Latest news with #FortWorth
CBS News
13 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
National Juneteenth Museum moves closer to reality in Fort Worth
A long-awaited symbol of freedom and progress is one step closer to taking shape in Fort Worth's historic Southside. The National Juneteenth Museum, a project years in the making, is set to rise on the site of the Southside Community Center. The Fort Worth City Council approved the demolition of the building earlier this year, clearing the way for construction. Honoring Juneteenth's legacy "It's going to be a beacon of light," said Fort Worth City Council member Chris Nettles. "It's going to be fresh air." The museum will honor and celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The holiday became federally recognized in 2021, thanks in large part to the efforts of Fort Worth's own Dr. Opal Lee, who spent decades raising awareness about its significance. "It means so much to Fort Worth because our very own was an icon to make sure that this is not just a Texas thing, but this is a national freedom for all people," Nettles said. "Because none of us are free until we all are free." The National Juneteenth Museum Photo courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group, KAI Enterprises and National Juneteenth Museum Catalyst for community growth Nettles believes the museum will not only preserve history but also spark new growth in the surrounding neighborhood. "It will bring so much traffic and growth and activity to an area that has, over some period, begun to die off or gotten old," he said. The city has committed $15 million to the project, and the Texas Legislature has pledged another $10 million. However, museum leaders say construction won't begin until all fundraising is complete. $70 million project in progress The total cost of the museum is estimated at $70 million. "My greatest hope is that families will be able to come together from all different cultures, to come to a location and understand history," Nettles said. "Schools will be able to come here — Fort Worth ISD, Crowley ISD, Keller ISD. They'll come to a location here in Fort Worth. It's going to be incredible." The National Juneteenth Museum is expected to become a landmark of cultural and historical significance, not just for North Texas but for the entire country. Freedom Vibes festival kicks off To celebrate Juneteenth, the museum is hosting a four-day festival called Freedom Vibes. The festivities begin Thursday evening and run through Sunday, with multiple events and activities planned throughout Fort Worth. Organizers hope the celebration will grow into the country's premier Juneteenth event.
CBS News
15 hours ago
- Business
- CBS News
Fort Worth shop owner fears closure as Gov. Greg Abbott weighs THC ban
Fort Worth shop owner says THC ban could shut down his business Fort Worth shop owner says THC ban could shut down his business Fort Worth shop owner says THC ban could shut down his business Alex Noriega, owner of Natural Buds in Fort Worth, says a proposed statewide ban on hemp-derived THC products could force him to shut down just nine months after opening. THC ban threatens small shops Noriega, who uses THC to manage seizures, says the products have significantly improved his quality of life. "It used to be where I would have seizures on a weekly basis. Now I only have them every three to four months," he said. But with Senate Bill 3 awaiting action from Gov. Greg Abbott, Noriega says the uncertainty is taking a toll. "As Sunday approaches, the 22nd, when the governor has to sign this by, I've been getting less sleep every night," he said. 90% of inventory at risk Noriega estimates that 90% of the products he sells contain THC and would be banned under the bill. "I sold the family house to open this place, so everything's on the line," he said. "Eliminating THC would put us completely out of business." Customers worry about safety Customers like Devonrick Jefferson say a ban could push people toward unregulated alternatives. "I feel safe coming to the THC stores versus buying on the street," he said. "Here, it feels regulated. I know what I'm putting in my body." Governor silent as deadline nears Senate Bill 3 would ban products containing Delta-8, Delta-9, and THC-infused beverages, while still allowing non-intoxicating cannabinoids like CBD. The bill has sparked backlash from business owners and advocates, who say it could eliminate $4.3 billion in annual revenue and 53,000 jobs statewide 1. Gov. Abbott has not publicly stated whether he will sign or veto the bill. If he takes no action by Sunday, it will become law without his signature.
