Peaceful protesters don't want message behind George Floyd rallies overshadowed by violence

Two very different stories can be told about what happened over the weekend in Los Angeles and across the nation. One demonstrates solidarity among people of all races, doing whatever they can to make sure that the message isn't lost in translation: black individuals are not being treated as first-class citizens in the United States and the death of George Floyd can't be another statistic. The other attempts to distract from that message by whatever means possible in hopes of capitalizing on a divided nation in order to shatter our dreams of unity.

Medical examiner: Floyd's heart stopped while restrained

Under "other significant conditions” it said Floyd suffered from heart disease and hypertension, and listed fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use. Those factors were not listed under cause of death.

Use of force criticized in protests about police brutality

As protests grip the nation, officers have doused crowds with pepper spray, struck protesters with batons, steered police cars into throngs, shoved demonstrators and screamed curses, some are questioning whether tough police tactics against demonstrators are actually making the violence worse rather than quelling it.