INSIDER
โHow can you trust the guy?โ: Demonstrators protest against indicted Fort Bend Co. Judge linked to social media hoax
Read full article: โHow can you trust the guy?โ: Demonstrators protest against indicted Fort Bend Co. Judge linked to social media hoaxThe Fort Bend County Republican Party is expected to gather Tuesday as County Judge KP George's attorneys filed a motion to throw out the indictment against him linked to a social media hoax with his former chief of staff Taral Patel.
UT System prohibits its universities from making political or social statements
Read full article: UT System prohibits its universities from making political or social statementsThe new policy says universities should remain neutral on โissues of the dayโ while allowing students, faculty and staff to express their ideas.
UT-Austin spares pro-Palestinian protesters from suspension, offers them probation instead
Read full article: UT-Austin spares pro-Palestinian protesters from suspension, offers them probation insteadSome students were relieved they were offered a type of academic probation that would allow them to remain in classes.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations at UT-Austin open rift among Jewish students
Read full article: Pro-Palestinian demonstrations at UT-Austin open rift among Jewish studentsSome Jewish students see the protests as inherently antisemitic. Others say Jewish history and values make them empathize with Palestinians.
Revisiting the protest movements at the University of Texas
Read full article: Revisiting the protest movements at the University of TexasProtests have been a century-long tradition at UT-Austin, and The Daily Texan, the student newspaper, has faithfully covered and recorded these significant historical events.
Under scrutiny from legislators, Texas university leaders attest to how theyโre complying with the stateโs DEI ban
Read full article: Under scrutiny from legislators, Texas university leaders attest to how theyโre complying with the stateโs DEI banTuesdayโs Texas Senate hearing comes as lawmakers are expected to propose new laws next year to enforce the DEI ban and prevent antisemitism.
UT-Austin lecturer arrested and fired after confrontation with police at pro-Palestinian demonstration
Read full article: UT-Austin lecturer arrested and fired after confrontation with police at pro-Palestinian demonstrationThe lecturerโs lawyer disputes the charges, and the universityโs decision to fire him has raised concerns from faculty over free speech protections.
Protests ensue at jail after 2 students arrested at UH pro-Palestinian encampment
Read full article: Protests ensue at jail after 2 students arrested at UH pro-Palestinian encampmentTwo studTwo students have been arrested at a protest at the University of Houston.ents have been arrested at a protest at the University of Houston.
UT-Austin student protesters balance end-of-year work with fallout from police crackdowns
Read full article: UT-Austin student protesters balance end-of-year work with fallout from police crackdownsMany students participating in pro-Palestinian demonstrations fear their involvement might affect their plans for after college.
17 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at UT-Dallas as police break up encampment
Read full article: 17 pro-Palestinian demonstrators arrested at UT-Dallas as police break up encampmentUT-Dallas is the second campus in Texas where Department of Public Safety troopers have made arrests while breaking up protests.
Gov. Greg Abbott and UT-Austin shift from championing free speech to policing protestersโ intentions
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott and UT-Austin shift from championing free speech to policing protestersโ intentionsThe arrest of dozens of Pro-Palestinian demonstrators since last week has left First Amendment advocates asking who gets to enjoy speech protections in Texas.
Hereโs what the law says about protesting on Texas college campuses
Read full article: Hereโs what the law says about protesting on Texas college campusesStudents can generally peacefully protest, regardless of their viewpoint, but colleges and authorities may enforce some restrictions and criminal laws to maintain peace and order.
UT-Austin investigates students amid tensions over Israel-Hamas war
Read full article: UT-Austin investigates students amid tensions over Israel-Hamas warAdministrators are weighing possible disciplinary action against four students who criticized the universityโs response to the Middle East conflict.
A Texas university removed its unique public billboards after students used them to share thoughts on Gaza war
Read full article: A Texas university removed its unique public billboards after students used them to share thoughts on Gaza warThe University of Texas at Dallas replaced three boulders โ known as the Spirit Rocks โ with trees, citing โextended political discourse.โ Students say the quirky public square is a frequent venue for political messaging.
Iran opens registration for candidates in next year's parliament election, the first since protests
Read full article: Iran opens registration for candidates in next year's parliament election, the first since protestsIran has begun registering candidates for parliamentary elections in March, which will be the first since nationwide protests rocked the country last year.
Terrified and angry, LGBTQ Texans and allies rally at Capitol to protest bills targeting queer community
Read full article: Terrified and angry, LGBTQ Texans and allies rally at Capitol to protest bills targeting queer communityWith six weeks remaining in the legislative session, advocates implored Texans to join the โresistanceโ against fast-moving efforts to curb health care, drag queens, education, trans athletes and more.
โSashay away, drag queens are here to stayโ: LGBTQ+ community protests the protesters against youth at drag brunch
Read full article: โSashay away, drag queens are here to stayโ: LGBTQ+ community protests the protesters against youth at drag brunchThe chanting was intense and emotions ran high as two groups of protesters showed up outside downtown Houstonโs โHamburger Maryโsโ Sunday in a debate over its famous drag show brunch.
โMarch For Our Livesโ protests against gun violence sweep nation following hundreds of mass shootings
Read full article: โMarch For Our Livesโ protests against gun violence sweep nation following hundreds of mass shootingsThousands of demonstrators are expected to take the streets in hundreds of protests across the country Saturday to push lawmakers to take action on gun violence in the wake of recent mass shootings inย Uvalde, Texasย andย Buffalo, New York.
