Leid Stories

Here's what we're talking about on Leid Stories today (prn.fm, 1-2 p.m. EST).

>> Opening statements continue today in the explosive trial of Minneapolis ex-cop Derek Chauvin, charged with killing local resident George Floyd, 46, during a violent arrest on May 25 last year.

Chauvin is facing  manslaughter, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder charges in Floyd's death. He and three other officers responded to a call that Floyd allegedly had used a phony $20 bill to make a purchase at a local convenience store. Floyd was to be arrested and taken to the stationhouse for further questioning.

Floyd protested his innocence and put up some token resistance to being arrested. But videotape  showed Chauvin reacted forcefully, pressing his knee into Floyd's neck and choking off his air supply for more than nine minutes. Floyd went limp and was unresponsive when an ambulance arrived.

Leid Stories listeners continue with their analysis of opening statements, which are clues to how both the prosecution and defense will frame the case.

All eyes are on a Minneapolis courtroom today as the trial of ex-cop Derek Chauvin, charged with killing local resident George Floyd during a violent arrest on May 25 last year, begins with opening statements by prosecutors and the defense. 

Chauvin faces manslaughter, second-degree murder, and third-degree murder charges in Floyd's death. 

He and three other officers responded to a call that Floyd allegedly had used a phony $20 bill to make a purchase at a local convenience store. Floyd was to be arrested and taken in for further questioning.

Floyd protested his innocence and put up some token resistance to being arrested. But videotape  showed Chauvin reacted forcefully, pressing his knee into Floyd's neck and choking off his air supply for more than nine minutes. Floyd went limp and was unresponsive when an ambulance arrived.

Here’s what's on Leid Stories (prn.fm, 1-2 p.m. EST) today.

It's "Free Your Mind Friday."  We suspend our regular program format and become an open forum. 

Callers choose a subject or issue about which they have a strong opinion. They present their own view. 

Have something to say?Call 888-874-4888 and free your mind--maybe ours, too.

The Reparations Con Game

The City of Evanston, Illinois, is said to have made history on Monday, becoming the first U.S. city to make make reparations available to its black residents for past discrimination and the contuing effects of slavery.

Tax revenues from recreational marijuana will provide funds to assist African Americans whose families suffered past discrimination. Sixteen African families are slated to share $25,000 already allocated, most of it for housing.

This illustrates the need for an urgent national, comprehensive, authentic discussion about reparations, says Leid Stories.

Outgunned In America

Recent lone-gunman mass killings in Atlanta, Georgia and Bolder, Colorado have brought the country once again to a familiar place -- questioning why these kinds of crimes happen and what can be done to prevent them.

These questions repeatedly have been asked and answered, says Leid Stories. Mountains of information and data and rafts of policies are proof.

So, why are we back to square one on this, and still not getting the kinds of information needed to inform new policies and approaches?  

There are reasons, says Leid Stories.

Former President Donald J. Trump clearly has no intention of fading away. Quite the opposite.

Since being dethroned by Biden, Trump has ratcheted up his political game, laying the groundwork for a glorious comeback in 2024. 

Meanwhile, he's set up something of a parallel presidency, with his "White House"at his embattled Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. There, as U.S. parallel president and self-assigned Republican Party leader, he consults with  loyalists on strategies to defeat Biden.

Is Biden ready for another round with Trump?

Investigations continue in the March 16 lone-gunman killing of eight people, six of them Asian women, allegedly by 21-year-old Robert Aaron Long in three Atlanta metro-area spas. 

Long, said to be a deeply religious Christian, appeared to condemn spa/massage businesses as sinful places, even as he allegedly patronized them as a self-described sex addict.

Will Long's early attempt at a defense against imminent murder and other serious charges help him? 

Here’s what's on Leid Stories (prn.fm, 1-2 p.m. EST) today.

It's "Free Your Mind Friday." We suspend our regular program format and become a freewheeling  open forum. 

Choose a subject or issue about which you have a strong opinion. Masterfully and concisely present your unique view. Bask in our admiration and gratitude.

Call 888-874-4888 and share your thinking.

Prospective Jurors In Ex-Cop Derek Chovin Trial Are Asked An Interesting Question

In questioning prospective jurors yesterday, an interesting question was posed to them: Do they support the Black Lives Matter movement, or do they support the Blue Lives Matter police advocacy organization. 

Why were prospective jurors asked this question? 

>> Will NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo Stay, Quit Or Be Forced Out? 

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo -- the target of an investigation into his alleged sexual harassment of several female staffers -- is not bowing to pressure to quit, though high-profile Democrats are joining the resign-now chorus against him.

What is convincing Cuomo that he can weather the storm and remain in office?

I Told You So!(Continuing Yesterday's Discussion) 

Ex-cop Derek Chauvin, charged in the killing of George Floyd, is seeking both a delay in his trial as well as a change of venue. The Minneapolis court has not yet made a decision, but Chauvin is arguing that a public announcement that the City Council had agreed to a $27-million settlement with the Floyd family seriously jeopardizes his case. 

>> Is it the end of the road for New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo -- facing a probe into his alleged sex-harassment of female staffers? As the political heat is turned up and high-profile Democrats call on him to quit, will the defiant governor voluntarily leave office?