Chicago mayor names new school board after entire panel resigns amid a fight over district control
Read full article: Chicago mayor names new school board after entire panel resigns amid a fight over district controlChicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has named members of a new school board, days after all seven members resigned amid an escalating fight over control of the public schools in the nationās third-largest city.
Chicago mayor's bumpy first year tests progressive credentials, puzzling some supporters
Read full article: Chicago mayor's bumpy first year tests progressive credentials, puzzling some supportersOnetime union organizer Brandon Johnson took office as Chicagoās mayor a year ago promising āboldā action as one of the countryās most progressive leaders.
Chicago's top cop says using police stations as short-term migrant housing is burden for department
Read full article: Chicago's top cop says using police stations as short-term migrant housing is burden for departmentChicagoās new police chief says the cityās use of police stations as temporary housing for thousands of migrants seeking asylum has been a āburdenā on the nationās second-largest police department.
After years of erasure, Black queer leaders rise to prominence in Congress and activism
Read full article: After years of erasure, Black queer leaders rise to prominence in Congress and activismOn the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington, speakers called attention to a nationwide backlash against LGBTQ+ rights.
4 teens charged with murder in slaying of Chicago police officer who was returning home from work
Read full article: 4 teens charged with murder in slaying of Chicago police officer who was returning home from workAuthorities say four teenagers have been charged in the fatal shooting of a Chicago police officer who was killed last weekend as she headed home from work.
New Twitter rules expose election offices to spoof accounts
Read full article: New Twitter rules expose election offices to spoof accountsElection administrators across the United States say theyāre concerned their offices will be targeted for fake Twitter accounts that'll confuse or mislead voters after the social media platform changed its long-standing verification service.
Cities say shelters full, budgets hit by immigration uptick
Read full article: Cities say shelters full, budgets hit by immigration uptickU.S. cities already struggling to shelter thousands of migrants are calling for federal help and an end to some Republican governorsā political gamesmanship over immigration.
Tax the rich? Chicago mayoral hopefuls debate city budget
Read full article: Tax the rich? Chicago mayoral hopefuls debate city budgetHow best to manage Chicagoās financial challenges is among the many issues separating Democrats Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas heading into the April 4 runoff for mayor.
AP sources: Biden says he won't stop override of DC laws
Read full article: AP sources: Biden says he won't stop override of DC lawsPresident Joe Biden has told Senate Democrats that he'll sign a bill overriding the District of Columbiaās effort to overhaul how the city prosecutes and punishes crime.
Cops: āHood CNNā reporterās murder solved but no prosecution
Read full article: Cops: āHood CNNā reporterās murder solved but no prosecutionChicago police documents obtained by The Associated Press show investigators believe they solved the 2018 killing of a gangland journalist known as āZackTVā but that prosecutors declined to prosecute.
After Uvalde, holiday weekend sees shootings nationwide
Read full article: After Uvalde, holiday weekend sees shootings nationwideEven as the United States reeled over the massacre of 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school in Texas, multiple mass shootings happened elsewhere over the Memorial Day weekend.
Chicago curfew tightened after killing near 'Bean' sculpture
Read full article: Chicago curfew tightened after killing near 'Bean' sculptureA clamp-down on Chicago teensā access to a popular downtown park and a weekend curfew following the fatal shooting of a teenager has revived longstanding accusations that City Hall prioritizes the cityās sparkling lakefront and downtown over West and South side neighborhoods where hundreds have been killed or hurt by gun violence.
Jussie Smollett starts 150-day jail term in protected status
Read full article: Jussie Smollett starts 150-day jail term in protected statusJail officials say Jussie Smollett began a 150-day jail sentence for lying to police about a racist and homophobic attack that he staged himself in protective custody.
Threats, vitriol aimed at women in positions of power
Read full article: Threats, vitriol aimed at women in positions of powerMichigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer was one of the more high-profile targets of political violence when prosecutors say a group of men who were angry about pandemic restrictions plotted to kidnap her.
Ex-Chicago officer who killed Laquan McDonald leaves prison
Read full article: Ex-Chicago officer who killed Laquan McDonald leaves prisonThe former Chicago police officer who was convicted in the shooting death of Black teenager Laquan McDonald has been released from prison after serving less than half of his sentence.
Anger, questions as ex-cop who killed Black teen is set free
Read full article: Anger, questions as ex-cop who killed Black teen is set freeThe imminent release from prison of the former Chicago police officer who shot Laquan McDonald 16 times in 2014, killing the Black teenager, is a reminder for some of what they say is an unfair criminal justice system.
