The Cash Fever!

Powerball and Mega Millions back up again.

Powerball and Mega Millions once again are pass $500 million and is expected to drive high turnout for the 4th of July Weekend.

Powerball and Mega Millions sales usually increase when jackpots increase to nearly $1 billion. So expect another dose of The Cash Fever.

Do want to you want to be a millionaire or billionaire?

In my state of Ohio, sports betting is legal. You can legally bet on sporting events for chance of earning a huge payout. The state has issued licenses to the four casinos and seven racinos. 

Sports betting is also available at many bars, clubs and convenience stores that have legal betting stations.

I am wondering, are you willing to pony up at least $2 to play a multi-state lottery game for a chance at winning over $1 billion?

The Powerball and Mega Millions jackpots have reached that record level again and you will have a 1 in 292 million chance of winning the prize.

Played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories, Powerball is a coordinated by the State Lottery Association (MUSL), a nonprofit organization formed by an agreement with lobbyists and U.S. corporations. From its inaugural drawing on April 19, 1992, until August 21, 2021, Powerball drawings were held twice a week (Wednesday and Saturday); a third weekly drawing (held Mondays) was added on August 23, 2021. Drawings are held every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evening at 10:59 p.m. Eastern Time, at Florida Lottery headquarters in Tallahassee.

Mega Millions is drawn at 11 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday and Friday evenings, including holidays. Mega Millions is administered by a consortium of its 12 original lotteries; the drawings are held at the studios of WSB-TV in Atlanta, Georgia, supervised by the Georgia Lottery. Played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. Virgin Islands with Puerto Rico being added in the near future, Mega Millions is independent from MUSL but does have an agreement with the consortium of states that operated the similar Mega Millions lottery, which allowed MUSL members to sell Mega Millions tickets and consortium members to sell Powerball tickets. 

Many who are often playing are not rich. 

Most who often play are either a family member, co-worker or friend who has a gambling addiction.

So here's the public service announcement.

Most lotteries and casinos offer help for problem gambling. I want to acknowledge this.

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

It is a difficult thing to tell a family member, friend, co-worker or a player of a gambling venue. But if see something, say something. It may save a life.

The signs of problem gambling include:

• The person constantly borrowing money from friends, family, loan facilities or banks.
• The person is always taking more out to chase the jackpot (or clout).
• The person loses track of time or misses appointments due to gambling.
• The person is running late on paying bills or dues.
• The person feels like "playing it back" is the only way to win.
• The person is getting agitated over wins and losses.
• The person is using alcohol or drugs to ease stress. 
• The person damages property at casinos or lottery retailers.
• The person deliberately asks others to claim prizes to avoid paying child support, spousal support or owed taxes.
• The person uses false ID, false social security numbers or gives wrong information to avoid taxes or has known status as a banned guest or voluntarily excluded player (self-prevention/restricted gambler).
• The person is restless and feel the only way to relax is to gamble.
• The person is jeopardizing relationships, their jobs and their social life in order to gamble.
• The person repeatedly lies about wins and loses.
• The person is trying to curb problem gambling but never achieves the goal.

These are the hard truths about problem gambling. You know someone or have a problem. That's why it's important to know your limits when you gamble. 

Folks, the multi-state Powerball will now have three active drawings. The original jackpot drawings were on Wednesday and Saturday at 10:59pm. Now the drawings will be on Monday nights as well.

It will try to increase the opportunity for players who avoided playing during the pandemic.

Rules on how to play lottery. Note: Many lottery venues are no longer taking verbal requests due to the coronavirus and the possibility of eliminating long wait times due to excessive ticket requests.

