ICYMI: Best of the Week

Last week’s top stories on Law Street covered racist responses to Harriet Tubman replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill, a judge ruling that Pastafarianism is not a real religion, and the end to Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s puppy-smuggling saga. ICYMI, check out the top stories below.

1. Of Course There are Racist Responses to Harriet Tubman on the $20 Bill

There are some truths I know to be absolute: gas station sushi is a bad idea, Betty White is a national treasure, and the internet is full of racist people. And if you need proof of that third claim, look no further than the internet’s response to the Treasury Department’s announcement that Harriet Tubman will be replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. Read the full article here.

2. The Flying Spaghetti Monster, a Religious Impasta?

Throw out your colanders and get rid of all of your spaghetti, a Nebraska judge ruled that Pastafarianism is not a real religion. Stephen Cavanaugh, a Nebraska inmate, sued Nebraska prison officials seeking $5 million in 2014, arguing that his religion should be treated like every other religion. He claims that he was mocked and harassed over his belief in the Flying Spaghetti Monster. He also claims that prison staff would not provide accommodations for his religion, as they do with others, by refusing to allow him to meet for worship services, to wear religious clothing and pendants, and to receive communion. Read the full article here.

3. Amber Heard & Johnny Depp Issue Strange Apology For Pet Smuggling

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp’s Australian puppy-smuggling saga is finally over. Heard plead guilty Monday to knowingly producing a false and misleading document, and received a one-month $1,000 good behavior bond. Luckily for the actress, prosecutors dropped the more serious illegal importation charges, which carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a fine of 102,000 Australian dollars (that’s $75,000.) Read the full article here.

Alexis Evans

Alexis Evans is an Assistant Editor at Law Street and a Buckeye State native. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and a minor in Business from Ohio University. Contact Alexis at aevans@LawStreetMedia.com.