Families Archives

Hurricane Beryl Aftermath: Tragic Toll Rises in Houston, Families Struggle Without Power

Houston, TX — The devastation wrought by Hurricane Beryl continues to unfold in Texas, with the death toll in the Houston area currently standing at 13 and concerns mounting that this number could rise. As families and communities grapple with the aftermath, prolonged power outages and extensive damage are complicating recovery efforts. Hurricane Beryl, which struck Texas last week, has left approximately 270,000 households without electricity, according to state officials. Governor Greg Abbott has voiced …

Eight Decades On: Families Reflect on Port Chicago Explosion and Push for Recognition of the ‘Port Chicago 50’ as Heroes

San Francisco, CA — Eight decades have passed since the catastrophic Port Chicago explosion, a dark episode of World War II that continues to resonate with families of the victims and underscore historical discussions about racial segregation and military justice. The 1944 explosion at the Port Chicago Naval Magazine in northern California was the deadliest home front disaster of the war, claiming 320 lives, the majority of whom were African American sailors. At the time, …

Families of Greenwood Park Mall Shooting Victims File Lawsuit Against Mall Owner and Security Firm

INDIANAPOLOS, IN — Legal actions have intensified following the tragic event on July 17, 2022, at Greenwood Park Mall, where a shooter claimed the lives of three individuals. The families of the victims, Pedro Pineda, Rosa Pineda, and Victor Gomez, filed lawsuits against mall owner Simon Property Group and security provider Allied Universal Security Services. The legal documents were submitted in Marion County Court, asserting negligence on the part of both entities in failing to …

Judge Rules Nashville School Shooter’s Writings Remain Private, Citing Copyright Held by Victims’ Families

Nashville, Tenn. — A Tennessee judge has made a decisive ruling preventing the public release of writings by a former student who carried out a fatal shooting at an elementary school in Nashville last year, which left six people dead. The decision arrives amidst a complex legal battle regarding the ownership and dissemination of the shooter’s literary and artistic content. Chancery Court Judge I’Ashea Myles delivered the verdict on Thursday, attributing the rights of the …

Summer Water Safety Alert: Increasing Dangers in U.S. Lakes and Safety Tips for Families

With summer in full swing and the Fourth of prJuly drawing near, many Americans are gearing up to enjoy outdoor festivities by flocking to the nation’s lakes, rivers, and beaches. This season of leisure and fun, however, is not without its risks, particularly related to water safety. Across the United States, several popular bodies of water, including the Great Lakes and Lake Lanner in Georgia, have been the settings for numerous drownings and other tragedies. …

Uvalde Families Demand More Accountability After Limited Indictments in School Shooting Tragedy

Uvalde, Texas — While indictments have been issued, families of the Robb Elementary School shooting victims assert that real accountability is still absent. In the wake of the 2022 massacre that resulted in the deaths of 19 children and two teachers, the former Uvalde school police chief and an ex-police officer face multiple felony charges for child endangerment and abandonment. However, family members say these initial moves fall short of delivering comprehensive justice. The overwhelming …

Phoenix Families Overcome Tragedy, Embrace Hope After Settling Lawsuit Over Juneteenth Celebration Accident

PHOENIX — Juneteenth, a day typically marked by jubilation and reflection on African American culture and history, has a shadow of sorrow for some residents in a Phoenix community. This shadow stems from a harrowing incident in 2020 involving a catastrophic grill explosion that inflicted severe injuries on two families. During a small gathering on Juneteenth that year, a barbecue at a local apartment complex turned tragic when the grill unexpectedly exploded, engulfed in flames. …

Tragic Blast Interrupts Eid Celebration for Newly Arrived Refugee Families in Syracuse

Syracuse, N.Y. — A devastating explosion during a religious celebration shattered the peace of Syracuse’s North Side, as two refugee families from Myanmar faced a new trial shortly after finding refuge in the United States. The incident occurred in a rented home on Carbon Street, where the families were observing Eid al-Adha, a significant Muslim festival centered on compassion and community. The explosion injured 12 individuals and critically harmed three young children, who are presently …

Gunman Opens Fire on Families at Rochester Hills Splash Pad, Leaving 9 Injured and Community in Shock

Rochester Hills, Michigan – A tragic incident unfolded at a splash pad in Rochester Hills as a gunman opened fire, leaving nine people injured in the aftermath. The shooter, identified as a 42-year-old male, unleashed 28 gunshots from a handgun at the streetside park before being found dead at a home in Shelby Township. It is suspected that the shooter may have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound while police were surrounding the home. Authorities …

Demolition Commences on Site of Parkland School Shooting, Families of Victims Witness

Parkland, Florida – The demolition of the 1200 building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School has commenced, marking the end of a long-standing reminder of one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history. The building, untouched since the tragic events of 2018 when a gunman claimed the lives of 14 students and three staff members on Valentine’s Day, has been preserved as evidence for the shooter’s trial until now. Crews are now in the …