Union, parents mull if Chicago teacher standoff was worth it
Read full article: Union, parents mull if Chicago teacher standoff was worth itChicago schools will offer more COVID-19 testing and have standards to close school related to infection rates, but the cost of a bitter union battle and five days of missed schools has parents and union members questioning if it was worth it.
Chicago union leaders OK plan to resume in-person class
Read full article: Chicago union leaders OK plan to resume in-person classStudents in the nation's third-largest school district will resume classes this week after leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union accepted a proposal with the district over COVID-19 safety protocols.
Chicago nixes school for 3rd day as virus, union debate rage
Read full article: Chicago nixes school for 3rd day as virus, union debate rageClasses in Chicago were canceled for a third consecutive day amid an ongoing fight with the teachers union over remote learning and other COVID-19 safety protocols.
Cities, police unions clash as vaccine mandates take effect
Read full article: Cities, police unions clash as vaccine mandates take effectPolice departments that are requiring officers to be vaccinated against COVID-19 are running up against pockets of resistance across the U.S. Police unions and officers are pushing back by filing lawsuits to block the mandates.
Bears move closer to leaving Soldier Field for the suburbs
Read full article: Bears move closer to leaving Soldier Field for the suburbsThe Chicago Bears took a major step toward moving out of their longtime home at Soldier Field and into the suburbs by signing a purchase agreement for Arlington Park about 30 miles northwest of the city.
Groundbreaking for Obama presidential center set for Tuesday
Read full article: Groundbreaking for Obama presidential center set for TuesdayFormer President Barack Obama's presidential center will move another step closer to its brick-and-mortar future next week when ground is broken after years of reviews, other delays and local opposition.
Chicago watchdog harshly criticizes ShotSpotter system
Read full article: Chicago watchdog harshly criticizes ShotSpotter systemChicago's watchdog agency has concluded in a scathing report that the gunshot detection system the police department uses rarely produces evidence of gun-related crime in the city.
Chicago police officer charged in downtown subway shooting
Read full article: Chicago police officer charged in downtown subway shootingA Chicago police officer who shot an unarmed man in the back as he ran up a subway escalator has been charged with felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and official misconduct.
Family of boy killed by officer plans home for at-risk teens
Read full article: Family of boy killed by officer plans home for at-risk teensFamily members of a 13-year-old boy who was fatally shot by a Chicago police officer have announced plans to build a home in rural Wisconsin where at-risk boys could go to escape the dangers of the city streets.
Despite growing chorus, DOJ is limited in police probes
Read full article: Despite growing chorus, DOJ is limited in police probesCalls have grown for federal investigations into police killings across the nation since President Joe Biden took office and said he believes racial disparities in policing must change.
Video: Chicago boy wasnāt holding gun when shot by officer
Read full article: Video: Chicago boy wasnāt holding gun when shot by officerViewers reacted with a mix of outrage and grief to newly released bodycam video that shows a Chicago police officer fatally shoot a 13-year-old less than a second after the boy dropped a handgun, turned toward the officer and began raising his hands.
Video: Chicago boy wasn't holding gun when shot by officer
Read full article: Video: Chicago boy wasn't holding gun when shot by officerDisturbing bodycam video shows a 13-year-old boy appearing to drop a handgun and begin raising his hands less than a second before a Chicago police officer shoots and kills him.
Chicago schools reopen doors after tough union fight
Read full article: Chicago schools reopen doors after tough union fightStarting Thursday, Lear will return to class as the nation's third-largest school district slowly reopens its doors following a bitter fight with the teachers union over COVID-19 safety protocols. The Chicago Teachers Union accepted the plan after defying district orders, city threats to lock them out of teaching systems, and talk of a potential strike. Several educators lined up Thursday for vaccinations at a high school on Chicago's northwest side. AdPrestonās two high school children will keep learning online at their South Side home. And if the high school students can't focus working in their rooms, they must āreport to the dining room,ā he joked.
Chicago begins return to classrooms after bitter union fight
Read full article: Chicago begins return to classrooms after bitter union fightStarting Thursday, Lear will return to class as the nation's third-largest school district slowly reopens its doors following a bitter fight with the teachers union over COVID-19 safety protocols. Their youngest daughter, 4-year-old Lear, returns to class as the nationās third-largest school district slowly reopens its doors following a bitter fight with the teachers union over COVID-19 safety protocols. The Chicago Teachers Union accepted the plan after weeks of bitter talks that included defying district orders, threats from the city that they would be locked out of district teaching and a potential strike. The district hasnāt rolled out a plan for high school students to return, which is expected to prompt more negotiations. And if his high school students can't focus working in their rooms, they must āreport to the dining room,ā he joked.
