Persists

Jury Stalemate Persists in High-Profile Police Shooting Trial as Judge Urges Continued Deliberation

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KENT COUNTY, Mich. — The jury in the trial of former Grand Rapids Police officer Christopher Schurr is entering its fourth day of deliberations amid heightened public interest and tension surrounding the case. Schurr faces charges of murder stemming from an incident in 2022, during which he shot Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop. On Tuesday, jurors reported that they could not reach a consensus on the charges. The presiding judge, however, urged them to continue discussing the evidence presented throughout the trial and denied a request for a mistrial. The jury is tasked with … Read more

Rethinking ‘Crime-Free’ Laws: Scrutiny Grows as Discrimination Against Mental Health Persists

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Topeka, Kansas – The use of “crime-free” or “public nuisance” laws by communities across the United States has come under increasing scrutiny for potential mental health discrimination. These laws, which allow landlords to evict tenants when there are repeated calls to police or emergency crews, have long been criticized for their ineffectiveness and harsh enforcement in poor neighborhoods and against people of color. However, now there are concerns that these ordinances may also discriminate against individuals with mental health disabilities. In November of last year, the U.S. Department of Justice issued a groundbreaking finding, declaring … Read more