Public Safety Oversight

Memphis police are searching for a suspect who fled a shooting scene on a bicycle Wednesday evening. The victim, a man found shot on Bluff Wood Cove just after 6 p.m., was rushed to a hospital in critical condition. Investigators say the suspect was last seen wearing a white shirt and black pants, carrying a black backpack, and pedaling away from the area. No arrests have been made, and the motive remains unclear. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Memphis Police Department or Crime Stoppers. The investigation continues as officers canvass the neighborhood and review surveillance footage. The victim remains hospitalized in critical condition. Police have not released his identity pending family notification. This incident marks another violent episode in Memphis, with the unusual bicycle escape drawing particular attention from law enforcement and the community alike.

Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit announced the arrest of Anthony Lacaze, 42, of Natchitoches, on September 9, following a complaint received in August. The complaint alleged Lacaze exchanged goods for child sexual abuse materials and sexual favors involving juveniles. After an investigation, authorities obtained a warrant and took Lacaze into custody at the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center. He faces multiple charges: three counts of indecent behavior with a juvenile, three counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile, one count of production of child sexual abuse materials, and one count of felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile. The investigation remains ongoing, and state police have stated no further details will be released at this time.

The Reno Police Department this week released body camera footage showing officers de-escalating a confrontation with a person armed with a knife, resulting in an arrest rather than the use of deadly force. The incident stands in contrast to two fatal police shootings earlier this year—Michael Johnson in February and Anthony Porter in August—that drew public scrutiny. In the newly released video, officers can be heard calmly talking the individual down, taking pauses, and avoiding immediate lethal action. Public Information Officer Hunter Mercurio said the department wants the public to see that officers prioritize de-escalation when possible, but emphasized that a lethal option must always remain available when lives are at risk. Mercurio explained that by slowing the situation down, officers gain time to bring in less-lethal tools like sponge rounds, tasers, or canines. He also urged anyone struggling with mental health to seek help by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Two men are in critical condition after a shooting Wednesday evening in Memphis’s Frayser neighborhood. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Elbert Drive and Elbert Cove. Officers found two victims with gunshot wounds. Authorities say the suspects—both men—fled on foot. One wore a black jacket, the other a red jacket. No arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed. Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 901-528-CASH. The incident adds to growing concerns about gun violence in the area.

Massachusetts voter information guides are arriving in mailboxes this week, and Secretary of State William Galvin is urging every voter to read all 88 pages, warning that the nine ballot questions on the November ballot will affect their lives in tangible ways. With 56 days until the general election, Galvin noted that these referendums—tying a record for the most ever on a Massachusetts ballot—together with the gubernatorial race between Republican Mike Minogue and incumbent Democrat Maura Healey, are expected to drive turnout. The questions range from straightforward measures, like applying public records law to the Legislature and governor, to complex ones involving tax revenue for conservation and a new primary system. Galvin emphasized the diversity and complexity of the issues, reminding voters that the "Red Book" contains detailed explanations, fiscal impacts, and arguments from both sides. He highlighted the importance of understanding the implications of Questions 8 and 9, which deal with repealing recreational cannabis legalization and upholding a new firearms law, respectively. Auditor Diana DiZoglio has made a case for Question 1 on transparency, while legislative leaders have expressed concerns. The guides started mailing Tuesday.

Democratic Rep. Maggie Goodlander and Republican Lily Tang Williams cruised to primary victories Tuesday night, setting the stage for a rematch of their 2024 general election contest. Goodlander, seeking her second term, defeated state Rep. Paige Beauchemin by a landslide margin of 80% to 20% with about 29% of precincts reporting. Williams, making her third consecutive bid for the seat, topped first-time candidate Victor Orlando 64% to 15% with 18% of ballots counted. Both candidates are now focused on November, when voters in New Hampshire's 2nd Congressional District will once again choose between the same two nominees. The outcome mirrors the 2024 race, where Goodlander won her first elected office after defeating Williams. This is a developing story and will be updated as more results become available.

At Boston's Logan Airport, two American flags atop the jet bridges at Gates B32 and C19 have been flying for 25 years, marking the departure points of the hijacked flights that struck the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The flags were installed shortly after the attacks and serve as a daily reminder for airport workers and a teaching tool for a new generation. Dave Ishihara, deputy executive director of aviation for Massport, explains that the flags are a source of memory and respect. The 25th anniversary prompts reflection on the enduring impact of that day, with a retired flight attendant making a final push to honor the heroes. The flags, often unnoticed by passengers, hold deep significance for those in aviation, who see them every day and never forget.

