Month: June 2020

The use of “no-knock” warrants has been banned in Louisville, with the new ordinance named for Breonna Taylor, the young black woman who was fatally shot after officers burst into her home. Louisville’s Metro Council unanimously voted Thursday night to ban the controversial warrants after days of protests and calls for reform.

Taylor, who was studying to become a nurse, was shot eight times by officers conducting a narcotics investigation on March 13. No drugs were found at her home. Taylor’s mother, Tamika Palmer, said after the law was passed, “I’m just going to say, Breonna, that’s all she wanted to do was save lives, so with this law she will continue to get to do that. She would be so happy.”

The law bans the use of the warrants by Louisville Metro officers. Police typically use them in drug cases over concern that evidence could be destroyed if they announce their arrival. Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul also introduced federal legislation Thursday that would ban the use of no-knock warrants nationwide.

Louisville city council unanimously pass ‘Breonna’s Law’ to ban no-knock warrants

Via www.nbcnews.com

06/11/2020 7:55 PM

 

Editorial credit: Gottography / Shutterstock.com

On Thursday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed down 1,861 points, or 6.9 percent, and the S&P 500 was down 5.9 percent, the biggest fall since March 16.  There were sharp declines in several sectors, including hospitality and leisure. As more than 20 states report a climb in coronavirus cases, there are new worries that consumers will be reluctant to return to restaurants and take trips.

During a news conference on Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jay Powell said the central bank is committed to keeping interest rates near zero, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the timing of an economic recovery. In his remarks, Powell again acknowledged the risks of a so-called “second wave” after states reopen their economies. “You could see a public loss of confidence in parts of the economy that will be already slow to recover,” he said.

The Department of Labor released its latest report showing more than 1.5 million people filed for unemployment benefits for the first time. Since the pandemic began over 44 million have filed initial unemployment claims.

Stocks fall on COVID-19’s spread, Fed’s cautious comments

Via www.cbsnews.com

Investors are worried that an increase in infections in some U.S. states could threaten the…

06/11/2020 4:23 PM

 

Editorial credit: Immersion Imagery / Shutterstock.com

On Wednesday, Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said at a media briefing that the Minneapolis Police Department will withdraw from contract talks with the officer union as it seeks to end relationships that have “eroded trust” in the community and overhaul the force following George Floyd’s death.

Chief Arradondo also said he would implement a new early-warning system to identify police officer misconduct, allowing supervisors to intervene more quickly to get problematic officers off the street.

The decision to cut off negotiations with the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis comes a few days after a majority of the city council pledged to dismantle the police force, raising pressure on the chief to take action Arradondo said. “This work must be transformational but I must do it right.” He said he would bring in advisers to conduct a review of how the contract could be restructured for “greater community transparency and more flexibility for true reform,” adding that the main focus was not on wages and benefits.

Minneapolis police chief ends contract negotiations with police union

Via www.cbsnews.com

Under pressure by protesters demanding radical reform, the Minneapolis Police Chief Medaria…

06/10/2020 7:05 PM

 

Editorial credit: Jeff Bukowski / Shutterstock.com

President Donald Trump said his administration “will not even consider” renaming military bases originally named after Confederate leaders, a day after the Army said top military leaders were “open” to the discussion. In a statement on Monday, an Army spokesperson said Defense Secretary Mark Esper and Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy were “open to a bi-partisan discussion” about renaming the bases.

However, the president tweeted on Wednesday, “It has been suggested that we should rename as many as 10 of our Legendary Military Bases, such as Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Fort Hood in Texas, Fort Benning in Georgia, etc. These Monumental and very Powerful Bases have become part of a Great American Heritage, and a history of Winning, Victory, and Freedom.”

“The United States of America trained and deployed our HEROES on these Hallowed Grounds, and won two World Wars,” Trump continued. “Therefore, my Administration will not even consider the renaming of these Magnificent and Fabled Military Installations. Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with. Respect our Military!”

There are 10 Army installations, including Fort Lee and Fort A.P. Hill in Virginia, named after Confederate leaders from the Civil War. 

Trump will ‘not even consider’ renaming bases honoring Confederates

Via www.nbcnews.com

“Our history as the Greatest Nation in the World will not be tampered with. Respect our…

06/10/2020 4:55 PM

 

Editorial credit: Don Valentine Photography / Shutterstock.com