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A study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reveals a significant increase in suicide rates among Black women in the U.S. from 1999 to 2020, with the most notable rise among Black teens and young adults. Published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, this research is the first to analyze the suicide epidemiology of Black females by geographic regions in the U.S., spanning ages 15 to 84. The findings show that suicide rates climbed from 2 deaths per 100,000 in 1999 to 3.4 per 100,000 in 2020. For Black women aged 15 to 24, the rate surged from 1.9 to 4.9 per 100,000. Victoria Joseph, MPH, the lead author, emphasized the alarming rate increases among young Black females, particularly between ages 25 and 27, highlighting a critical developmental period needing additional support. The study suggests these increases may be linked to rising instances of cyberbullying and online racial attacks. Researchers also noted that structural racism and resulting mistrust in support systems might hinder care access, impacting suicide behaviors. Using data from the National Center for Health Statistics' Multiple Cause of Death 1999-2020 database, the study analyzed 9,271 suicide deaths among Black women. A pattern emerged showing a clear age effect, with higher rates in younger women; a period effect, with increasing rates over time; and a cohort effect, particularly high in those born after 2002. Regional differences were also significant, with the highest rates observed in the West and a concentration of deaths in the South due to its larger Black population. Factors like intimate partner violence and neighborhood violence were identified as significant contributors to the mental health challenges faced by Black women, particularly in certain regions. The study, supported by an NIH grant, calls for more detailed future research on state-level trends and the impacts on various ethnicities and gender identities. Co-authors include researchers from various institutions, emphasizing the collaborative effort to understand and address this critical public health issue. Link: Public Health At Columbia

Demetrio Jackson, a 43-year-old, died after being sedated and restrained by police in response to a trespassing call in Wisconsin. Despite initial medical attention with oxygen, Jackson's condition worsened after he was injected with a sedative, leading to cardiac arrest and his death two weeks later. This incident, investigated by The Associated Press, highlights a broader issue where at least 94 people died under similar circumstances from 2012 to 2021. The investigation revealed that this practice, often justified by a controversial medical condition called "excited delirium," disproportionately affected Black individuals, including Jackson, and is based on dubious science. "They're running around on the streets administering these heavy-duty medications that could be lethal," said Honey Gutzalenko, a nurse whose husband died after he was injected with midazolam in 2021 while restrained by police near San Francisco. "It's just not right." The sedation of detained individuals, using powerful drugs like ketamine, has become a widespread but contentious method. Critics argue that it is unsafe and often unnecessary, suggesting that it leads to serious side effects and sometimes death, especially when combined with other restraining methods used by police. Supporters, however, believe that sedatives can help manage drug-related emergencies and protect emergency responders. Despite the potential benefits, the AP report highlights the fatal risks and the lack of thorough scrutiny over the use of these sedatives, which are sometimes administered without proper assessment of a person's medical history or current state. This practice continues to spark debate over its safety, ethics, and the underlying racial biases in its application. "A lot of talk took place on chemical sedation because the cops didn't know what to do with these people," recalled John Peters, president of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, which sponsored the meeting. "Jeff Ho had done some work up in Minnesota. He said, 'Look. I've been using ketamine. It knocks them out quicker.'" The findings by The Associated Press, documenting the deaths of individuals sedated by police, call for immediate and unequivocal action. This practice, rooted in the flawed concept of "excited delirium" and disproportionately targeting Black communities, is not only a medical overreach but a profound violation of human rights. Link: AP News

A video of Metropolitan Police officers in Washington, D.C., examining a Black teenager during a stop sparked a significant online backlash. The incident occurred as the teen cycled through a protest outside the Washington Hilton during the White House Correspondents Dinner. The police interaction, where officers appeared to be handling the teenager from behind with a flashlight, was widely criticized as invasive. Amidst protests in D.C. against the Biden administration's stance on the conflict in Israel and Palestine, the police justified the stop by claiming the teen was riding dangerously through the demonstration, though he faced no criminal charges. According to the police, the teen was detained for not complying with officers' commands to reroute his cycling path, leading to his brief detainment. They also explained that the officers were merely adjusting the teen's handcuffs, which he complained were too tight. "I was asking 1 of the police officers… why are you arresting a kid who just wanted to bike thru this lane? A spectator said: 'You don't know if this kid was on his way to kill somebody. UDK if he had a bomb or knife or planning to rob someone" Link: Atlanta Black Star

