All articles tagged with #homeless encampments
Authorities say the death of former NFL defensive lineman Kevin Johnson at a Willowbrook homeless encampment, ruled as blunt head trauma and stab wounds, may be connected to three other unsolved killings of unhoused people along the same flood-control channel on East 120th Street, prompting a broader homicide probe and outreach efforts.
At least 13 people were injured in two related mass shootings at homeless encampments in Minneapolis within 12 hours, marking a recent surge in gun violence in the city, with authorities investigating potential connections and ongoing efforts to clear the encampments.
A peace vigil outside the White House, active for over four decades and symbolizing anti-war protests, was dismantled by law enforcement on Trump's orders as part of a broader effort to clear homeless encampments and 'beautify' D.C., sparking concerns over civil rights and free speech.
A peace vigil outside the White House, active for over four decades and symbolizing anti-war protests, was dismantled by law enforcement on Trump's orders amid efforts to clear homeless encampments, sparking concerns over civil rights and free speech.
President Trump signed an executive order urging the removal of homeless encampments nationwide and directing efforts to move people into treatment centers, a move criticized by advocates for potentially worsening homelessness and undermining legal protections. The order follows a Supreme Court decision allowing cities to ban camping and emphasizes treatment over housing, amid rising homelessness in the U.S. and ongoing debates about civil rights and effective solutions.
President Trump signed an executive order aimed at making it easier for states and cities to remove homeless encampments and enforce stricter measures, including civil commitments for those who pose risks or refuse treatment, shifting federal funding away from housing-first policies to programs emphasizing sobriety and enforcement.
A study found that wastewater near homeless encampments contained SARS-CoV-2 genetic material, with 26% of samples testing positive and showing peak concentrations during the Omicron surge in Las Vegas. The water samples revealed viral mutations and transmission patterns, including 10 mutations specific to the Alpha variant and three novel spike protein mutations. The study highlights the importance of monitoring wastewater near homeless populations for understanding viral spread and mutations, but more data is needed to determine the impact on clinical outcomes for COVID-19 patients in these communities.
The King County, Washington sheriff has instructed deputies not to enforce a new Burien ordinance outlawing homeless encampments near certain locations, citing concerns over its constitutionality. Burien's mayor is examining the city's agreement with the sheriff's office and may consider establishing a city-run police department if the agreement was broken. The ordinance prohibits overnight sleeping on public property if shelter is available, and camping during daytime hours. The sheriff's decision was made without informing city officials, leading to tensions between the city and county authorities.
Albuquerque Police Chief Harold Medina witnessed a shooting while en route to a news conference, and ended up crashing into another car to avoid gunfire. The shooting occurred as he was about to report a homeless encampment blocking a sidewalk. One person was injured in the crash, but the shooting victim was unharmed. Mayor Keller praised Medina's actions and emphasized the need to make the city safer, highlighting the prevalence of illegal substances in such incidents. APD is now searching for the individuals involved in the fight.
An outbreak of hepatitis A is spreading through homeless encampments in Portland, with over a dozen cases reported in the past few months. Most of the cases have been detected in the homeless community, but there have also been cases among restaurant employees. Advocates for the homeless attribute the outbreak to a lack of access to clean water. Hepatitis A is a contagious liver disease that can spread through person-to-person contact or contaminated food and water. Health officials recommend vaccination as a preventive measure.
A large 4-alarm fire broke out at a construction site in San Francisco, displacing several residents. Concerns about fires in the same area were raised months ago, with the president of the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association writing a letter to city leaders about dangerous fires near tent encampments. It remains unclear if any action was taken. The cause of the recent fire is under investigation, but some living nearby argue that it is unfair to blame the unhoused so soon. The fire spread to four adjoining homes, but all residents were safely evacuated. Fire officials are relieved that the fire did not consume an entire city block.