Austin police officers who were indicted over actions during George Floyd protests sue the city
Read full article: Austin police officers who were indicted over actions during George Floyd protests sue the citySeveral demonstrators who participated in the protests in response to George Floydโs murder were seriously injured when they were struck by police with โless than lethalโ beanbag rounds. The officersโ suit says they did not receive training on how to use this type of ammunition.
Watch: Abortion rights supporters protest leaked draft opinion indicating Roe v. Wade will be overturned
Read full article: Watch: Abortion rights supporters protest leaked draft opinion indicating Roe v. Wade will be overturnedIn this video, see what abortion rights supporters in Texas say about the impact of a likely U.S. Supreme Court decision that would overturn Roe v. Wade.
Gov. Greg Abbott floats pardons for Austin police officers charged with excessive force in 2020 protests
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott floats pardons for Austin police officers charged with excessive force in 2020 protestsAbbottโs move is the latest in a long clash between Texas Republicans and Austin-area officials over policing โ and comes as the push for reform in the Texas capital enters a more complex and uncertain chapter.
19 Austin police officers accused of excessive force during 2020 protests are indicted
Read full article: 19 Austin police officers accused of excessive force during 2020 protests are indictedAustin officials also agreed to a $10 million settlement with two men who were injured by police with beanbag rounds during the protests.
Two Dallas police officers face assault charges from 2020 George Floyd protests
Read full article: Two Dallas police officers face assault charges from 2020 George Floyd protestsOfficer Ryan Mabry and former officer Melvin Williams face multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and official oppression for their involvement with the protests.
Social media users point out contrasting responses to storming of the U.S. Capitol in comparison to Black Lives Matter protests
Read full article: Social media users point out contrasting responses to storming of the U.S. Capitol in comparison to Black Lives Matter protestsFar-right social media users for weeks openly hinted in widely shared posts that chaos would erupt at the U.S. Capitol while Congress convened to certify the election results. โ Black Lives Matter (@Blklivesmatter) January 6, 2021These guys are engaging in hand-to-hand combat with police after storming the US Capitol. The Guard was mobilized Wednesday afternoon to support local police following the storming of the Capitol. Members of the National Guard and the Washington D.C. police keep a small group of demonstrators away from the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. (Getty Images)The Defense Department has activated approximately 6,200 members of the National Guard to support the Capitol Police through the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
โUn-Americanโ: US Rep. Nehls recalls exchange he had with mob storming Capitol as he helped barricade House doors
Read full article: โUn-Americanโ: US Rep. Nehls recalls exchange he had with mob storming Capitol as he helped barricade House doorsโWhatโs taking place here right now is un-American,โ Nehls said as the Capitol was being occupied by protesters. โThis is a sacred house.โAs house members were evacuated to safety, Nehls stayed behind. Through a broken window, Nehls said he tried to negotiate with the protesters, hoping to convince them to stand down. โSomething close to seditionโ: Green talks about Capitol being stormedU.S. Rep Al Green (D-Dist. He said that while he believes in peaceful protests, the chaos that engulfed the Capitol was indicative of an uprising against the government.
Death toll from mobโs storming of US Capitol rises to 4, DC police say
Read full article: Death toll from mobโs storming of US Capitol rises to 4, DC police sayDistrict of Columbia National Guard stand outside the Capitol, Wednesday night, Jan. 6, 2021, after a day of rioting protesters. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)WASHINGTON โ Four people died as supporters of President Donald Trump violently occupied the U.S. Capitol. The woman was shot earlier Wednesday as the mob tried to break through a barricaded door in the Capitol where police were armed on the other side. D.C. police officials also say two pipe bombs were recovered, one outside the Democratic National Committee and one outside the Republican National Committee. Police found a cooler from a vehicle that had a long gun and Molotov cocktail on Capitol grounds.
Houston-area businesses boarding up doors, windows on Election Day
Read full article: Houston-area businesses boarding up doors, windows on Election DayHOUSTON โ As Americans across the nation wait for the highly anticipated 2020 presidential race results, many businesses are in fear of potential protests following the election results. Many businesses in the Galleria, River Oaks and downtown have boarded its buildings Tuesday afternoon. KPRC 2 reached out for comment to a few businesses. Houston businesses arenโt the only ones boarding up. In Austin, several stores on South Congress Avenue, which is down the street from the State Capital, have also boarded up over fears of protests.
A week before the election, Texas National Guard prepares to deploy troops to cities
Read full article: A week before the election, Texas National Guard prepares to deploy troops to citiesThe Texas Army National Guard said Monday that up to 1,000 troops could be dispatched to cities across Texas ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Brandon Jones, a spokesperson for the Guard, said the deployment is not related to the election and troops would not be stationed at polling places. The newspaper reported that Guard members could arrive as soon as this weekend. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has not been contacted by either Abbott or the Guard about the deployment, spokesperson Mary Benton told The Texas Tribune on Tuesday. Separately, the FBIโs field office in Dallas warned that far-right extremists could pose a violent threat in North Texas around the election.
