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A proposed bill in Alabama to make body camera footage publicly accessible was voted down by the state's Senate Judiciary Committee, with a vote tally of 8 against and 4 in favor. Senator Merika Coleman, a Democrat from Pleasant Grove, initiated the legislation following a fatal incident involving Mobile police and Jawan Dallas last year. Coleman, undeterred by the rejection, remains hopeful for future progress and is prepared to refine the bill's language to address concerns and gain wider support. "We have to do something. It is not OK with me to sit back and allow these families to continue to endure this agony when I as a lawmaker can do something about it," Coleman said. The bill dubbed the "Jawan Dallas and Stephen Perkins Act," was motivated by the incidents where both individuals were killed during encounters with police, with families unable to access the relevant body cam footage promptly. Coleman's bill sought to mandate the public release of such footage within thirty days to provide transparency and potentially clear misconceptions about police actions. "After the death of Jawan Dallas and the family didn't have access to body cam footage for six months," Coleman explained. "The easiest way to do it is to make it a matter of public record and so my bill says within thirty days it becomes a matter of public record." Despite its rejection, some opposition exists due to worries that early footage release could interfere with legal proceedings. However, Coleman reports that discussions with various stakeholders, including police representatives, have been somewhat positive, with openness to negotiate the bill's provisions. Coleman emphasized her commitment to continuing her efforts in upcoming legislative sessions to build a stronger support base for the bill. Link: Fox10TV

The Supreme Court has opted not to review the Mckesson v. Doe case, leaving a lower court's decision intact. This ruling poses significant risks for protest organizers in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. If any protest attendee engages in illegal activity, the organizer could face severe financial consequences. This case centered around DeRay Mckesson, a notable Black Lives Matter activist who organized a protest in Baton Rouge in 2016 following the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling. During this protest, an attendee injured a police officer by throwing a rock. Although Mckesson did not throw the rock, the decision challenges the precedent set by NAACP v. Claiborne Hardware, where the Supreme Court ruled that protest leaders are not liable for participants' actions unless they directly incite or approve such actions. The Fifth Circuit's decision against McKesson could discourage anyone from organizing protests due to the risk of being held accountable for the uncontrollable actions of others. Justice Sonia Sotomayor highlighted the robust First Amendment protections that should shield organizers like McKesson, but the recent ruling complicates these protections. The decision could theoretically extend liability to organizers for actions by any attendee, dramatically chilling the willingness to organize any large gatherings, particularly those involving advocacy or protest. This situation may change if the Supreme Court reevaluates this issue in future cases. For now, however, the ruling stands, potentially transforming the landscape of protest and free speech in parts of the United States. While the Supreme Court's decision is deeply troubling, it is not the final word on this matter. We must continue to advocate for the preservation of our fundamental rights and push for a reevaluation of this issue in future cases. The fight for justice and freedom of expression is far from over, and we stand in solidarity with all those who courageously resist oppression and demand accountability from those in power. Link: VOX

Lawyers are pushing for the release of body camera footage from ex-Warrenton Police Sergeant Mark Oakley, who was involved in alleged police misconduct. They represent 14 individuals claiming to be victims of Oakley's brutality, leading to his dismissal. So far, seven petitions have been filed for the footage, mostly requested for private viewing, with a lawsuit filed for one to be public. The issue has drawn wider attention, with expectations for more victims to come forward. The situation is particularly charged as all complainants are Black, highlighting concerns of racial discrimination. Oakley is under a state investigation for these complaints, following evidence, including video recordings of his aggressive behavior. Despite being fired, Oakley defends himself, hoping for the truth to surface. "We're not dealing with a race card, we're dealing with facts today. No one [who is] white has filed a complaint, it's been all Black people," a speaker said during a press conference. "He should not be allowed to work anywhere as an officer. Sooner or later he's going to kill someone because he's reckless, he's dangerous and he's a racist." One victim, Dwayne Hicks, recounted a distressing encounter with Oakley, emphasizing the emotional toll. "It's difficult for me to put into words the emotional trauma from the ordeal that took place," he said. "I'm just glad we have the support that we have." Link: WRAL

