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Welcome to The Crunch, our weekly roundup of stories from around the Web; like reading the news while chomping on granola. Here’s what we’ve been chewing on lately.

Sin City curbs police violence

The Las Vegas Police Department had a history of deadly force incidents that drew the criticism of experts, civil rights leaders, and the Las Vegas community. Today, they’ve curbed the trend of excessive force and serve as a model for law enforcement agencies from Baltimore to Albuquerque—and even Australia. (via )

“Second-class rights”

The Supreme Court refused to hear a challenge to a ban on assault weapons in a Chicago suburb, despite dissenting opinions from two justices who suggested that allowing a ban on assault weapons makes the Second Amendment a “second-class right.” (via )

Speaking of guns …

Would the gun control debate make more progress if we addressed the psychological reasons pro-gun advocates feel so passionate about the issue? Weighing risks and reasons, this article takes a closer look at both sides.(via )

Beijing on “red alert”

Beijing issued its first “red alert” for smog this week, shutting down roads, factories, and schools around the city. Debilitating smog enveloped the city earlier this month and environmental groups criticized the city for putting the health of its 23 million residents at risk. (via)

Former Coal CEO convicted

Former Massey Energy CEO Don Blankenship was convicted on a conspiracy to commit mine safety violations charge, a misdemeanor for which he could serve up to one year in prison, for the deadliest U.S. coal mine accident in the last 40 years. His attorney, Bill Taylor, told reporters he will appeal. (via )

 

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