California University Slammed for Pepper-Spraying Students

Task force finds that campus police action in November was “objectively unreasonable”; legislator vows more oversight

2012-04-12

Terence Chea The Associated Press

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- State lawmakers are calling for greater oversight of campus police departments after investigators blasted administrators and officers at the University of California, Davis, for pepper-spraying demonstrators - a police action that drew widespread criticism after a video went viral. Read the complete article

VIDEO: Trayvon Martin Parents Elated by Zimmerman Arrest

'The question I would really like to ask him is, if he could look into Trayvon's eyes and see how innocent he was, would he have then pulled the trigger?'

2012-04-11

Suzanne Gamboa and Sonya Ross The Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Trayvon Martin's parents expressed relief Wednesday over a special prosecutor's decision to charge the man responsible for the 17-year-old's death. Martin's mother said if she could speak directly to George Zimmerman, she would allow him a chance to say he is sorry for what happened. Read the complete article

APNewsBreak: Second-Degree Murder Charge in Trayvon Martin Case

An official says he's in custody in Florida but wouldn't say where

2012-04-11

Brendan Farrington The Associated Press

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- A law enforcement official says that the shooter in the Trayvon Martin case will be charged with second-degree murder and is in custody. Read the complete article

Wisconsin Recall Is High-Stakes Bet for Unions

"If we lose, it's a shot in the mouth," one labor leader says of the costly campaign

2012-04-11

Sam Hananel and Scott Bauer The Associated Press

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Unions are facing a make-or-break moment in their campaign to drive Wisconsin's Republican governor from office. Read the complete article

VIDEO: Michigan Teacher Allegedly Fired Over Trayvon Fundraiser

Students in journalism class wanted to wear hoodies; superintendent wanted focus to stay on academics

2012-04-11

Mike Householder The Associated Press

DETROIT (AP) -- A teacher fired from a Michigan middle school after encouraging students to raise money for the family of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin said Tuesday she is confused by the dismissal and wants the school's administration to explain. Read the complete article

Attorneys Say Zimmerman Is Isolated, Stressed Out

Two lawyers are no longer representing Trayvon martin shooter, say they are concerned for his safety

2012-04-11

Mike Schneider and Kyle Hightower The Associated Press

SANFORD, Fla. (AP) -- The man who shot and killed 17-year-old Trayvon Martin is said to be losing weight and suffering from high levels of stress from the intense public scrutiny he is under, his former lawyers said. Meanwhile, a special prosecutor said she will soon make an announcement in the case and the nation's attorney general vowed separately to take action if evidence warrants it. Read the complete article

NAACP Asks Pasadena for Police Shooting Documents

Group wants to know more about death of unarmed Black teen

2012-04-10

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- The NAACP has asked Pasadena officials for documents, audio recordings and ballistic reports related to last month's police shooting death of an unarmed black teenager. Read the complete article

Santorum Suspends GOP Presidential Campaign

Candidate expected to make announcement Tuesday in Pennsylvania

2012-04-10

GETTYSBURG, Pa. (AP) -- Rick Santorum is suspending his campaign for the GOP presidential nomination, clearing a path for Mitt Romney to become the nominee. Read the complete article

Idaho's Lone Black Lawmaker Receives KKK Mailing

State Rep. Cherie Buckner-Webb surprised by hand-addressed membership solicitation

2012-04-10

BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Idaho's only black state lawmaker says she received a hand-addressed membership solicitation from a national Ku Klux Klan organization that she believes targeted her. Read the complete article

Attorney: Zimmerman Defense Fund Website Is Real

Web page says money raised through donations will be used to pay living expenses, lawyer fees

2012-04-10

Mike Schneider The Associated Press

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) -- An attorney for George Zimmerman on Tuesday confirmed the authenticity of a new website that allows supporters to raise money for the neighborhood watch volunteer who has admitted to fatally shooting an unarmed black teen in Florida. Read the complete article