Ben Gordon , NBA
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 27, 2024

Former NBA Player Ben Gordon Enters Program That Could Erase Charges From Juice Shop Incident

Police found a folding knife clipped to his pocket, a stun gun, and brass knuckles in Gordon's backpack when he was detained.

Former NBA (National Basketball Association) player Ben Gordon will have a chance to erase charges leveled against him for a disturbance in a juice shop last year.

Gordon, who won an NCAA Championship while playing with UConn (University of Connecticut) in 2004, was arrested in April 2023 on weapons and threatening charges after reportedly behaving erratically at the Juice Kings shop in Stamford. The incident took place on April 4, his 40th birthday. Police found a folding knife clipped to his pocket, a stun gun, and brass knuckles in his backpack when he was detained.

On March 25, a Connecticut judge approved a probation program that will allow Gordon to have the charges erased from his record if he does not commit any crimes, as well as other conditions during a probation period of 18 months. He has been directed to participate in the program until September 2025.

“Today, we’re very happy to learn that this disposition paved the way for these charges to be dismissed,” Gordon’s attorney, Darnell Crosland, told the media outlet in a phone interview. “He was ecstatic because there are so many things that he is considering doing, such as finishing his degree at UConn.”

Crosland stated that Gordon had been struggling with mental health problems but is doing much better. He said his client was upset when his bank card was declined at Juice Kings that day. Since he was charged and arrested, Gordon has attended 55 psychotherapy sessions.

Gordon played in the NBA for 11 seasons: for the Chicago Bulls (which drafted him with the third overall pick in 2004), the Detroit Pistons, the Charlotte Hornets, and the Orlando Magic. As a rookie, he won the NBA’s Sixth Man Award.

This past January, UConn celebrated the 20th anniversary of its 2004 national championship during halftime of a home game. Gordon was in attendance.

Social Media ban, Florida, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Kid, Children, Phone, Youth
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 27, 2024

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Signs Bill Prohibiting Social Media Use For Kids Under 14

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new bill banning kids under 14 from using social media, which critics say violates the First Amendment.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill into law that will ban kids under 14 from having social media accounts. The bill also orders social media platforms to delete the accounts of those under the age limit.

Bill HB3 To Protect Children from the Harms of Social Media dictates that only those over 16 can have unrestricted social media accounts. Teenagers between the ages of 14 and 15 will need parental consent in order to join popular websites such as TikTok and Instagram.

DeSantis spoke at the March 25 bill-signing ceremony, with footage posted to Facebook Watch. He noted the looming threat of internet predators as a reason he signed the bill.

“One of the things that I know a lot of parents have had concerns about is the role that the internet and social media play in the upbringing of young kids,” explained DeSantis. “Now with things like social media and all this, you can have a kid in the house, safe seemingly, and then you have predators that can get right in there, into your own home.”

Social media companies are liable if a child under 14 has an account. If they do not begin removing the accounts of younger users, they could face lawsuits on behalf of the child. The companies could also face up to $50,000 per violation and $10,000 in damages toward the child.

However, the law may face legal opposition due to claims it violates the First Amendment. Carl Szabo, vice president of NetChoice, deemed the newly enacted law “unconstitutional.”

“We’re disappointed to see Gov. DeSantis sign onto this route,” Szabo wrote in an email to NBC News. “There are better ways to keep Floridians, their families, and their data safe and secure online without violating their freedoms.”

However, Florida House Speaker Paul Renner argued that the law does not address speech but more so the harm that plays into children’s unrestricted presence on social media. DeSantis vetoed a stricter version of the bill that raised the age limit to 16. He reached a compromise with Renner to lower it to 14.

HB3 would require age and identity verification in order to open new accounts. This will also be mandatory to access pornographic websites, as reported by the Daily Mail. The law intends to go into effect at the start of next year.

Waffle House
by Sharelle B. McNair

March 27, 2024

Waffle House Faces Scrutiny For Deducting Meals From Employee Paychecks

They definitely deserve better!

Waffle House may be investigated after making policy changes to deduct mandatory meal costs from employee paycheck—regardless of if they eat.

According to the petition filed by the Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW), Waffle House is taking close to $3 for each on-shift meal out of employees’ pay. Working with employees of the popular breakfast chain, USSW is asking federal officials to investigate the policy change. 