VIRUS TODAY: In COVID-19 era, Americans choose dying at home
Read full article: VIRUS TODAY: In COVID-19 era, Americans choose dying at homeFor many families, home is a better setting than the terrifying scenario of saying farewell to loved ones behind glass or during video calls amid the coronavirus pandemic. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)Hereās whatās happening Sunday with the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S.:THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY:ā More Americans are making the decision to have their terminally ill loved ones die at home rather than in nursing home and hospice settings. For many families, home is a better setting than the terrifying scenario of saying farewell to loved ones behind glass or during video calls amid the coronavirus pandemic. Gavin Newsom is facing a potential recall election, in part stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. āSo I really do think that we need to watch this and be careful.ā___Find APās full coverage of the coronavirus pandemic: https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic
The Latest: LA County says medical center broke virus rules
Read full article: The Latest: LA County says medical center broke virus rulesThe Supreme Court is telling California it cant enforce a ban on indoor church services because of the coronavirus pandemic. The celebration is on hold until next year as Rio struggles with a rise in coronavirus cases. ___OKLAHOMA CITY ā The number of reported coronavirus cases in Oklahoma has surpassed 400,000. Health officials are urging football fans to forego Super Bowl gatherings with members outside of their own households. France has registered 3.5 million confirmed cases and more than 78,700 confirmed deaths.
Globe-trotter Candace Parker returns home to play for Sky
Read full article: Globe-trotter Candace Parker returns home to play for Sky(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)CHICAGO ā Candace Parker talked about seeing her grandmother hold up the newspaper during their call, thrilled she is coming home to play for the Chicago Sky. āI'm so excited to be home and I say that from the bottom of my heart,ā Parker said during a Zoom conference Tuesday. āWhen she decided, she told me even before, āIf I come, Iām coming to ball,'ā he said. She said she started thinking about playing for the Sky a few weeks ago and would not have left Los Angeles for any other team. ā(I) have obviously evolved, and a lot of it had to do with me living in Knoxville and me living in Los Angeles and Russia and Istanbul and China.
Chicago schools extend talks with union over in-person class
Read full article: Chicago schools extend talks with union over in-person classChicago Teachers Union President Jesse Sharkey, who has said the union wants an agreement, said holding off on locking out educators is an encouraging step. Such a move, if approved by the union's house of delegates, could shut down remote learning across the roughly 340,000-student district. School officials and the union reported weekend progress on issues including contact tracing and ventilation. But the union says those measures donāt go far enough and without more protections, remote learning is safest. District officials haven't said when high school students will return.
Chicago schools reopening uncertain as union talks stall
Read full article: Chicago schools reopening uncertain as union talks stall(Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Chicago Sun-Times via AP, Pool)CHICAGO ā A plan to reopen Chicago schools remained in limbo as last-minute negotiations over COVID-19 safety measures with the teachers' union stalled Sunday, amplifying the possibility of a strike or lockout. The Chicago Teachers Union has fought returning to classrooms in the nation's third-largest district, defying orders to come to class ahead of students. AdChicago Public Schools officials and the union reported weekend progress on issues including contact tracing and ventilation. Union officials held a news conference later Sunday, saying without protective measures such as widespread vaccinations remote learning was safest. District officials haven't said when high school students will return.
Things to Know: Fewer Black Americans are getting vaccinated
Read full article: Things to Know: Fewer Black Americans are getting vaccinatedEspinoza said she never imagined the virus would take the life of her 36-year-old husband, who managed a hospice nurse program. (AP Photo/Eugene Garcia)Hereās whatās happening Saturday with the pandemic in the U.S.:THREE THINGS TO KNOW TODAY:ā An Associated Press analysis shows that Black people in many parts of the U.S. are lagging behind whites in receiving COVID-19 vaccinations. Statistics released by 17 states and two cities tell the same story: Through Jan. 25, Black people were getting inoculated at levels below their share of the general population. Adā Hospital systems around the country are coming under fire over accusations that they are playing favorites when it comes to who gets the first crack at COVID-19 vaccines. In the past week, California has recorded an average of 544 daily COVID-19 deaths, and its pandemic death toll has reached 43,000.
The Latest: UK reports lowest daily new virus cases in weeks
Read full article: The Latest: UK reports lowest daily new virus cases in weeksState health officials Monday reported fewer than 13,000 people were being treated for the virus in Texas hospitals, marking the seventh consecutive day of declining patient loads. Some hospitals and clinics have reported having to cancel immunization appointments because they didnāt have enough vaccine doses to distribute. A little more than half of Ochsner employees have yet to get the vaccine, officials said at a news conference Monday. Health officials are also worried about variants that were first reported in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The Democratic governor says Nevada officials were told vaccine doses would be administered to the states based on population.
