FIVE FIRED MEMPHIS police officers are facing murder and kidnap charges in connection with the death of a motorist (Shutterstock).

Murder and other offenses were charged on Thursday against five fired Memphis police offices in the death of Tyre Nichols, a motorist who died after a “confrontation” on the road.

According to the Associated Press, the five officers and the motorist are all African American.

The charges include second-degree murder, aggravated assault aggravated kidnapping, official misconduct and official oppression.

Nichols, 29, was beaten by the officers for three minutes after a traffic stop on Jan. 7 and died from his injuries three days later.

U.S. economy shows growth

GROSS DOMESTIC products stats look good (Shutterstock)

The New York Times reports that while it was slower than the 3.2 percent growth the previous quarter, it represented solid improvement despite inflation and the after-effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

People spending money they were unable to spend during the pandemic also served as a boost to the economy, according to financial analysts.

Also in the News … Bilal al-Sudani, an Islamic State leader tied to terrorism, has been killed by U.S. military in Somalia, according to USA Today.

Sports: King James an All-Star captain

LE BRON JAMES

LeBron James has been named one of the two captains of teams in the NBA All-Star Game. It’s his 19th time to be selected to play in the game, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for most times named.

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks will captain the other team.

Also in sports: The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 131-100 Thursday night. Paul George scored 35 points and Kawhi Leonard had 27 in the win for the Clips, now 27-24.

The Anaheim Ducks rallied in the third quarter for a 5-3 win over Colorado Avalanche. Frank Vatrano scored three goals for the Ducks (15-29-5).

Weather: Chilly weather ahead

Friday is forecast to be sunny in the West Orange County area with a daytime high of 70 and an overnight low of 46. But Saturday will be cooler with the thermometer dropping to 64 under mostly sunny skies. The low will be 51. Sunday will be breezy with winds up to 12 miles and hour and the daytime high sliding to 57 (44) with afternoon showers.