The trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin starts today – 10 months after the death of George Floyd – and the stakes are high for race relations in America. After a complex jury selection, the stage is set for jurors to hear opening statements on Monday. The prosecution will present its case first
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New York lawmakers have reached an agreement to legalise recreational cannabis use in the state. The proposed law would allow sales to people over 21 and establish a licensing process for deliveries to customers. New Yorkers could grow as many as three mature and three immature plants for personal use. Penalties for having less than
On the hilly streets around his home in the Anza Vista neighbourhood of San Francisco, everyone knew Vicha Ratanapakdee as “grandpa”. The 84-year-old, who was originally from Thailand, was a friendly and familiar sight on his hour-long morning strolls. But on his walk on 28 January, as he turned the corner from Anza Vista Avenue
A police video in the US has sparked outrage after two officers were seen berating a five-year-old boy at his school, with one officer screaming in his face and another putting him in handcuffs. The two officers, who work for the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) in Maryland, are facing calls to be fired over
Once again, the eyes of the world are on Minneapolis – the city is braced for the trial of the former police officer accused of murdering George Floyd. For many this will be a defining moment for America. The trial is being hailed as one of the most important in US history. The intersection where
At least five people have died after a series of tornadoes tore through Alabama. Officials believe that as many as eight twisters passed through the US state – leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. The only confirmed deaths were from Calhoun County – but the extreme weather struck other areas in the region.
An American university has agreed to an $852m (£620m) settlement with more than 700 women who have accused its former gynaecologist of sexual abuse. This is believed to be a record-breaking amount for such a lawsuit – and when combined with an earlier settlement of a separate class action lawsuit, the University of Southern California
President Joe Biden has challenged the US to administer 200 million COVID vaccination doses by the end of his first 100 days in office. That is double the target of 100 million jabs he set in December and achieved earlier this month before his 60th day in office – an average of 2.5 million doses
A senior state official has become the first openly transgender person to be confirmed by the US Senate. Rachel Levine, the former Pennsylvania Health Secretary, has been approved as the Biden administration’s assistant secretary of health. The vote on Wednesday went 52-48 in her favour, as two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan
President Joe Biden has called for an assault weapon ban and the closure of background check loopholes, after the seventh mass killing this year in the US left 10 dead. In an address to the nation following the bloodshed at a supermarket in Colorado, the president said simply: “We must act.” And he called on
The jury has been selected in the trial of Derek Chauvin, the former US police officer accused of murdering George Floyd. Opening statements are due to begin in Minneapolis next week in a case described as one of the most important in the nation’s history. Fourteen jury members will hear the trial proceedings – 12
The National Rifle Association has again defended the right to gun ownership after ten people were killed in a US supermarket shootout. SWAT teams and at least three helicopters were called to the Kings Sooper store in Boulder – about 28 miles north of central Denver – after reports of a man wearing tactical gear
US police carrying out a drug raid have discovered a semi-automatic pistol disguised as a toy Nerf gun. The Glock pistol had a 50-round magazine, was painted blue and orange and had a Nerf logo similar to the toys made by Hasbro that fire foam darts or balls. Image: The discovery was made during a
A murder suspect in the US has claimed to have killed 16 people, including his estranged wife, prosecutors said. Sean Lannon made the admission in a phone call to a relative, who told investigators he expressed remorse, authorities said in court documents. The 47-year-old is accused of beating Michael Dabkowski to death with a hammer
A serial stowaway is back in jail after being arrested at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. Marilyn Hartman was subject to a court order forbidding her from going anywhere near the airport. The 69-year-old’s electronic monitor was allegedly activated when she left the facility where she was staying, prompting officers to start tracking her movements. She
An emergency curfew has been imposed for Miami Beach as thousands gathered to celebrate spring break – with reports of fights breaking out. Revellers had been warned by US authorities to “vacation responsibly or be arrested”, as large crowds were seen in the streets with little social distancing and many not wearing masks. A text