The union called the change “especially alarming” since most workers are paid a sub-minimum wage “as low as $2.90 per hour“; most of their money comes in the form of tips. Many workers don’t have the time or desire to eat from the menu during every shift, and the group says employees often end up working through their breaks.

“Waffle House is deducting their workers’ wages for meals that are ultimately being sold to customers at retail price,” the petition read. 

Legally, employers are allowed to deduct the cost of employee meals, but they must be provided “at cost” and not for profit to the company. Charging $3 would be below the Waffle House menu price but on the high end if the meal goes uneaten. The union asked the wage and hour division of the Labor Department to determine the “actual cost” of the meal and decide if the company was overcharging employees.

The changes prompting Georgia employees to go on a one-day strike on Mar. 25 with specific demands: better working conditions, pay raises, and an end to the “meal credit” policy, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. Cindy Smith, an employee at the franchise in Conyers, Georgia, alerted her manager, that she and two coworkers would be striking for the day. They walked out at 10 a.m. in the middle of their shift. 

“If Waffle House thinks they can keep getting away with docking our pay for meals we don’t eat, they clearly don’t understand the power we’ve built in our union,” Smith said. “We show up every day and work hard for as little as $2.90/hr before tips, so losing $3 every shift does real damage,” she said. 

“We’re fed up, and we’re going on strike to demand that Waffle House end this policy across the country, listen to us and make changes that will keep us safe on the job and help us provide for our families.”

The frustrated employee also mentioned workers pay full price for meals to go, another policy in the Waffle House manual. Workers are also charged an extra fee for “premium” meats like steaks or pork chops. 

Waffle House has 40,000 employees in close to 2,000 stores across the country. Nearly 13,000 workers are on board for the changes and have signed the petition. In addition to seeking a $25-an-hour minimum wage and security at all restaurants, Smith feels a more reasonable solution would be letting workers opt in or out of the meals rather than making them a default condition.

Keith Murray, rapper, Antwone Payne
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 27, 2024

Video Of Disheveled Keith Murray Has Hip-Hop Fans Concerned About The Veteran Emcee

Murray's manager, Antwone "APthatGuy" Payne admitted that it was Murray in the video but it was old footage from several years ago.

In a video purportedly taken several years ago, a “fan” caught former Def Squad (a rap crew that consisted of Erick Sermon, Redman, Keith Murray, and Hurricane G) looking disheveled in front of what looks like a motel. In the clip, recently posted to TikTok, the person filming it is heard asking Murray if he wanted $20 and if he would rap for her to get it.

In the TikTok video that may have already been removed by a user with the handle of @Madelineclopez1, Murray is seen standing outside a motel room when the person filming approaches him. She says, “Look who it is. It’s Keith Murray.”

As he tries to hide his face, he questions why she is filming him. She responds, “Because you’re famous and cool.”

She then asked the “Get Lifted” rapper if he wanted money and offered $20 to record him.

After people on social media sites blasted the poster amid concern for Murray and hip-hop fans alike, his manager, Antwone “APthatGuy” Payne, in a statement to BET.com, admitted that Murray was in the video but stated that it was old footage from several years ago.

“First and foremost, we would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who reached out. Yes, indeed, that footage does depict Keith Murray from several years back, during a challenging period where he was unfortunately taken advantage of. Let this video serve as a stark reminder of the dangers and vulnerabilities associated with drug use.”

He expressed that Murray is doing better and that he is committed to “his journey of sobriety.”

“However, that was then, and this is now! We’re ecstatic to share that Keith Murray is now and has been for years in a completely different space—vibrant, healthy, and firmly committed to his journey of sobriety. It’s truly remarkable to witness his transformation!”

He also stated that new music and live performances are coming soon.

California Man Arrested After Being Seen Allegedly Eating Severed Human Leg
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 26, 2024

California Man Arrested After Being Seen Allegedly Eating Severed Human Leg

27-year-old Resendo Tellez was charged with removing human remains from a location other than a cemetery after being seen allegedly carrying a severed leg

A California man was arrested after authorities stated that he left the scene of a train accident carrying a severed leg.

According to People, 27-year-old Resendo Tellez was arrested and charged with removing human remains from a location other than a cemetery after being seen allegedly carrying a severed leg in Wasco. Witnesses have stated that the 27-year-old was seen allegedly eating the human leg obtained from the scene of an accident that involved a train.