Security guard jailed in deadly shooting at Denver protests
Read full article: Security guard jailed in deadly shooting at Denver protestsMatthew Dolloff, a private security guard working for local television station KUSA TV, was being held for investigation of first degree murder in connection with Saturday afternoon's shooting, Denver police said in a social media post. (Denver Police Department via AP)(AP) โ A private security guard working for a local TV station was jailed for investigation of first-degree murder in the deadly shooting of another man during dueling right- and left-wing protests in downtown Denver, police said Sunday. But his son identified the man on Sunday to the Denver Post as Lee Keltner, a 49-year-old U.S. Navy veteran who operated a hat-making business in the Denver area. โIt has been the practice of 9NEWS for a number of months to hire private security to accompany staff at protests,โ the station said. In photos from Saturday's shooting, Dolloff did not appear to be in uniform.
Officer charged in Breonna Taylor case pleads not guilty
Read full article: Officer charged in Breonna Taylor case pleads not guiltyLOUISVILLE, Ky. โ The lone Kentucky detective facing charges related to the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor pleaded not guilty Monday. The decision not to charge the officers set off protests in Louisville and across the country. On Monday, Louisville's mayor lifted the curfew put in place after people refused to end their nighttime protests. Her response comes after Democratic state Rep. Attica Scott was charged with the felony last week while participating in Louisville protests for racial justice. Many marched along Louisvilleโs streets chanting โBreonna Taylor, say her name,โ and โno justice, no peace."
Gov. Greg Abbott calls for new crimes, mandatory jail time for certain offenses related to protests
Read full article: Gov. Greg Abbott calls for new crimes, mandatory jail time for certain offenses related to protestsGreg Abbott issued a string of new legislative proposals to raise penalties and create new crimes for offenses committed at protests. Abbottโs proposals would create felony-level offenses for causing injury or destroying property during what is deemed to be a โriot.โ Blocking hospital entrances and using lasers to target police would also be felony offenses, Abbott said. Striking an officer with something like a water bottle would lead to a mandatory minimum of six months in jail. Many protesters in Texas have been arrested on suspicion of such offenses since protests erupted in May after the death of George Floyd. DeSantis' proposal also created new crimes and enhanced penalties like Abbottโs proposal, including a mandatory six months in jail for striking an officer.
2 Louisville officers shot amid Breonna Taylor protests
Read full article: 2 Louisville officers shot amid Breonna Taylor protestsPolice move after a Louisville Police officer was shot, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020, in Louisville, Ky. A grand jury has indicted one officer on criminal charges six months after Breonna Taylor was fatally shot by police in Kentucky. He says the officers were shot after investigating reports of gunfire at an intersection where there was a large crowd. Taylor, an emergency medical worker, was shot multiple times by white officers who entered her home during a narcotics investigation. State Attorney General Daniel Cameron said that while the officers had a no-knock warrant, the investigation showed they announced themselves before entering. ___This story has been updated to clarify that, according to the investigation, officers did not execute the warrant as a no-knock warrant, not that they didnโt use a no-knock warrant.
Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, accused in killing of protesters listed in โheroโ assignment at Dallas ISD high school
Read full article: Kyle Rittenhouse, 17, accused in killing of protesters listed in โheroโ assignment at Dallas ISD high schoolDALLAS โ A Dallas school district is investigating a high school English teacher who asked students to write about a modern-day hero and listed the 17-year-old accused of killing two people during Wisconsin protests as one possible option. Kyle Rittenhouse has been accused of fatally shooting two people and wounding another in Kenosha following the police shooting of Jacob Blake. The writing assignment also listed Joseph Rosenbaum, one of the protesters Rittenhouse is accused of killing; along with Mahatma Gandhi, Cรฉsar Chรกvez, Malcolm X and George Floyd. The Dallas Independent School District did not release the name of the W. T. White High School teacher who assigned the report. In a statement, the district said: โAn unapproved assignment posted in Google Classroom yesterday has been brought to our attention.
In crackdown on violent protesters, Justice Dept. says federal sedition charge may be applied
Read full article: In crackdown on violent protesters, Justice Dept. says federal sedition charge may be appliedNeither was a man accused of shooting and killing a demonstrator in Louisville following the death of Breonna Taylor. Demonstrations have slowed, though not necessarily because of the federal charges. Carroll accused federal authorities of using the cases to try to make the protests seem more violent and disruptive than they really were. โThere is absolutely an agenda here to blow these out of proportion, make these look more serious or more sinister than it is,โ Barnett said of the pursuit of federal charges. โThis is the Justice Department, from the top, furthering an agenda that has nothing to do with justice,โ he said.
Dallas' 1st Black female police chief to step down Nov. 10
Read full article: Dallas' 1st Black female police chief to step down Nov. 10DALLAS U. Rene Hall, the first Black woman to lead the Dallas police force, has submitted her resignation effective Nov. 10, the city announced Tuesday. Hall's resignation letter, which the city provided to The Associated Press, didn't give a reason for stepping down. She wrote that Dallas police have dealt with an unthinkable series of events since she took office in 2017. Hall said shes proud of how the department coped and implemented critical reforms." Halls resignation letter hints that she will continue police work but says shes keeping her next steps confidential.
St. Louis couple, in RNC speech, defend show of weapons
Read full article: St. Louis couple, in RNC speech, defend show of weaponsThe McCloskey case drew Trump's attention, especially after Democratic St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner filed felony unlawful use of a weapon charges in July. A police probable cause statement said protesters feared being injured due to Patricia McCloskeys finger being on the trigger, coupled with her excited demeanor." They broke the gate down, Patricia McCloskey said on Fox & Friends." They had weapons, they had fire material.Mark McCloskey said on the Fox News program that Democrat-controlled St. Louis is a very dangerous place, and the statistics back him up. The people of St. Louis expect me to pursue equal justice under the law without fear or favor, and that is what I intend to do.Gardner, St. Louis first Black circuit attorney, was elected in 2016 and appears headed to another term.
