Deadly Force, Baltimore and Skill Games

A 1-year-old boy was shot and killed by a police officer in Mississippi after the cops were responding to a shoplifting call at a Walmart. The authorities said the officers tried to stop the fleeing vehicle when the driver allegedly drove in the direction of the officers and almost hit them. One of the officers then fired at the car as it drove away.

We don’t have all the details right now, but based on what we do know, this appears to be another example of the police using deadly force in situations that don’t necessarily call for it. I’m not minimizing the cop nearly being hit by a car if that’s true. But we’re supposed to hold cops to a higher standard. That’s what they sign up for when they put on the badge.

So here’s my question:

Why is it so hard to hold cops to the standard we set for them?

Feds charge 15 anti-ICE activists — Minnesota Reformer
The DOJ charged 15 Minnesota anti-ICE activists for allegedly coordinating blockades and other actions aimed at disrupting federal immigration operations during Operation Metro Surge. Given the DOJ’s recent track record in flimsy prosecutions, I’m curious to see whether these charges hold up. [Link]

Ravens invest $1M to support gun violence prevention programs in Baltimore — WBALTV 11
The Baltimore Ravens announced a $1 million investment in six organizations focused on gun violence prevention, victim services, hospital-based intervention, and youth outreach programs. A lot of these groups in major cities have called on sports teams to invest more in these programs. We’ll see if this becomes a trend. [Link]

He overcame his criminal past to help stop violence on Baltimore’s streets. His arrest reveals the job’s fragile balance — CNN

A Baltimore violence interrupter credited with helping reduce shootings was arrested on attempted murder charges, raising new questions about the risks and realities of community violence intervention work. This story could have benefited from more reporting, but it explores a part of the CVI ecosystem that doesn’t get enough attention. [Link]

Amid Concerns Over Violence, Pennsylvania Supreme Court Declares Skill Games Illegal — The Trace
Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court ruled that skill games are illegal under state gambling laws. Lawmakers now have 120 days to decide whether to legalize and regulate them. The ruling follows The Trace’s earlier reporting on robberies and shootings tied to the machines. [Link]

‘I Was Scared.’ Minneapolis Anti-Violence Workers Enter ‘Trauma Season’ Still Reeling From ICE Shootings. — The Trace

Minneapolis violence interrupters say Operation Metro Surge continues to affect their work months after federal agents flooded the city. Some workers say the deployment disrupted outreach efforts and damaged community trust. [Link]

I’ve officially turned in the manuscript for my next book. Minus the copyediting process, I’m all done with the reporting and structural work. I also got the chance to see an early mock-up of the cover, which was pretty exciting. I’m waiting for that moment where I feel the weight lifted off, but that hasn’t happened yet. To be honest, I’m not sure whether that’ll happen. I do a terrible job of taking a moment to be proud of myself. It’s always on to the next. So maybe once the book is closer to publication, I’ll pat myself on the back.

But for now, it’s on to the next.