The Latest: California counties ask for more virus vaccine
Read full article: The Latest: California counties ask for more virus vaccineCalifornia counties counties want more coronavirus vaccine from the governor. ___AUSTIN, Texas ā Texas has distributed more than 1 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, Gov. State health officials say Texas had more than 14,000 COVID-19 patients in hospitals and its death toll has passed 30,000. ___COLUMBIA, S.C. ā South Carolina will now allow medical students, retired nurses and other qualified professionals to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. ___MADRID ā Spain reported 35,878 confirmed coronavirus cases and 201 new deaths from the coronavirus.
The Latest: Mexico sees record 16,105 new virus cases
Read full article: The Latest: Mexico sees record 16,105 new virus cases(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)MEXICO CITY ā Mexico has posted another daily record for newly confirmed coronavirus cases, with 16,105 new infections reported Saturday, and a near-record of 1,135 deaths related to COVID-19 in the latest 24-hour period. ___AMMAN, Jordan ā Jordan announced it is expecting the first doses of a coronavirus vaccine to arrive in the kingdom late Saturday. Official data also show that the total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the U.K. has exceeded 3 million. The daily numbers brought Arizonaās total confirmed cases to 607,345 and the stateās death toll in the pandemic to 10,036. With 10.4 million confirmed coronavirus cases, India has the second-highest total behind the United States.
Chicago 7-year-old raises money for hospital's pandemic gear
Read full article: Chicago 7-year-old raises money for hospital's pandemic gearHayley Orlinsky poses for a portrait Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, with several colorful rubber band bracelets she makes in her Chicago home. The spunky 7-year-old from Chicago has spent most of the coronavirus pandemic crafting the creations as a fundraiser to buy personal protective equipment for a children's hospital. So far, the endeavor has generated nearly $20,000 for Ann and Robert H. Lurie Childrenās Hospital, prompting praise and purchases from Chicago politicians, a Broadway actor and her beloved White Sox. It all started when she heard news stories about PPE shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic and was inspired to help. She's done holiday themed-bracelets, sports teams colors and red and light blue bracelets to represent the Chicago flag.
The Latest: Tokyo records single-day high in virus cases
Read full article: The Latest: Tokyo records single-day high in virus casesPeople wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk underpass in Tokyo, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020. Japan has seen a steady climb in new cases nationwide in recent weeks, and experts have urged officials to step up preventive measures. Officials announced the severe move Wednesday after a cluster of new coronavirus cases grew to 22. Officials on Wednesday reported 313 new virus cases over the previous 24-hour period ā the first time for the daily caseload to exceed 300 since late August. If daily cases rise to 4,500 and hospitalizations top 2,000, the county will impose a three-week lockdown that will restrict people to their homes for all but essential trips.
Governors ratchet up restrictions ahead of Thanksgiving
Read full article: Governors ratchet up restrictions ahead of ThanksgivingPhil Murphy said Monday as he restricted indoor gatherings to 10 people, down from 25. The move closes many nonessential indoor businesses and requires the wearing of masks outside homes, with limited exceptions. Philadelphia banned all indoor dining at restaurants and indoor gatherings of any size, public or private, of people from different households, starting this Friday. Fourteen men were charged earlier this fall in an alleged plot to kidnap the governor in anger over her COVID-19 restrictions. Still, several other GOP governors were taking incremental steps, or resisting even those ā continuing to emphasize āpersonal responsibilityā rather than government edicts.
Chicago officer sues former chief for sexual harassment
Read full article: Chicago officer sues former chief for sexual harassmentFILE - In this Nov. 7, 2019 file photo, Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson speaks at a news conference in Chicago. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford File)CHICAGO ā A Chicago police officer has filed a lawsuit alleging sexual assault by former police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, who was out drinking with her the night he was found asleep behind the wheel of his SUV. According to previously published reports, Donald was suspected of damaging her police-issued cellphone and removing its data card before investigators could examine it. Later, media reports and surveillance video from a Chicago bar revealed he had been drinking heavily that night. Officers responding to a 911 call from someone reporting a man asleep at the wheel of his idling vehicle did not issue any citations for Johnson.