Looking back on the Watts Riots, 55 years later: In photos
Read full article: Looking back on the Watts Riots, 55 years later: In photos(Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965. (Getty Images)Scenes from the Watts Riots in Los Angeles in 1965.
Police reforms quickly take hold across America. Its only just getting started
Read full article: Police reforms quickly take hold across America. Its only just getting startedHouston Police Chief Art Acevedo says he supports national policing standards. The legislation is the most expansive effort in recent years to address national policing practices at a federal level. "Most departments have not allowed chokeholds for decades," said Joe Gamaldi, national vice president of the Fraternal Order of Police, which represents more than 350,000 US law enforcement officers. A key measure in the legislation -- vehemently opposed by a coalition of law enforcement unions -- will shatter the veil of secrecy that a 1976 law provided police personnel and disciplinary records. The New York state legislation will designate the attorney general as an independent prosecutor in cases involving civilian deaths.
Police officers across the US have quit their jobs in recent days. Here is where there have been resignations
Read full article: Police officers across the US have quit their jobs in recent days. Here is where there have been resignationsIn MinneapolisIn Minneapolis, at least seven police officers resigned from the department since protests sparked by Floyd's death in late May flooded the city's streets. More than half a dozen officers are also in the process of leaving, a city spokesperson told CNN. The officers resigned only from the SWAT unit, not from the police department, Hallandale Beach City Manager Greg Chavarria said. The chief told CNN Monday night she was "extremely disappointed" in the officers' decision. A few members of the unit are out currently and are not included in the 57 that resigned, according to the mayors office.
Protesters pull down more than century-old statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis
Read full article: Protesters pull down more than century-old statue of Confederate President Jefferson DavisRICHMOND, Va. โ Protesters pulled down a century-old statue of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in the former capital of the Confederacy, adding it to the list of Old South monuments removed or damaged around the U.S. in the wake of George Floyd's death. A new state law that goes into effect this summer undoes protections for Confederate monuments and lets local governments decide what to do with them. While it wasnโt clear what would happen to the toppled Davis statue, the mayor indicated it is gone for good. Supporters of Confederate monuments have argued that they are important reminders of history, while opponents contend they glorify those who made war against the U.S. to preserve slavery. Associated Press writers Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, and Alan Suderman in Richmond, Virginia, contributed to this report.
Harris County DA dismisses nearly 800 cases against peaceful protesters arrested during police brutality marches
Read full article: Harris County DA dismisses nearly 800 cases against peaceful protesters arrested during police brutality marchesHOUSTON โ The Harris County District Attorney dismissed nearly 800 cases against protesters who were arrested during marches against police brutality in the past three weeks. DA Kim Ogg announced that prosecutors dismissed 796 cases after conducting a review that divided the cases into two groups โ those who sought to do harm to others and property and those arrested for simple civil disobedience. The cases dismissed were for non-violent misdemeanor offenses, mostly obstructing a highway and trespassing. Only 51 adults and one juvenile now remain charged with active cases, which include 35 misdemeanor charges and 19 felony charges. โThe only people I will be prosecuting are those who intentionally hurt others and intentionally destroy property.โ
Democrats and Republicans have separate plans on police reform: Heres where they overlap
Read full article: Democrats and Republicans have separate plans on police reform: Heres where they overlap(CNN) -- Republicans and Democrats may be working on separate tracks right now on policing reform, but there is some overlap, in principle, in what is being proposed on both sides of the Capitol. It's a rare sign on Capitol Hill that there could be a breakthrough -- albeit a narrow one -- on policing reform legislation. Things are moving very fast, but there is still a lot of core differences between how Republicans and Democrats see this issue. And, many of them are principles that Republicans and Democrats have been working on together for several years when this issue was not front and center. "Well, we are on a separate track from the White House.
The death of George Floyd: A timeline
Read full article: The death of George Floyd: A timelinePeople march and ride horses to protest the death of George Floyd in Houston on Tuesday, June 2, 2020. (Hennepin County Sheriff's Office via AP) (Hennepin County Sheriff)The first of several memorial services for George Floyd was held in Minneapolis. Thousands thronged to the Fountain of Praise church to pay their respects to George Floyd ahead of his funeral Tuesday. June 8: Judge Lina Hidalgo declares June 9 โGeorge Perry Floyd, Jr. Dayโ in Harris CountyHarris County Judge Lina Hidalgo signed a proclamation commemorating Tuesday, June 9 as โGeorge Perry Floyd, Jr. Dayโ in Harris County. June 9: Houston mayor Sylvester Turner declares June 9 โGeorge Perry Floyd, Jr. Dayโ in HoustonHouston mayor Sylvester Turner has declared June 9 โGeorge Perry Floyd, Jr. Dayโ in Houston.
This city disbanded its police department 7 years ago. Hereโs what happened next.
