In January, NYPD Officer Michael Valva brutally beat his 8-year-old son, Thomas, who had autism, then froze him to death. He has been charged with murder. Yesterday, the NYPD allowed Officer Michael Valva to resign and keep his pension. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night, in the middle of Nebraska, Donald Trump, in a painful metaphor for his whole life and presidency, literally bused hundreds of supporters into a rally in the freezing cold, then got on Air Force One and left them there with no way to get home. They were stranded for hours on end. It was so cold that men, women, children, and senior citizens had to be rushed to the hospital for hypothermia. Trump hates rural Americans. Always has. And last night, he let that hate show in a cruel way. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All over the world police safely disarm men, women, and children who are in the middle of a mental health crisis. American police just don't want to. It's the bottom line. They are trained to shoot to kill any time they get the heebie-jeebies. And they damn sure do. Walter Wallace needed an ambulance. He needed medical attention. Instead, he got bullets. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a few hours, Republicans are about to approve the appointment of Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. It will give conservatives a devastating 6-3 majority and the power to not only overturn everything we hold dear, but to basically overturn any future legislation if Democrats take power after the upcoming election. Democrats must be prepared to expand and change the Supreme Court. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We only have 11 more days until the presidential election comes to a close. I want to share with you guys what I think is going to happen, based on the information we've got now. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday a judge granted an original grand juror in the Breonna Taylor case the permission to speak out publicly about the hearing and their findings. What we learned was both explosive and despicable. The grand juror said that they were never even allowed to look at the evidence, in spite of requesting it, that could've caused them to charge the officers who shot and killed Breonna. This directly contradicts the words of Kentucky AG Daniel Cameron who said that the jurors themselves decided not to prosecute the cops. All of this misconduct and malfeasance warrants a new grand jury being formed. Today I'll unpack and explain how this could happen and who could do it. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happened yesterday in Nigeria was a civil rights and human rights catastrophe as the Nigerian military opened fire on peaceful protesters in Lagos. Let me explain to you what I saw unfold, live on Instagram yesterday, and unpack how badly the government is handling the aftermath. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday 50 Cent endorsed Donald Trump and literally said he doesn't care if Trump hates Black people. But today I want to dig deeper. The very reason 50 endorsed Trump is based on a complete fabrication about Biden's tax plans. Also, I share a personal story about one of 50's dear friends. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday the people of Bolivia voted their socialist party and leaders back into office after a coup backed by the United States and gross capitalists like Elon Musk. It was a total rejection of the coup. Of course, the American media and power structure hardly has anything to say about it. Let me unpack and explain why it matters. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Grassroots Law Project is organizing a special community just for our work in Texas and we want you, and everybody you know in Texas, to join us. We're launching in 12 days and need YOU on board. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. King was right when he said "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." And this month, while it is no shock to Nigerians, most of the world is hearing about the crisis of police violence in Nigeria for the very first time. We must ALL stand against it and stand in solidarity with protesters and organizers who are on the front lines. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our country has a lot at stake for the next 20 days - and people are nervous. Let's talk about it. So much has gone wrong in 2020 that I think our hope and optimism have been worn down to a nub. I still see some real light at the end of the tunnel. Let me share one particularly good scenario that I truly think is possible. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's not enough to simply win elections. If Democrats win back the Senate and the Presidency, they are going to have to play by a fierce new set of rules so that they actually wield that power to advance their agenda. Let me unpack and explain what this should look like. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All my life, I've said that MJ was the best basketball player to ever live. Today, I want to highlight why we say Muhammad Ali was the best boxer of all time and how that standard, which includes who Muhammad Ali was out of the ring, should apply to the GOAT in basketball as well. If it does, a real argument for LeBron being the GOAT can be made. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