The Latest: Australian hot spot extends state of emergency
Read full article: The Latest: Australian hot spot extends state of emergency(AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)MELBOURNE, Australia Australias hot spot Victoria state on Wednesday extended its state of emergency for another six months as its weekly average of new COVID-10 infections dipped to 95. The state health department reported 90 new infections and six deaths in the latest 24-hour period. ___WASHINGTON Federal officials will begin shipping tens of millions of rapid coronavirus tests to state governors this month for use in reopening schools. ___LAWRENCE, Kan. The University of Kansas is requiring no fans at athletic events and Kansas State University is battling four new coronavirus outbreaks. In the Manhattan, Kansas, health officials say the four newest outbreaks include 10 positive cases among the Kansas State football team.
Chicago convenience store ransacked twice since May
Read full article: Chicago convenience store ransacked twice since MayA broken cash register sits on the counter of African Food & Liquor in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. The West Side convenience store was ransacked Monday just hours after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot warned vandals that the city will hold them accountable for ransacking downtown retailers earlier that day. It was the second time since May that the neighborhood store was vandalized. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)
Chicago convenience store ransacked twice since May
Read full article: Chicago convenience store ransacked twice since MayA broken cash register sits on the counter of African Food & Liquor in Chicago, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020. The West Side convenience store was ransacked Monday just hours after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot warned vandals that the city will hold them accountable for ransacking downtown retailers earlier that day. It was the second time since May that the neighborhood store was vandalized. (AP Photo/Teresa Crawford)Security cameras captured the pillaging of a West Side Chicago convenience store hours after Mayor Lori Lightfoot warned vandals that the city would hold them accountable for ransacking downtown retailers. He says Chicago police officers arrived about a half hour after the store had already been emptied.
Lack of body cameras fuels suspicion in Chicago shooting
Read full article: Lack of body cameras fuels suspicion in Chicago shootingAuthorities have said they found a gun at the scene, but they acknowledge that the officers who shot him were not wearing cameras. After Allen was shot on Sunday, activists immediately seized on the news that the officers were not wearing body cameras. These details are uncorroborated, partially because CPD also claims there is no body camera footage available for this interaction, the group said. Questions about the lack of body cameras extend beyond activist groups. Chicago police have also used body camera footage to show that officers acted properly, possibly heading off the kind of rampage that unfolded this week.
"We love baseball" Wrigley ballhawks stay on during pandemic
Read full article: "We love baseball" Wrigley ballhawks stay on during pandemicChicago Cubs fans wait for a ball outside of Wrigley Field before the Opening Day baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers in Chicago, Friday, July 24, 2020, in Chicago. In a normal year, that would mean a sellout crowd at Wrigley Field and jammed bars surrounding the famed ballpark. While Major League Baseball is beginning this season without fans in its stadiums, the famed ballhawks of Wrigley Field remain at their post amid the coronavirus pandemic. We couldn't wait for baseball to start.Each of the Wrigley veterans has tips for tracking down balls. He lives near Wrigley, but never had the time before he started working from home because of the pandemic.
As crime surges on his watch, Trump warns of Biden's America
Read full article: As crime surges on his watch, Trump warns of Biden's AmericaLeft unmentioned by Trump is that a recent surge in violent crime recently endured in several big American cities has come under his watch. Left unsaid: A recent surge in violent crime in several American cities has happened on his watch. Violent crime around the U.S. has been on a downward trajectory for the better part of the last three decades. Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia and New York have seen spikes in violent crime and homicides this year. "He has consistently been silent in the midst of communities devolving into lawlessness, Gidley said of the former vice president.
Q&A: What charges might longest serving US speaker face?
Read full article: Q&A: What charges might longest serving US speaker face?CHICAGO Federal prosecutors recently answered the question about whether Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, the nations longest serving statehouse speaker, is a subject of a criminal investigation into influence peddling to benefit an energy utility. Q: Multiple clues over the past 12 months raised the possibility that he was a federal investigative target, including charges against political allies. A: In Illinois, a state thats become a synonymous with pay-to-play corruption, theres no shortages of cases to look to for indications about charges Madigan could face. Taxes charges are common in bribery cases because those accepting bribes never declare money under the table as income. Federal prosecutors can and often do slap on a wire fraud charges if someone ever uses a phone in carrying out a crime.
Surge of federal agents leaves many questions unanswered
Read full article: Surge of federal agents leaves many questions unansweredFederal agents wearing camouflage without clear identification hit the streets in Portland to protect federal property amid demonstrations against police brutality. For now, the plan for Chicago and Albuquerque does not seem to include federal agents engaging with protesters. The agents in Kansas City were to investigate homicides, shootings and violent crime in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, officials said. For decades, administrations have dispatched extra federal agents to cities during surges of violence, natural disasters and other crises. But since this weeks announcement about sending additional federal agents, shes struck a cautiously optimistic chord, saying she was encouraged that the U.S. attorneys office would supervise at least some of the agents.