Read full article: This city disbanded its police department 7 years ago. Hereโs what happened next.(CNN) -- Last week, Minneapolis officials confirmed they were considering a fairly rare course of action: disbanding the city police department. Minneapolis City Council members haven't specified what or who will replace it if the department disbands. "Back then residents of Camden city absolutely feared the police department and members of the department," he told CNN. Violent crimes have dropped 42% in seven years, according to city crime data provided by the department. Hearing him acknowledge the "rightful pain, anger and frustration" black residents feel about police brutality was powerful, Watson said.
Apps highlighting black-owned businesses see a surge in support during pandemic and protests
Read full article: Apps highlighting black-owned businesses see a surge in support during pandemic and protestsAs protests for racial justice continue to spring up across the country, so has the push to support black-owned businesses. And with the swell of support has come a surge of popularity in black-owned business directory apps and new ways to support small black-owned businesses during this time. In the United States alone, there are nearly 2.6 million small black-owned businesses, according to the Census Bureau. Google Docs containing resources and lists of black-owned businesses have also been popular and highly shared across social media platforms. The company says the intent is to make it easier for users to find black-owned businesses on the platform.
This coupleโs wedding first look happened in front of a Black Lives Matter protest
Read full article: This coupleโs wedding first look happened in front of a Black Lives Matter protestNewlyweds Dr. Kerry Anne and Michael Gordon shared their first look on their wedding day with dozens of people demonstrating during a Black Lives Matter protest in Center City, Philadelphia on Saturday. "It was the most overwhelming feeling that I had in my heart," Kerry Anne told CNN. Even though the hotel has closed its doors because of the pandemic, they offered up their courtyard for a small ceremony, Kerry Anne said. Linda McQueen, the couple's wedding photographer, told CNN protestors were chanting "Black Lives Matter" and "Black Love Matters" as they gathered around the couple with their bright colored, handmade signs. Kerry Anne wrote her vows for Michael five months prior to their wedding day and said she had not looked at them since.
Everything you need to know about George Floydโs private funeral Tuesday
Read full article: Everything you need to know about George Floydโs private funeral TuesdayPreviously, memorial services were held for Floyd in Minneapolis and in Raeford, North CarolinaHereโs everything we know about George Floydโs Houston memorial and funeral service planned this week. George Floydโs private funeral service TuesdayWhat time is the funeral service? The private funeral service will be held at The Fountain of Praise church at 13950 Hillcroft Ave in Houston. Only family and invited guests are permitted to attend the private funeral service Tuesday. KPRC 2 will provide a special live stream of his funeral services beginning at 11 a.m.Where will George Floyd be buried?
Top health officials are monitoring nationwide protests in fear of coronavirus spread
Read full article: Top health officials are monitoring nationwide protests in fear of coronavirus spreadHealth officials have raised concern about coronavirus spread as thousands of people are now braving a pandemic to participate in the national protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Public health officials have said without the lockdowns that most states put in place, that death toll could have been significantly higher. As those lockdowns were lifted and other measures were loosened, the CDC and other top health officials urged Americans to use face coverings when they go out and always maintain a distance. In Harris County, Texas, health officials said they identified a nursing home with both cases of the virus and deaths. On Friday, health officials in Utah said they were "very concerned" about the rise in new cases over the past week.
One Good Thing: Minneapolis baker makes pies to spread love
Read full article: One Good Thing: Minneapolis baker makes pies to spread loveMINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota There's good news about the great value of small gestures and the woman helping make life just a little sweeter for so many during these difficult times. In Minneapolis, Rose McGee is on a mission. She and volunteers are baking sweet potato comfort pies and delivering them to neighbors while offering a shoulder to cry on. She and her son loaded her trunk full of pies and headed there. Rose is now encouraging everyone to bake some pies from their kitchen and spread love in their own community.
HPD Chief Art Acevedoโs statement on protest agitators doesnโt stand up to the KPRC 2 Trust Index
Read full article: HPD Chief Art Acevedoโs statement on protest agitators doesnโt stand up to the KPRC 2 Trust IndexHOUSTON โ George Floydโs death and in the protests and marches that followed, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo has been making the rounds on national media. โYeah, we looked into it,โ said Houston Police Officers Union President Joe Gamaldi. โWhat our officers were telling us is that it was people of all races that were throwing water bottles, throwing rocks or throwing bricks,โ Gamaldi says. โFrankly we donโt care who the race is of the person throwing a rock at our officers,โ Gamaldi said. So without further clarification and no evidence to support his claim, we rate this red on the Channel 2 Trust Index.
Austin police chief says no more beanbag rounds in crowds
Read full article: Austin police chief says no more beanbag rounds in crowdsAUSTIN, Texas โ AUSTIN, Texas (AP) โ Austinโs police chief said Thursday his department will no longer fire beanbag rounds into crowds after a teenage boy was critically hurt during a weekend protest when he was shot in the head when an officer fired the ammunition that is considered a less-lethal use of force. โWe thought he was going to die,โ Edwin Ayala said in tears. But Austin City Councilman Gregorio Casar, who was among council members who expressed disappointment in how Austin police responded to protesters, pushed back. He said he had seen a video of Levi Ayala being shot by the beanbag round and that the teen was not in a crowd, but standing alone. A GoFundMe page for the family set up by Edwin Ayala has raised over $140,000 as of Thursday.
