Mayors: COVID-19 followed by second ‘pandemic’ of police relations
WASHINGTON - Cities were already grappling with the health and economic impact of COVID-19 when protests uncovered what one mayor Thursday called the "second pandemic" - a fractured police relationship with minority communities.
Floyd’s brother testifies to House, as lawmakers debate best way forward
WASHINGTON - The brother of George Floyd, whose death at the hands of Minneapolis police sparked nationwide protests, told a somber House committee Wednesday that he hopes his testimony can bring changes so that Floyd's "death will not be in vain."
Phoenix police ban chokeholds in wake of Floyd death, protest clashes
The Phoenix Police Department will ban the use of chokeholds on suspects, a change aimed at regaining community trust in the wake of George Floyd's choking death two weeks ago while he was in Minneapolis police custody.
Community groups step in to provide immigrants COVID testing, relief
PHOENIX – Congress has provided medical and financial relief to millions of Americans dealing with COVID-19, but many immigrants are excluded – leaving advocacy groups to provide economic, medical and emotional support.
Arizona Democrats among those backing sweeping police reform bill
Congressional Democrats unveiled a sweeping police reform bill Monday that would ban the use of chokeholds and make it easier to hold officers accountable, a bill that one Arizona police group blasted as "one-sided" and "disappointing."
Phoenix Council OKs budget with $3 million for new police review office
PHOENIX - The Phoenix City Council approved a sharp increase in funding for a new police oversight office Monday, after first making sure that the extra funds would not cut into a planned 1% pay raise for city workers.
ASU drops new Cronkite dean after reports of racist remarks to Loyola students
Arizona State University officials announced late Sunday that they have rescinded the offer to the incoming dean of the Cronkite School, just days after tweeted allegations that she had made racist comments to students at her current school.
Phoenix Council rejects plan to boost funds for police oversight
PHOENIX - The Phoenix City Council narrowly rejected a plan Wednesday that would have sharply increased funding for a newly established civilian oversight committee for the police department.
Hundreds of protesters flow into downtown Phoenix
PHOENIX – Waves of protests, rolling across Arizona in the last several days like a tributary in a national unleashing of fury and grief over the deaths of black men at the hands of police, kept flowing on Tuesday night.
‘I can’t breathe’: Protesters take to the streets of Phoenix
PHOENIX – Protesters nationwide have expressed anger and frustration over racial inequities in the U.S. Cronkite News documents the protests held in Phoenix.
After days of rage, Arizonans speak of their frustrations, fears and hope
Cronkite News spoke with several Arizonans protesting the deaths of black people at the hands of police, including a college activist who encourages credible activism, an interior designer who wants others to realize what African Americans need, and a business owner worried about looting but hopes the protests will bring real change.
Phoenix officials issue warning to protesters: Officers will not tolerate criminal activity
PHOENIX – Phoenix officials on Saturday braced for another night of protests and said they would continue to allow for peaceful demonstration. However, officers will take action if demonstrations turn criminal.