Trump deploys more federal agents under 'law and order' push
Read full article: Trump deploys more federal agents under 'law and order' push(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump announced he will send federal agents to Chicago and Albuquerque, New Mexico, to help combat rising crime, expanding the administrations intervention into local enforcement as he runs for reelection under a law and order mantle. Sending federal agents to help localities is not uncommon; Attorney General William Barr announced a similar surge effort in December for seven cities with spiking violence. Indeed, civil unrest escalated after federal agents were accused of whisking people away in unmarked cars without probable cause. The campaign believes the push can help Trump by drumming up support from suburban and older voters who may be rattled by violent images, which have been broadcast often by conservative media outlets. In New Mexico, Democratic elected officials had cautioned Trump against sending in federal agents, with U.S. Sen. Martin Heinrich calling on Bernalillo County Sheriff Manny Gonzales to resign for attending the White House event.
Trump's show of federal force sparking alarm in cities
Read full article: Trump's show of federal force sparking alarm in citiesThe Justice Department doesnt have the manpower to surge agents to high-crime areas, so it is borrowing from Homeland Security. Throughout his presidency, Trump has leaned on Homeland Security to carry out his political objectives, including cracking down on illegal immigration and slowing legal immigration applications. Critics say the federal forces have stoked tensions, creating new images of violence that could lead frightened viewers to vote for Trump. Homeland Security first jumped into the federal response to the Floyd protests in May as some demonstrations erupted into sporadic violence around the country. But effort shifted into high gear over the July Fourth weekend as Homeland Security agents and officers from at least a half a dozen components of the sprawling organization were arriving in Portland.
'Very frightening': Opposition grows to US agents in cities
Read full article: 'Very frightening': Opposition grows to US agents in citiesDonna Boyd prepares to march with the self-described "Wall of Moms" on Monday, July 20, 2020, to protest the presence of federal agents in Portland, Ore. President Donald Trump's decision to send federal agents to Portland has given new momentum to protests that had begun to devolve into chaos with smaller and smaller crowds. One filed Tuesday says federal agents are violating protesters' 10th Amendment rights by engaging in police activities designated to local and state governments. Oregons attorney general sued last week, asking a judge to block federal agents actions. It could escalate if Trump sends federal agents elsewhere, as he says he plans to do, including to Democratic-led Chicago. When Trump sent in federal officers, that changed: A masked Widman took to the street Monday with other Portland residents.
Cops: 15 injured after shooting outside Chicago funeral home
Read full article: Cops: 15 injured after shooting outside Chicago funeral homeChicago police investigate the scene of a mass shooting where more then a dozen people were shot in the Gresham neighborhood, of Chicago, Tuesday, July 21, 2020. First Deputy Superintendent Eric Carter said mourners outside a funeral home in the Gresham neighborhood were fired upon Tuesday from a passing vehicle. The shooting comes as the Department of Homeland Security is planning to deploy dozens of federal agents to Chicago to deal with an uptick in violent crime in the city. Most victims were taken by the Chicago Fire Department to nearby hospitals in serious condition, said spokesman Larry Langford. Oregons governor and Portlands mayor have expressed anger with the presence of the federal agents, saying that the citys protests had started to ease just as the federal agents started taking action.
Trump, Barr to expand anti-crime surge to several US cities
Read full article: Trump, Barr to expand anti-crime surge to several US citiesBarr announced a similar surge effort in December for seven cities that had seen spiking violence. But civil unrest in Portland only escalated after federal agents there were accused of whisking people away in unmarked cars without probable case. When they are making arrests or executing warrants, these federal agents will be clearly identified by their agencys visible badges or insignia, Garrison said. The only people federal agents will be removing from the street are those they arrest in the course of their investigations of violent crimes.Garrison has said that the additional 225 federal agents from the FBI, DEA, ATF and the U.S. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said federal agents were repressing the American right to protest and he would not welcome federal agents there.
Chicago violence sparks war of words between Trump, mayor
Read full article: Chicago violence sparks war of words between Trump, mayorThe Trump administration sent federal officers in Portland, Oregon, after weeks of protests there over police brutality and racial injustice that followed the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Oregons governor and Portlands mayor have expressed anger with the presence of the federal agents, saying that the citys protests had started to ease just as the federal agents started taking action. He pointed to rising gun violence in Chicago, the nations third-largest city, where more than 63 people were shot, 12 fatally, over the weekend. Were going to have more federal law enforcement, that I can tell you, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Trumps comments about Chicago come after the president of the local police officers union wrote him a letter asking for help from the federal government to help combat gun violence.