• Make sure you have money on hand. The operator is required to take money before issuing a ticket. Make sure you have your numbers placed on either a betting card, your lottery app or a previous ticket. Most operators will help you plug numbers in through the terminal or place an automatic bet for you. However in the case of long lines or possible errors, it would be best to be prepared for the transaction. Some states do offer debit and credit transactions. Make sure you get your information from your local lottery commission. You cannot cancel Powerball or Mega Millions tickets. They are property of your state (or territory's) lottery commission. Any alteration, distortion or underage playing will void the games.
• In most states, the required age to play the lottery is 18 years or older. Do not let anyone under the playing age purchase a ticket or lottery game. The operator could lose their license or you will forfeit your prize if the regional lottery operator determined that an underage player was the winner.
• If you purchase Powerball and Mega Millions from another state (or territory) and you won, understand that it not a winner in your home state. You must return to the state (or territory) where you purchased the ticket. The Mega Millions is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Powerball is played in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you're a traveler and won the lottery in the state of purchase, you have to return to the state to claim your prize. Every state has their own rules and regulations so don't think "it's all the same." It's not. It's a licensed property of the state gaming commission. 
• Whenever a lottery retailer handles a jackpot ticket, ask the cashier to make sure you hear the "winner" sound. Most machines will make a noise if you're a winner. There are also ticket verifying stations located near a lottery terminal. Make sure before you hand a ticket to a cashier, you are sure you won a jackpot. Ask for a claims form and/or a validation claim voucher. If you are claiming jackpots that are under $500 or less at a licensed lottery operator, check your tickets at a lottery scanner first before handing the ticket off to the clerk. Make sure the cashier confirms the ticket. Tickets over $500 or more may have to go to a local lottery office in a regional jurisdiction. Lottery operators have vendor licenses and tickets are printed by a large set of numbers. If any allegations of fraud or cheating do occur, the lottery can subpoena the operator for the records of purchase and video surveillance of the person who purchased the ticket.
• Mega Millions and Powerball minimum jackpots start at $20 million. Each ticket is valued at $2 per unit. Some states have multiplier options to their games which could make your ticket $3 or $4 per unit. 
• You can view the results of Mega Millions and Powerball on your local television station at 10:59pm. Mega Millions is drawn on Tuesday and Friday. Powerball is drawn on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. You can also get your state's lottery results on websites, the lottery commission apps on the Apple Store and Google Play. You can view results on social media. 
• You can self-validate tickets under $500 through your phone so it can make it "touchless" contact. You can also get winnings under $500 installed in your bank account or through a credit card. Some fees do apply for distribution of cards and bank deposits.
• You have at least 90 days to a year to claim a Mega Millions or Powerball jackpot. Some states have a period of time to claim your prize. If you fail to claim the prize upon its final claim day, it will go back to the state. The lottery operator will collect a reward for selling the winning ticket. Do not wait till the last minute to claim a jackpot prize. The lottery commission does have the right to forfeit or cancel any prizes presented.
• Do not quit your job until you're certain you won the lottery. At the end of the day, some people get bored with their lives and may want to return to the workforce. Don't burn bridges with your employer. You may have to return back to the employer one day.
• Inflation and the coronavirus have changed the world. Many companies have risen prices on food, supplies, rent and utilities. Lottery paper has become very scarce in some retailers. Please understand that it is not a retailer's fault they are out of lottery paper or the machine is down. Please have patience and an understanding of a lottery retailer's resources.

You know I've often posted about what I would do if I won the lottery. It is not legal advise so you don't have to take my word for it. I am just expressing what I am going to do if I win the lottery.

I will first write my name on the lottery ticket. I will always make sure that if I ever lose that ticket, my name is on it and it cannot be claimed by someone who is the person who wrote on the back of it.

I will also make sure I take a picture of the ticket. It will be a good thing to take a picture if you want to prove to your state's lottery commission that you were the one who purchased the ticket. I mean it would be smart to take pictures of your lottery tickets. Say if you have a group purchase of lottery tickets and you purchase one for yourself or your family member. You won't have to obligate to the group pool's tickets if you show that you bought one for yourself. Because it will be a legal matter if you purchase the group tickets but failed to disclose you purchased one for yourself. Even though you won on your own separate ticket, it's best to let the group know that you purchased a solo ticket to prevent them from believing you've stolen money or violated the group's contract.

If I do win the lottery, I will immediately pay off all my debts. The car loans, child support, spousal support, medical bills, phone bills, mortgage, court fees and bank loans will be paid in full. Before I even collect my lottery winnings, I want to be caught up on everything. Many states will offset lottery winnings due to a person owning state debt, child support, spousal support and court fees. If you know that you owe, pay it off.

Greed got to one woman. She thought that she could claim a ticket that wasn't hers.

I will immediately close my social media and change my phone number. If you're a winner of the lottery, the junk food media, your family, your friends, your acquaintances, your co-workers, your community, charity groups, scammers and the state will know you. I am going to cancel my Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Snapchat and social dating apps. I am very clear about my movements and I chose to not be public about it. When I was younger and naive, I would have shown my face to the public. But alas, I've gotten older and I am not the same as I was when I was younger.

I will also get a trust fund prepared, a will and a trusted member of family to hold my winnings. Yeah, it would be nice to establish a trust fund for family members if you do die. I mean this year is full of uncertainty. Winning the lottery has higher odds than catching the coronavirus. On point, 1 out of 15 people are infected with the coronavirus and people have died from it. You win the lottery one day and the next day you caught the coronavirus. You got to remind yourself, you can't take it when you're gone. So it's best to establish a will to distribute your lottery winning to either family, charity and those who you feel deserve it. It will be written and notarized by an attorney or a bank. If you do establish a trust fund you could hire a financial advisor or a family member to oversee your earnings. Make sure that financial advisor is licensed and trusted by the Better Business Bureau. It also must be routine to study on how lottery winners adapt to money. Cause you're going into a bigger tax bracket and taxes vary on many states.

