Despite federal rollbacks, police accountability isn’t dead. Experts say the real work is happening in local courts and communities—far from Washington.
DOJ
Posted inNational
A sentence, finally, but still no justice for Breonna Taylor
A federal judge rejected a one-day sentencing request from Trump’s DOJ for former Louisville officer Brett Hankison and imposed a nearly three-year prison sentence for his role in the 2020 raid that killed Breonna Taylor. Taylor’s family says the ruling offers a start — but not full justice.
Posted inLocal & State
Federal judge dismisses MPD consent decree
A federal judge dismissed the MPD federal consent decree, halting federal oversight of police reforms. Minneapolis officials say they will continue with the full slate of reforms despite the ruling.
Posted inNews
DOJ exposes failures in federal prisons leading to inmate deaths
A scathing report released by the Department of Justice Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz revealed a disturbing pattern of operational and managerial deficiencies within the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Posted inNews
Vetaw speaks out on disrespect, homelessness, light rail
Councilwoman LaTrisha Vetaw discussed the Minneapolis City Council’s commotion with other members, the need for more funding for housing and homelessness, and the importance of identifying individual needs in the encampments.
Posted inLocal & State
Who should monitor the MPD consent decrees?
Two organizations, ELEFA and Relman Colfax, are candidates to monitor the Minneapolis Police Department under the consent decrees.
Posted inNews
Federal prosecutors seek death penalty for Payton Gendron in racist mass shooting
Payton Gendron, a White man accused of killing 10 Black shoppers in a Buffalo supermarket in 2022, is expected to face the death penalty.
Posted inNews
GOP Rep. George Santos expelled from Congress over fraud and lies
House votes to expel NY Congressman George Santos for fraudulent activities.
Posted inNews
DOJ announces Minneapolis as National Public Safety Partnership site
Minneapolis has been selected as a 2023 National Public Safety Partnership site, receiving intensive assistance to reduce crime.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Community to DOJ: Look beyond policing
So far this summer, the Department of Justice has held at least 20 meetings around Minneapolis to better understand what the community wants to include in the consent decree with the MPD.
Posted inNews
DOJ asks for community input ahead of MPD consent decree
‘We need those resources to come into our community, but we need them to come in a way that’s healthy and helpful.’
Posted inLocal & State, National, News
Community doubtful of real police reform despite DOJ investigation
The DOJ’s investigation found that Minneapolis police officers had engaged in patterns and practices of discriminatory policing.
Posted inNational, News
DOJ intervenes in Black couple’s home appraisal lawsuit
‘We believe the White lady wanted to devalue our property because we are in a Black neighborhood, and the home belonged to a Black family.’
Posted inFeatured, Local & State, News
Rep. Ilhan Omar calls for expansion of federal oversight into Minnesota police practices
Rep. Ilhan Omar pens open letter that DFLers signed off on calling for broader federal investigation of MN law enforcement.
Posted inFeatured, National, News
Kristen Clarke confirmed as first Black woman to head Civil Rights Division
Never before has a Black woman led this division that guides the federal government’s commitment to civil rights for all.
Posted inOpinion
Greater justice is coming: taking on abusive and deadly policing with new DOJ leadership
In his first month on the job, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland reversed a Trump-era policy that made it harder for the Justice Department to investigate police departments…