Review board reinstates fired Atlanta officer Garrett Rolfe after shooting of Rayshard Brooks

The fired Atlanta Police officer who shot and killed Rayshard Brooks in a Wendy’s parking lot last summer has been reinstated by the Atlanta Civil Service Board. Officer Garrett Rolfe still faces murder charges in the killing of Brooks. The review board released its decision Wednesday, stating: “Due to the City’s failure to comply with several …

Legal team for Derek Chauvin allege jury misconduct, request new trial

The legal team for former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin has filed a motion in a Minneapolis court requesting a new trial on multiple grounds, including jury misconduct. Chauvin was convicted of murdering George Floyd last month.  Chauvin’s attorney says the former officer should have a new trial in the “interests of justice; abuse of …

President Biden aims for 70% of American adults vaccinated by July 4

On Tuesday, President Biden set a new vaccination goal to deliver at least one dose to 70% of adult Americans by the 4th of July. The new goal comes as demand for vaccines has dropped off markedly nationwide, with some states leaving more than half their vaccine doses unused. Biden is calling for states to …

Bill and Melinda Gates announce their divorce after 27 years of marriage

On Monday, Bill and Melinda Gates shared a joint statement on Twitter, announcing their divorce: “After a great deal of thought and a lot of work on our relationship, we have made the decision to end our marriage. Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works …

NY Governor Cuomo announces capacity limits to be lifted on May 19; Broadway, museums can reopen

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced on Monday that capacity restrictions in New York City will be lifted on May 19, which will include Broadway theaters. Restaurants, museums, movie theaters, retail stores and more will also be having their capacity restrictions lifted in New York City on May 19. Though Broadway will be allowed to …

3 dead, 27 injured after boat capsizes in San Diego

Three people are dead and 27 more were injured after a boat believed to be a “smuggling vessel” overturned off the coast of San Diego on Sunday. Rick Romero, San Diego Fire Rescue lifeguard lieutenant, said during a press conference that the agency received a call around 10 a.m. from a commercial assistance vessel reporting …

Republicans Susan Wright and Jake Ellzey advance to runoff for House seat in special Texas election

Republicans Susan Wright and state Rep. Jake Ellzey will advance to a runoff in the special election to fill a North Texas congressional seat.  Wright, the widow of Rep. Ron Wright and a longtime activist in local GOP politics, emerged from the 23-person field as one of the top two candidates to represent the 6th …

5 dead, including 2 sheriff’s deputies, after 13-hour standoff in N.C.

Two sheriff’s deputies were among the five people killed after a lengthy standoff in northwestern North Carolina. Officials said the standoff began on Wednesday when deputies performed a welfare check at a Boone, N.C., home after the owner and family members failed to show up for work and didn’t answer phone calls. The Watauga County …

8 indicted in hazing death of Bowling Green State University student

Prosecutors announced Thursday that eight people were indicted by an Ohio grand jury in connection with the death of a Bowling Green State University student who died from alcohol poisoning after attending a fraternity party. Wood County Prosecuting Attorney Paul Dobson said the eight men attended a Pi Kappa Alpha party March 4 at an …

North Carolina judge declines to release Andrew Brown Jr. shooting videos

A North Carolina judge ruled Wednesday against publicly releasing the body-worn camera footage of the police shooting of Andrew Brown Jr., Pasquotank County Superior Court Judge Jeff Foster said immediate family members, including Brown’s son, Khalil Ferebee, and a family attorney, can view the videos within 10 days. Foster denied a media request for the …