Duke University is discontinuing its Reginaldo Howard Memorial Scholarship Program, established in 1979 for top African American applicants, due to a Supreme Court decision ending race-based affirmative action in college admissions. The scholarship, named after Duke's first Black student government president, covered full tuition and more for select Black undergraduates. "It is very much disheartening to hear that this program that opened the door for me to come to Duke is now being closed essentially, even though it will take on a new form," junior Mya Harris said. In its place, a new leadership program will support all undergraduates, regardless of race, emphasizing academic excellence and community engagement. Current scholars will continue to receive funding, but no new scholarships will be awarded after 2028. The decision was made without input from current scholars, leaving them feeling powerless. Despite the disappointment, many anticipated the change given the evolving admissions landscape. "I think the Reggie is a program that has given me a lot over the years," senior Drew Greene said. "It's given me not only a community, but a group of friends, a group of academic peers that I enjoy spending time with … It has been a fantastic experience, so of course in that regard, I am gutted." In response to a Title IX complaint, Duke also altered its merit scholarship selection process, notifying recipients after enrollment. Despite the changes, scholars aim to uphold Reginaldo Howard's legacy and keep his contributions to Duke's history relevant. Link: Duke Chronicle

Morgan Price, a gymnast from Fisk University, made history by becoming the first athlete from a historically Black college or university (HBCU) to win a national collegiate championship. Competing at the USA Gymnastics' 2024 Women's Collegiate National Championships in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Price achieved a remarkable all-around score of 39.225. Her victory marked a significant milestone for HBCU representation in collegiate gymnastics. Price, who joined Fisk University’s inaugural intercollegiate gymnastics team in 2023 after initially signing with Arkansas, changed her path after a compelling invitation from Coach Corrine Tarver to make history. This team has since attracted considerable media attention, appearing on ESPN and consistently selling out their meets. Price expressed the joy of being immersed in her culture and the overwhelming support they received, which added to the excitement of their competitions. Her historic achievement was enthusiastically celebrated by her team on social media, heralding her success as a groundbreaking moment in sports history. Price is set to continue her competitive journey, participating in the Individual Event finals in vault, bars, and floor. Link: CBSNews

Ralph Yarl, a Black teenager from Kansas City, is still grappling with the impact of a traumatic incident nearly a year ago when he was shot in the head after ringing the wrong doorbell. The incident occurred while attempting to pick up his siblings and has left him battling a mix of intense emotions and a traumatic brain injury. The 17-year-old speaks of the ongoing struggle with mental health, marked by avoidance of social interactions like skipping prom and difficulty processing complex information. "It's definitely a bumpy journey," Yarl said in his first in-depth interview about how the shooting has affected him one year later. "Whenever there's something that goes on that reminds me of what happened ... I just have, like, such a negative wave of emotions, like anger, like disgust. It's always a mix of good and bad days. And I feel like the good days are when I'm able to be around people that help me build myself up." The shooter, Andrew Lester, 85, has charges against him; his trial is forthcoming. Yarl's recovery is punctuated by his fluctuating mental state, which includes post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, further evidenced by two recent car accidents. The teenager is focused on his mental health, describing his journey as an "uphill battle." "If someone approaches me with kindness, of course, I'm going to be friendly with them," he said. But somewhere in his subconscious, "there's always a part of me that says that person could potentially" be dangerous, he said. Yarl is wary of strangers and hesitant to engage in simple activities like ringing doorbells. Despite the national attention and subsequent protests calling for justice, he feels his experience has not significantly influenced the broader issue of gun violence, which remains prevalent in his community. His classmates echo the sentiment, calling for more open discussions and education on gun violence in schools. As Yarl faces the long-term consequences of his injury, his family adjusts to a new normal, replacing vacations with therapy sessions. Despite the challenges, Yarl remains a symbol of resilience and hope, with aspirations to study engineering and continue living his life to the fullest. Link: NBCNews