Trump to send federal agents to Chicago, maybe other cities
Read full article: Trump to send federal agents to Chicago, maybe other cities(Tyler LaRiviere/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is planning to deploy federal agents to Chicago and possibly other Democrat-run cities as he continues to assert federal power and use the Department of Homeland Security in unprecedented, politicized ways. It's not clear exactly how they will back up local law enforcement or when they will arrive, but they will make arrests for federal crimes, not local ones. Homeland Security agents have also been deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border along with national guard troops during the crisis there. But Portland and Chicago are not, though agents are supposed to be guarding federal buildings and other federal property. But Chicago's Mayor Lori Lightfoot has said she does not want want Trump to send agents to Chicago.
Chicago violence sparks war of words between Trump, mayor
Read full article: Chicago violence sparks war of words between Trump, mayor"I have great concerns about that in particular, given the track record in the city of Portland, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said, even as Trump was telling reporters that federal officers could help bring order to Chicago. The Trump administration sent federal officers in Portland after weeks of protests there over police brutality and racial injustice that followed the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Were going to have more federal law enforcement, that I can tell you, Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Its not the first time Trump has made disparaging comments about Chicago leaders, and what he says is their inability to control violence. Just last month, Trump sent a letter criticizing Lightfoot and Democratic Gov.
The Latest: Cases drop by half in Australia's Victoria state
Read full article: The Latest: Cases drop by half in Australia's Victoria stateEvidence behind what role children play in the coronavirus pandemic and how it affects them is inconclusive, despite the Trump administrations position that the science is clear. ___BEIJING The number of confirmed cases in a new COVID-19 outbreak in Chinas far west has risen to 17. ___SEOUL, South Korea -- Authorities in South Korea say most of the country's new coronavirus cases are coming from abroad. Nearly a third of the more than 3,700 coronavirus deaths in Texas have come in July. ___SACRAMENTO, Calif -- California has recorded its third-highest daily total of new coronavirus cases, two days after reporting its second most cases in a day.
1,200 extra Chicago cops to be deployed over July 4 weekend
Read full article: 1,200 extra Chicago cops to be deployed over July 4 weekendWe didn't do it last weekend and the Memorial Day weekend, Superintendent David Brown said of the two weekends that ended with a combined total of 111 people being shot, 24 fatally. As his predecessors did when talking about a bloody weekend, Brown said the most recent spasm of gunfire ended not just with the deaths of rival gang members but with the killing of children. While mayors are typically reluctant to criticize superintendents so early in their tenure, Mayor Lori Lightfoot didn't mince words after Memorial Day weekend, though she has since maintained that she still has confidence in Brown. After a bloody Fathers Day weekend in which more than 100 people were shot, 14 of them fatally, this most recent weekend ended with 62 people being shot, 14 of them fatally. The most recent video showed officers lounging in a congressmans office as people broke into nearby stores during a night of unrest.
Activists push for new police oversight board in Chicago
Read full article: Activists push for new police oversight board in ChicagoCHICAGO A couple hundred activists gathered outside of Chicago City Hall on Wednesday to call on the mayor and City Council to create a new elected board that would have the power to investigate and fire police officers. A plan to create a civilian oversight commission over the police force stalled in a City Council committee in March, but there has been a push for more civilian oversight of police departments throughout the country since the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis last month. CPAC is a popular idea among some activists, but it hasn't found much support among city officials. In Chicago, there is what is called the Civilian Office of Police Accountability. That authority rests with the Chicago Police Board, an independent civilian body made up of private citizens appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the City Council.
Atlanta mayor vows changes in how police officers use force
Read full article: Atlanta mayor vows changes in how police officers use forceThe family wants the officers involved in Brooks' death arrested and prosecuted. The mayor said she'll also require officers to intervene if they see a colleague using excessive force. Two white officers had responded to calls about a man who was asleep at the wheel in a Wendy's drive-thru lane. Brooks broke free and took off with a stun gun; a white officer shot him as he tried to run away. In Chicago, Mayor Lori Lightfoot said a panel of residents, activists and one police official will review the Police Departments policy on when officers can use force.
The Latest: Warren won't prosecute peaceful protesters
Read full article: The Latest: Warren won't prosecute peaceful protestersHillsborough County State Attorney Andrew Warren, right, speaks during a news conference Monday, June 15, 2020, in Tampa, Fla. Warren announced his decision not to prosecute dozens of protesters arrested on charges of unlawful assembly during a Black Lives Matter march on June 2. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)TOP OF THE HOUR: Florida state attorney won't prosecute peaceful protesters. State Attorney Andrew Warren in Tampa said that his office wont be filing charges against 67 protesters who were arrested two weeks ago in downtown Tampa. The prosecutors office will also work to expunge the arrest records of the protesters who were taken into custody, he said. In these unlawful assembly cases, there is no value in filing charges, Warren said at a news conference.
