Three Things for February 9
1. Breonna Taylor case resumes
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, the case of Breonna Taylor’s death resumed with the first questioning of potential jurors for the trial.
The jury pool increased to 250 in response to heavy publicity surrounding Taylor’s death and the protests in 2020.
“The first prospective juror called was a Black woman — a medical worker just like Taylor was — who said she was ‘neutral’ on the case. Lawyers asked if she was aware Hankison’s case is separate from the shooting death of Taylor. The woman said she had no opinion about Taylor’s death and indicated she could weigh the evidence against Hankison fairly. She was retained and asked to return on Feb. 22 for the next phase of jury selection,” reports AP News.
A dozen other potential jurors were interviewed and offered a variety of insight on the case. The questioning process is expected to take at least two weeks to complete.
For more information, read the full AP News article.
2. UCLA set to pay $243.6 million in sexual abuse case
On Tuesday, Feb. 8, the University of California, Los Angeles agreed to pay $243.6 million to settle allegations from the hundreds of women who claimed to have been sexually assaulted by former UCLA gynecologist Dr. James Heaps.
“The conduct alleged to have been committed by Heaps is reprehensible and contrary to the University’s values,” said a statement from UCLA. “Our first and highest obligation will always be to the communities we serve, and we hope this settlement is one step toward providing healing and closure for the plaintiffs involved.”
The lawsuit was one of hundreds filed against Heaps as 203 women have reported Heaps sexually abused them between 1983 and 2018.
“The University of California, Los Angeles, began investigating Heaps in 2017 and he retired the next year after the school declined to renew his contract. Heaps also was criminally charged last year with 21 counts of sexual offenses involving seven women. He has pleaded not guilty and denied wrongdoing,” reports AP News.
3. Deaf actor, Troy Kotsur, nominated for Oscar
Actor Troy Kotsur received an Academy Award nomination for his work in the film CODA.
Kotsur was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar.
“Kotsur, 53, was born deaf and grew up in Mesa, Ariz. He attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., before launching into an acting career on the stage, on TV and in films. His previous credits include a Broadway turn in "Big River: The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn,” reports NPR.
CODA stands for “Child of Deaf Adults”, and Kotsur plays Frank Rossi in the show.
Kotsur was also nominated at the British Academy Film Awards for best supporting role.