In Ohio, the release of a body camera video has stirred public outcry, similar to the reaction to George Floyd's death in 2020. The footage documents the events leading to the death of Frank Tyson, a 53-year-old Black man, following an altercation with Canton police officers. Tyson, suspected of fleeing a car accident on April 18, was found in a bar and subdued by officers who handcuffed him and applied pressure on his back near his neck. Despite Tyson's repeated cries of "I can't breathe," the officers held him down, and the video later shows him lying unresponsive. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful, and he was pronounced dead at a hospital. The cause of death is still pending. He can be heard repeatedly saying, "I can't breathe. I can't... get off my neck," as an officer yells "Calm down" and "You're fine" before standing up in the video. The incident, captured on April 18, 2024, is under investigation by the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the officers involved have been placed on administrative leave. The tragic event has reignited concerns over police actions and their impacts on the community. Link: Reuters

Ten years ago, the decision to switch Flint, Michigan's water source, to the Flint River initiated a prolonged public health crisis. This switch led to water contamination due to corroding pipes, highlighting the vulnerability of impoverished, majority-Black communities to governmental mismanagement. Despite a $626 million settlement in 2021, Flint residents have yet to see any financial relief. "It's been the residents, the poisoned people, on the front lines this entire fight," said Melissa Mays, a social worker and activist. "It's been exhausting because it's ongoing." Mayor Sheldon Neeley asserts that efforts to eradicate contaminated water are nearing completion, citing the replacement of water service lines for nearly 30,000 properties. However, the process has faced significant delays, and about 1,900 properties still need their lines inspected. The city faces accusations of non-compliance with court orders concerning these replacements. "The local government just keeps making up excuses for why they haven't solved the problem," he said. "We need to turn that around and fix the problem now in Flint and take steps to fix the problem nationwide," Erik Olson, senior strategic director for health and food with the Natural Resources Defense Council said. "They're within fighting distance of finishing the job." The crisis started in 2014, when officials opted to use river water temporarily, leading to widespread complaints about water quality. Despite initial assurances, the water was found to contain harmful levels of lead and other contaminants. This had devastating health implications, particularly for children, and was linked to a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. Efforts to address the contamination, including federal emergency aid, have been ongoing, but residents like activist Melissa Mays continue to fight for justice and proper accountability, highlighting the ongoing suffering and frustration in Flint. As we mark a decade since the onset of the Flint water crisis, it's imperative that we recognize the ongoing struggle for justice and systemic change in Flint, Michigan. The community's fight against governmental negligence and the violation of their basic human rights to clean water continues without proper resolution. This lack of action not only reflects a broader pattern of disregard for marginalized communities but also challenges us to demand accountability and real change. Link: NBCNews

Nationwide, university campuses have become hotbeds of tension as anti-war protests escalate in response to the Israel-Gaza war. In the last 10 days, around 900 students have been arrested at American universities during anti-war encampments and demonstrations, a period reminiscent of the volatile Vietnam War protests in 1968, which saw at least 700 students arrested. The University of Texas at Austin witnessed 34 arrests by state troopers under Governor Greg Abbott's direction, after a student walkout urging the school to divest from businesses linked to Israel. Similarly, the University of Southern California experienced struggles between officers and protesters, with 93 arrests reported by Los Angeles police. The movement gained momentum from Columbia University, where the arrest of over 100 students last week fueled further demonstrations, including tent encampments, across various universities. These protests have spread across Ivy League schools, major public universities, and colleges throughout California, with students calling for a peaceful ceasefire. Other universities that have held protests include UCLA, Harvard Law, Rutgers, and American University. Columbia's administration has threatened drastic measures, including potentially involving the National Guard, although the university denies these claims. Over 90 people, including 54 students, were arrested at a protest encampment at Virginia Tech's Graduate Life Center. The protest began on a Friday and continued throughout the weekend. Emory University's President, Gregory L. Fenves apologized for inaccurately describing a group of over 20 anti-war activists as non-community members, but he reiterated his opposition to encampments on campus, following a protest where police were called. A coalition of 185 social justice and religious groups has expressed support for campus protest encampments across the country that oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza. They have also called on university administrators to stop the harsh treatment of student-led demonstrations through a letter. “We commend the students who are exercising their right to protest peacefully despite an overwhelming atmosphere of pressure, intimidation and retaliation, to raise awareness about Israel’s assault on Gaza — with U.S. weapons and funding,” the letter states. “These students have come forth with clear demands that their universities divest from corporations profiting from Israeli occupation, and demanding safe environments for Palestinians across their campuses. ” It's imperative to uphold the rights of students to peacefully assemble and express dissenting opinions without fear of retribution or suppression. We will be following events and updating on upcoming information. For more information on protest rights in your area, please refer to the Know Your Rights Camp mobile app. Link: Yahoo

