‘A Tough Time For Us’: Slain Houston Deputy Was A New Dad

ACROSS AMERICA — Good morning! It’s Sunday, Oct. 17. It can be tempting to not lift a finger on the final day of your weekend, but before you settle in for a lazy day with the family, catch up on the stories we’re following today:

• A Houston deputy is dead after a suspect ambushed him and two others at a nightclub.
• Biden honors fallen police officers, invoking their heroism on Jan. 6.
• A spacecraft named Lucy embarked on a 12-year mission to explore asteroids.
• Families are seeking judicial intervention in hopes of forcing doctors to treat their COVID-stricken loved ones with horse dewormer.

Facts ‘Don’t Require Opposing Viewpoint’

An official with the Carroll Independent School District in Texas is apologizing for suggesting that students reading about the murder of nearly 6 million Jews in the Nazi Holocaust should also be given access to "opposing" perspectives.

Gina Peddy the executive director of curriculum and instruction for the Carroll Independent School District, made the remarks in a training with teachers last week to determine what books they should have in their classrooms.

Now the superintendent is walking back what was said. “There are not two sides of the Holocaust,” Lane Ledbetter, the Carroll ISD superintendent, wrote, adding that a new Texas law requiring teachers to offer multiple perspectives during classroom lessons on controversial issues “does not require an opposing viewpoint on historical facts." »Texas Teachers Told To Offer 'Opposing' Views Of Holocaust, via Dallas Patch

Deputies Shot, 1 Killed, At Houston Bar

A Harris County constable deputy was killed and two others were injured this weekend in a shooting that authorities are calling an "ambush." The deputies were attempting to arrest someone at a Houston bar when a second person with a rifle opened fire from behind. Deputy Kareem Atkins, 30, died at the scene. He had worked for Precinct 4 since January 2019 and had recently returned from paternity leave.

"This is a tough time for Precinct 4. I'm asking for all of our community's thoughts and prayers for our families," said Mark Herman of Harris County Constable Precinct 4. »Rifle-Wielding Man Kills Houston Deputy, Injures 2 Others, via Houston Patch

Biden Honors Fallen Officers

Framed by the Capitol, President Joe Biden paid tribute Saturday to fallen law enforcement officers and honored those who fought off the Jan. 6 insurrection at that very site by declaring "because of you, democracy survived."

Biden spoke at the 40th Annual National Peace Officers' Memorial Service to remember the 491 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2019 and 2020. »'Democracy Survived' Jan. 6 Riot Because Of Police: Biden, via Across America Patch

Lucy In The Sky

A NASA spacecraft named Lucy rocketed into the sky with diamonds Saturday morning on a 12-year quest to explore eight asteroids. An Atlas V rocket blasted off before dawn, sending Lucy on a roundabout journey that will span nearly 4 billion miles. »NASA's Asteroid Hunter Lucy Soars Into Sky With Diamonds, via Across America Patch

Publix Heiress Under Fire

Julie Jenkins Fancelli, daughter of the founder of Publix Super Markets, reportedly donated $150,000 to a nonprofit group that used part of the funds to promote the Jan. 6 rally in Washington, D.C. »Publix Heiress Gave Group $150K To Promote Jan. 6 Rally: Report, via Lakeland, Florida, Patch

The Week In Pictures

From President Joe Biden's visit in Connecticut to the leaves changing colors in Maine, we've gathered some photos to round up the top moments from this past week. »9 Photos Of The Week: The Rolling Stones; MLB Playoffs; Wildfires, via Across America Patch

Your Good News Fix

If you're ready for a hearty dose of happy news, we have 10 stories that will deliver with gusto. From the World's Cutest Dog to a golf legend at 16 to a bus driver whose students saved her life, this is some of the best news you'll read this week. » 10 Good News Stories: World's Cutest Rescue Dog, Everyday Heroes, via Across America Patch

Bunker Down

If you're a Doomsday prepper, or maybe just a fan of evil lairs, there's a house for sale in Massachusetts for you. This concrete home built under an earthen berm comes with three bedrooms, radiant floors and wraparound windows.

This Day In History

In 1968, the action film “Bullitt” was released. The movie features Steve McQueen in what many consider his definitive role and is also known for its iconic car-chase sequence.

Around ‘The Patch’

• Killer's Query, 'Did You Find Her?' Led To Florida Student's Body, via Tampa Patch
• Lawsuits Demand Unproven Ivermectin For COVID Patients, via Across America Patch
• 5 Things To Know About California’s School Walkout Against COVID-19 Mandates, via Across California Patch
• Ethics Group Files Hatch Act Complaint Against Jen Psaki, via Across America Patch
• Former Pittsburgh Mall Property To Become Amazon Center, via Pittsburgh Patch
• 5 Ways The Broken Supply Chain Is Affecting Americans, via Across America
• U.S. To Lift Restrictions For Vaccinated International Travelers, via Across America Patch
• After 6 Months, Miami Police Chief Art Acevedo Fired, via Miami Patch
• 5 Ways The Broken Supply Chain Is Affecting Americans, via Across America Patch

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