What's Happening

US News

Three Former Memphis Officers Convicted on Some Charges in Tyre Nichols Case

What's going on: Yesterday, a federal jury found three former Memphis police officers guilty of witness tampering in connection with the death of Tyre Nichols, but acquitted them of the most serious civil rights charges. One officer was convicted of violating the 29-year-old Black man’s civil rights by causing bodily injury. In 2023, five officers — all Black men — severely beat Nichols during what was supposed to be a routine traffic stop. Body-camera audio showed the officers laughing as Nichols lay on the ground for several minutes before an ambulance was called. Nichols died three days later from blunt-force injuries to the head. All five officers were fired and indicted on state and federal charges, with two former officers previously pleading guilty to some of the federal charges. After yesterday’s verdict, Nichols’s stepfather told The New York Times: “We’re all very, very happy that these guys have been put in jail. This is a long time coming.”

What it means: The case has once again put a spotlight on the police brutality that Black men face in this country. It has also prompted activists to call for an end to “hot-spot” policing units, which focus resources on areas with high crime rates. In this case, the five former officers used to belong to the Memphis Police Department's Scorpion street crime unit, which faced accusations of using excessive force. Although that unit has been disbanded, there has yet to be a significant overhaul of how officers in Memphis are expected to conduct themselves. Additionally, police reform at the federal level has stalled; the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act passed the House twice but failed to progress in the Senate.

Related: Police Brutality Led To Reform but Rising Crime Fears Are Undermining Progress (WaPo Gift Link)

US News

A Couple in an Uber Accident Can't Sue Because of…the Terms of Service

What's going on: A New Jersey couple’s legal woes might cause you to think twice before you agree to those lengthy terms and conditions. In 2022, Georgia and John McGinty were riding in an Uber when the driver ran a red light and T-boned another car. The couple suffered injuries, and Georgia had to undergo several procedures. However, when the McGinty’s tried to sue Uber over the incident, a court blocked their case. The reason? Their daughter had used Georgia’s account to order food on Uber Eats and agreed to the terms of use, waiving trial rights. Uber argued that, as a result, the couple cannot pursue a jury trial, and any future disputes must be settled through private arbitration. The couple said they plan to appeal the court’s decision, according to Today.

What it means: This case highlights the complexities of the agreements that many people sign without much thought. Earlier this year, a man sued Disney because his wife died from an allergic reaction after eating at a park restaurant in 2023. Disney argued the case should be sent to arbitration because the family had agreed to the terms and conditions while signing up for its streaming service, Disney+. After public backlash, the company withdrew its motion, and the case is now moving forward. So maybe read the terms and conditions next time (or ask an AI-powered chatbot to do it for you).

Related: What to Know Before Agreeing to a Terms of Service Agreement (USA Today)

Business

Cracking Open a Canned Cocktail? Careful, It's Packing a Harder Punch

What's going on: It’s never been easier to enjoy a cocktail on the go, but now spiked seltzers and prepared mixed drinks might be giving you an unexpected fast buzz. That’s because brands are rolling out versions with higher alcohol content to stand out in the booming ready-to-drink (RTD) beverage market. These drinks have brought in $13.1 billion in sales in the past year and represent 12% of total alcohol sales. Originally marketed as lighter, healthier alternatives, hard seltzers hooked consumers seeking convenience. But people aren't just reaching for 5%-ABV hard seltzers for a picnic anymore; they’re opting for canned gin and tonics, negronis, and margaritas with a lot more punch. The thing is, for better or for worse, you just can’t make a low-alcohol Manhattan.

What it means: Companies are cashing in on knowing that time is money: Why buy all the ingredients for an old fashioned if you can buy premade, single-serve options instead? Plus, have you seen the drink prices at bars lately? But, the risk is in the fine print: many people don’t check labels, making accidental overconsumption more likely. And those hard seltzers were meant to be healthier if had in moderation. Upping the alcohol content changes that. Experts acknowledge it can already be easy to lose track of how much alcohol you’re drinking when you do so less often. That’s also true when those refreshing seltzers go down so easily. So, if you’re about to crack open a prepackaged cocktail, just check that label before your next sip.

Related: The Case for Putting an Age Limit on Nonalcoholic Beverages (CNN)