James D. Griffin, M.D., has a lifelong connection to UT Southwestern and Parkland Memorial Hospital, beginning with his birth at Parkland in 1958. He has achieved significant milestones, including being elected as the first Black President of the medical staff at the hospital. Dr. Griffin's medical journey includes graduating from UT Southwestern Medical School in 1986, completing a residency in anesthesiology, and becoming a faculty member there—the school's first Black graduate to do so. Dr. Griffin is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Vice Chair of Anesthesiology and Pain Management at UT Southwestern, as well as a fellow/member of the Southwestern Academy of Teachers. His career is marked by significant contributions to medical education and clinical excellence, for which he received UTSW’s 2021 Leaders in Clinical Excellence Institutional Service Award. “To educate, discover, and heal is a very powerful goal and dimension of UT Southwestern,” Dr. Griffin said. “I feel it today as well I did in August 1982, when I stepped through these doors as a medical student.” Raised in Oak Cliff near UT Southwestern, Griffin was inspired by his father, an educator and pastor, and his mother, who studied with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. These influences instilled a deep commitment to service and teaching in him. He values the dynamic and intense learning experiences from his medical school days, which included following emergency room patients to the operating room. Now, as a mentor, Dr. Griffin emphasizes compassion and professionalism, impacting many students and colleagues. In his new role at Parkland, he continues to advocate for equitable health care access and believes in the power of community resources to improve public health outcomes. His leadership is guided by a commitment to education, discovery, and patient care. “We can change this little part of our earth, like Archimedes, who said, ‘Give me a place to stand and with a lever I will move the whole world,’” Dr. Griffin said. “I’m standing on a different side of the street, but can I make a difference? Am I leveraging my knowledge? Am I leveraging my humanity? Am I leveraging my gifts to help someone else?” Link: UT South Western

Brandon Upchurch, a 38-year-old man from Toledo, Ohio, reported feeling traumatized after police mistakenly identified his vehicle as stolen and subsequently unleashed a K-9 on him during a traffic stop. The incident occurred on April 11 and was captured on body camera footage. The NAACP has criticized the action as "unwarranted" and "inhumane." Upchurch was driving his cousin home from work when the officers stopped him, immediately drew their guns, and did not request any identification. Body camera footage shows the police repeatedly instructing him to exit the vehicle and get on the ground. Despite complying and questioning the reason for the stop, a K-9 was released on him as he began to kneel, resulting in multiple bites to his forearm and elbow. "Man, I'm not even doing nothing," Upchurch says in the footage, then repeatedly asks the officers, "What did I do?" Upchurch, who has been unable to work since the incident, vehemently denied that the truck's license plate was stolen. Officers later acknowledged a mistake in reading the license plate information. "My elbow was already messed up," he told ABC News correspondent Ike Ejiochi. "I can't do anything." During his arrest, Upchurch was charged with resisting arrest and obstruction. He insisted that the situation could have been avoided if the officers had rechecked the license plate. The Toledo Police Department and the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office have yet to comment publicly on the case. The NAACP has demanded a thorough investigation into the incident, highlighting its historical echoes of the use of K-9s against Black demonstrators during the Civil Rights era and emphasizing the need for proper training and accountability in police operations. "This is uncalled for over a stolen tag," Upchurch said. "All they had to do was run the plates again and found out it wasn't stolen." Link: ABCNews