Gun-toting members of the Boogaloo movement are showing up at protests
Read full article: Gun-toting members of the Boogaloo movement are showing up at protestsIt was an alert from the heart of the raging protests in Minneapolis, posted on an online forum by a fellow member of the Boogaloo movement, a loosely knit group of heavily armed, anti-government extremists. Boogaloo members appear to hold conflicting ideological views with some identifying as anarchists and others rejecting formal titles. Gun-toting Boogaloo members also have appeared at George Floyd protests in Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Dallas, Atlanta and elsewhere, according to The Washington Post. Known for sporting Hawaiian shirts and arriving to public protests heavily armed, the decentralized Boogaloo movement -- sometimes referred to as the "Boogaloo Bois" -- is often associated with the far-right. On the streets of Minneapolis, Teeter said his group hasn't always been "kitted out" with guns drawn.
Over 200 arrests made in downtown Houston after George Floyd march
Read full article: Over 200 arrests made in downtown Houston after George Floyd marchHOUSTON Houston police made more than 200 arrests in downtown Houston Tuesday after thousands participated in a peaceful march for Houston native George Floyd. Police said the arrests came after some threw rocks and bottles at officers and engaged in other criminal activity. Our officers have made more than 200 arrests thus far in downtown Houston today/tonight of individuals engaged in criminal conduct, including throwing rocks and bottles at officers. Officers said they are unsure of any significant property damage and will have an updated number of arrests Wednesday morning. Todays #GeorgeFloyd #Houston Protest would not have been possible without the leadership and work of @TRAEABN and @BunBTrillOG.
โThis is not Hollywoodโ: Acevedo tells Trump โitโs time to be presidentialโ
Read full article: โThis is not Hollywoodโ: Acevedo tells Trump โitโs time to be presidentialโHOUSTON โ Houston police Chief Art Acevedo questioned President Donald Trumpโs handling of unrest in America during an interview Monday on CNN. Calling himself a law-and-order president, Trump said Monday that he is an ally of peaceful protesters, but he said governors should deploy the National Guard โin sufficient numbers that we dominate the streets." โPlease, if you donโt have something constructive to say, keep your mouth shut because youโre putting men and women in their early 20s at risk,โ Acevedo said. Acevedo, who has himself said that police in Houston will work with protesters to keep things peaceful, said people should not equate kindness with weakness. This is not Hollywood โฆ This is real life and real lives are at risk, and I ask the American people to please join with the police.
HPD Chief Art Acevedo says weekend protestors included out-of-town provocateurs
Read full article: HPD Chief Art Acevedo says weekend protestors included out-of-town provocateursHPD Police Chief Art Acevedo said some were provocateurs who came to town to cause violence, but the city wonโt say how many theyโve identified or what groups theyโre affiliated with. Protest arrests by date (KPRC 2)On Friday night, 137 protestors were arrested. Protest arrests by date (KPRC 2)More than 100 of them for blocking roadwaysProtest arrests by date (KPRC 2)On Saturday night, more arrests, a total of 275. Protest arrests by date (KPRC 2)And all but 30 of them for blocking roadways. โWeโre seeing there are people, not people of color coming into this city and other cities to actually start agitating and actively engage in violence,โ Acevedo said.
Photo of protester embracing HPD officer captures moment of unity
Read full article: Photo of protester embracing HPD officer captures moment of unityHOUSTON The protests have been loud, they have been emotional, and a very small number of agitators have managed to add chaos and destruction. When we were in the moment, I just seen a police officer standing there by himself, said protester Teaira Johnson. A photograph of the moment was captured Saturday in downtown Houston in the midst of this past weekends protests seeking justice for Houston native George Floyd. The photo shows an unknown officer and Johnson embracing in a moment of solidarity. Johnson said she noticed the officer standing alone near protestors -- paying attention to what she and other demonstrators were saying.
Abbott promises federal prosecution for out-of-state agitators amid George Floyd protests
Read full article: Abbott promises federal prosecution for out-of-state agitators amid George Floyd protestsAUSTIN, Texas Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said people who dont live in the state but come here to incite violence during protests will face federal prosecution. While most of the protests have been peaceful, some of them have ended in riots and looting. Officials in Minneapolis, where most of the riots have been located, said one-fifth of people who were arrested there have been from outside the state. It was not immediately clear if anyone arrested during protests in Texas was from outside the state.
There are as many National Guard members activated in the US as there are active duty troops in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan
Read full article: There are as many National Guard members activated in the US as there are active duty troops in Iraq, Syria and AfghanistanThat represents approximately the same number of active duty troops deployed in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. As of Monday, nearly half of the US has activated guard members to respond to civil unrest. Additionally, about 45,000 National Guard members are supporting the Covid-19 response across all 50 states, three territories and D.C., bringing the total number of activated National Guard soldiers and airmen to 66,700. President Donald Trump said Monday in the Rose Garden that the United States is taking new measures to quell riots across the United States. This mass activation of the National Guard comes amid a seventh day of protests over the death of Floyd, a black man who died at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Abbott: US military not being asked to come into Texas to handle protest violence
Read full article: Abbott: US military not being asked to come into Texas to handle protest violenceGreg Abbott said he is not going to ask the U.S. military to come into Texas to respond to violence at protests. Abbott said people have the right to protest the injustice, but the violence and vandalism thats happening at some of the protests are overshadowing Floyds death. He said hes sure that Texas has enough law enforcement and National Guard resources to handle any rioting or looting that may happen. Abbott said there has been no request to send Texas National Guard troops to Washington. Abbott talks about how the state is responding to violence at protests.
