Page 45 - Fred Thomas News Today : Breaking News, Live Updates & Top Stories | Vimarsana

Battle over police accountability ramps up in Washington state January 18, 2021 at 8:02 am Brian Giordano holds a sign during a vigil for his best friend, Manuel Ellis. (Photo by David Ryder/Getty Images) George Floyd. Breonna Taylor. Manny Ellis. These were the names being chanted in the streets of Seattle, Tacoma, Everett and many other Washington cities in 2020, as the Black community had enough and demanded change and accountability during months of protests that still continue. Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan committed to reforms, but also stressed it was not something the...

PARKER MILES BLOHM / KNKX A proposal to impose sweeping restrictions on police tactics and techniques in Washington is highlighting stark differences of opinion between police and reform groups. That divide was on display Tuesday in the House Public Safety committee during a lengthy, virtual public hearing on an omnibus bill sponsored by Democratic state Rep. Jesse Johnson. His measure, which is co-sponsored by several other Democrats, would ban: Chokeholds and neckholds The use of tear gas The acquisition and use of military-grade equipment Methods to obscure identifiable information on p...

Community members gathered in June for a celebration of life for Manuel Ellis, who was killed by Tacoma police in March. In this photo, one of the attendees hangs a flyer with Ellis’ image that says “Happy Father’s Day Manny.” Credit: Parker Miles Blohm / KNKX Police and reformers face off over proposal to ban chokeholds, tear gas and military equipment By A proposal to impose sweeping restrictions on police tactics and techniques in Washington is highlighting stark differences of opinion between police and reform groups. That divide was on display Tuesday ...

Pastor Fred Thomas | Facebook/Mary Thomas Walker Pastor Fred Thomas, a beloved comedian and cast member of the popular Rickey Smiley Morning Show, known for his "Church in 60 Seconds" segment, has died following a two-week battle with the new coronavirus, his family announced. Thomas, who founded the Word of Faith Church in McKinney, Texas, joined the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, led by fellow Christian comedian Rickey Smiley, in January. His son, Au'mon Wyatt, announced his death on his Facebook page on Dec. 23. “It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of my father Pastor Fr...

Editor's Note This story was compiled almost completely from the reporting of Lee Montana newspapers’ staff over the past nine months of the COVID-19 pandemic. It started the way most Montana storms do, signs of trouble coming on the west wind. On Leap Day, Saturday, Feb. 29, Washington state reported the country’s first COVID-19 death, the first healthcare worker infected, and the first known outbreak in a care facility. By early March, a few Montanans began to worry. Many others paid scant attention to the gathering storm. Indeed, some battle lines were already being drawn. Four W...