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Hardworking teacher, 28, lived as recluse to build impressive nest egg...then scammers got him on the phone
A hardworking young teacher lived a reclusive life to build up his savings - but fell victim to evil phone scammers who stole it all with a few strokes of a keyboard. Russell Leahy, 28, practiced a frugal lifestyle by avoiding going out on the weekends and traveling, but his life came to a screeching halt when he realized he'd been a victim of a scam. Leahy, of Fort Worth in Texas, lost over $32,000 after he gave his bank account information to a fraudster who manipulated him into believing they were with Chase Bank's fraud department. The teacher said the scammers mastered Chase's protocol by playing the bank's recording at the start of the call that says, 'This call is being recorded for quality and training purposes.' The fraudsters quoted Leahy's exact bank balances and manipulated him into believing that his account had been compromised. Leahy believed that he needed to move his money into a new account to protect his savings, so he gave the information to protect the cash he had worked for. The scammers also sent him text messages and told him not to alert the tellers at his bank, as they were investigating a leak. Leahy hadn't thought anything of it because of the scammers' ability to mirror Chase's fraud process until he noticed his money was gone. 'I had literally never felt like the wind had been taken out of my sails before,' Leahy told local ABC affiliate, WFAA News. 'I'd never really felt like I was gonna pass out before, but it really felt like the end of the world for me.' Leahy said the experience was 'violating' and felt like he was 'being taken advantage of.' He filed a claim with Chase Bank, but only received $2,247.85. 'These types of scams are heartbreaking. We urge all consumers to ignore phone, text or internet requests for money or access to their computer or bank accounts,' a representative for Chase told 'Banks and legitimate companies won't make these requests, but scammers will.' Fraud differs from scams as fraud involves someone illegally gaining access to an account without the holder's permission. Scams, on the other hand, are 'a deceptive scheme or trick used to cheat someone out of their money or other valuable assets,' according to Chase. Scammers use manipulative information to deceive victims with non-existent products, phishing emails, fake websites, and spoofed Caller IDs. Leahy has started a fundraiser on GoFundMe to help alleviate the stress of living paycheck-to-paycheck while he fights Chase for his money. 'I've hired a lawyer. I've filed complaints with the CFPB, the Texas Attorney General, and the FTC,' he wrote in the description. 'I've done everything a person can do and I'm still left trying to survive on what little I have left.' Leahy said he filed a fraud claim with Chase, including a police report, screenshots of the texts and calls between the scammers, IRS documentation, and ATM receipts. He also claimed the bank sent a PSA email just days after he submitted a claim, describing the scam that he was a victim of. Despite the stresses he's endured, Leahy said he hopes the silver lining is that others learn from his story. 'I'd rather me be the sacrificial lamb for the rest of these people and maybe save other people's money from being stolen,' Leahy told WFAA. Chase advises customers not to answer calls or texts from a representative telling them to send money to another account. The bank never asks customers to send money to themselves. Customers who receive similar calls should hang up and call the number on the back of their Chase card.
CBS News
20 hours ago
- General
- CBS News
Opal Lee didn't attend her annual Walk for Freedom in Fort Worth, but her legacy still led the way
Opal Lee's Walk for Freedom wrapped up in Fort Worth Thursday morning, but it was missing the person who started it all. Lee's granddaughter, Dione Sims, told the crowd before the walk that Lee wouldn't participate or even be in attendance due to her recent health scare. Although Lee didn't walk this year, her legacy still led the way. "I knew this day would come, but I didn't want it to come," Sims said. "I was talking to her Monday, and she told me, 'You got it, just keep it going.' And that's what I'm doing." The crowd stepped off just after 9 a.m. Thursday, Juneteenth, in Fort Worth's Cultural District. This year, participants proudly held signs and balloons carrying forward a mission that started long before Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021. The North Texas icon has walked two and a half miles every Juneteenth to symbolize the two and a half years it took for enslaved people in Texas to learn they were free, after the Emancipation Proclamation. There was a deep sense of pride and purpose among the walkers. "Ms. Opal Lee has done some amazing things," said Erica Goosby, a Walk for Freedom participant. "She's from my neighborhood. I'm like a third-party relative and she's a grandmother to all of us and I love her for what she has done for us, empowering the Emancipation [Proclamation] even more." The goal is to hold a walk in all 50 states next year. Lee's team also said they plan to hold a major event in Washington, D.C. next Juneteenth, in honor of the U.S. turning 250.
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
‘Grandmother of Juneteenth' Opal Lee Will Not Be in Annual Walk for Freedom After Recent Hospitalization
Opal Lee, also known as "The Grandmother of Juneteenth," will miss marching in this year's Walk of Freedom event The 98-year-old was recently hospitalized, which led to her first time sitting out the march since it launched in 2016 This year marks the 160th anniversary of JuneteenthOpal Lee, known to many as "The Grandmother of Juneteenth," will not participate in this year's Walk for Freedom march due to a recent hospitalization. Since the Fort Worth, Texas, event launched in 2016, Lee has never missed one. However, while traveling to receive the International Freedom Conductor Award at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Ohio in May, she was hospitalized, KDFW reported at the time. 'She's 98 and the family really wants to keep her in,' her granddaughter, Dione Sims, told the Fort Worth Report on Tuesday, June 17. Sims also told WFAA that although Lee's health will prevent her from leading the Walk for Freedom, she still plans to participate. "It is our plan to have Miss Opal in a safe situation as possible, but still able to enjoy the walk that she had the vision for. So, she may be present and she may not," Sims said in a statement to WFAA. "But right now, we're planning on not. But if she is, she'll be in a vehicle." Lee's family added that, if for any reason she cannot be present, the retired teacher will attend virtually. Lee previously expressed gratitude for the support she received after being hospitalized. 'Although I am unable to return the many texts and calls I have received over the past few days, please know that each one is appreciated; I am truly grateful for your concern and good wishes,' Lee wrote in a June 1 Facebook post. Sims, who serves as the president and founder of Unity Unlimited Incorporated, will now lead the 2.5-mile walk in her grandmother's place. The event will begin at 9 a.m. local time at Farrington Field in the Cultural District. Sims is also a member of the National Juneteenth Museum in Fort Worth, which Lee helped develop, per WFAA. 'The ability for us to impact, you know, not just Fort Worth, but the nation, with the story of Emancipation, wherever it happened. I think that's the beauty of the National Juneteenth Museum,' Sims previously told the news station in May. June 19, 1865, marks the day some of the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, were told of their freedom, nearly two and a half years after President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. In 2021, then-President Joe Biden signed bipartisan legislation into law, making the date, known as Juneteenth, a federally recognized holiday. This year will be the 160th anniversary of Juneteenth. Read the original article on People