Now that I have my lottery winnings, I will now take the opportunity to buy things that are rational. I would purchase a vehicle, get a home, put some in an investment and prepare for a vacation. Of course, vacations are no longer the norm in the age of COVID-19. So I would be smart to be prepared to be tested or vaccinated for the coronavirus before I take a vacation. Many countries have banned Americans entry to their countries out of fear we're carrying the coronavirus or not vaccinated. With the various strains and Washed Up 45's failure to take control of the matter, world leaders don't trust the American leadership in handling a global pandemic.

You might also want to make sure you're not playing lottery on company work time if you work at gas stations, restaurants, casinos, bars and pool halls. You might also want to make sure that you don't scratch the tickets first then pay for them last. I used to work at a gas station and a former co-worker often took lottery tickets, scratch them off and then pay for them after they were scratched.

Taking lottery tickets is not only theft but a felony in some states if the vendor decides to press charges. 

Not only the lottery vendor could lose their license (if they look the other way), they lose the bonus from the sold winning ticket and they could be audited by the lottery commission. The worker will be forbidden from playing lottery if convicted. And yes, family members or friends who try to buy on behalf of a banned player could be criminally charged.

Be humble about winning the lottery. You will not live a normal life. You could hopefully use the lottery winnings for a long time of success or squander it away within five years and end up miserable. Do not worry about the have-nots! Enjoy the winnings with pride and caution. Your success shouldn't be a punishment. If you do take the opportunity to win the lottery make yourself aware of the surroundings. 

Two former cashiers were charge with grand theft after one stole a customer's tickets and tried to claim a $3 million prize.

Be cautious about the pandemic. 

This is not a joke.

This my opinion and I stand by what I say!

Before I go, I want to get the problem gambler story out the way. A cashier and her former co-worker are facing criminal theft charges after she took a man's lottery ticket his accidently left behind. When the ticket was declared a winner and it has a $3 million prize, she went to the lottery commission to claim it. 

Carly Nunes, 23 with one count of larceny from a building, attempted larceny, presentation of a false claim, and witness intimidation, the Plymouth District Attorney's Office said in a news release. 

Her co-worker, 32-year-old Joseph Reddem, was charged with one count of attempted extortion, prosecutors said. The pair are expected to be arraigned at a later undisclosed date. 

An investigation revealed that on Jan. 17 an unidentified man entered a Lakeville liquor store and purchased a bag of barbecue potato chips alongside 4 lottery tickets — two Massachusetts State Lottery Quick Picks for the Mega Millions lottery and two for the Mass Cash lottery — prosecutors said. 

The man added a multiplier to his Mega Millions ticket to increase the jackpot prize and Nunes, who was working the checkout counter, placed the order and printed two lottery tickets, prosecutors said. She returned to the cash register and rang up the victim's $12 order, but he left the store without his lottery tickets, according to prosecutors. 

Forty five minutes after the man left his tickets behind, Nunes rang up another customer who purchased five lottery tickets. The second customer realized he'd been given two extra tickets and handed them back to Nunes, prosecutors said. 

"Nunes took the tickets and said they must have belonged to 'him,' meaning the victim," prosecutors said. 

The man who left the tickets behind briefly searched for them but then assumed he'd lost them. Later that evening, his Mass Millions ticket numbers were announced as the winning digits for a $3 million jackpot, prosectors said. 

Paul Little claimed his winnings after a Massachusetts cashier stole his ticket.

Two days later, Reddem drove Nunes and her boyfriend to the Massachusetts State Lottery Headquarters, where the ticket, which was "torn and appeared to be burned," was determined to be worth $3 million. 

When informed of its value, "Nunes and her boyfriend embraced and celebrated," prosecutors said. But shortly afterward, Nunes and Reddem were overheard arguing about the amount of money Reddem would receive, with Nunes telling him that she would "only pay him $200,000," according to prosecutors. 

Due to the argument and the condition of the ticket, Massachusetts Lottery investigators decided to interview Nunes. 

Nunes told investigators that she purchased the winning tickets toward the end of her shift on Jan.17 and said the condition of the tickets was due to her mistakenly tearing it when removing it from her wallet. The burn marks, she said, were because she accidentally placed the ticket on a pipe, prosecutors said.

"Lottery officials informed Nunes that they were opening an investigation and that she would receive the jackpot prize at the conclusion of that investigation," prosecutors said. "Lottery officials contacted Massachusetts State Police and an investigation commenced."

Investigators discovered surveillance footage that confirmed Nunes had not purchased the winning ticket. In subsequent interviews, Nunes changed her story and said she'd "inadvertently obtained" the winning ticket.

Investigators worked for a month to locate the man who left his winning tickets behind, finally finding him on Feb. 13, prosecutors said.

The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission say they intend to honor the man's claim to the $3 million jackpot. 

The suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Blame Game: Kimbrady Carriker!

The shooter of a weekend mass shooting identified.

As expected, the blame game.

Other mass shootings: Rochester, NY; Shreveport; Paterson, NJ; Chicago (3); Salisbury, MD; Boston; Washington, DC; Edgewood, MD; Haywood, CA; Akron; Lansing; Charlotte; Truman, MN; St. Ann, MO; Indianapolis; Fort Worth (2); Bronx, NY (New York City); Wichita and Baltimore.

An active shooter doesn't care about the politics, race, gender, sexuality, nationality, religion, your finances, your family, your plans that day, your successes, your failures, and most importantly, your life.

These lawmakers will do the usual "thoughts and prayers" and "our hearts goes out to" as well as the Republicans saying that "now it's not the time to talk" bullshit. 

The Philadelphia Police nabbed the gunman who shot and killed five over the weekend.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) and the U.S. Representatives of Pennsylvania were informed of the mass shooting.

The suspect was a Black person. I don't know of the terrorist identified as a transgender or a cross dresser. But pictures circulating through the internet show the person. The terrorist wore body armor and randomly shot at people. 

Sources say that suspect is 40-year-old terrorist, who lives in the 5600 block of Belmar Terrace. The home is just a few blocks from the shooting scene.

The terrorist has yet to be charged, but District Attorney Larry Krasner said at a Tuesday afternoon news conference he expects the terrorist will be charged soon with multiple counts of murder.

Sources say the suspect made disturbing posts on social media prior to the gunfire. Sources say the terrorist, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, owned the guns used in this mass shooting.

This is not the first time the terrorist has had run-ins with the law. The terrorist has misdemeanor drug and gun charges from 2003, which led to probation.

Meanwhile, police have released the names of the five people who were killed:

• Daujan Brown, 15/M, unknown residence

• Lashyd Merritt, 22, from the 5500 block of Greenway Ave.

• Dymir Stanton, 29, from the 1700 block of S. Frazier St.

• Joseph Wamah, Jr., 31, from the 1600 block of S. 56th St.

• Ralph Moralis, 59, from the 1700 block of S. 56th St.

Police say two children, a 2-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy, were shot and wounded. Another 2-year-old boy and a 33-year-old woman were injured by flying glass.

Authorities say the 33-year-old woman is the mother of the 2-year-olds, who are twins. She was driving the children when her car came under fire.

"What happened last night in our Kingsessing neighborhood was unimaginably disgusting and horrifying," Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at Tuesday's news conference.

It all started around 8:30 p.m., on the eve of Independence Day, in the area of 56th Street and Chester Avenue in the southwestern part of the city.

Police say people called 911 to report a shooting and others flagged down officers.

Police say at least 50 shots were fired at the scene and multiple vehicles were struck.

Arriving officers found gunshot victims at the scene. As officers began to put the victims in their patrol cars to take them to the hospital, they heard more gunfire and ran towards the sound. That's where they encountered the terrorist.

Lashyd Merritt was gunned down.

Police say officers were able to chase down and corner the terrorist in the rear alley of 1600 Frazier Street. Police say the suspect was wearing a bulletproof vest and had multiple magazines. The terrorist also had a police scanner, an AR-style rifle and a handgun, investigators say.

Police say there is no known connection between the victims and the shooter, and investigators do not yet know a motive for the gunfire.

Residents were shocked to learn their neighbor is accused of this violence.

"He speaks to everybody. He helps out with everybody," one neighbor said. "If you parked on the curb and the cop comes, he'll knock on your door and tell you like they're about to give you a ticket or whatever."

Mayor Jim Kenney said Tuesday that "this country needs to examine its conscience and find out how to get guns out of dangerous people's hands."

"A person walking down the street with an AR-style rifle and shooting randomly at people while wearing a bulletproof vest with multiple magazines is disgraceful, but an all too common situation in America," Kenney continued.

It was an emotional scene late Monday night outside Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, as family members of those who were killed found out the news that their loved ones had died.

Investigators initially believed four people were killed. The fifth victim, Wamah, lived alone and wasn't found until several hours after the shooting. Investigators believe Wamah was the first victim killed.

The two children who were shot were taken to an area hospital where they were placed in stable condition.

Police say a second person was taken into custody Monday night after allegedly picking up a gun and firing shots at the mass shooting suspect. That person has since been released. Krasner said Tuesday it appears, at this point, that the person's actions were justified.

"When you are under fire in a mass shooting, there are rights to protect others and rights to protect yourself," Krasner said.

The far right already are placing the blame on the Black community, targeting the LGBTQ community and of course claiming it was a Black Lives Matter supporter. The very fact that the terrorist managed to either legally purchase the firearm should be the issue.