Tellez was arrested last Friday, March 22, and was also charged with possessing controlled substance paraphernalia and a felony charge related to violating probation. Construction workers in the area reportedly saw him near an Amtrak station while they were laying concrete.

Local 12 cited a construction worker, Jose Ibarra, who witnessed the bizarre act: “I’m not sure from where, but he walked this way and was waving a person’s leg. And he started chewing on it over there, biting it, hitting it against the wall and everything.”

KGET reported that the leg belonged to a victim who was reportedly hit and killed by a train near the Wasco Amtrak Station.

Residents in the neighborhood state that they know Tellez, who is homeless and was described as ordinary and polite. One of the residents showed the media outlet where the 27-year-old regularly slept, near a liquor store. An employee of Wasco Liquor said that Tellez was a regular customer who visited the store several times a day.

“The guy, his blanket’s right there. He was sleeping in there,” Blas Durán Peralta told the media outlet. “When I heard the police and heard the helicopters in the air, I said something happened. Oh my gosh, something happened.”

A video had been circulating online of Tellez carrying the severed leg.

The Kern County Sheriff’s Office said that the identity of the victim hasn’t been determined, and they cannot provide additional details on the case right now.

Dominique Dupuy, Haitian Transitional Council
by Daniel Johnson

March 26, 2024

Dominique Dupuy Resigns From Haitian Transitional Council Following Death Threats

Dupuy asserted that despite stepping down from the council, she would continue serving Haiti and its people.

Following political attacks, death threats, and sexist commentary, Dominique Dupuy, the 34-year-old Haitian Ambassador to UNESCO, announced her withdrawal from the newly formed Haitian Transitional Council. 

As Haitian Times reported, Dupuy released a video on March 24 stating the challenges she’s faced recently. Dupuy asserted that despite stepping down from the council, she would continue serving Haiti and its people. 

“The Haitian people have been waiting for results for far too long,” Dupuy said. “Despite stepping down from the presidential council, I pledge to continue representing Haiti admirably at UNESCO and vow my ongoing commitment to defend the Haitian people.”

Dupuy’s departure opens the door for the person initially slated to receive a nomination to the council to replace her. Before Dupuy made a star turn at UNESCO’s 269th executive meeting, the slot was supposed to go to Ghislaine Mompremier. 

However, it is speculated that the council has chosen Smith Augustin, the former Haitian Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. 

Right now, the council is marked by instability and infighting, mostly regarding the two members who are observers but cannot vote, the appointment of the next Prime Minister, and who will lead the council. 

As The Associated Press reports, the Montana Accord, a group of Haitian civil society leaders with seats on the council, released a statement supporting Dupuy’s decision.

“Society must remain vigilant about all political maneuvers based on fear and terror,” it said. “It’s time for us to stop the violence.” The group also said its support comes “at a time when she (Dupuy) is being persecuted and threatened.”

The council has not yet been formally introduced, but officials hope it will soon. With the announcement, they hope to curtail some of the violence in the capital city of Port-au-Prince. 

Romain Le Cour of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime told the AP that the delay threatens stability in Haiti.

“The inability to make the presidential transitional council operational bears witness to the conflicts running through the Haitian political arena, while each passing day consolidates the power of guns and of politico-criminal brokers.”

He also added that the tactics of the gangs suggest that they are the result of a relationship “that still binds them to their political bosses, who could be setting fluid red lines without renouncing the use of violence for political ends.”

mansion
by Daniel Johnson

March 26, 2024

Analysis: Are Squatters Rights Just Tenant Rights By Another Name?

The concept of squatters rights, legally defined as Adverse Possession, has its roots in the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, which was legally established through the Homestead Act of 1862.

The rising tension between homeowners and squatters has been receiving increased attention lately. Typically, squatters will move into unoccupied homes or homes listed for rent, but there have been more reports of squatters occupying already occupied homes and refusing to leave.

As NBC News reports, these tensions are exacerbated by the rising cost of housing in the United States. Lawyers, like Atlanta-based attorney David Metzger, say there has been an explosion in squatter cases since 2023.

Metzger told Realtor.com that part of the reason was the rapid inflation of the cost of housing post-pandemic.

“This is a real problem. It’s not getting the attention it deserves. People came out of COVID lockdowns to find out rents were no longer $800 a month, but $1,800,” Metzger said. “They’d say, ‘I can’t handle that.’”

