Idaho lieutenant gov. appears in video slamming virus rules, whether ‘a pandemic may or may not be occurring’

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/10/30/idaho-covid-lieutenant-governor/

The video shows Idaho Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin (R) sitting in the driver’s seat of a pickup truck, a Bible in her hand, as she rails against the coronavirus restrictions carried out in the state she helps lead.

“We recognize that all of us are by nature, free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights,” she says, grabbing a gun and placing it on top of the Bible with a wide smile on her face. “Among which are enjoying and defending life and liberty, acquiring, possessing and protecting property and pursuing happiness and securing safety."

The video, released earlier this week by a libertarian group called the Idaho Freedom Foundation, claims that Gov. Brad Little (R) infringed liberties to battle a pandemic that “may or may not be occurring."

It’s the latest broadside in a months-long conflict between McGeachin and Little over how to handle a virus that has killed at least 615 in the state and infected more than 62,000. In contrast to Little’s phased reopening strategy, McGeachin has consistently argued for a looser approach — even amid a recent uptick in infections.

On Monday, after Little announced he would again limit gatherings of 50 or more people, McGeachin pushed back on her Facebook page, saying she was “disappointed” in the governor’s decision.

https://www.democracynow.org/2020/10/30/jesse_wegman_abolish_electoral_college

As the presidential candidates make their final campaign push ahead of Election Day by visiting key battleground states like Florida and North Carolina, we turn now to look at the case for abolishing the Electoral College.

Two of the last three presidencies, Donald Trump’s included, have gone to the candidate who lost the popular vote. In 2000, the Supreme Court halted the Florida recount, handing the election to George W. Bush. It was later determined Vice President Al Gore actually won the election by half a million votes. In 2016, Hillary Clinton received almost 3 million more votes than Trump, but Trump still won.

The Electoral College, enshrined in the U.S. Constitution by the wealthy white Founders, many of whom were slaveholders, has allowed these victories, where the loser wins. But a mass movement is building to elect the president through a national popular vote.

Mar 23, 2020

Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly Sues Breonna Taylor’s Boyfriend Kenneth Walker for Shooting Him, Causing ‘Mental Anguish’

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/sgt-jonathan-mattingly-sues-breonna-taylor-e2-80-99s-boyfriend-kenneth-walker-for-shooting-him-causing-e2-80-98mental-anguish-e2-80-99/ar-BB1axYfI

Louisville Police Sgt. Jonathan Mattingly has sued Kenneth Walker, the boyfriend of slain Kentucky woman Breonna Taylor. In a lawsuit filed Thursday, Mattingly asserted he was entitled to damages because the Walker shot him in the leg during a raid by law enforcement on March 13.

“Mattingly was shot and nearly killed by Kenneth Walker,” attorney Kent Wicker said in a statement obtained by CBS News. “He’s entitled to, and should, use the legal process to seek a remedy for the injury that Walker has caused him.”

The complain states Walker acted “willingly or maliciously.” The lawsuit added: “As a result, Defendant Mattingly is entitled to compensatory damages for the medical treatment, trauma, [physical] pain, and mental anguish he suffered.”

Mattingly and other Louisville police officers were attempting to execute a search warrant at Taylor’s apartment, in connection to a drug case against Taylor’s ex-boyfriend Jamarcus Glover. Walker said that he did now know that this was law enforcement at the door.

Walker opened fire, striking Mattingly in the leg, according to Attorney General Daniel Cameron (R). Mattingly’s lawyer previously released video recorded in the aftermath of the shooting, showing that the officer was wounded.