According to the far right: White shooters are mentally ill. Black shooters are unrepentant criminals. Gay shooters are active groomers. Muslim shooters are terrorists. Hispanic and Asian shooters are illegal immigrants. Almost all mass shooters are registered Democrats because they have liked one thing common to the left. Of course, they often share disinformation by using the "Sam Hyde" meme as a way to denounce most mass shooters being white. They say a white person should "protect" from protesters and use of firearms are justified. They say if a shooter is active military or a veteran who supports conservative causes, they are considered a "heroes" and use of firearms are justified. If the shooters are teens, the far right automatically assume the gunmen are Black.

The Republicans usually amplify white victims. Anytime a person of color kills a white victim, it is often wall-to-wall coverage on Fox, Newsmax, The Daily Mail, Truth Social, Twitter and extremist outlets. They force culture wars it into national news. They make the case to blame progressive policies, Black Lives Matter, Muslims, immigrants, the LGBTQ community,  Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Democrats, Rev. Al Sharpton and rap music for __________ on whatever violence. Republican lawmakers who do not live in urban neighborhoods often troll social media to talk about gun violence or crime in Chicago, Baltimore, Milwaukee and New York City while not doing a damn thing to stop it. 

Three innocent lives lost.

If a white person shoots a Black person, the shooter is given the benefit of doubt. White shooters are given glowing profiles about their perfect lives and how friends noticed something but refused to do something. When it comes to Black shooters, automatic vilification. They don't see mental illness. They see it as gang violence, allegedly fatherless homes, Democratic policies or the need for more firearms. The far right and Republicans exploit gun violence in the Black community for culture wars and racism.

Republicans solutions are more guns, blame others for America's social ills and defect from accepting reality.

You're not safe at home, in the school, the concert, the hospital, the church, the casino, the bus station, the subway, the light rail train, the buses, the malls, the local big box store, the political rally, the protest rally, the beach, the women's center for reproductive surgeries, the mosque, the synagogue, the road trip, the natural disasters, the state/federal buildings, the workplace, the gas station, the family picnic, the food truck rally, the funerals, the birthday parties, the graduations, the wedding, the televised events, the sporting events, the homeless shelter and many more events that have some terrorist with a firearm. Domestic violence, suicide, racism, culture war inspired, politically motivated and international operative inspired are types of gun violence.

These murderers don't have mental illness. They are calculated and prepared. It happened to be a moment where they have the opportunity to take out lives. There's no sickness in the head. Most mass shooters legally obtain their assault rifles without little background checks. They have likely no criminal history and they are willing to use the assault weapon in the only thing it's good for: Killing numerous lives.

This is the mugshot of the mass shooter.

I dismiss this ridiculous notion that criminals are the problem, not the guns. Firearms are often obtained through legal purchases. 

Again, having more security, teachers being armed and offering safe rooms are not solving the problem. The problem is lawmakers not willing to stop gun violence.

THE NICE GUY IS THE MOST DANGEROUS PERSON WITH A FIREARM. THOSE WHO ARE SPURN BY RELATIONSHIPS, THE WORKPLACE, SOCIETY IN GENERAL WILL SEEK REVENGE BY TAKING OUT LIVES. THEY WANT TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS OF MASSACRING THEIR FELLOW HUMAN BEING.

THE JUNK FOOD MEDIA AND POLITICIANS ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE BY AMPING UP POLARIZING RHETORIC. 

What to do to protect your life.

1. Run - If you hear sounds like firecrackers, popping sounds or suspicious activities around a large gathering (i.e. malls, stores, clubs, public gatherings), if you can flee, run away from the shooter. Do not run in a straight path of the sight. Move around and zig-zag if possible to keep yourself out the line of fire. It's best to not film a shooter commiting the act. If you are willing to risk your life for a viral video, more power to you but its best to stay out of the line of fire by running away.

2. Hide - If you are involved in an active shooting, you must barricade yourself in a room and keep doors locked, lights off, phones on silent. Do not go into restrooms, lockers and kitchens. Those are most likely places where shooters often go. If you can barricade a room to prevent a shooter from getting in, it eliminate the opportunity for the shooter to get through. Make sure you keep your voice low when you're involved in mass shooting. Call 9-1-1 if you can.

3. Fight - If you are willing to risk your life or willing to film the incident, you have no choice but to fight. Make sure you grab something that is powerful enough to disarm a shooter. Do not confront a shooter in the midst of sight. Make yourself not visible if you're trying to fight. Do not think being a "good guy with a gun" is going to stop a bad guy. The cops don't see good guys trying to stop bad guys. They see active shooters and they will shoot anyone who is armed regardless of the matter. If you're ready to fight, be prepared to die. It's best to not be easily seen if you're trying to stop a shooter. If you're a conceal carry and attempt to disarm an active shooter, you are willing to sacrifice your life to save lives. You are willing to go hero, you could die a hero or an idiot.

