A Republican-Led Voting Restriction Bill Moves Forward

Texas republicans advanced a voting restriction bill that will make casting ballots more challenging in future elections and grant more power to partisan poll watchers, ABC News reports. The bill, which was passed Thursday morning in an 18-13 vote, will also limit options for casting ballots and cut down polling hours, such as drive-thru voting, which was heavily utilized by Black and Latino voters last fall. Republicans deny allegations that the new measure is a means of suppressing voter turnout.

George Floyd: Jurors Watch Derek Chauvin Defend Actions To Bystander In Bodycam Clip

Wednesday, jurors looked on as former police officer Derek Chauvin defended his actions to an upset bystander in body camera footage, CNN reports. The exchange took place moments after George Floyd was taken away by ambulance. The bystander, 61-year-old Charles McMillan had expressed that he was upset by Chauvin's decision to place his knee on Floyd's neck.

"What I watched was wrong," McMillan told Chauvin.

"That's one person's opinion," Chauvin responds while getting into his police cruiser. "We had to control this guy because he's a sizable guy. It looks like he's probably on something."

McMillan broke down in tears after the clip was played in court.

Pentagon Ditches Trump-Era Transgender Military Policies

The Pentagon has done away with a Trump-era military policy that largely banned transgender people from serving in the military, according to ABC News. The new policy permits transgender people who meet military qualifications to enlist and openly serve in their self-identified gender. Further, the new policy grants them access to medically necessary transition-related care.

Zola Trailer Does Not Disappoint Tweeters

Tweeters were not disappointed by trailer for the highly anticipated flick Zola. The film, which stars Taylour Paige, was inspired by the infamous 148-tweet thread through which a waitress named Zola shares the wild tale of a cross-country trip that she took with a sex worker named Stefani. The movie is slated for theater release this summer.

Lauren London Remembers Nipsey Hussle

Wednesday marked the day that Nipsey Hussle was tragically murdered. To commemorate the rapper's death anniversary, Nipsey's partner Lauren London took to Instagram to reflect on his passing and her healing journey in the wake of his death.

"The day of Ermias’ transition changed the course of my life forever," London wrote. "2 years, and it feels like yesterday and eternity all at the same time. Grief and healing have been constant companions on this journey."

Nipsey was just 33 years old.