Conflicts of interest inhibit transparency in grand jury cases

Share: If a grand jury can “indict a ham sandwich,” why is it so rare in cases concerning police using deadly force that the grand jury believes there is “probable cause” to bring an officer to trial for a crime? The Washington Post reported that “only 11 of the 65 officers charged in fatal shootings over the past decade were convicted.” As reported by the New York Times and as surprise to many, a grand jury in Georgia indicted Officer Robert Olsen of the DeKalb County …

Obama’s gun control move backfires

Share: President Obama hit the ground running in 2016, renewing his initiative to implement what he calls “common sense gun laws.” Though the President’s recent executive actions mirror laws that California has been implementing for years, they will have an effect on gun violence in the Golden State. Past attempts by the President to push for gun reform have been met with strong opposition by Republicans in congress and members of the pro-gun lobby, and rightfully so. Since it’s not the responsibility of the executive …

Ioan Grillo looks inside Mexico’s criminal insurgency

Share: Twitter users across the world witnessed a rare moment of disturbing brutality on Oct. 16, 2014. A social media journalist and doctor, going by the twitter pseudonym “Felina,” was killed and photos of her dead body were posted to her account. At the time of her death, she’d been reporting on the ongoing cartel violence happening in the brutal border town of Tamaulipas, Mexico. Follow:

Police Blotter: Drone crashes, pilot flees

Share: Monday, Jan 25: A man was reported yelling to himself near C-217 and was escorted off campus. A student reported that a man near the library may have needed medical attention as he appeared disoriented. A warrant check came back clear, but it was discovered that the man was reported missing in Virginia. Campus police informed the corresponding department in Virginia and the man was transferred to Huntington Memorial Hospital for further evaluation. Tuesday, Jan 26:   A student’s wallet was stolen from the …