Metzger called for more enforcement of existing laws and advocated for change. 

“The people doing this know there are no legal consequences. They’re not likely to be charged with anything. It’s frustrating because police are very hands-off,” Metzger said, “even though there is no such thing as squatters’ rights.”

Once the police are presented with a lease, even one that is forged, they will usually leave because it is considered a civil case and not a criminal one unless it can be proven that the alleged squatter trespassed to gain entry to the property.

As Arrived explains, adverse possession laws vary by state. Therefore, whatever rights a squatter is conferred is considered null and void once legal action has been taken and a court order has been issued. At this point, the property owner can begin the process of eviction.

If the owner of a home allows the statutory period, anywhere between seven and 20 years, to pass without taking action through civil courts to evict a squatter, the squatter can legally claim ownership of the home or property. 

Experts like Coldwell Banker agent Cara Ameer, who is based in Florida, warn that if a squatter does get into your home, the best way to deal with them is to comply with the laws. 

This means not confronting them yourself, Ameer told Realtor.com, “Unfortunately, it is a legal game to play, and you want to comply with what is required by the law to ensure a successful outcome. Don’t confront them or try to turn off utilities.”

In 2018, Philadelphia enacted an anti-squatting law, which received criticism because of potential adverse effects on renters, whom modern adverse possession laws are designed to protect.

https://twitter.com/ahouse4all/status/1770469027120390599?t=Eq0U0PgQ8tFYfyX9im7fpA&s=19

Ahead of the law’s passing, the Public Interest Law Center cited several reasons why Philadelphia’s proposed bill presented a danger, including situations where there are allegations of domestic violence.

As WHYY reported, the bill became law in 2018, and then-city councilwoman Cherelle Parker introduced a measure to narrow the law’s focus to prevent homeowners and renters from being negatively impacted. The version of the bill that passed also included protections for domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual harassment victims.

Parker, like Metzger, said that squatters’ rights do not exist, and she defended her measure to clarify the bill in a November 2018 city council meeting.

Though there is a lot of noise around “squatter’s rights” and some sensationalism, including from right-wing voices, squatter’s rights are enforced the same as tenant rights are, which Arrived points out in its blog post.

“The adverse reaction of a property owner when the presence of squatters is discovered is understandable. The owner must remember that neither the people nor their possessions can be removed from the property without a court order. Squatters need to be evicted, much like tenants. The civil procedures for eviction must be followed according to the laws and the rules established by the state where the property is located.”

Angel Reese, lsu, player, basketball, hand gesture, wave,
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 26, 2024

Angel Reese Criticized For Waving Goodbye To Fouled Out Opponent During NCAA Tournament

LSU star Angel Reese is under fire for making another hand gesture during the NCAA tournament.

Angel Reese is under fire for making another hand gesture during the NCAA tournament.

The LSU Tigers scored an 83-56 win over Middle Tennessee in its NCAA tournament game on Sunday, March 24, The Sun reports. However, it was during the game’s third quarter when Reese let her emotions show after Middle Tennessee center Anastasiia Boldyreva fouled out the game.

As Boldyreva walked off the court looking visibly upset, Reese brought herself back up on her feet and proceeded to wave goodbye to Boldyreva. She turned toward the crowd and prompted LSU fans to cheer louder before waving goodbye once again.

https://twitter.com/sportingnews/status/1772001539621544082

Fans sounded off when the video clip was shared on X with some calling Reese a “mean girl.”

“She’s the most unlikable athlete in college sports. She fits right in with her HC,” one fan wrote.

“Such a clown,” added someone else.

Another viewer likened Reese to former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who frequently receiving criticism for his game play. Reese rose in popularity and prominence during the 2023 NCAA tournament after making a hand gesture at Iowa Hawkeye’s Caitlin Clark.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1642646161659154432

LSU went on to win the tournament and sparked Reese’s growing celebrity status. Since winning the 2023 national championship, Reese has appeared at the ESPYs, the Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition, and Latto and Cardi B’s “Put It on the Floor Again” music video. She also boasts over $1.8 million in NIL deals, while Clark has acquired $3 million with endorsements from Nike, Gatorade, State Farm, and Buick, among others.

In the 2024 NCAA tournament, LSU will play the winner of Creighton and UCLA in the Sweet 16. There’s a chance LSU will get a rematch with Clark and Iowa in the Elite Eight.

