Decision expected in Jussie Smollett’s appeal on Friday

CHICAGO — A ruling is expected Friday on Jussie Smollett’s appeal of his conviction. In 2021, Smollett was found guilty of five felony counts of disorderly conduct. Prosecutors sought to prove that the former ‘Empire’ actor paid two brothers to stage a racist and homophobic attack on him in 2019 so that he could gain notoriety. A Cook County judge sentenced Smollett to 150 days in jail, 30 months of probation, $120,106 in restitution to the city of Chicago, and a $25,000 fine. But Smollett’s lawyers argue a deal with...