A pedestrian was struck and killed by a pickup truck on Hollis Street in Framingham late Monday night, with the driver fleeing the scene on foot. Authorities announced Tuesday that 44-year-old Ronei DeOliveira of Framingham has been charged in connection with the incident. The victim, identified as 62-year-old Philip Bligh, also of Framingham, was rushed to Newton Wellesley Hospital but later died. DeOliveira allegedly returned to the area after fleeing, and officers reported smelling alcohol on him when he was located. He was arraigned Tuesday on charges including operating under the influence of alcohol, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, and leaving the scene of a crash causing personal injury or death. Bail was set at $250,000, with conditions requiring GPS monitoring, surrender of his passport, and a prohibition on alcohol consumption. DeOliveira is scheduled to return to court on September 30. No attorney information has been disclosed.

Two men charged in connection with the 2024 murder of a 60-year-old Lexington man appeared in court Tuesday and entered not guilty pleas. Jzante Waide, 28, and Quavon Winslow, 30, are accused of fatally shooting Jose Salazar. Each faces charges including murder, two counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, and possession of a handgun by a convicted felon. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday. The arraignment marks the latest step in a case that has drawn attention to gun violence in the community. The defendants remain in custody as the legal process unfolds.

Epsom voter Michael Epright is so fed up with federal politicians that he skipped voting for any Senate or congressional candidates, instead writing his own name on the ballot. “I’m disgusted with all of them,” he said, pointing to congressional gridlock. His sentiment echoed across New Hampshire as many Granite Staters headed to the polls not out of enthusiasm, but a sense of civic duty. Steve Rue of Pembroke expressed little confidence that any candidate would meaningfully address school voucher oversight. Others, like Bob Lyon of Loudon, voted strategically, backing Congressman Chris Pappas as the Democrat most likely to win in November. Several issues drove turnout: public education funding and property taxes, the presence of ICE officers in the state, and the influence of corporate PAC money. Voter Betty Nichols worried the state’s voucher-like program drains money from public schools. Tom Murphy of Goffstown opposed ICE and avoided voting for Pappas for that reason. Laura Urie of Bow voted for progressive candidates specifically to push back against big-money politics. The primary saw light turnout, with many voters expressing ambivalence or outright distrust toward both local and federal candidates.

New Hampshire voters picked Democratic Representative Chris Pappas and former Republican Senator John E. Sununu to face off for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Jeanne Shaheen. The general election is seen by both parties as critical to control of the U.S. Senate. Pappas defeated progressive challenger Karishma Manzur, while Sununu easily beat former Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown. The campaign now shifts to a high-stakes battle between two seasoned politicians with deep roots in state politics.

A Shelby County jury deliberated for just one hour on Friday before convicting Jasmine Irby, 31, of aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect. Prosecutors detailed how Irby disciplined her six-year-old son in late 2023 by intentionally scalding him with hot water, resulting in second-degree burns to his head and hand. She also forced the child to stand outside in cold weather wearing only pajamas. During the trial, Irby testified but minimized the severity of her actions. Recorded jail calls and other evidence presented by the prosecution contradicted her claims and sealed her guilt. Irby has been detained since her indictment in May 2024 and will remain without bond until her sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.

A 27-year-old Memphis man, DeAngelo Billingsley, faces attempted second-degree murder and domestic assault charges after police say he beat his mother with a metal baseball bat because she would not cook him a meal. The incident occurred Saturday at a home on Bonita Avenue in Whitehaven. The mother suffered a critical laceration to her forehead and was rushed to the hospital for life-saving treatment. Billingsley was detained at the scene and later confessed, matching his mother’s account. He is held on a $52,000 bond, which includes an additional $2,000 for violating bail conditions in a 2024 case where he allegedly shattered his mother’s windshield after being kicked out of her house. Court records show he was living with her at the time of this latest arrest.

