Confusion besets new police reform laws in Washington state
SEATTLE (AP) — Washington state is embarking on a massive experiment in police reform and accountability following the racial justice protests that erupted after George Floyd's murder last year, as nearly a dozen laws took effect Sunday.
Overdose fatalities rose in 2020, with Black people at high risk
Overdose fatalities rose in 2020, with Black people at high risk
The isolation, anxiety, and stress of the pandemic has pushed the opioid epidemic to a record-breaking death toll. According to the latest CDC data, drug overdose fatalities rose by almost 30% in 2020, to 93,000 deaths. Opioids such as fentanyl are driving the greatest rise in deaths among Black Americans, while methamphetamine overdoses are more common in American Indians and Alaska Natives than other groups, reports Abby Goodnough for The New York Times.
Radio host Larry Elder files lawsuit over California ballot
Conservative talk radio host Larry Elder has filed a lawsuit challenging a decision by California election officials to block him from running in the state’s Sept. 14 recall election, saying he’s the target of political “shenanigans” by Sacramento Democrats.
Caitlyn Jenner’s collapse, other nuggets hiding in Calif. recall candidates’ tax returns
Even without the 100-plus candidate field seen in the 2003 gubernatorial recall that saw the ouster of Gov. Gray Davis, the 2021 effort has brought forward new nuggets previously unknown about the candidates seeking to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom.
Wildfire smoke clouds sky, hurts air quality on East Coast
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Smoke and ash from massive wildfires in the American West clouded the sky and led to air quality alerts Wednesday on parts of the East Coast as the effects of the blazes were felt 2,500 miles (4,023 kilometers) away.
