Actor Jussie Smollett’s criminal trial will move forward after a judge on Oct. 15 struck down the actor’s effort to dismiss the case against him. Smollett in early 2019 made headlines after he told police officers in Chicago that he was attacked by two white men who shouted epithets at him. However, several weeks later, Smollett, who is black, was charged with one felony count of lying to authorities after officers uncovered evidence that suggested the incident had been staged. After initial charges against him were dropped by Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx’s office, a special prosecutor was appointed and charged him with felony counts of disorderly conduct for allegedly filing false police reports about what happened. Smollett has denied the allegations and has pleaded not guilty. Foxx, who received funding from wealthy left-wing financier George Soros for her reelection campaign, came under criticism for her handling of the case. …