In San Anselmo, California, Bruce Frankel, 61, is suing the Central Marin Police Authority following an incident where officers used a Taser on him and arrested him during a grand mal seizure in his bedroom, an event recorded on body camera. Alice Frankel called 911 early in the morning because her husband, Bruce Frankel, was unresponsive. Upon arrival, an officer mistakenly assessed Bruce, who was actually recovering from a seizure and appeared disoriented, as being intoxicated. The lawsuit, filed in Marin County Superior Court, accuses the police of battery, false arrest, defamation, and concocting a false narrative to justify their actions. "If the police had just asked [my wife] Alice two questions, 'What's going on?' and 'Has this happened before?' We wouldn't be here today," Frankel told KTVU in an interview. "But that officer did not do that at all. He assumed he knew what was going on and attacked me." Police Chief Michael Norton has denied the allegations, stating the litigation is baseless. The case highlights concerns over police training in handling medical emergencies and the appropriateness of using force in such situations. Frankel, who was diagnosed with epilepsy, emphasizes the need for police to be trained to recognize and appropriately respond to neurological events. "The tasing of someone who has just had a neurological event is extremely dangerous," Frankel said. "Part of what I want out of this is proper police training, how to identify these events. There are these types of issues going on around the country, especially in smaller departments." The incident, which occurred on August 29, 2022, also involves accusations against the responding officers of creating a misleading cover story to defend their use of force, leading to Frankel facing unjust charges, including domestic violence. Despite the charges being dropped, Frankel expresses profound psychological distress and skepticism towards receiving an apology from the police. His story raises significant questions about police response to medical emergencies and the systemic issues within police practices. Link: KTVU

In 2020, Sacramento police officer Jeremy Ratcliffe was exonerated for shooting a pepper ball that resulted in Nia Love losing an eye during a protest against police brutality, leading to a $3 million city settlement. The Sacramento Bee highlighted the police department's initial failure to release disciplinary documents as required by state law, prompting the release of documents that named Ratcliffe and detailed the incident. The Use of Force committee deemed Ratcliffe's actions, during a protest sparked by George Floyd's death, within policy guidelines. Nia Love expressed dissatisfaction with the exoneration, emphasizing a lack of accountability for police officers. Ratcliffe, who has been with the city since 2003 and was part of the Professional Standards Unit as of February 2023, defended his actions as necessary for officer safety during the protest. "I am honestly not surprised," Love, who is Black, said Tuesday after learning the news from a reporter. "This is basically saying that me being blinded and having my life completely altered means nothing. Police officers need to start actually being held accountable for their actions. Justice is rarely served when an officer is the one that commits a crime." The incident, among others, raised questions about the transparency and accountability of police in handling complaints and disciplinary actions. The Sacramento District Attorney's Office did not review the case for criminal charges, as it did not involve a firearm shooting or fatality. Link: Yahoo News

Jameek Lowery's tragic death in Paterson, New Jersey, sparked controversy and community outrage, highlighting ongoing racial tensions with the city's police force, according to an Associated Press special report. Lowery, experiencing a mental health crisis, pleaded for help at a police station, live-streaming his distress on social media. Despite his pleas, Lowery was forcefully restrained and punched by officers, dying two days later. His death, attributed to cardiac arrest and kidney failure, led to widespread protests and demands for justice. While officials initially claimed Lowery's demise was due to a medical event, a second autopsy conducted by Dr. Michael Baden revealed evidence of blunt force trauma and choking inflicted by police. The incident highlighted broader issues of police brutality and systemic racism, prompting calls for change within the Paterson Police Department. An external audit displayed significant community distrust and disparities in police encounters, particularly affecting Black residents. However, skepticism remains regarding the department's willingness to enact meaningful change. Lowery's family continues to seek accountability, while activists advocate for systemic change and challenge the entrenched culture of impunity within the police. Amid ongoing struggles for justice, Lowery's memory remains a poignant symbol of the urgent need for police accountability and racial equity in America. Give us your thoughts in the comments. Link:  AP News