Medical examiner lists Floydโs death a homicide, says heart stopped while police restrained him and compressed his neck
Read full article: Medical examiner lists Floydโs death a homicide, says heart stopped while police restrained him and compressed his neckMINNEAPOLIS โ A Minneapolis medical examiner has classified George Floydโs death as a homicide, saying his heart stopped as police restrained him and compressed his neck. The medical examinerโs report also lists heart disease and hypertension as โother significant conditions,โ along with fentanyl intoxication and recent methamphetamine use. A widely seen citizen video that shows Floyd struggling with a police officer holding his knee on his neck has sparked protests nationwide. Floydโs family said Monday that its independent autopsy found Floyd died by asphyxiation, and their attorney called for charges against the police officer to be upgraded to first-degree murder.
These are some of the most powerful videos coming out of protests across the US
Read full article: These are some of the most powerful videos coming out of protests across the USAll rights reserved)Youโve seen photos and videos of the protests across the nation in the wake of George Floydโs death. There is destruction in some cities, but also powerful moments of reflection, anger and empathy. Please be advised -- graphic language is part of some of these clips. Please watch. Posted by Michael Montes on Sunday, May 31, 2020Bishop Michael Curry: โWe have to learn how to live togetherโ:
Some Houston businesses board-up to prevent damage, looting
Read full article: Some Houston businesses board-up to prevent damage, lootingHOUSTON โ Some businesses in the Houston area boarded-up windows and doors to prevent damage and looting amid protests over the death of George Floyd. Protests in Houston turned violent on Friday and Saturday with some businesses in both downtown Houston and in the Galleria neighborhood being damaged and looted. It was a similar scene up the street at the River Oaks District shopping center. Some business at The Galleria mall also boarded up after looters broke into a store there on Saturday night. There were no immediate reports of looting or damage Sunday night in Houston, but police could be seen stationed outside the Houston Police Department.
What we do and donโt know about the extremists taking part in riots across the United States
Read full article: What we do and donโt know about the extremists taking part in riots across the United StatesBut the state is looking at data from arrests and human intelligence that points to some outside influence seeking to capitalize on the situation and create unrest. Those domestic extremist groups include anarchists, anti-government groups often associated with far-right extremists and white supremacy causes, and far-left extremists who identify with anti-fascist ideology. O'Brien pointed to Chinese social media messages gloating about the chaos. Rubio may have been basing some of his information on analysis from Graphika, a company that helped the committee with its report on Russia's social media influence during the 2016 elections. "Yes, we are seeing very active engagement with the issue from clusters of social accounts in the social media influence networks of Russia, Iran, and China," Kelly said.
Trump briefly taken to underground bunker during Fridayโs White House protests
Read full article: Trump briefly taken to underground bunker during Fridayโs White House protests(CNN) -- As protesters gathered outside the White House Friday night in Washington, DC, President Donald Trump was briefly taken to the underground bunker for a period of time, according to a White House official and a law enforcement source. Trump has repeatedly praised the Secret Service for its handling of the protests outside the White House Friday night in the wake of George Floyd's death last week in Minneapolis. ET, Friday night outside the White House, had mostly quieted down by 3:30 a.m. The crowd thinned out and Secret Service officers were able to expand their perimeter and barriers around Lafayette Park across from the White House. Six arrests were made during the protests, the Secret Service confirmed in a statement Saturday afternoon.
The protests are raising fears of a spike in coronavirus cases
Read full article: The protests are raising fears of a spike in coronavirus casesGovernment leaders and health officials have expressed their concern that coronavirus could rapidly spread during protests over the death of George Floyd. Sunday alone saw an increase of almost 20,000 cases, according to the CNN count compiled with data from John's Hopkins. Cuomo also noted how the coronavirus has brought long standing health disparities for the African American community to light once again. Protests taking focus off pandemicAtlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms also said she's worried about the impact the virus is having on the community during the protests. Other doctors told CNN that the racial disparity in the way coronavirus spreads will only be compounded by the protests.
Q&A: Hereโs what you need to know about Antifa
Read full article: Q&A: Hereโs what you need to know about AntifaHere's a closer look at Antifa protesters, who have become more visible in the last several years. The majority of Antifa members don't fall into a stereotype. Since the election of President Trump, however, most new Antifa members are young voters. Levin said Antifa activists feel the need to partake in violence because "they believe that elites are controlling the government and the media. White nationalists and other members of the so-called alt-right have denounced members of Antifa, sometimes calling them the "alt-left."
Target temporarily closing some stores, adjusting store hours amid protests
Read full article: Target temporarily closing some stores, adjusting store hours amid protests(CNN) -- Target is closing some stores and adjusting hours at others as protests continue to erupt across the country following the death of George Floyd at the hands of police. Target's Lake Street store in Minneapolis was among the first to be looted and badly damaged during the protests. Two Target stores in the Atlanta, Georgia, area were also among those vandalized. "As a Target team, we've huddled, we've consoled, we've witnessed horrific scenes similar to what's playing out now and wept that not enough is changing. And as a team we've vowed to face pain with purpose."
Dallas police announces curfew for several parts of city
Read full article: Dallas police announces curfew for several parts of cityDallas Police Chief Reneรฉ Hall said Sunday afternoon that a curfew will go into effect in the city at 7 p.m. and end at 6 a.m. โfor the next several days,โ according to The Dallas Morning News. We will not tolerate any more damage to our city,โ Hall said during a news conference. The curfew will encompass Dallas neighborhoods including Deep Ellum, The Cedars, the central business district, Victory Park and Uptown. Hall told Dallas residents that they would not be able to access these areas during the curfew. Earlier in the day, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson told WFAA-TV he was considering implementing a curfew.
