Latest news with #Nichols'
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Robert Nichols, the most senior Texas Senate Republican, won't run for reelection
Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, announced Tuesday he would not seek reelection to his East Texas seat — news that was followed minutes later by Rep. Trent Ashby, R-Lufkin, launching his campaign to succeed him in the upper chamber. 'It had always been my goal to make things better, to stop bad things, to do it in a way I thought was right, never forgetting who I represented and to work at it long enough, but not too long,' said Nichols, who intends to serve out his term through Jan. 12, 2027, in a statement. 'It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to have represented the people of East Texas in the Texas Senate.' Nichols, the most senior Republican in the Senate, bucked his party on several key issues over his six terms, establishing himself in recent years as a rare Republican willing to occasionally break with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who tightly controls the Senate. This legislative session, he drew the ire of the state Republican Party for watering down a GOP priority bill to bar political subdivisions, like local governments, from using public funds for lobbying. In 2023, Nichols was the only Senate Republican to reject private school vouchers and a bill preempting local authority. That same year, he was one of just two Senate Republicans who voted to convict Attorney General Ken Paxton on over a dozen articles of impeachment accusing him of corruption and bribery. And in 2022, Nichols was among the first few anti-abortion lawmakers to support an exception for rape to the state's near-total abortion ban. Nichols was first elected to the Senate in 2006, representing a district that covers a large piece of East Texas from the Houston suburbs to south of Tyler. He previously served in the 1980s and 1990s as a state transportation commissioner and as mayor and city council member for Jacksonville, a city of 14,000 about a half-hour south of Tyler. He was last reelected in 2022 without any primary opposition and nearly 80% of the vote. 'You are a true statesman and have represented East Texas with honor and steadfast resolve to do what is in the best interest of your district,' Rep. Cody Harris, R-Palestine, posted on social media in response to Nichols' news. 'Texas is better because of you. You will be greatly missed, my friend.' Ashby, who was elected to the Texas House in 2012 and later named the GOP's Freshman of the Year, announced his campaign for Nichols' seat soon after. In his campaign announcement, Ashby emphasized his commitment to 'defend the conservative values that define East and Southeast Texas,' highlighting his work on private property rights, law enforcement, rural infrastructure investments, public schools and teachers and protecting children from 'harmful ideologies.' 'This is a time of great change and opportunity for our region, and we need a strong, experienced voice in the Senate — someone who will defend our conservative values, fight for rural communities, and ensure the region remains a priority in Austin,' he said. Ashby was a key player this legislative session in negotiations over an $8.5 billion public school funding package and an effort to scrap the STAAR test. He sits on the House Natural Resources and Public Education committees. He was born and raised on a dairy and diversified livestock operation in Rusk County, and he serves as a senior vice president at VeraBank, according to his campaign website. Big news: 20 more speakers join the TribFest lineup! New additions include Margaret Spellings, former U.S. secretary of education and CEO of the Bipartisan Policy Center; Michael Curry, former presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church; Beto O'Rourke, former U.S. Representative, D-El Paso; Joe Lonsdale, entrepreneur, founder and managing partner at 8VC; and Katie Phang, journalist and trial lawyer. Get tickets. TribFest 2025 is presented by JPMorganChase.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Tyre Nichols' family calls for justice on his 32nd birthday
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Tyre Nichols' family is still calling for justice while celebrating what would have been his 32nd birthday on Thursday. Two years since his passing, his family said the pain of loss is still strong, but his mother was trying to set it aside. 'When I woke up that pain went away. I don't know if it was my son telling me, 'Mama, let's just celebrate the day,'' said RowVaughn Wells, Tyre Nichols' mother. Next step for Tyre Nichols' family: $550M civil lawsuit that could bankrupt city 'We don't have a lot to say because we want to celebrate our son's– what would have been our son's 32nd birthday,' said Rodney Wells, Nichols' stepfather. A crowd of people gathered near the I AM A MAN PLAZA in honor of Tyre. 'To the city leadership, you just lose credibility until you do right by Tyre,' said Ben Crump, Nichols' family attorney. Jury finds three ex-officers not guilty in Tyre Nichols death trial Later this month, five former Memphis Police officers are set to be sentenced for their federal convictions in Nichols' death. Tadarrius Bean and Justin Smith were both found guilty of obstruction in the case, and they will appear in court on June 16. Demetrius Haley was found guilty on four counts in federal court, and Desmond Mills, who took a guilty plea deal, is set to appear for sentencing on June 17. City of Memphis disputes insurance claims in Tyre Nichols case Emmitt Martin, who also took a guilty plea deal, will stand in front of a judge on June 18. Community organizers and activists said it is past time for people to pay attention, especially as the City of Memphis is in budget talks. 'Meanwhile, library services have a proposed budget of $25 million, parks and services have a proposed budget of $28 million,' said Amber Sherman, community organizer. 'I don't understand how we will make every other department prove that they deserve the money they are getting.' All five officers were convicted of different crimes and face prison sentences from 15 to 40 years. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Readers sound off on Tyre Nichols' killers, Biden's cancer and reversing rules
