Oppose cable Merger
U.S. Sens. Markey and Warren urge the Obama administration to block Comcast’s proposal for a$45.2 billion acquisition of Time Warner Cable, saying the merger is bad for consumers.The lack of competition will only “make things worse” for consumers already frustrated by increasingly high cable and Internet bills. In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder and FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler:
Today’s world demands affordable access to high-quality Internet and TV services. Should the transaction survive the FCC’s and DOJ’s reviews, we believe that Comcast-TWC’s unmatched power in the telecommunications industry would lead to higher prices, fewer choices, and poorer quality services for Americans.
NBA visits Cuba
The NBA holds a four day basketball camp for Cuba’s men and women National basketball team and a youth camp in Havana. the first professional sports team to visit Havana since the declaration of detente of the Cold War enemies. The training camp’s aim is top-level Cuban players as well as children and teenagers. It features Utah Jazz coach Snyder and Orlando Magic coach James Borrego, among others. Cuban Basketball Federation Chairman:
It’s magnificent that the NBA and FIBA are working on training youth and the development of this sport in our country in a way that will benefit the future of this sport at a national and international level
Judge assigned
South Carolina’s Supreme Court assigns Judge Newman to have exclusive jurisdiction over the case against former officer Slager. A release on the Ninth Circuit Solicitor Scarlett Wilson’s Facebook page reads:
Judge Newman shall decide all matters pertaining to this case, including motions to appoint or relieve counsel, and shall retain jurisdiction over this case regardless of where he may be assigned to hold court and may schedule such hearings as may be necessary at any time without regard as to whether there is a term of court schedule.
Headlines Coachella
Drake performs and closes at Coachella in his first performance as headliner of the three day festival. At 10:40, he opens his set with a monologue, while he smokes and drinks onstage. Madonna also makes an appearance, as she walks over and kisses him on the mouth. For more than an hour, he performs some of his biggest hits on the main stage. Drake ends the show:
I had a good time tonight.
Walter Scott funeral
Hundreds of mourners attend the funeral of Scott at W.O.R.D. Ministries Christian Center. With the 200 seat sanctuary full, 100 more attendees stand outside in the rain. Soloist Brian McClain sings a gospel selection, and the pastor George Hamilton delivers the sermon. On the death of Scott, he says:
There is no doubt in my mind that Walter’s death was motivated by racism. You have to hate somebody to shoot them from behind. This hate could not have been because of the person who Walter was. This hate was because Walter was an African American.
South Carolina congressman Clyburn addresses the press after the funeral:
I think this is a catalyst to get people to face up to the fact that we’ve got problems in this country. I think this exposed something that is already there.
Dashcam video released
South Carolina authorities release dash cam video in connection with the Scott’s shooting. The footage does not show the actual shooting. The video from Slager’s patrol car shows the traffic stop and early interactions between the officer and Scott. Slager approaches Scott’s vehicle and the two men speak. Scott tells the officer he does not have insurance and is in the process of purchasing the vehicle. Slager then returns to his patrol car. Scott attempts to exit his vehicle, however, Slager tells him to stay in the car. Again, Scott gets out of the car, and runs away, out of the field of view of the dash cam. Officer Slager then pursues Scott on foot, but no visual footage of that chase is available. While in pursuit, Officer Slager warns Scott that he will use the taser. Slager:
Taser, taser, taser. Get on the ground!
Video witness speaks
Santana, the man who shot the video, is interviewed by NBC News‘ Lester Holt:
I thought about his position, their situation … If I were to have a family member that would happen [to], I would like to know the truth.
In another Interview on MSNBC’s All In with Chris Hayes, Santana also says:
I felt that my life, with this information, might be in danger. I thought about erasing the video and just getting out of the community, you know Charleston, and living some place else. I knew this cop didn’t do the right thing.
Slager charged
The video is released to the public and Slager is charged with shooting and killing Scott. If convicted of murder, the officer could face life in prison, or he could be sentenced to the death penalty. Slager is booked into the county’s detention center and is being held without bail.
Launch Tidal
Jay-Z launches his streaming music service TIDAL at an industry event, #TIDALforall at Skylight in Moynihan Station in New York City. He announces his partnership with 16 other artists, including Beyonce, Madonna, Usher, Rihanna, Butler and Chassagne of Arcade Fire, Jason Aldean, J. Cole, Jack Wright, Chris Martin, Daft Punk, Deadmau5, Nikki Minaj, Coldplay and Calvin Harris, who formally sign a declaration of partnership. Tidal is the first service to offer ad-free music, video and editorial content owned by the stars who actually create it. The high quality sound service is available across iOS and Android devices, as well as in Web browsers and desktop players, in the U.S. and 30 other countries. Tidal Premium is $9.99, and Tidal Hifi is $19.99. Alicia Keys:
We come to you with one voice in unity. The first ever artist owned global music and entertainment platform!
