Politics. On Point.

Days after Attorney General Eric Holder announced that he is resigning his pos t (for reasons many are uncertain of), Holder spoke during the Congressional Black Caucus' panel on voting rights. Holder was the first African American, and longest tenured Attorney General in U.S. history. He has agreed to stay in his post until a successor has been named.  The Department of Justice, which Holder heads, is leading the investigation in Ferguson, Missouri where eighteen year-old Michael Brown was murdered by Darren Wilson of the Ferguson police department. Residents are in awe of Holder's resignation and have become increasingly concerned that justice may not prevail without Holders leadership in ensuring a fair and honest investigation. Holder announced his resignation as the nation celebrates the 50th anniversity of the Civil Rights Act. His remarks during the CBC Voting Rights panel are below. Thank you, Representative [Marcia] Fudge, for those kind words – and than...

As a college student, I receive texts and email alerts when there has been a sexual assault on campus.  Often times the message will begin like this…  Notice of Sexual  Assault : In compliance with the provisions of the federal  Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1988   xxxxxxxx University is giving notice of a Sexual  Assault . On   xxxxx, xxxx, 2014 xxx Police were notified of a reported Sexual  Assault . The incident took place on or about September x, 2014 at a private residence in the xxx block of xxx Street. The suspect was an acquaintance to the survivor. xxxx Police are investigating this incident. The notice is followed by a reminder from campus police  suggesting dos and don’ts to stay safe: Be on the lookout for suspicious people who may attempt to isolate someone that is intoxicated or has been drinking.   Get involved, don’t allow that to happen; when consu...

Today the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) released  Implementing a Body-Worn Camera Program: Recommendations and Lessons Learned .  The report analyzes some of the costs and benefits of law enforcement using body-worn video technology. “Law enforcement agencies across the nation are contemplating how best to use body-worn cameras and these guidelines will help them weight the costs and benefits,” said COPS Office Director Ronald L. Davis.  “There are many considerations when implementing a body-worn camera and this report   will help chiefs and sheriffs make the best decision for their jurisdiction.” The publication was developed jointly by the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) and COPS through a cooperative agreement under the FY 2013 Community Policing Development Program.  PERF conducted research on the use of body-worn cameras, identified promising practices and lessons learned from the fi...

Funding creates an estimated 4,750 new jobs; Helps newly insured access care   Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell announced today $295 million in Affordable Care Act funding to 1,195 health centers in every U.S. State, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Pacific Basin to expand primary care services. Today’s awards enable  health centers to increase access to comprehensive primary health care services by hiring an estimated 4,750 new staff including new health care providers, staying open for longer hours, and expanding the care they provide to include new services such as oral health, behavioral health, pharmacy, and vision services.  These investments will help health centers reach an estimated 1.5 million new patients nationwide, including over 137,000 oral health patients and more than 38,000 mental and substance abuse patients. “Health centers are a key part of how the Affordable Care Act is working to impro...

Bob McDonnell, former governor of Virginia, has been found guilty  on 11 of 13 counts on conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegally obtaining property, making false statements, and other actions unbecoming of a state governor. Former VA governor Bob McDonnell and former first lady Maureen McDonnell found guilty of corruption. The McDonnell trial lasted for more than three weeks when former chef, Todd Schneider , dropped a dime on the McDonnells after Schneider was accused of stealing food from the executive pantry of the governor's mansion for his side catering jobs.  Schneider maintained his innocence saying the food was payment for services rendered. After the firing, Schneider informed law enforcement that the McDonnells had taken money from wealthy Star Scientific businessman Johnny Williams .  Williams allegedly gave the McDonnells gifts to include a Rolex watch, paid for the wedding of the McDonnells' daughter, and for designer clothing for former first lady...

Eleven days after another police officer murders another unarmed African American male, tensions continue to run high amid calls for peace and a halt to the unrest by Ferguson officials, residents, and even President Obama. The family and Ferguson residents want justice for eighteen year-old, Michael Brown , who was shot, execution style, by Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson . Brown's body lay in street for several moments, with no attempts to revive him, and no ambulance dispatched to the crime scene. A posting and picture of Darren Wilson from his father's Facebook page. Witnesses took to their camera phones to record their account of the incident.  See also [ Reporter talks to Ferguson residents to get on-the-ground response .  Multiple videos]. Many say Brown and a friend were approached by Wilson who pulled Brown into the police car and as Brown struggled to get away, Wilson shot him.   It was still unclear why the two men were approached b...

Friends of Rick Perry are "standing by their man." Emails from Representatives Ted Cruz and Bobby Jindal show their support for embattled Texas governor, Rick Perry, who was indicted this week on felony charges alleging abuse of power. Perry tried to force District Attorney Rosemary Lehmberg to resign after she was charged with a DUI , and threatened to hold district funds if she did not.  (See also Lehmberg called 'unfit'  to serve). Travis County police mug shot of Texas governor Rick Perry. While both Cruz and Jindal state their belief that the indictment is the action of "liberal politicians", both also expressed their individual opinions. Writes Cruz in an email to constituents, " Unfortunately, there has been a sad history of the Travis County District Attorney's Office engaging in politically-motivated prosecutions, and this latest indictment of the governor is extremely questionable.  Rick Perry is a friend, he's a man of in...