Three things for September 30
1. Breonna Taylor grand jury case recordings to be released today
A recording of the grand jury proceedings into the death of Breonna Taylor is to be made public today. These recordings are being publicized in the hopes they will offer an inside look at the case presented by the Kentucky attorney general that resulted in only one police officer indictment.
Ben Crump, an attorney for the Taylor family, called for the transcripts to be released, saying it is necessary to ensure the evidence was properly presented to the grand jury.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said he presented the grand jury with “all the evidence” and walked the panel through six possible homicide offenses under Kentucky law, according to Reuters.
2. Serena Williams withdraws from French Open
This morning, three-time champion Serena Williams pulled out of the French Open with an injury shortly before she was scheduled to play a second-round match. She then suggested the issue might keep her from playing another competitive match this year, reports the New York Times.
Williams, 39, said her left Achilles’ tendon had not sufficiently healed from a previous injury. This injury required treatment during her United States Open semifinal loss to Victoria Azarenka earlier this month and kept her out of a tune-up event in Rome.
Williams said she believes she will require two weeks of rest and four to six weeks of recovery. She said she “more than likely” won't play another tournament this year.
Williams is one Grand Slam tournament victory shy of equaling Margaret Court’s record of 24 major singles titles.
3. New York City imposes mask fines as positive rates increase
On Tuesday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio threatened to fine anyone caught in public not wearing a mask.
Blasio said the city will fine residents or visitors up to $1,000 if they are not wearing a mask in public areas. The rate of positive COVID-19 tests has risen above 3% in New York City for the first time in months, according to Reuters.
“We don’t want to fine people, but if we have to, we will,” de Blasio said at a news conference.
This will be enforced by police and health officials, who will offer a mask to those caught not wearing one, before fining them. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority imposed a similar policy earlier this month, fining commuters who refuse to wear a mask on public transit $50.
“For the first time in quite a while, the daily number is over 3% and that is cause for real concern,” de Blasio said.