Labor Day traditionally marks a day off for many Americans, but for the family-owned Lincoln restaurant Pita and Naan, it is a day to serve the community. Owner Omar Attaie says the restaurant stays open for nearly every major holiday, a decision driven by a sense of connection rather than obligation. The choice pays off: the restaurant sees a 15% to 20% increase in sales on holidays, as families gather for meals and out-of-town visitors return. Customers frequently express gratitude, with many saying “thanks for being open,” which reinforces the Attaie family’s commitment. Omar’s father, Mahboob, who has been in the business for 40 years, finds joy in the daily interactions with loyal patrons, often joking that he cannot leave the store without being called back. The restaurant also cultivates local ties, posting a photo of Mahboob with Nebraska volleyball player Rebekah Allick on Facebook to show solidarity with the community. For the Attaie family, staying open on Labor Day is not just about business—it is about celebrating the labor force that makes their work meaningful.

A 16-year-old girl was seriously wounded in a shooting Monday evening in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. Police say the teenager was struck in the back when a man she knew approached her and opened fire. The incident occurred around 7:11 p.m. in the 2200 block of South Sawyer Avenue. Emergency responders rushed the victim to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was initially listed in serious condition. Area detectives are actively investigating the case, though no arrests have been reported. The shooting adds to a troubling pattern of gun violence affecting young people in Chicago, coming during a Labor Day weekend that saw six killed and 28 wounded in shootings across the city.

Authorities in Alexandria, Louisiana, are searching for a suspect after two separate shootings occurred within a single day, leaving homes damaged but no injuries reported. The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots-fired call on the 1800 block of Community Lane around 3:29 a.m. on September 7. Deputies discovered two residences struck by gunfire and multiple shell casings scattered in the street. A firearm was recovered inside one of the damaged homes, though its connection to the incident remains unclear. This incident follows a shooting in the Kellyland area on September 6. Investigators have not yet confirmed whether the two events are linked. Warrants have been issued for 18-year-old Dataevious Deontae Taylor of Alexandria, charging him with two counts of aggravated assault with a firearm and one count of attempted second-degree murder. He is considered armed and dangerous. The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information to come forward as the investigation continues.

On the final day of the Nebraska State Fair, a heartfelt ceremony at the BigIron Events Center in Grand Island honored veterans from across the state. The program opened with a color guard presentation by the United Veteran’s Club Honor Guard, followed by the POW/MIA empty chair recognition, a flag passing ceremony, and Salute to Service honoree awards from 4-H. Several soldiers received Quilts of Valor, including Nebraska National Guard veteran David Munoz, who reflected on the quilt’s meaning. The keynote speaker, astronaut Clayton Anderson—Nebraska’s only astronaut—spoke about hope and perseverance. Country music artist and Air Force veteran Jimmy Weber performed the military branch themes, urging people to simply thank veterans for their service. The event also featured on-site services for veterans. The day underscored the state’s deep appreciation for those who served.

Jury selection begins this week in the murder trial of Joshua Hunsucker, a 41-year-old former Atrium Health paramedic from Mount Holly, North Carolina. He is accused of poisoning his wife, Stacy Hunsucker, with tetrahydrozoline—the active ingredient in over-the-counter eye drops—in September 2018. Prosecutors allege Hunsucker killed his wife to collect over $200,000 in life insurance. Initially ruled natural causes, a blood sample later revealed lethal levels of the drug. Hunsucker pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, insurance fraud, and obtaining property by false pretense. The case also involves allegations of witness intimidation, a staged kidnapping, and accusations that he poisoned his own daughter with the same substance. His bond was set at $1.5 million. Atrium Health terminated his employment in December 2019. The trial is expected to draw significant attention due to the unusual method of poisoning and the defendant's background as a medical professional.

After a sweltering Labor Day with highs in the mid-to-upper 90s, isolated thunderstorms have already popped up in southwestern Nebraska. More storms are expected overnight and into Tuesday, with a marginal risk of severe weather. Temperatures will ease slightly Wednesday, but a significant cool-down arrives by the weekend, bringing 70s and increased rain chances. A heat advisory remains in effect for southeastern Nebraska through Tuesday afternoon. The pattern shift stems from a cold front moving through Friday night, ushering in a much cooler and wetter stretch next week. Residents should stay weather-aware tonight and tomorrow as some storms could intensify, especially in the southeast.

The Alabama Crimson Tide delivered a commanding performance against East Carolina University, shutting down the Pirates 48-10 in a non-conference matchup at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide's offense clicked on all cylinders, while the defense stifled ECU's attempts to gain momentum. Highlights from the game showcase Alabama's explosive plays and disciplined execution. The win extends Alabama's home winning streak and reinforces their status as a top contender in college football. The game, broadcast live, featured standout moments from both sides, but Alabama's depth and talent proved too much for the Pirates to handle.