, as reported by the Chesapeake Police Department. A bystander captured video footage of the crash, showing the septic truck attempting to cross the tracks just as the approaching Norfolk Southern train collided with it.

The force of the collision sent the truck tumbling to the ground, where it overturned, causing sewage from its tank to spill out onto the scene.

A truck crosses train tracks as a train approaches.

According to the police department, “Preliminary findings indicate that the truck failed to stop at a posted stop sign prior to the collision.” The department shared this information in a Facebook post, noting that the investigation is still ongoing.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the truck failed to stop at a posted stop sign prior to the collision,” the police department said in a Facebook post. “This incident remains under active investigation.”

Azuriah O’Daniel, who filmed the collision, told WAVY-TV that the train conductor used a loud horn to warn the truck driver of the oncoming locomotive.

“I don’t think a lot of people realize they’re not cars. They don’t have rubber tires,” O’Daniel said. “It’s steel rails with steel wheels. When you grind those two together, that’s instant sparks.”

He noted that the crossing is private and lacks the typical warning devices used to alert drivers.

Aftermath of a train striking a septic truck.

The tank of the septic truck separated from the main cabin and spewed onto the road after it was struck crossing the train tracks. (Azuriah O’Daniel via Storyful)

When police arrived at the scene, they found the overturned truck and a male driver with life-threatening injuries. The driver was listed in stable condition on Friday, WAVY-TV reported.

Authorities have not yet released his identity. No one on the train was injured, Norfolk Southern told Fox News Digital.

Aftermath of a train hitting a septic truck.

The train appeared to smash through the tank on the back of the septic truck as it crossed the tracks. (Azuriah O’Daniel via Storyful)

The accident caused a “minor fuel‑related hazmat situation,” police said, but there was “no immediate danger to the public.”

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Chesapeake Police Department.

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Star Wars Icon Tom Kane Passes Away: Fans Flood Social Media with Heartfelt Tributes

Renowned Star Wars voice actor Tom Kane passed away at the age of 64, with his family by his side in the hospital on Monday. Although specific details regarding his passing were not disclosed, the confirmation came through a heartfelt Facebook post from his talent agency, Galactic Productions. Accompanied by a picture of Kane with a Yoda figurine, the post read: “Today we bid farewell to Tom Kane — a legendary voice actor whose contributions have shaped the imaginations and childhoods of millions across the globe.”

The post continued, highlighting Kane’s impact: “From his iconic roles in Star Wars to a myriad of animated series, documentaries, and video games, Tom infused wisdom, strength, humor, and heart into each character he portrayed. His voice became woven into our lives, memories, and the stories we cherish. Beyond his illustrious career, Tom was an extraordinary individual and a devoted husband and father. Together with his wife, they nurtured a loving family of nine children, three of whom are biological, and six adopted or fostered. His compassion and generosity were as noteworthy as his immense talent. While his voice may have fallen silent, the characters, stories, and love he shared with the world will endure eternally. Rest in peace, Tom Kane. Thank you for everything.”

Kane’s most celebrated roles included voicing Jedi Master Yoda and Admiral Yularen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars film and series, The Chancellor in the animated movie 9, Magneto in Wolverine and the X-Men, Lord Monkey Fist in Kim Possible, Professor Utonium and HIM in The Powerpuff Girls, Oxnard Montalvo in The Angry Beavers, and Darwin in The Wild Thornberrys.

In November 2020, Kane suffered a severe stroke, compelling him to retire early. His daughter used Facebook to provide updates on his health. In a December 2020 post, she revealed that he experienced “a left-sided stroke, leading to right-sided weakness and impacting the speech center of his brain.”

She also shared, “My dad continues to be in good spirits. His sheer determination has already led to noticeable improvements in his speech.”

However in September 2021, she confirmed he had decided to officially enter an early retirement from voice acting due to the stroke. Despite this he recently attended a fan convention where he was reunited with the actresses who voiced the Powerpuff Girls. His final Instagram post showed him posing alongside them. He captioned it: “Reunited with my girls!!’”

Tributes flooded in from fans as they learnt the news. One wrote on Facebook: “Rest In Peace Tom Kane I enjoyed your role as Prof. Utonium from the original PowerPuff Girls as well as Jedi Master Yoda from Star Wars The Clone Wars plus other roles May The Force Be With You.” Antoehr added: “No way… he was one of my favorite va’s too. I loved when he played Magneto and Yoda.”

A third chimed in: “RIP Tom Kane. This is just devastating news. He was just at a convention reunited with the Powerpuff Girls. He looked so happy and genuinely pleased at the love. To hear he’s gone now… it’s just heartbreaking.”

A fourth shared: “He’s one of the greatest voice actors of my childhood, and he always will be. Godspeed Professor.” A fifth recalled: “This is a sad one for me. I remember waiting a couple hours one summer years back just to meet him!”

Meanwhile a sixth lamented: “A terrific voice actor, one of the absolute greats. It’s such a shame he wasn’t able to live longer and more heartbreaking after that reuniting with the PPGs. We’ll miss you deeply Tom.”

