Daily Skimm: Policing, Michigan, and Lilibet

Things Involving The Justice Dept

Louisville

The Story

The Louisville Metro Police Department is back under a microscope.

Tell me.

Yesterday, the Justice Dept released its findings in a nearly two-year investigation into the LMPD. Federal officials launched the probe after a 2020 raid involving a no-knock warrant led to the death of 26-year-old Breonna Taylor. Now, a 90-page report is revealing that the police department routinely used excessive force, neck restraints, police dogs, and tasers on residents for years. The investigation also found that leadership within the police department failed to address officers’ patterns of discrimination against Black people and people with behavioral health problems.

What are people saying?

The city’s mayor is promising to “correct the mistakes of the past.” AG Merrick Garland said it will work with Louisville to fix the problems highlighted in the report’s findings, including by stopping unlawful practices and building trust with the community. In a statement, Breonna Taylor’s mom, Tamika Palmer, said the report’s findings “are an indicator that Breonna’s death is not in vain.”

theSkimm

The investigation's findings come days before the three-year anniversary of Breonna Taylor's death. Now, this report's confirming that her death was a symptom of a larger problem that’s affected the city’s residents for years.

Memphis

The Story

It’s Memphis PD’s turn for a federal investigation.

What happened?

Yesterday, the Justice Department announced it will be reviewing the Memphis Police Department’s policies on the use of force and de-escalation strategies at the request of city officials. The probe comes nearly two months after 29-year-old Tyre Nichols' death at the hands of police. At least seven officers have been fired. The DOJ also has an open civil rights investigation into Nichols’ death. As the investigations get underway, many are bracing for the release of new footage from the traffic stop.

What do you mean?

Yesterday, a Memphis judge delayed the release of nearly 20 hours of additional footage from the January incident, saying the prosecutors and attorneys of the five police officers charged need to review it first. Many are hoping the new video can answer what led to the stop and what role paramedics had in Nichols' death. The DA’s office said it will work promptly in the hopes that the footage “will be released sooner rather than later.”

theSkimm

For years, Americans have called on Congress to pass police reform. Now, Nichols' death has the DOJ stepping in as efforts among lawmakers have stalled.

And Also...This

Where LGBTQIA+ rights are top of mind...

Michigan. Yesterday, the state legislature passed a bill focusing on civil rights protections for the LGBTQIA+ community. The expanded Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act would make it illegal for landlords or employers to evict or fire someone based on their sexual orientation. One state Democratic lawmaker said the bill would help make Michigan “a place where everyone is welcome.” But some state Republicans worried the measure would dismiss religious organizations and businesses' beliefs. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) is expected to sign the bill into law. It comes as states from South Dakota to Arkansas to Florida have introduced anti-transgender measures.

What’s going on pause…

A preterm birth drug. Earlier this week, drugmaker Covis Pharma Group said it’s voluntarily pulling Makena from the shelves. In 2011, the FDA approved the drug through its “accelerated approval” program after a small study showed it had promising results in preventing premature births. It's the only drug of its kind in the US. But after a 2019 study showed the drug didn’t actually reduce preterm births, the FDA has been working to pull it from the market. Now, Covis says that even though it stands behind the drug’s “efficacy,” it'll withdraw the drug from the market. It's unclear when that'll happen since Covis wants to give patients time to finish any current treatments. For its part, the FDA wants the drug pulled immediately, saying there's no sign it would prevent harm to current users. Doctors who support the drug say Makena is often the only option for those facing high-risk births, especially among Black women.

Who got the boot…

A top WHO official. Yesterday, the World Health Organization reportedly “terminated” Dr. Takeshi Kasai’s appointment as a regional director. Last year, AP reported that dozens of staff accused him of racist, abusive, and unethical behavior. Kasai has denied these allegations, but the WHO’s internal investigation tells a different story. He reportedly used “aggressive communication,” engaged in “public humiliation,” and made racial comments toward workers in Asia. Kasai’s behavior might’ve compromised the organization’s response to the COVID pandemic and his staff allegedly shared sensitive vaccine info with Japan.

What’s tripping over its own feet…

Adidas. 

Who can have her own princess diary...

Lilibet.