Bronx: I had had Tyre Nichols' smiling photo pinned there since the day after his inhuman massacre at the hands, fists, kicks and scathing taunts of heartless policemen and later, medics — just watching. All murderous, battering, scathing and mocking men who would — thank goodness, I prayed — be brought to trial and found heartlessly and absolutely guilty of murdering a man who was known to shout upon coming home from his job, 'Hello, parents, I'm home!' No! It was not to be another safe arrival home the night of Jan. 7, 2023, the night of Nichols' cruel, inhuman and unforgivable murder. I cried for him and cried for all who knew and loved him, but at the very least, I had the assurance that it was all on camera, clear and factually visible above their cruel hands, fists, kicks and taunts. Everything despite his cries, his begging, even after he tried to run from these horrible, inhumane men — no, creatures — accusing him of absolutely nothing that warranted the most merciless and heartless treatment. These creatures, I'm sure, have their own families and friends who would later watch them become heartless, mocking, inhumane animals. It was all on camera. It was all right there. No one could lie about it or make them less guilty or horrendous than what they were that horrible night. I had to take Nichols' picture down. It hurts too much. But I will never forget his smiling, sweet, innocent, promising face. Carmen H. Mason Brooklyn: After seeing the violent tape of Diddy beating up Cassandra Ventura, I hope it's a quick guilty verdict. I can not see how anyone in their right mind needs any more facts. I hope Cassandra can put this violence she suffered past her and live happily with her family. Mariann Tepedino Manhattan: Re 'Ill-fated Mexican ship was headed to Iceland on an around-the-world tour' (May 19): This is what the Daily News printed about the Mexican tall ship: 'Its main mast is 160 feet high; the Brooklyn Bridge is only 127 feet above the water.' Mathematics says the ship couldn't fit. Leonard Marshall Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.: Seventeen states, including New York, are suing President Trump for pulling the plug on federally approved offshore wind projects. These wind farms, which contribute to American energy independence, should be getting Republican support for using free, American energy sources and providing employment and economic investment offshore and onshore in wind port logistics and manufacturing. Thank you, Gov. Hochul, Attorney General Letitia James and NYSERDA chief Doreen Harris for having New York's best interests at the forefront and fighting Trump's irrational wind ban. Catherine Campbell Glen Oaks: The Daily News cites 144 recent deaths in Kentucky due to tornadoes, other storms and floods ('Death toll climbs to 28 from mid-South storms,' May 19). 'Oh, that's Kentucky!' we might answer, putting our climate breakdown out of reach and mind. Hey, that's America. That's our home. Moreover, that's a nearby state. C'mon, Albany, we've got about a week before it will be too late to pass our transformative NY HEAT Act and for Hochul to unstop our cap-and-invest program. Let's get both going and help turn the corner on climate breakdown! Kanwaldeep K. Sekhon Delray Beach, Fla.: It's very sad to hear that ex-President Joe Biden has developed prostate cancer and that it is in a very aggressive stage. He did get checked every year at Walter Reed Medical Center, so why was this not detected sooner? Of course, he was given a clean bill of health, just like he was cognizant of everything. That was another lie. As we can now see, he was never in good health and was lying to the American people. Manny Agostini Stratford, Conn.: So, crooked Joe has prostate cancer? With the best doctors in the country at his disposal? Maybe he should have spent more time in the doctor's office than at his beach resort in Delaware, or stopped lying about the millions of illegal immigrants he let into the country. I bet he doesn't care that I have prostate cancer, so why should I care if he has it? Peter Sulzicki Cincinnati: Re 'The Dems are still hiding from Biden cover-up' (column, May 15): As his presidency waned, Biden transformed into a ventriloquist's dummy. As he crept into senility, his family and administration buddies became the virtual president, programming him as one would a robot. Several ventriloquists, one dummy. We survived because, as Otto von Bismarck noted, 'There is a special providence for fools, drunkards and the United States of America.' Unless they come clean about his deterioration in office, no Democratic presidential hopeful will garner enough credibility to compete in the 2028 presidential sweepstakes. Paul Bloustein Brooklyn: Does everyone remember when AOC famously said that entering the country illegally is not illegal? That's all I have to say. Rocco Conte Bronx: I read with horror of the woman in Georgia who is brain-dead and on life support and is 21 weeks pregnant. Her family is not allowed to take her off life support because the abortion ban is only concerned for the fetus' existence, not the mother's. In the government's eyes, the fetus must be delivered when viable. Now the woman must be kept on life support so she can deliver the baby by being cut open by Cesarean section (major surgery) to deliver the baby, who already has water on the brain. This will be done all without