Supreme Court Redirects Pivotal Native American Voting Rights Case: What This Means for Future Elections

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On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened in a pivotal Voting Rights Act case involving Native American tribes, instructing lower courts to reassess a previous ruling. The high court’s recent decision to weaken the historic Civil Rights-era legislation prompted this move.

The Supreme Court has tasked lower courts with revisiting a judgment that had initially disadvantaged the tribes by undermining a critical enforcement mechanism. Typically, lawsuits initiated by voters and advocacy groups play a vital role in enforcing the Voting Rights Act, particularly under Section 2.

In a contentious North Dakota case, the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals had previously ruled that only the federal government possesses the authority to file lawsuits under this law, contradicting decades of established legal precedents.

In response, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked this decision in July, allowing the tribes’ preferred electoral maps to remain in effect while the case undergoes further review.

The decision conflicted with decades of case law. The Supreme Court blocked it in July, allowing the tribes’ preferred maps to temporarily stay in place.

The appeals court’s finding has nevertheless been cited elsewhere, with Mississippi making a similar argument in another appeal over its state legislative map. The court also sent that case back for reconsideration on Monday. The decision jeopardizes three new majority-Black state legislative districts, though the effects likely won’t be felt until 2027, said Damon Hewitt, president and executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented from the decisions, writing that both rulings should have been reversed.

The conservative majority, meanwhile, has already diluted enforcement power with their April decision that struck down a majority Black congressional district in Louisiana and made future cases much harder to win.

In that case, the high court’s conservative majority ruled that map relied too heavily on race with a district aimed at giving Black voters a chance to elect a candidate of their choice. The decision effectively limited Voting Rights claims to maps that are intentionally designed to discriminate, a very high standard.

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Grandmother Convicted in Tragic Case: 4-Year-Old Dies After Forced Whiskey Consumption

A tragic case is unfolding in Louisiana, where a grandmother is facing the consequences of a harrowing incident involving her young granddaughter. Roxanne Record has been convicted of manslaughter following the death of four-year-old China Record, as reported by the East Baton Rouge District Attorney’s Office. The heartbreaking events date back to April 21, 2022, when emergency responders arrived at a home to find China unresponsive.

According to a press release from the Baton Rouge Police Department, the child’s blood alcohol content was an astonishing .680. Investigators later discovered that China had been forced to consume an entire bottle of whiskey by her grandmother while her mother, Kadjah Record, watched the shocking scene unfold. This disturbing act stemmed from an alleged incident where the child might have taken a sip from a whiskey bottle left on the counter.

Details from an arrest warrant, as covered by WAFB, reveal that in a punitive measure, the young girl was made to kneel and drink the remaining whiskey. Both the grandmother and mother purportedly reacted with anger over the child’s potential initial sip, leading to this extreme and fatal punishment. As the community grapples with this tragic loss, the case highlights grave concerns over child safety and family dynamics.

An investigation later determined that Roxanne had forced China to drink a bottle of whiskey while China’s mother Kadjah Record watched, according to the press release.

Investigators said the mother and daughter were allegedly upset because China may have sipped from a bottle of whiskey sitting on the counter, according to an arrest warrant obtained by WAFB. The girl was allegedly forced to get on her knees and finish the remaining contents, per the outlet. 

China died that day of acute ethanol intoxication, according to an autopsy report sent to from the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner’s Office. 

Roxanne allegedly told investigators in the arrest warrant that she “messed up” and “wanted to take full responsibility” for China’s death, according to WAFB. Roxanne allegedly added, “This went too far” and that “she ruined everyone’s lives.” 

Roxanne and Kadjah were booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for first-degree murder, according to the release. Kadjah pleaded not guilty, a court spokesperson told Oxygen.

During Roxanne’s trial, prosecutor Dana Cummings reportedly said she treated China differently than her other grandchildren, according to The Advocate, allegedly punishing her for taking food and drinks from the kitchen. 

On the day of China’s death, two other grandchildren reportedly heard Roxanne say, “Now, drink the rest,” according to WBRZ, and said China was “flailing around” before losing consciousness.  

Roxanne’s defense team argued that China was tall enough to reach the bottle of whiskey on her own, according to WBRZ. 

Defense attorney Caitlin Fowlkes did not respond to a request for comment from Oxygen, however, she reportedly told the court that China’s death was accidental. 

“That little girl is gone, and it’s a tragedy that nobody, no family, nobody should ever have to endure,” Fowlkes said, according to The Advocate. “But tragedy is not the same as murder. Accidents are not the same as intent. And grief is not the same as guilt.”

Fowlkes further argued that Roxanne told detectives she was taking “full responsibility” for the death to protect Kadjah and that interviews with China’s siblings—which were included as evidence—were unreliable.  

Fowlkes also said Roxanne attempted CPR on China while speaking to 911, per The Advocate. 

After the verdict, East Baton Rouge Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings, told WBRZ, “The jury made a good decision.” 

Roxanne will be sentenced Aug. 10, according to court records viewed by Oxygen. 

Kadjah’s next court date is June 29, court records show. Her attorney could not immediately be reached for comment by Oxygen.