The ACLU of Nevada is set to file lawsuits against several county and city jails for non-compliance with a new state law enacted earlier this year to ensure detained individuals have the opportunity to vote. Executive Director Athar Haseebullah announced the planned legal action during a state legislative committee meeting, highlighting a mid-April deadline to address compliance issues before the June primary elections. "We're not here to yell or threaten counties or cities," Haseebullah said. "We're trying to ensure compliance with the law, and we're in a finite time period." This urgency stems from already occurred disenfranchisements, as evidenced by the state's presidential preference primary in February. The ACLU's scrutiny revealed that out of 12 facilities contacted, half lacked policies or needed to be more responsive about voting access, with specific failings in same-day voter registration information and in-jail voting postings. Mineral County notably responded inadequately by merely "monitoring" the law. Despite these challenges, some detention centers reported participation in the recent primary, with a small number of inmates voting. "We had an election that has already happened," added Sadmira Ramic, a voting rights attorney with ACLU of Nevada, referring to the state-run presidential preference primary held in early February. "Disenfranchisement has already occurred." The ACLU aims for compliance without litigation, emphasizing the finite time to ensure lawful adherence. State Sen. Skip Daly described the ACLU's timeline as "generous" but expressed concern over potential political motives hindering compliance. The law in question, Assembly Bill 286, received broad bipartisan support, underscoring the non-partisan intention behind enhancing voting access for detainees. Let us know your thoughts. Link: Nevada Current

Donald Armstrong, a 47-year-old man from Miami, was left paralyzed after a police encounter during a mental health crisis, leading to charges against him of aggravated assault on an officer and resisting arrest without violence. “First of all, it goes without saying what happened in that video is unconscionable,” said Crump. “She only wanted to get him help. She did not expect for him to get six bullets in his torso.” His attorneys, Ben Crump and Larry Handfield, alongside his family, have called for the charges to be dropped following his arraignment. The incident occurred on March 7, when Armstrong was tased twice and shot six times by Miami Police, causing public outrage and calls for justice. Video evidence from bystanders showed Armstrong, allegedly holding a screwdriver before proving he was unarmed, yet still faced excessive police force. “I just called the police to get him some help. I need y’all just to pray for him please,” said Denise Armstrong, Donald’s mother. “Do that for me, please, Lord.” Crump and Handfield criticized the police actions as excessive and indicative of a cover-up for reckless conduct. Armstrong now suffers from paralysis and is detained in a jail medical ward. His legal team and family advocate for his release and recovery at home, not ruling out a lawsuit. We'll continue to follow this story for updates as our thoughts are with the Armstrong family. Link: WSVN

The South Carolina House passed a bill, 84-30, restricting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in public colleges and universities. The bill faced opposition from Black lawmakers who were excluded from its drafting. Republicans argued DEI programs foster discrimination, while Democrats contended they are essential for serving diverse student populations. The primary sponsor, Republican Rep. Tim McGinnis, emphasized equal treatment for all. However, Rep. Leon Howard highlighted the absence of Black input, citing personal experiences with racism. Republican Rep. Adam Morgan, from the conservative Freedom Caucus, pushed for the bill to limit DEI projects. The proposal prohibits colleges from using DEI criteria in admissions and hiring but allows for program continuation with reporting requirements. "We had no Black people involved in crafting this legislation so y'all don't know how we feel today. We feel some kind of way about that. We feel offended about that," said Howard, who has been in the House since 1995. Critics fear it will stifle diversity discussions and perpetuate discrimination. The bill's fate in the Senate is uncertain due to time constraints and budget discussions. Nationwide, Democrats advocate for increased DEI considerations through 30 measures, while Republicans push against it with over 60 measures, reflecting a broader ideological divide in state legislatures. Link: Yahoo News