These white men, who were buying explosives and plotting to overthrow the government of Michigan, fit the literal definition of terrorists. Yet they aren't being labeled as such for two fundamental reasons that I want to share with you today. Let me unpack and explain it. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kamala Harris won the debate last night. Hands down. Today I'll unpack what she did well, what was disappointing, and also give my thoughts on the fly and the bloodshot eye. Also, it now appears this is going to be the last debate we see in this presidential campaign since Trump pulled out of the second one. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shockingly, in 100 years, New York City has had only 4 District Attorneys. Today, I am proudly endorsing Tahanie Aboushi to be the next District Attorney of Manhattan. She's one of the smartest, most courageous, compassionate, determined people I've ever met. And she has EXACTLY what it takes to be the change agent that New York needs. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Smart local voting can truly change systems. For the next 28 days, I am dedicating my life to supporting candidates for office who are truly going to change the game from the inside out. Today I want to tell you about Sarah Iannarone who is running for Mayor of Portland, as well as Terra Lawson-Remer and John Avalos - who are running for county supervisor roles in San Diego and San Francisco. Even if you aren't in these cities (I'm not either), I am going to unpack and explain why it all matters. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This weekend a wonderful brother named Jonathan Price was murdered by police in a rural town outside of Dallas, Texas. People are now sharing an old Facebook post he made where he spoke of how much respect he had for police - as if this means we shouldn't fight for him. I very strongly disagree. Let me explain why. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump is so consistently dishonest - a pathological liar - that it's genuinely difficult to believe anything he says. Today I'll tell you why I think he actually has it and what I think the impact will be on the election which is just a few weeks away. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Of course Trump supports bigots and hate groups. Of course he refuses to repudiate them. Of course he refuses to take the threat of white supremacist violence seriously. He is a white supremacist and has been one for his entire life. His father was literally in the KKK. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is a very, very important day as we continue our fight to hold the officers who murdered Breonna Taylor accountable. A judge has ordered that the transcripts from the grand jury be released. We now know for sure that the Attorney General didn't even attempt to hold the officers accountable. The grand jury notes will show us exactly what went down. Also, I want to unpack and explain what we saw last night in the first presidential debate between Trump & Biden. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past 48 hours we've learned so much about the Breonna Taylor case to warrant it being reopened. Today I unpack and explain all that we've learned so far. Tomorrow, after a member of the grand jury filed a suit stating that the Kentucky Attorney General misrepresented them, all of the records from the grand jury will be released. The truth is - a new grand jury needs to be formed. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have to be real here. Donald Trump didn't sneak anything past the IRS by only paying $750 in taxes. They've known EXACTLY what he's been doing for 50+ years. They just don't care. Because the IRS - much like America's justice system - was designed to protect the rich and privileged. It's not a bug. It's a feature of capitalism itself. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

All is not lost. I see multiple pathways to change, justice, and accountability for Breonna Taylor. Today, I'll share some clear action steps for us. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night on Instagram Live I took time to really break down and explain the systems, structures, and people that are responsible for Breonna's murder and the subsequent lack of justice and accountability. I want you to hear that entire conversation. Later today, on The Breakdown Live, I will give us solutions and action steps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today we learn whether or not any of the officers who murdered Breonna Taylor will be held accountable. Let me give you a refresher on this case, explain the laws that were broken, and begin discussing what accountability feels like for Breonna's family. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If Democrats aren't willing to do this one thing, they don't deserve our support. The rules have changed. Hell, the whole game has changed. And this is their only logical next step. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re 43 days from the moment we call Election Day, but the truth is that today is Election Day. Tomorrow is too. Early voting is already underway from coast to coast and every day between now and November 3rd is its own mini-Election Day. We must pivot and see this as Election Season, where every single day matters. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on a special episode of The Breakdown, we are running an episode of another TNS produced podcast - America the Voiceless. Nikki Rojas and Maria Elena Perez dig into the roadblocks faced by Americans who navigate through the criminal justice system. Americans who have been incarcerated or are currently incarcerated often lose the right to vote and have difficulties regaining that right. We hear from Nicole Porter from The Sentencing Project, Dr. Jane Gubser from Cook County Jail and artist Natti from CunninLynguists. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you heard of the murder rule? Most countries in the world have gotten rid of this rule. But, of course, it is still in place in most states in the US. On today's episode, a rerun from last year, Shaun unpacks and explains exactly what this rule is, and how it is leveraged against people of color. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Shaun hears about horrible cases of police brutality, he runs the situation through, what he calls, the Taylor Swift test. On today's episode, a rerun from last year, listen as he breaks down what the Taylor Swift test for police brutality is. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States does not have one justice system or one legal system. We often talk about changing the system, but in reality, we have 30,000 microsystems. Each microsystem has its own set of rules, laws, and politics, which is simultaneously great news in our fight to change the status quo, as well as horrible news. On today's episode, a rerun from last year that remains painfully relevant, Shaun breaks down what this means. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the plan to change the criminal justice system? Do you know it? Read it? Heard about it? Plans do exist, but a plan is only as effective as the ability of everyday people to repeat it back to you. On today's rerun episode, Shaun unpacks and explains why we need to be on board for the plan. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To be an abolitionist, you not only have to have an abolitionist worldview, you have to take abolitionist actions. On today’s rerun episode, Shaun unpacks and explains what that means. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us know what it meant to be an abolitionist before the American Civil War, but what does it mean today? Listen to Part 1 of a mini-series we are rerunning as Shaun unpacks and explains how we can all be modern-day abolitionists. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shaun gets asked one question more than any other -- "How do I change the world?" To give you an answer, Shaun needs to ask you an even bigger question: What are you going to fight for? Making a conscious, honest decision about what you're going to fight for is not simple. It's complicated and personal. And all of us need to make that decision to make real meaningful change. In today's episode, a rerun from last year with a message just as relevant today, Shaun walks us through what it takes to make that decision. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Right now, jails & prisons in the United States have the highest documented infection rates of COVID-19 in the world. On today's episode, a re-run from April that sadly remains relevant, Shaun explains the concept of jail churn and breaks down how it shows up in our prison system, and contributes to the spread of coronavirus. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week police in San Antonio shot and killed a decorated military veteran named Damian Daniels on the doorstep of his home. He hadn’t broken the law or committed a crime. He needed to go to the doctor. But in 2 minutes, police shot and killed him. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moments ago, the Missouri State Senate just passed a bill by a 22-8 margin stripping St. Louis DA Kim Gardner of some of her most essential powers. They refused to do this to any other prosecutor in the state - just her - a Black woman who just won re-election by a landslide last month. Listen, and take our action steps today. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Moments ago, I just learned that the Governor of Oregon, a Democrat, is literally working with the Trump administration to interfere with the decisions of Portland's courageous new District Attorney ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have good news for you today! A powerful piece of legislation just passed in California and is awaiting the signature from the Governor. Let me tell you what it means and why it matters to all of us. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2020 is too much. Period. Today, I just want to talk to you about the importance of processing the pain of it all. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Did you hear the disturbing clip of Kenosha, Wisconsin Sheriff David Beth saying Black people need to be locked up, warehoused, and never let out again? He said this after a shoplifting incident. But listen, that man was VOTED into office. We have to start be very, very specific about who and what people should be voting for and against nationwide. Or we get him. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yesterday the Milwaukee Bucks started a movement. Today I want to unpack the big lesson from their courageous step to not play in their NBA playoff game as a protest against police brutality ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night in Kenosha, Wisconsin armed white supremacists literally worked directly with local police, sharing water and refreshments and strategies with them, before they murdered two people and injured another ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 I'm fighting for it. You are fighting for it. But let's take a moment to define what justice really means for families impacted by police violence and racial terrorism. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last night, we were literally with the family of Breonna Taylor when we learned that police shot 29-year-old father, Jacob Blake, in Kenosha, Wisconsin in front of his kids. ---- If you listen to The Breakdown and want to help support the work we do, consider becoming a member of our Patreon at www.patreon.com/thebreakdown for exclusive members perks and early access to content. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices