The death of George Floyd under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer on Memorial Day has inspired protests across the country. Here in Pittsburgh, demonstrations began on Saturday and have continued every day since.
For protestors, this isn’t only about George Floyd. It’s about Antwon Rose, a teenager who was killed by an East Pittsburgh police officer in 2018; it’s about Breonna Taylor, a medical worker who was shot by Louisville police while in her home; it’s about Eric Garner, Philando Castile, Jonny Gammage, Tamir Rice and the many other black Americans who have died at the hands of police.
It’s about the outrage protestors feel at the disproportionate policing and incarceration of black bodies.
Helping explain the headlines this week:
- Ariel Worthy, government and accountability digital producer
- An-Li Herring, government and accountability reporter
- Chris Potter, government and accountability editor
- Sarah Kovash, digital director at Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting Corporation
Pennsylvania also had a primary this week, and while there weren’t a lot of significant races, there were a few surprising results.
Finally, Allegheny County enters the “green phase” of reopening today under Gov. Tom Wolf’s plan to lift restrictions on certain areas.
Pittsburgh Explainer is hosted by Liz Reid and produced by Katie Blackley. New episodes come out every Friday. Subscribe on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher and Spotify.