Nearly three years after the death of Mario Gonzalez in the Bay Area during an arrest, charges of involuntary manslaughter have been filed against Alameda Police Department officers. On April 19, 2021, Gonzalez, 26, died after police tried to detain him, a scene reminiscent of George Floyd's death. Initially, no charges were filed as the autopsy attributed Gonzalez's death to multiple factors, including drug toxicity and health issues. "The police killed my brother, in the same manner they killed George Floyd," his brother Gerardo Gonzalez told reporters at the time. In 2023, under District Attorney Pamela Price, the case was revisited, leading to new findings from a second autopsy indicating Gonzalez died from "restraint asphyxiation." This prompted the charges against officers Eric McKinley, James Fisher, and Cameron Leahy. The arrest occurred when officers responded to reports of an intoxicated individual. Body camera footage showed a disoriented Gonzalez unable to comply with police requests, leading to physical restraint. Despite officers' reassurances during the altercation, Gonzalez was pinned down, becoming unresponsive, and later declared dead at the hospital. Gonzalez's family has accused the police of causing his death in a manner similar to Floyd's. Meanwhile, an attorney representing the officers argued that their actions were justified, blaming Gonzalez's death on drug toxicity, not police misconduct. The officers involved are still active in their duties and will surrender in connection to the case. The family of Gonzalez settled with the city of Alameda for $11 million late last year. The decision to revisit the case and pursue charges demonstrates a commitment to justice and holding police accountable for their actions. It's a reminder that no one is above the law, and police misconduct cannot be tolerated. Link: LATimes

A Philadelphia jury has awarded $4.1 million to Paige Goodin, a child-care center operator in West Philadelphia, for an incident that occurred during the 2020 civil unrest following Walter Wallace Jr.'s death. Goodin was outside her business, Turning Paige's Islamic Learning Center, to protect it when she was allegedly assaulted by police. At that time, Paige Goodin, a 30-year-old college-educated Muslim woman, operated two child-care centers offering Islam-based care for children from various religious backgrounds, her attorney, Kevin V. Mincey of Mincey, Fitzpatrick, Ross, LLC, stated. He also noted that parts of the incident were recorded on police body cameras. "She was exactly the type of person, the type of business owner, they were supposed to be out there protecting," Mincey said. "Instead of helping her, they assaulted her, battered her, and caused her such injury that she could no longer work at that location." Despite identifying herself and not participating in the protests, she claims she was forced away and hit with a baton by Officer Johangelie Thomas Estrada, resulting in injuries requiring stitches. Officer Christopher Fountas then handcuffed her and detained her in a van without medical attention; however, she was not charged with any crime. Goodin, who was 30 at the time, is educated and runs centers providing Islam-based care. Her attorney stated that the assault prevented her from continuing to work at that location. The city is considering an appeal against what it considers an excessive verdict. Goodin still experiences post-traumatic stress from the incident. The awarded damages include $4 million for lost income and $100,000 in punitive damages against the two officers, who are still employed by the city. An Internal Affairs investigation found excessive force was used and necessary paperwork was not completed by the officers. Link: Inquirer

In Alabama, two families faced distressing revelations when they discovered that the organs of their deceased relatives, who were inmates, were removed without their consent. This discovery came after the deaths of the inmates at different correctional facilities managed by the Alabama Department of Corrections. These incidents spurred lawsuits accusing the state's Department of Corrections and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), which conducts autopsies for the prison system, of removing organs for teaching purposes without proper authorization. The inmates whose organs went missing are Jim Kennedy Jr., Arthur Stapler, Anthony Perez Brackins, and Kelvin Moore. "It's the wild, wild west. There's no governance," Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, an associate professor at the Duke University School of Medicine and an expert on prison standards. "It's like, the provision of health care. No standards. What that health care should look like, who has bodily autonomy and who doesn't, and who, when someone dies, acts as next of kin to people who are incarcerated – all those things are just undefined. There's no standard and there's no oversight." The revelation first came to light when a family member was informed by a funeral home that his relative's body had returned from the autopsy without major organs. This prompted the family to seek answers from UAB, only to receive parts of the organs later in plastic bags, with some missing or returned in pieces. The situation escalated with allegations from multiple families, leading to legal actions citing gross misconduct involving unauthorized retention and possible misuse of the organs. These alarming incidents highlight severe oversight and ethical issues within the state's handling of inmates' bodies and their medical treatment post-mortem. The state's correctional facilities, already under scrutiny by the U.S. Justice Department for various violations, including excessive force and inadequate protection against violence, now face additional scrutiny over these organ retention practices. "If organs are being removed for donation for medical education, research or any other purpose without appropriate authorization that is both a legal failing and a moral failing," said Brendan Parent, a lawyer and director of the transplant ethics and policy research program at NYU Langone. The lawsuits highlight significant concerns about the lack of consent and transparency in how inmate autopsies and organ removals are handled, raising serious questions about the practices at UAB and the oversight by Alabama's Department of Corrections. Link: CNN