RELATED CONTENT: Angel Reese Passes Ball To Congress To Stop Racial Wealth Gap

Francis Scott Key Bridge, Baltimore, maryland, Mayor Brandon Scottt
by Cedric 'BIG CED' Thornton

March 26, 2024

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapses After Being Struck By Ship

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott declared a state of emergency and the Coast Guard has launched a search-and-rescue operation.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, located in Baltimore, collapsed after being hit by a container ship early March 26.

According to The Baltimore Sun, the bridge was struck around 1:20 a.m. after the ship hit a support column. As the bridge collapsed, seven cars reportedly fell into the Patapsco River, prompting authorities to launch a search-and-rescue operation.

The mayor of Baltimore, Brandon M. Scott, has declared a state of emergency.

CNN reported that two individuals were rescued from the Patapsco River, Baltimore City Fire Department Chief James Wallace said at a press conference. One was not injured, but the other person was taken to a local trauma center and is listed in “very serious condition,” he said.

Officials believe that as many as seven people have not been found, and it is believed that several vehicles may have fallen into the river, including one as large as a tractor-trailer, according to Kevin Cartwright, director of communications of the Baltimore City Fire Department.

“We have an unspeakable tragedy,” Scott told CNN. “There were individuals working on the bridge at the time. There are cars in the water—our fire department has confirmed that as they lead this search-and-rescue mission through sonar. That is where our focus is—it’s about those souls, those people we’re trying to find and get out of this water.”

The container ship is a 984-foot-long a Singaporean-flagged container vessel known as a DALI, public affairs officer for the U.S. Coast Guard’s 5th District, Kimberly Reaves, said. At the time of the accident, there were construction workers doing repair work on the bridge, Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld said Tuesday morning. There was no indication of how many were present when it happened.

The ship management company Synergy Group said none of the crew members on the ship were injured.

According to WBAL-TV, the state of emergency issued by Scott  will remain in place for 30 days.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was built in 1977. It is more than 1.2 miles long, and its main section spans 1,200 feet. According to the National Steel Bridge Alliance, it was one of the longest continuous truss bridges in the world. The bridge has approximately 31,000 vehicles that cross it daily, according to the Maryland Transportation Authority.

The scene is being streamed live below.

Jason Lee, Politics, Stockton shooting
by Nahlah Abdur-Rahman

March 26, 2024

Local Politics Unlocked! Jason Lee Runs for Stockton City Council

Hollywood Unlocked CEO Jason Lee is gearing up for his political career, making it to the general election for a Stockton City Council seat.

Jason Lee gears up for his political career. The Hollywood Unlocked CEO currently leads the race for a city council seat in Stockton, California.

Before he can officially represent the people of District 6, Lee may have to go head-to-head in a runoff election against Vice Mayor Kimberly Warmsley. If the election comes to a runoff, the vote will be held in November.

Polling thus far has Lee in a substantial lead, holding nearly 42% at the polls with 2,070 votes. As reported by Live Voter Turnout, Warmsley is a little over 30% with 1,520 votes. Four other candidates are also in the race but are polling between 6 to 8% each.

However, Lee is celebrating the little wins. Upon making it to the general, the 46-year-old posted a congratulatory picture to his Instagram on the news.

“Stockton, thank you for believing in me! We came out on top and made it to the general. If you thought that campaign was something, wait until you see what’s next,” shared the self-proclaimed cultural critic. “There are still 33,000 uncounted ballots, and we are trending up, so the numbers will definitely shift. I love my hometown more than anything in the world, and the fact that we came out on top shows that you love me, too. Together, we are going to transform the city into the oasis we all know it to be. I AM READY for what’s next, as @malcolmxb_ would say, ‘ARE YOU?'”

Lee would need 50 percent plus one of the total votes in order to win in the primary. Debates on his candidacy stem from voter concerns about his current residence in the area and returning to his hometown. He stated in a forum that he wishes to help Stockton youth, grounding his campaign in community engagement and economic development.

Meanwhile, his biggest opponent has been a member of the city council for the past three years. According to BET News, Warmsley has run her reelection campaign to further her achievements in the role.

Lee grew up in Stockton with his mother, whose drug addiction led him to enter the foster care system. Alongside his success in entertainment news and media, he worked in community organizing and still advocates for criminal justice reform. He continues down the campaign trail as he awaits the results of his political ambitions.

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