4. Realize - Mind you, that the types of firearms used by shooter are based on capacity which limits the time of reaction. As with rule 3, you have only less than a second to make a reaction when the shooter is set on sights. So there's no real solution to save your life in the event of an active shooter. The best thing to do is understand, that anywhere in the United States could be a target of a mass shooting. Congress isn't doing a damn thing about it.

You're not safe at home, in the school, the concert, the hospital, the church, the casino, the bus station, the subway, the light rail train, the buses, the malls, the local big box store, the political rally, the protest rally, the beach, the women's center for reproductive surgeries, the mosque, the synagogue, the road trip, the natural disasters, the state/federal buildings, the workplace, the gas station, the family picnic, the food truck rally, the funerals, the birthday parties, the graduations, the wedding, the televised events, the sporting events, the homeless shelter and many more events that have some terrorist with a firearm. Domestic violence, suicide, racism, culture war inspired, politically motivated and international operative inspired are types of gun violence.

Every community in the United States will eventually have a legacy. A legacy of never ending tragedy. Gun violence, extremism and COVID-19 will affect your town, your family and your life. So I don't want to hear that bullshit about how gun reform is taking away your rights to own firearms.

There were two other shootings in Philadelphia.

I don't want to hear that protesting against police killing people of color is hate on cops in general. I don't want to hear talk about the coronavirus being a myth.

When you hear folks say "gun rights," what they really mean is that its white privilege. This good guy with a gun nonsense has to end. The cops didn't do nothing when children were shot inside a school. A security guard was shot dead trying to protect shoppers. A cop accidentally shot his own. The good guy who tried to stop a bad guy is outgunned and a part of the rule #3.

Remember #3 means: The "good guy with a gun" better be prepared to die if they want to stop a shooter.

I don't want to hear folks say masks and vaccine mandates impede their freedoms. It prevents a deadly outbreak from spreading. If you want to die from the coronavirus, that's on you. We lost over 1 million people from the coronavirus.

I don't want to hear the shit about guns saving lives. Cause a bullet does not have eyes and it's always likely gonna hit a target. These folks seem to not get it. These incidents are a tragic part of American history. Thoughts and prayers and your heart going out to the victims is not enough. It quite frankly is an insult. I am also tired of scapegoating Black on Black crime, Chicago, Baltimore and Democratic mayors for the nation's obsession to be numb to gun violence. You pretty much enable this nonsense by deflecting.

President Joe Biden is trying to curb gun violence. However, he has no support from Republicans. Most Democrats and America are for gun control measures. However one Democrat and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate refuse to change the filibuster rules and its holding us back.

The National Rifle Association is always pushing against it. They will not relinquish from the narrative that guns are not saving lives. The Republicans aided by a fickle junk food media are openly encouraging anarchy and disruption in a desperate attempt for the Republicans to win back Congress and the White House. These agitators are calling for Biden to curb crime but will not help him. They want more guns on the street. It makes no sense.

So in closing, expect more.

The website Officer Down is a memorial to those who were killed in the line of duty. Those who don't get their names mentioned in the junk food media. Also the website the National Gun Violence Memorial also keeps record of the many individuals killed by gun violence. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

The call number to the U.S. Capitol is now going to be used. This is the official phone number, 202-224-3121. Let them know that "thoughts and prayers," "hearts going to" and "good guys with guns" are no longer acceptable and you want legislation to curb gun violence.

GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES.

Say Chomp!

Hello.

Can we do a Darwin Award for the most stupidest people on the planet?

You can't fix stupid!

You can't change minds!

You are completely trapped in stupid.

You are wrapped and emboldened in stupid.

Again, why do white people always treat wild animals like they're domesticated? 

I would never touch a wild animal. 

Alas, some people think that animals are timid when you're petting them. Nope.

For Pete's sake, if you live in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina, please watch your surroundings. Please stay 50 feet away from drainage, canals, ponds, retaining pools, lakes, rivers and large water surroundings. 

Keep your children, pets and elderly family members away from water. And for the sake of your health and law, please do not harass, torture or mame the animal.

Another victim of the chomp.

A woman was killed by an alligator in South Carolina.

A 69-year-old woman has died following an alligator attack in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, authorities said Tuesday.

Beaufort County Sheriff's Office deputies, Hilton Head Island Fire Rescue, the Beaufort County Coroner's Office and Spanish Wells security personnel responded around 9:28 a.m. to a report of a possible alligator attack near a lagoon bordering the golf course in the Spanish Wells community.

They located the woman -- a resident of the community who had been walking her dog -- at the edge of the lagoon. She appeared unresponsive, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

While rescue efforts were being made, an alligator appeared and was guarding the woman, interrupting emergency efforts, according to the sheriff’s office.