In June, New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed Rikers Island graduates who earned high-school-equivalence diplomas while incarcerated, encouraging them to embrace their achievements and look forward to future goals. This graduation highlighted the law's impact on educational access for incarcerated individuals in city jails. According to reports, many young inmates have reported ongoing denials of their right to education, contrary to a 2016 court order mandating educational services for those aged 18 to 21 under Department of Correction custody. "It's proven that when an individual attains their high school diploma or the equivalent in custody, their prospects for success improve on the outside," Prisoner's Rights Stefen Short said. "DOC is essentially letting folks sit idle rather than provide them with access to educational services to which they have a right. That renders everyone in the jail setting less safe. It's a strange state of affairs. It doesn't serve anyone's interests." Legal filings from a long-standing class-action lawsuit stress the city's non-compliance with this order and advocate for the appointment of a new court monitor to ensure its enforcement. Plaintiffs, young inmates lacking high school diplomas, claim they are denied education unless housed in specific facilities. According to Lauren Stephens-Davidowitz from the Legal Aid Society, this not only violates legal standards but also moral ones, as it obstructs the educational aspirations of these young people. The city's Department of Education and Department of Correction were initially accused in a 1996 lawsuit of failing to provide mandated educational services. The ongoing issue primarily affects individuals in non-program housing units, where access to education is restricted. A spokesperson highlighted additional funding aimed at enhancing educational programs, including GED preparation. However, challenges persist, particularly for those needing special education, with some losing significant educational progress during disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. It's disheartening to see Rikers Island, despite Mayor Eric Adams's recent acknowledgment of educational achievements among incarcerated individuals, failing to uphold their right to education as mandated by court order. The ongoing denial of this fundamental right, especially to young inmates, not only undermines their prospects for success upon release but also perpetuates a cycle of inequality and injustice within our criminal justice system. Link: The Intercept

A bipartisan bill set to be introduced on Wednesday aims to enhance oversight of federal prisons, addressing multiple issues, including scandal and abuse. The Federal Prison Oversight Act would establish a hotline for inmates to report misconduct and mandate inspections and reporting by federal watchdogs and the U.S. Bureau of Prisons. This follows a series of investigations led by Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, revealing corruption and abusive practices within the system, necessitating stronger oversight. "My bipartisan investigations of corruption, abuse, and misconduct in the Federal prison system revealed an urgent need to overhaul federal prison oversight," Ossoff said as his office prepared to introduce the bill on Wednesday. "I am bringing Republicans and Democrats together to crack down on corruption, strengthen public safety, and protect civil rights." The proposed legislation also involves the Justice Department's inspector general in assessing risks at the 122 federal prison facilities, ensuring that higher-risk facilities undergo more rigorous scrutiny. The bill enjoys support from both sides of the aisle, with Republican Senator Mike Braun and Democratic Senator Dick Durbin as cosponsors. Durbin emphasized the bill's aim to ensure safe, humane conditions in prisons and better prepare inmates for reintegration into society. In December, testimonies from former inmates highlighted the urgent need for this legislation. Notably, Briane Moore recounted sexual abuse by a prison officer, underscoring the power dynamics and lack of surveillance that facilitated such misconduct. The bill is supported by various stakeholders, including prison reform advocates, the American Civil Liberties Union, and Families Against Mandatory Minimums, who recognize the ongoing crisis in the prison system. The National Council of Prison Locals also supports the bill, noting the necessity for more transparent and effective oversight of the Bureau of Prisons. This legislation represents a significant move towards addressing systemic issues in the federal prison system. Link: ABCNews

