Former Minneapolis officer Thomas Lane pleads guilty to manslaughter in death of George Floyd

A former Minneapolis police officer has pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced Wednesday. Thomas Lane will receive a three-year sentence, which will be served in a federal institution, according to his attorney.

Ellison released the following statement:

Today my thoughts are once again with the victims, George Floyd and his family. Nothing will bring Floyd back. He should still be with us today.

I am pleased Thomas Lane has accepted responsibility for his role in Floyd’s death. His acknowledgment he did something wrong is an important step toward healing the wounds of the Floyd family, our community, and the nation. While accountability is not justice, this is a significant moment in this case and a necessary resolution on our continued journey to justice.

Adam Silver says NBA is working with WNBA for Brittney Griner's release from Russia

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Tuesday that he is working "side by side" with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to try to bring Brittney Griner home.

Silver, speaking to ESPN's Malika Andrews in a televised interview from Chicago prior to the NBA draft lottery, said his league was following the advice of experts when it did not take an aggressive approach during the early stages of Griner's detention in Russia.

"We've been in touch with the White House, the State Department, hostage negotiators, every level of government and also through the private sector as well," Silver said. "Our No. 1 priority is her health and safety and making sure that she gets out of Russia."

[SOURCE: ESPN]

State Sen. Don Davis wins Democratic North Carolina House primary

State Sen. Don Davis has won the Democratic nomination for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

Davis, an Air Force veteran, emerged from a field with three other competitors and will face a competitive general election race in November.

He said he plans to spend his time in Congress focusing on rural infrastructure and economic support.

“Plainly, eastern North Carolina is in dire straits. Despite North Carolina as a whole gaining population and gaining an additional Congressional seat, District 1 was the only district that lost population,” Davis said. “Our communities are facing a crisis on many fronts and we need to address the economic, educational, and health care disparities head-on."

Davis will face Republican Sandy Smith in the November 8 general election.

Watch Davis discuss his victory below:

Cheri Beasley wins North Carolina Democratic Senate primary

Cheri Beasley, a former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, won her state’s Democratic primary for the United States Senate, clearing out competitors in a 10-way race with an emphasis on her judicial credentials and her ability to work with law enforcement and apply the law fairly.

The win puts Ms. Beasley, 56, a former public defender who climbed the judicial ranks and made history as North Carolina’s first Black Supreme Court chief justice, closer to becoming its first Black senator.

“Were going to just keep doing what were doing today, and certainly we have been very thoughtful about the next phase. It’s been awesome to have been able to really plan for it and build the infrastructure for the next part of this election, so we’re excited about that,” Beasley said.

Beasley will the winner of the Republican Primary, Rep, Ted Budd in the general election on November 8.

Charles Booker wins Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in Kentucky primary

Charles Booker has won the Democratic primary election for the U.S. Senate in his bid to stop a decadeslong winning streak by Kentucky Republicans.

Booker defeated three opponents in the Democratic primary. He will challenge Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul in the November election.

Booker promotes social programs such as Medicare for All and a basic universal income. Booker says such proposals would uplift people across the Bluegrass State, including poor urban neighborhoods and struggling Appalachian towns.

My name is Charles Booker and I am the Democratic nominee for United States Senate in Kentucky.

— Charles Booker (@Booker4KY) May 17, 2022