Perils of police at high speeds spur calls for more reform
Read full article: Perils of police at high speeds spur calls for more reformCrashes involving Chicago police vehicles that killed Gunn and a young mother last week, highlight the dangers of police speeding to crime scenes or during car chases. Police are more likely to speed through minority neighborhoods, said Gunns son, Dwight Gunn, who is a pastor. Lawyers said officers continued the chase on the South Side even after a boss told them to stop. Nearly 30% of the people killed were in vehicles not involved in pursuits, 4% were bystanders, 65% were suspects and 1% were officers. Video shows the police car striking Francisco-Martinezs SUV with such force that both vehicles appear to explode.
Chicago investigating officers 'lounging' during unrest
Read full article: Chicago investigating officers 'lounging' during unrestU.S. Rep. Bobby Rush looks on as Mayor Lori Lightfoot speaks during a news conference in Chicago on Thursday afternoon, June 11, 2020, about a group of Chicago police officers in the congressman's campaign office while looters hit nearby stores. She said the officers shown have not yet been identified. Lightfoot said investigators will use department records and location data from department vehicles to identify the officers involved. Thirteen officers making popcorn, taking a nap and relaxing as I was standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other officers on State Street while we got pelted with rocks, he said, reminding reporters that more than 100 officers were injured during the rioting. She also suggested that the scene that unfolded in that office suggest the officers believe they can do whatever they want.
The Latest: India reports nearly 10,000 new virus cases
Read full article: The Latest: India reports nearly 10,000 new virus cases(AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)NEW DELHI: India reported a new rise of nearly 10,000 coronavirus infections Wednesday, with a total caseload of 276,583, the fifth highest in the world. The Health Ministry confirmed 9,985 new cases and 274 deaths in the last 24 hours. The figures from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday brought national totals to 11,902 cases and 276 deaths. ___BEIJING With much of the country re-opened under safety measures, China has announced three new confirmed cases of coronavirus, all brought from outside the country. China has reported a total of 4,634 deaths among 83,046 cases of COVID-19 since the virus was first detected in the central Chinese city of Wuhan late last year.
Black female mayors in spotlight amid protests and pandemic
Read full article: Black female mayors in spotlight amid protests and pandemicAs the coronavirus and protests against police brutality have swept the nation, black female mayors including Atlanta's Keisha Lance Bottoms and Chicago's Lori Lightfoot have led the charge. Other black mayors including San Francisco's London Breed and Muriel Bowser of Washington have also been recognized for their measured responses and handling of their communities. Black women running for office and winning, it isn't an anomaly. They're also building up the next generation of black women elected officials and black women mayors who they're inspiring to run." Carr noted that black women make up 7.6% of the country's population yet account for just 4.3% of all members of the House and 1% of the Senate.
Protesters invoke different names to decry police treatment
Read full article: Protesters invoke different names to decry police treatmentIn Tulsa, Oklahoma, people gathered in a spot where white mobs killed hundreds of blacks a century ago and chanted the name of Terence Crutcher. Terence Crutcher was fatally shot in 2016 by a white police officer, Betty Shelby, who was later acquitted of manslaughter. The shooting remains under investigation, and Ramos' mom, Brenda Ramos, questioned why the officer who shot him hasn't been arrested or at least suspended. Now I am in this terrible heartbreaking club," Ramos' mom, Brenda Ramos, told reporters over the weekend. Andrew Cuomo posted a slide with the names of many black men killed or abused by police in cities around the nation.
The Latest: California closes all downtown state buildings
Read full article: The Latest: California closes all downtown state buildingsProtests continued following the death of George Floyd, who died after being restrained by Minneapolis police officers on Memorial Day. ___PORTLAND, Ore. Police in Portland deployed tear gas to disperse a large crowd downtown late Sunday night after authorities said projectiles were thrown at officers. Thousands of people marched throughout Oregons largest city on Sunday, the third day of George Floyd protests in Portland. Unlike Dallas, where police made dozens of arrests to enforce a downtown curfew, Austin doesnt have a curfew and demonstrators have been roaming downtown from the police station to the state Capitol several blocks away for nearly 10 hours. The demonstration over the death of George Floyd came after turbulent protests that led to the arrest of 83 people Saturday night.