the family's right to have decision-making power about their daughter's life and what medical procedure they want for her. To all women in America who have daughters who potentially will have children: Be afraid, be very afraid. Lydia Milnar Kew Gardens: In December 2023, Hamas proposed the release of all hostages in exchange for a total ceasefire and the withdrawal of IDF forces from Gaza. This proposal was widely supported by UN membership, but the U.S. deferred to Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, stating that Israel would never agree to a total ceasefire until all their military objectives were attained, including the elimination of Hamas to the last man. So, the continuation of this war goes far beyond getting the hostages released. What is the real objective? This war now has the smell of imperialistic territory annexation. Normally in the Middle East, this type of military action involves obtaining oil and energy resources. Are there energy resources in the Palestinian territories? If so, none of our media is reporting that wealth is a contributing factor in the continuation of this conflict. Glenn Hayes Dover, Del.: To Voicer Wendy Jackson: Apparently, you subscribe to the British/Zionist version of history. Just because the Zionist authors claim that no Palestinians were present in the area, Palestinians had several cities, resorts, an entire monetary system and universities prior to the arrival of Europeans seeking more land to colonize after World War II. Take a moment to explore the coins already minted in Palestine from the early 1900s, prior to the forced expulsions. Chalky White Valley Stream, L.I.: Voicer Glenn Bischoff paints a valid picture when describing Pete Rose betting on baseball. In closing, Bischoff writes, '… the rules of law do not matter.' In America, we are proving that laws do not matter. We elected a convicted felon to our highest office. This person is continually turning the legal levers of the laws in our country, defying the courts. The corruption in his administration is never-ending, with no accountability for anyone in his cabinet. Getting back to Rose, I saw a sports talk program with Johnny Bench on YouTube. The host asked Johnny if he thought Rose should be elected to the Hall of Fame. Johnny's quote: 'Well, if you want to have Mr. Rose in the Hall of Fame, just tell your kids that there are no rules anymore.' That was several years ago. Unfortunately, in today's politics, sports and everyday life, it rings true. Vince Sgroi
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Video: Erupting volcanoes cause ‘dancing' light show in space
Beautiful 'dancing' lights were recently found on Jupiter, the largest planet in the solar system. The lights are similar to the auroras seen on Earth but are 'hundreds of times brighter than those seen on Earth,' according to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. New information about the fifth planet's aurora was published in the academic journal Nature Communications on Monday, based on photographs taken by the space telescope on Dec. 25, 2023. 'What a Christmas present it was — it just blew me away!' astronomer Jonathan Nichols, from the University of Leicester in England, said in a statement. 'We wanted to see how quickly the auroras change, expecting them to fade in and out ponderously, perhaps over a quarter of an hour or so. Instead, we observed the whole auroral region fizzing and popping with light, sometimes varying by the second.' Earth's aurora is caused by high-energy particles from the sun that enter the atmosphere and collide with atoms, while Jupiter's massive aurora includes an additional source. The planet's strong magnetic field grabs the particles from its surroundings, including from one of its moons, Io, astronomers said. The moon's volcanic surface erupts with particles that enter Jupiter's orbit. The magnetic field causes these particles to move at tremendous speeds, resulting in the glow of the aurora. Nichols' team also found that the brightest lights observed by the Webb Space Telescope were not spotted in pictures taken at the same time by a different telescope, the Hubble Space Telescope, leaving the team 'scratching our heads,' Nichols said in the statement. The team will study this discrepancy between the two telescopes and further explore Jupiter's atmosphere and space environment. This information will then be compared with data collected from NASA's Juno spacecraft, in orbit around Jupiter since 2016, 'to better explore the cause of the enigmatic bright emission,' the team said. Massive solar flare erupts, causing radio blackouts across Earth Where will failed '70s Soviet probe land after it crashes back to Earth? Nobody knows Sorry, Pluto: The solar system could have a 9th planet after all, astronomers say Failed '70s-era Soviet spacecraft bound for Venus could soon crash back to Earth This 'Star Wars' Day, check out a moon that looks like iconic space station Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Ex-Memphis officers found not guilty: Catch up on Tyre Nichols civil case
