Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee dies after battle with cancer

Opening arguments in the trial of former Grand Rapids police officer Christopher Schurr commenced, three years after he fatally shot Black motorist Patrick Lyoya during a traffic stop in April 2022. Charged with second-degree murder and pleading not guilty, Schurr's defense claims he acted within his rights as a police officer amidst a struggle where Lyoya allegedly reached for Schurr's stun gun. Lyoya's family has filed a $100 million civil lawsuit against Schurr and the...

Firefighters are battling the Jones Road Wildfire in Ocean County, New Jersey, which has burned over 15,300 acres and is only 65% contained, complicated by strong winds and low humidity. Officials have reported the destruction of one commercial building and multiple outbuildings, with a 19-year-old man arrested for allegedly starting the fire. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service urges the public to avoid affected areas as containment efforts continue. Full Article

FEMA's Elimination of the BRIC Program FEMA's recent decision to eliminate the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program has resulted in the loss of over $3.6 billion in federal funding for communities like Mount Pleasant, North Carolina, which were set to use the funds for vital infrastructure improvements aimed at disaster preparedness. Local officials, including Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson, have expressed dismay over the decision, emphasizing the importance of such funding for enhancing...

On April 24, a surveillance video captured a man in the Bronx being dragged by his car while attempting to stop a carjacker. The victim, who left his vehicle double-parked and running outside a Chinese restaurant, was injured after clinging to the car as it sped away, later found with serious injuries nearby. This incident occurred amid reports of significant crime reductions in New York City, highlighted by Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch and Mayor...

IBM announced a significant investment of $150 billion in U.S. manufacturing, with over $30 billion allocated for research and development to support the production of mainframe and quantum computers domestically. CEO Arvind Krishna emphasized the importance of technology in shaping the future and reaffirmed IBM's commitment to American jobs and manufacturing, which has been a core focus since its inception. This investment coincides with President Trump's tariff policies aimed at encouraging U.S. manufacturing expansion. Full...

Columbia County Deputy Brandon Sikes was killed during a standoff on Interstate 20 while serving a protective order, and another deputy, Gavin White, was injured. The suspect, James Blake Montgomery, barricaded himself in an RV and was later found dead inside with explosives and firearms. Officials and local leaders expressed condolences, honoring the sacrifices of law enforcement amid the ongoing investigation. Full Article