In Spruce Pine, N.C., a controversial police incident involving Dillon Ledford, who was arrested at a Walmart during a diabetic emergency, is under scrutiny. Surveillance footage reviewed by experts raises questions about the officers' conduct, especially since Ledford sought to manage his low blood sugar by visiting the store. Over 8 minutes, Ledford entered and left the store. Remaining parked for 40 minutes afterward, employees contacted 911, describing him as having wide, bulging eyes, unresponsive to others, and displaying twitching behavior. "He has no recollection of what actually happened, just bits and pieces, small things," Ledford's girlfriend Leslie McIntosh said. The situation escalated after he remained in his car, leading employees to request a wellness check. Responding officers extracted Ledford from his vehicle, using physical force and a taser, actions now under investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation for potential excessive force. The incident's handling, particularly the absence of medical assistance and the manner of force used has been criticized. According to public records, paramedics were never called. Some police accounts were redacted in the report. Legal experts suggest the need for a thorough review to determine the appropriateness of the officers' response, emphasizing the importance of considering medical emergencies in police interactions. The District Attorney has indicated an ongoing investigation, withholding comment until its completion. Link: WLOS

The federal Bureau of Prisons announced the closure of FCI Dublin, a women’s prison in California notoriously dubbed the "rape club" due to severe staff-on-inmate sexual abuse, highlighted by an AP investigation. Despite considerable efforts and resources aimed at reforming the facility and addressing employee misconduct, culture issues, and infrastructure, the Bureau concluded that the prison was not meeting standards. The closure decision follows a judicial move just days prior, appointing a special master to oversee the facility. FCI Dublin, located about 21 miles east of Oakland, was the sole women-only federal prison in the western U.S., housing 605 inmates. These inmates will now be transferred to other facilities, and no employee layoffs are expected. Advocates and lawyers for the inmates have criticized the abrupt closure, expressing concerns about inmate safety and the continuation of abuse issues in other facilities. They have called for some inmates to be released into supervised programs instead of being transferred. Amaris Montes, a lawyer for the plaintiffs, said inmates were subjected to retaliatory action after reporting abuse. “I think that the BOP is quick to try to transfer accountability and move accountability elsewhere as the way to remedy the issue. And that would mean, you know, moving people quickly without addressing people’s needs right now.” Additionally, ongoing legal battles and advocacy highlight a systemic issue of abuse within the prison system, not isolated to FCI Dublin. The Bureau's decision to close the prison instead of directly addressing these deep-rooted problems indicates a broader struggle to maintain constitutional standards and protect inmates from abuse and harassment. The civil litigation against the Bureau of Prisons will continue, underscoring their ongoing responsibility to ensure inmate safety. “We’ve worked so hard to get a special master in there to clean house, so to speak,” said the woman, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of her status as a whistleblower in an ongoing lawsuit. The AP doesn’t name victims of sexual abuse without their consent. “And pretty much the minute after that happened, they say they’re just going to close it down.” Link: AP News

Christopher Bingham, a deputy in San Bernardino County and a gun store owner, faces charges for leading a double life involving criminal activities with a local motorcycle gang. Bingham, 45, is accused of firearms crimes, including stealing a shotgun from the Sheriff's Department. Investigators found 160 firearms at his home, some illegal, during a months-long investigation. Arrested and held on $500,000 bail, Bingham's actions have been condemned by Sheriff Shannon Dicus, emphasizing zero tolerance for criminal behavior within the department. The investigation into Bingham, which began in January, revealed his association with the gang. Bingham's arrest in March during a traffic stop with gang members led to the discovery of numerous weapons, including a machine gun, silencer and a grenade launcher, at his residence. Charged with 10 felonies, including possession of illegal firearms and participation in a criminal gang, Bingham's gun store, O'Three Tactical, closed in 2021 amid financial struggles. Past incidents include court allegations of unpaid bills and a connection to a double homicide trial in 2019, where Bingham testified about selling a weapon to the accused. Link: LA Times

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