After eight days of testimony and arguments, a Hamilton County jury acquitted three former Memphis police officers accused of killing Tyre Nichols when they beat him in January 2023. The verdict came as a shock to onlookers and is sure to have ripple effects in the final leg of litigation relating to Nichols' death. Here's what else was on the docket for the week of May 5. The blanket not-guilty verdict Wednesday left family members — both the Nichols family and family of the now-acquitted officers — in tears. One of those officers' family members could be heard shouting, "Hallelujah, thank you Jesus," outside the courtroom. Meanwhile, Ben Crump, the attorney representing Nichols' family, called the verdict a "devastating miscarriage of justice" and vowed to fight for justice through his $550 million civil lawsuit against the City of Memphis. Later Wednesday, Memphis Mayor Paul Young and Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis called for healing and vowed to improve the department moving forward in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter. Nichols' family did not speak after the verdict, but talked with media outside the National Civil Rights Museum on May 8. The press conference, and rally that followed, mirrored a much-smaller one that was held in the same spot before the nation knew Nichols by name. "You know, on the night that my son was murdered, a lot of you don't know, but I felt my son's death in my stomach," RowVaughn Wells said. "I didn't realize all that pain that I was feeling was my son's life being taken away from that night. When they made that verdict yesterday, that was them taking my son's life away from me again." A third motion to acquit his federal conviction has been denied for a former Memphis police officer tried in the Nichols federal case. Tadarrius Bean was found guilty of witness tampering at trial, but the jury acquitted him of three other charges — using excessive force, being deliberately indifferent to Nichols' medical needs and conspiring to witness tamper. He could be sentenced up to 20 years for the witness tampering conviction. There is no parole in the federal system, so he will serve his entire sentence in prison. Bean filed the third motion to acquit following his conviction. Another former officer who joined Bean at trial, Justin Smith, Jr., also filed a third motion to acquit. U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee Judge Mark Norris denied Smith's motion to acquit in January. In his reasoning for denying Bean's motion, Norris said federal prosecutors provided evidence that "a rational jury could find that defendant Bean engaged in misleading conduct by intentionally withholding material information." From May 7: 'Miscarriage of justice.' Ex-Memphis police officers in Tyre Nichols case found not guilty From May 7: Memphis mayor, police chief call for healing after not guilty verdict in Nichols case From May 7: Key moments in the Tyre Nichols cases, as second criminal trial ends with acquittals From May 5: Youth Villages, family of Alegend Jones reach settlment over teen's death under group's care From April 23: Stage before acceptance: Will next criminal trial bring closure after Tyre Nichols' death? Even as a verdict was delivered in the state trial for the officers accused of killing Nichols, the City of Memphis and attorneys representing RowVaughn Wells, Nichols' mother, were arguing to quash a subpoena served to Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn "C.J." Davis. In a May 2 motion to quash, attorneys for the city argued that any subpoenas for Davis should be placed on hold while her status in the case is being decided. The city, in March, moved to dismiss the lawsuit against itself and Davis. At the time, the city argued that discovery against Davis should be placed on hold pending a ruling on the motion to dismiss. The subpoena came weeks later, according to the city's most recent motion. The new motion to quash argues along similar lines as the original motion to keep Davis away from discovery, noting that it would "impose an undue burden" on Davis. It also argues that the claims against Davis and the requests for documents are "virtually identical" to those the city received. "Any documents produced to plaintiff will likely be used by plaintiff to support her claims against Chief Davis as well. Plaintiff also ignores the fact that plaintiff is seeking punitive damages from Chief Davis, individually, which presents a heightened financial to Chief Davis as a government official," the motion to quash read. Ahead of the motion to quash, the city also filed motions to supplement its argument in an ongoing fight over confidentiality designations. The new motion to vacate the designations comes after a ruling at the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals. That court supersedes the federal district court in Memphis. That case, the city argued, bolstered the public's right to view federally filed court records and depositions. In November 2024, the city filed documents alleging the Nichols family offered money to the mother of Nichols' son in exchange for giving up her right to oversee Nichols' estate. It also alleged abuse toward the woman, citing her testimony. Court records from the Superior Court of California, in Yolo County, show that Nichols was charged with felony infliction of corporal injury and misdemeanor endangering the health of a child in 2017. Records show Nichols pleaded no contest to infliction of corporal injury and the felony count was reduced to a misdemeanor. The other charge was dismissed and Nichols was given a three-year probation and had to take a domestic violence class. The fight over confidentiality designations extended to a broad request for phone records between Nichols and multiple people. The city has said the character evidence contained in the depositions and phone records could help in arguments over damages in the case, which the city said could "essentially bankrupt" it. Attorneys for Nichols' family have fired back, saying the city is trying to "poison the jury pool" against Nichols and his family. Many filings that substantially talk about those records have since been sealed by the court. Do you have a burning public safety question you want answered? Send an email to metro@ or Lucas Finton covers crime, policing, jails, the courts and criminal justice policy for The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached by phone or email: (901)208-3922 and and followed on X @LucasFinton. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Catching up on the Tyre Nichols civil lawsuit after not-guilty verdict
