On June 7, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a gathering in Fort Worth brought together individuals impacted by gun violence to honor their lost loved ones. Organized by Mothers of Murdered Angels, the event aimed to raise awareness amid recent police data revealing a surge in gun-related incidents. LaKeisha Mackey bravely shared her story, motivated by her son, Derrick Johnson, who tragically lost his life to gun violence in February 2020 in Grand Prairie. Recalling the devastating incident at an apartment complex on South Forum Drive, Mackey described how her son succumbed to his injuries before reaching safety. Despite the…
Author: Hasnain Abid Khanzada
The University of Texas at Arlington boasts an enrollment of approximately 40,000 students, among them, a unique duo stands out. “It’s been an incredible experience studying alongside my dad,” remarked Oswaldo Ortiz Jr. Ortiz Jr. and his father, Oswaldo Ortiz Sr., are both enrolled in UTA’s MBA graduate program, forging a bond that extends beyond the typical student relationship. “Yeah, I never expected this,” Ortiz Jr. admitted. “I suggested to my dad that we do it together. I thought it would be enjoyable!” For Oswaldo Ortiz Sr., the decision to move his family from Mexico City to Grapevine in 2012…
Earlier this week, the once-thriving Angelika Film Center & Café announced its permanent closure after serving the community for two decades. In a statement shared on its Facebook page on Wednesday, the arthouse theater chain cited various economic challenges that made it unfeasible for the tenant to sustain its cinema in Plano. Situated at The Shops at Legacy on Bishop Rd E-6, the film center contributed to the industrial-modern ambiance of the shopping complex. With five screens, a café, and a bar on the second floor, the two-story Plano theater provided a unique cinematic experience. Angelika Film Center was renowned…
Oncor is currently investigating the cause behind the collapse of a large wooden power pole in Collin County on Thursday, which led to vehicle damages. According to Jennifer Chapman, spokesperson for the Plano Police Department, there were no injuries reported when the pole fell onto Custer Road around 2 p.m. Initially, authorities believed that a driver had collided with the pole and then with another vehicle. However, it was later determined that the pole fell independently, causing damage to passing vehicles. Fortunately, both drivers involved were shaken but unharmed. One vehicle sustained significant front-end damage, while the other showed burn…
The Tarrant County medical examiner has concluded that Anthony Ray Johnson, Jr.’s death was a homicide, citing mechanical and chemical asphyxia as the cause. Johnson, aged 31, passed away at the Tarrant County Jail on April 21. In a statement released by Attorney Daryl Washington on behalf of the Johnson family, it was expressed that the medical examiner’s report aligns with their observations from security camera footage. The family emphasized witnessing Johnson being restrained, pepper-sprayed, and subjected to pressure from a jailer’s knee, resulting in his inability to breathe. They asserted that the jailers’ actions, including the unnecessary use of…
A diesel tanker truck ignited in DeSoto on Friday afternoon, prompting firefighters to evacuate a nearby neighborhood. According to DeSoto Fire Chief Bryan Southard, the driver of the tanker noticed smoke emanating from the engine while stopped at the intersection of Parkerville Road and Cockrell Hill Road. The fire quickly spread from the engine to the cab and then toward the 5,000-gallon tank filled with diesel fuel. Fortunately, the driver managed to exit the vehicle unharmed before the flames engulfed the truck. Upon the arrival of firefighters, foam was utilized to extinguish the fire, as water has limited effectiveness against…
The Dallas County Sheriff’s Office announced that Joshua Watson, initially arrested in February and previously identified as a suspect in the crash that claimed the life of Arlington Police motorcycle officer Darrin McMichael in September 2023, no longer faces any charges. Watson, 26, was released from the Dallas County Jail four days after his arrest, and the arrest warrant against him was dismissed. Authorities revealed on Friday that another individual, 22-year-old Ryan Shamar Luckett, has been identified as the new suspect in the fatal crash. Luckett is currently serving time in a Mississippi state prison for parole violation. The Dallas…
Frisco, renowned for its rapid growth, is now embarking on a redevelopment endeavor aimed at preserving its rich history while embracing modernity. Set to commence on Friday morning, the groundbreaking ceremony for the new project in Frisco’s historic downtown signifies the city’s commitment to honoring its past amidst a backdrop of contemporary development. Mayor Jeff Cheney expresses enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing its importance in preserving Frisco’s heritage amidst the wave of new developments. The initiative reflects a collective effort to pay homage to the city’s roots, which trace back to hardy pioneers who settled along the Preston Trail in…
In his office at Clark Dietrich Building Systems in Dallas, Rick Salewske maintains a reminder of his former self on the wall—a framed photograph dating back to 2001. This visual cue serves as a daily motivator, reminding him of his remarkable weight loss journey. At his heaviest, Salewske tipped the scales at 538 pounds. Concerned for his health, his boss sponsored his enrollment in the Cooper Lean Program at Cooper Aerobics Center. Through dedication to healthier eating habits and regular exercise, Salewske shed an astonishing 300 pounds. Now, over two decades and 334 pounds lighter, Salewske stands at a lean…
Friday, June 7th marks National Gun Violence Awareness Day, a day dedicated to commemorating those lost to gun violence, honoring survivors, and advocating for an end to this lethal trend. In Texas, a staggering 77% of all homicides involve firearms. However, for those impacted by gun violence, the issue transcends mere statistics. Melinda Hamilton, founder of Mothers of Murdered Angels, tragically lost her daughter Shamika in a 2018 drive-by shooting, among other family members to gun violence. In response to her grief, Hamilton established the Mothers of Murdered Angels organization. This group serves as a crucial support system for North…