In February 2020, Carl Grant, a 68-year-old U.S. Marine Corps veteran with early-onset dementia, was paralyzed by a police officer in a hospital emergency room. The incident followed a confusing day for Grant, who left his Georgia home for groceries, ended up in Birmingham, Alabama, and mistakenly tried to enter a stranger's house, thinking it was his own. Despite showing signs of confusion and dementia, police encounters escalated, culminating in an officer using excessive force in the hospital, causing Grant's paralysis. He died nearly six months later, with his death certificate listing the cause as paralysis from a "physical assault with body slam." Hospital surveillance footage captured an incident where Larry forcefully grabbed Grant's arm and executed a maneuver, flipping him onto his back in a manner described by the police investigation as a "hip toss" not instructed in their training. The impact caused Grant's head to bounce approximately four inches off the ground, leaving him limp. In his early 60s, Grant started experiencing increased fatigue and confusion, leading to a diagnosis of early-onset dementia. He also struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder and health complications related to Agent Orange exposure from his time in Vietnam. Following his diagnosis, he relocated from California to Conyers, Georgia, to live closer to his brother and sister. Grant's story highlights a broader issue of excessive force used by police, particularly against vulnerable individuals, and pushes conversations for better training in handling such situations. Despite the Birmingham Police Department recognizing the officer's use of excessive force, the response was a mere 15-day suspension and retraining. A civil lawsuit filed by Grant's family emphasizes the necessity of improved training for first responders. However, the case was dismissed on procedural grounds, with an appeal ongoing. This tragic case not only reflects the personal loss of Grant and his family but also signals systemic issues within police practices. Link: AP News

During a United Nations meeting focused on the International Decade for People of African Descent, ending in 2024, General Assembly President Dennis Francis emphasized the need for continued efforts to combat racism and promote justice for people of African descent. He announced a meeting on reparatory justice to coincide with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Highlighting the pervasive injustices stemming from slavery and colonialism, such as police brutality and inequalities, Francis and UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned racism as a violation of human rights and a moral wrong. Guterres called for global action to dismantle systemic racism and support policies that address racial bias, including in technology. The assembly reflected on the historical significance of the fight against racism, citing the apartheid system in South Africa and the legacy of George Floyd's death as catalysts for global protest and reform. The UN officials stressed that commemoration is insufficient and that eliminating discrimination demands tangible actions toward reparatory justice and the eradication of entrenched racial disparities in social structures and policies. Give us your thoughts in the comments. Link: UN News

Between 2018 and 2023, Columbus spent over $21.5 million settling complaints against its Division of Police, Axios reports. This expenditure covered 40 settlements, averaging one every eight weeks, for issues ranging from car crashes to wrongful shootings and discrimination claims. High-profile payouts included $10 million for the 2020 shooting of Andre Hill and $5.75 million for excessive force during racial justice protests. The vice unit's disbandment followed settlements related to its operations, including a $1 million payout for the shooting of Donna Castleberry by Officer Andrew Mitchell, who was acquitted of murder but convicted of kidnapping. Additional settlements addressed internal disputes and claims of discrimination within the department. This spending reflects a broader trend of using judicial remedies for alleged police misconduct, a shift seen as societal progress. Settlements, funded from the city's general fund, are chosen over trials to minimize financial risk without necessarily admitting wrongdoing. Columbus, lacking police liability insurance due to the high risk associated with large police departments, shares this burden of costly settlements with other cities. City Council approval is required for each settlement, with discussions around funding sources and the impact on taxpayers. Cases like the shooting of Andre Hill and excessive force during protests show the real harm caused by unchecked police actions. Instead of continuing this cycle, we need to address the core issues behind police misconduct and invest in new ways to keep our communities safe. Link: Axios