The Galleria, other Houston businesses close to shoppers amid protests in Houston
Read full article: The Galleria, other Houston businesses close to shoppers amid protests in HoustonHOUSTON โ The Galleria mall closed Sunday to the public amid protests in Houston, according to a security source at The Galleria. The Galleria, Houston, TexasProfit > People pic.twitter.com/mjR4Uxadhf โ Luis M. (@itszLu) May 31, 2020On Saturday night, a video shared online shows looters attempting to break into Forever 21, which has an exterior window display located on Westheimer Road. they really tried to loot forever 21 @ the galleria in Houston pic.twitter.com/zVfKmCrNzu โ ๐ช๐ (@AINNJEL555) May 31, 2020Another video shared online shows people breaking into a Verizon store in Houston. pic.twitter.com/ztzVMIHbHR โ Jared ๐ท (@HeWent_2Jared) May 30, 2020NorthPark Center and Galleria Dallas are among other malls closed on Sunday following a night of violent protests in downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum, Dallas Morning News reports. Other Houston businesses taking additional security measures include Madewell in Highland Village and Dior in the River Oaks District.
These photos and videos show what protests look like around the country
Read full article: These photos and videos show what protests look like around the countryVideo showed an officer kneeling on Floydโs neck, pinning him to the ground while he pleaded that he couldnโt breathe. Here are scenes from protests in 10 major cities throughout the country. pic.twitter.com/uaJLMMsobT โ Nic Moe๐ฝ (@NicWillMoe) May 31, 2020Warning: Use of profanity is recorded in the video below. BREAKING: Protests happening in Washington, D.C. #JusticeForGeorgeโIt is our duty to fight for our freedom. We have NOTHING to lose but our chains.โ pic.twitter.com/FTjpDkIifd โ Karishma Mehta ๐น (@karish4va) May 29, 2020Warning: Use of profanity is recorded in the video below.
'Living while black anxiety: Frustration is trigger point for protests
Read full article: 'Living while black anxiety: Frustration is trigger point for protestsDr. Rheeda Walker is a clinical psychologist and psychology professor at the University of Houston and says a simple explanation is frustration. She says the traumatic video of Floyd being held face down for almost nine minutes is a trigger for recurring anxiety. For now Summer school is the priority. For virtual summer school weve identified 40-thousand students that will have live interactions via computer with a classroom teacher, she said. Watch this weeks Houston Newsmakers Sunday morning at 10:30amMore Information:Grenita Lathan, Ph.D., HISD Interim SuperintendentRheeda Walker, Ph.D.
Gov. Abbott activates the Texas National Guard amid protests across the state
Read full article: Gov. Abbott activates the Texas National Guard amid protests across the stateHOUSTON โ Gov. Greg Abbott has activated the Texas National Guard in response to protest violence throughout the state Saturday, according to a press release. โTexans have every right to exercise their first amendment rights, but violence and looting will not be tolerated,โ Abbott said in a statement. Earlier, Abbott announced DPS was sending more than 1,500 officers to assist local police departments. โAs Texans exercise their 1st Amendment rights, it is imperative that order is maintained and private property is protected.โ
Unrest mounts across multiple US cities over the death of George Floyd
Read full article: Unrest mounts across multiple US cities over the death of George Floyd(CNN) -- Pain and anger over the death of George Floyd spilled over into multiple cities across the country hours after the former Minneapolis officer seen in video with his knee on Floyds neck was arrested and charged with murder. Protests also took place in at least 25 other cities, including Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and New Orleans. And we want to see the other officers arrested," Crump and the family said in a statement. Chauvin and three other officers detained Floyd in handcuffs Monday after he allegedly used a counterfeit bill at a convenience store, police have said. Outrage grew in the form of protests after a video surfaced showing a Minneapolis police officer kneeling on Floyd's neck.
Minnesota governor apologizes for arrest of CNN crew
Read full article: Minnesota governor apologizes for arrest of CNN crewMINNEAPOLIS โ Following the arrest of a CNN crew on live television by police on Friday, an apologetic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz promised that journalists would not be interfered with in reporting on violent protests following the death of George Floyd. After being released, Jimenez said that he was glad that his arrest was shown on the air. Activists spray-painted a large CNN logo outside the building, breaking a window and tagging doors. One protester climbed on top of the CNN sign and waved a โBlack Lives Matterโ flag to cheers from the crowd.
Minneapolis cop who knelt on George Floydโs neck charged with third-degree murder, manslaughter
Read full article: Minneapolis cop who knelt on George Floydโs neck charged with third-degree murder, manslaughterโProsecute the police!โ some chanted, and โSay his name: George Floyd!โ There was no violence, though some protesters sprayed graffiti on buildings. The renewed protests came after Officer Derek Chauvin, 44, was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. An attorney for Floydโs family welcomed the arrest but said he expected a more serious murder charge and wants the other officers arrested, too. Officer J.K. Kueng held Floydโs back and Officer Thomas Lane held his legs while Chauvin put his knee on Floydโs head and neck area, the complaint said. Chauvin had his knee on Floyd's neck for 8 minutes, 46 seconds, including nearly three minutes after Floyd stopped moving and talking, the complaint said.