The alligator was safely removed from the area, and the woman's body was recovered. The Beaufort County Coroner’s Office will conduct an autopsy.

Authorities said it wasn’t clear when the woman was taken into the water.

This is the second fatal attack in the area in less than a year. An 88-year-old woman was attacked by an alligator at a lagoon near her home last August.

The alligator will likely be euthanized.

While rare, alligator attacks do happen and many of the victims are close to the water or have pets within a sight of the reptile. If you get too close to the reptile, you are likely a victim of stupidity. On land, an alligator is fast. In the water, an alligator is deadly. 

Especially when you live in a community where water is close by... I mean are they clueless or just stupid?

Once the animal gets a hold of a prey, it's rare that an animal will escape without losing a body part.

It's the unfortunate cause and effect of animals and people.

I've said it before and I stand by what I say: "Wild animals are......well you know!"

If you want to be a thrill seeker, you might want to get life insurance.

To escape an alligator in the water if possible, punch its eyes or put something in its nose. Don't turn your back on an alligator. If you're on land run backwards in a zig zag position. An alligator does not want to waste its time trying to catch a prey that moves too much. An alligator can travel up to 20 mph on land and is very fast and silent in the water. 

When you are near ponds or bodies of water keep pets, elderly adults and small children away.

I will say this as a reminder. Back in the slavery days, white extremists would kidnap Black babies and string them to trees. They leave them crying in the swamps for alligators and bears to attack them. They would use Black babies as bait for alligators and bears.

Twitter Is An Endangered Species!

This way down.

The X Group is having troubles. Big troubles.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, Space X and Twitter has driven money away from his businesses. The investors are getting really concerned about the billionaire's impact on the companies.

Twitter since his purchase has went downhill fast. The far right was pleased that Musk took over. Many of the banned extremists were reestablished accounts, Washed Up 45 was given his account back, Musk fired nearly all the workers, the platform is charging to post and be verified, he banning critics despite being a "free speech" townhall and now has limited its view of follower accounts, scrolls and tweets. Twitter announced Monday that access to TweetDeck, an app that allows users to monitor several accounts at once, would be limited to verified accounts next month.

Musk has driven advertisers away and has invited strong competition.

Controversial Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg prepares to launch a rival app this week.

Zuckerberg's Meta group, which owns Facebook, has listed a new app in stores as "Threads, an Instagram app", available for pre-order in the United States, with a message saying it is "expected" this Thursday.

Twitter has seen a decrease and its impact is felt since the Musk takeover.

Let that sink in.

Threads will hopefully launch and recruit influencers to back it up. Meta will rebound and guess what?

Twitter will fall.

Jonathan Greenblatt Turns The ADL Into The Enablers Of Fascism!

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) will not turn a blind eye to Israeli war crimes.

The Anti Defamation League has lost my support. They have decided to equate a foreign country to the Jewish faith. They have now declared that Israel is a religious state. They are now trying to silence the loud protests against the Israeli government and its assault on the Palestinians.

Israel is not a Jewish state. It is a unitary state with a republican form of government in which the political power is vested in and entrusted to the parliament with confidence by its electorate. 

They have elected leaders and a functioning government. If it was a Jewish state, then it would be fascism. Because it would ban other religions and punish those who stand up to the authority.

Israel has been under fire for committing war crimes in the West Bank, Golan Heights, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. The country has continued building settlements in the West Bank despite the warnings it would flare tension. 

Those living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are being stripped of resources. Those living in the West Bank are banned from traveling on roads built to the settlements. 

For the people of the Gaza Strip, they have no resources or the military to defend itself.

Since 2005, Israel has a blockade for aid to the Gaza Strip. Those who tried to bring aid into the Gaza Strip are stopped or shot.

The Palestinians have no military. Israel does and it has proven to be extremely brutal in its attacks.

Israel is a neo fascist country. They are masquerading as a legitimate democracy when its prime minister and his far right coalition are trying to eliminate the federal courts, outlaw integration, outlaw non white Jews, non white immigrants, make it a religious theocracy and brutally eliminate the other. They are trying to destroy democracy and wipe out the Palestinians who live in Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem and Golan Heights.

The U.S. funds its defense operations and they use it in a brutal almost criminal assault on those living in Palestine. The Palestinians have no military equipment or the technology. Whenever Israel strikes, they hit residential and urban centers. They claim they are killing "militants" and those who were injured are used as shields. Israel claims the world hates them and they must defend themselves.

The Republicans and some Democrats have this notion that criticism of the state of Israel is equal to antisemitism. They seriously call for boycotts and censorship of those who dare speak against the inhumane crimes done by the Israeli government. 

Saying "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" is apparently inappropriate to say. Worthless media personality Marc Lamont Hill was fired from CNN because he criticized Israel.