A Pennsylvania judge recently overturned the murder convictions of the "Chester Trio"—Derrick Chappell, Morton Johnson, and Samuel Grasty—after nearly 25 years of imprisonment. Convicted in the late 90s for the murder of 70-year-old Henrietta Nickens, their innocence claims were supported by new DNA evidence pointing to an unknown man. Paul Casteleiro, Grasty's attorney from Centurion, stated that the judgment serves as confirmation of their prolonged declarations of innocence. "This order means so much in that it says this court believes that these guys would be acquitted, they're innocent," Casteleiro told CNN. "That's powerful after all these years of knocking on the door and being denied everywhere they went." Despite opposition from prosecutors, Delaware County Judge Mary Alice Brennan ruled in favor of a new trial, highlighting the significance of the new DNA findings. This decision elicited emotional responses from the trio and their legal teams, emphasizing the long battle for justice. Although the ruling marks a significant step, the three men remain incarcerated pending a decision on an appeal by the prosecutors, with a bail hearing scheduled. Their legal representation was provided by nonprofit organizations dedicated to exonerating wrongly convicted individuals. This case is part of a larger pattern of overturned murder convictions, showcasing the evolving impact of modern forensic techniques on the justice system. "As soon as (Johnson) heard, he went and found Derrick (Chappell) in the yard and brought Derrick in, and they just stood there hugging and crying," said Vanessa Potkin of the Innocence Project, who represents Johnson. "You can imagine what an ordeal this has been for them." Link: CNN

At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland earlier this year, Grammy Award-winning musician and entrepreneur Will.i.am sat down with Yahoo Finance Anchors Brian Sozzi and Julie Hyman to delve into the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and the pressing need for regulation in its deployment. Amid the excitement surrounding AI's potential, such as his Sound Drive collaboration with Mercedes and Sirius XM radio show, Will.i.am cautioned against its unregulated proliferation. He emphasized the urgent need for regulatory frameworks akin to those governing driving licenses and vehicle safety standards. Will.i.am highlighted the risks posed by AI's ability to mimic human behavior convincingly, raising concerns about the blurring lines between human and artificial interactions. "My biggest concern: Investments on AI to make machines smarter," said will.i.am. "There's no limit to the amount of money that's been pumped into it. The investment in HI to make humans smarter, human intelligence, that's just sad. It's sad that we're going to live in a world, right around the corner, where machines will be more articulate, analytical, critical thinking, banter ability, contextual, deep understanding. While we have resorted to short tweets, emojis, memes and stickers to communicate." Will.i.am points out what Americans need to pay attention to: "The way to really educate people on where we are, especially this election year, you have to ask the question, 'am I talking to a person or not?' That call that I had, was that real person? I mean, it looked like a real person but, was it? That's the unfortunate reality that we are in right now. We have dupe machines, machines that know how to mimic really well. Machines that know how to create. The public needs to know that its' creating and mimicking everything that we've ever done and it does it in a really fascinating way." Link: Yahoo

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey has initiated an investigation into the Hazelwood School District after a girl was severely injured in a fight that went viral online. Bailey attributed the incident to the district's diversity programs, sparking accusations of racial bias from the district's lawyer. The lawyer questioned Bailey's focus on this incident over others and accused him of representing only white citizens. The Hazelwood School District, predominantly Black, defends its diversity initiatives, rejecting Bailey's assertions. The absence of school resource officers during the fight is a point of contention, with Bailey blaming the district for prioritizing diversity policies. However, the district argues that officers would not have prevented an off-campus altercation. These events highlight broader tensions regarding the role of diversity programming and police in schools. In a statement, Hazelwood spokeswoman Jordyn Elston emphasized that the school district does not compromise student safety for the sake of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. She firmly believes these programs contribute to student safety and academic advancement. "These values are not negotiable," Elston affirmed, "and we will continue to prioritize them in all aspects of our work as community leaders." Link: AP News