Making criticism of Israel as a Muslim is hate speech says the Republicans and Democrats who harbor Islamophobia and bigotry. Or maybe it's the contributions from America Israel Public Affairs Committee to stifle criticism of Israel.

Being a celebrity who criticize Israel and you're expecting Fox and companies to attack you. Taking a picture with a critic who is against Israeli interest is also guilt by association.

We see several lawmakers in Washington who are embolden by this. The AIPAC and several groups with ties to Israel are trying to stifle speech when it comes to addressing war crimes, desplacement, bigotry, neo fascism and warmongering done by the Israeli government.

Jonathan Greenblatt is full of shit. He is trying to silence critics who say there is an apartheid in Israel.

The so called "freedom of speech" crowd would infuriate Muslims by drawing the Prophet Mohammed knowing it is blasphemy to depict the spiritual imam as any formation.

They run around literally saying "radical Islam" when it comes to a domestic terrorism attack done by a Muslim. They get offended when they are called to task on right wing domestic terrorism or white supremacist terrorism.

The ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt has decided to make it his mission to stifle free speech and make baseless claims against those who criticize Israeli war crimes.

Even for @RashidaTlaib, the level of dishonesty here is truly staggering.

For starters, it’s a complete fiction. But equally important, this was a targeted action against armed terrorists who brutally murdered innocents, recklessly hid weapons under a mosque and intentionally… https://t.co/1KGuoM1qiz

— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) July 3, 2023

Now calling Israel an apartheid state is anti-semitic says the ADL.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) is one of the many insufferable lawmakers in Congress. She is all noise and little results. She represents Michigan's 12th District. The district has Detroit, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Inkster and Livonia.

However I strongly support her in this. She, Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN) are the only Muslim lawmakers in Congress. Tlaib and Omar are vilified for their opposition to U.S. funding of Israel's military. They condemned the attacks and many of the Jewish Democrats are siding with Republicans in criticism them.

Several Jewish Democrats are Islamophobic.

The Israeli incursion into Jenin has been labeled by Reuters as “one of the biggest West Bank operations in 20 years” and has left at least eight Palestinians dead. Israel troops have said raids on the refugee camp have uncovered a huge explosives workshop and an arms store hidden under a mosque. Israel has also said it destroyed terror command centers.

But what is seen is the ambulances being blocked by the Israeli Defense Force. What is seen is a bulldozer knocking over buildings and tearing up roads to prevent medical access.

What Palestinians see is an illegal invasion into their territory to take the heat off of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his ambitions to reformat the courts and instigate a war in Syria and Iran to take pressure off his corruption trial.

Greenblatt decided to take aim at Tlaib. 

Tlaib is a Palestinian American who has a first and second generation of family members living in the West Bank.

Shooting Stars Or Bullets: Mass Shooting In Philadelphia!

Holiday mass shooting.

Thanks Supreme Court.

Another holiday and another mass shooting in the United States.

President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA), Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) and the U.S. Representatives for the state of Pennsylvania were notified of the latest mass shooting in the city of Philadelphia.

Four people were killed and four others were injured following a Monday night shooting in the Kingsessing section of Philadelphia.

Police said a total of six people were shot, including two children.

One of the people that died is believed to be a teenager, police said.

According to police, officers responded to 56th Street and Chester Avenue at about 8:30 p.m. for a report of multiple people shot.

Police took several victims to Penn Presbyterian Hospital and a juvenile to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

A suspect was taken into custody shortly after the shooting on the 1800 block of Frazier Street, police said.

The suspect was wearing a bulletproof vest and was armed with a rifle and a handgun.

While police investigate, 56th Street is closed between Kingsessing and Chester avenues.

A person is in custody and a weapon has been recovered, police spokesperson Miguel Torres told CNN.

Six victims were taken to Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and two were taken to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, police spokesperson Jasmine Reilly told CNN.

Philadelphia police have not provided details about the conditions of those hospitalized.

These shootings happened at large scale gatherings.

An active shooter doesn't care about the politics, race, gender, sexuality, nationality, religion, your finances, your family, your plans that day, your successes, your failures, and most importantly, your life.

These lawmakers will do the usual "thoughts and prayers" and "our hearts goes out to" as well as the Republicans saying that "now it's not the time to talk" bullshit. 

Bad weekend.

These murderers don't have mental illness. They are calculated and prepared. It happened to be a moment where they have the opportunity to take out lives. There's no sickness in the head. Most mass shooters legally obtain their assault rifles without little background checks. They have likely no criminal history and they are willing to use the assault weapon in the only thing it's good for: Killing numerous lives.

I dismiss this ridiculous notion that criminals are the problem, not the guns. Firearms are often obtained through legal purchases. 

Again, having more security, teachers being armed and offering safe rooms are not solving the problem. The problem is lawmakers not willing to stop gun violence.

THE NICE GUY IS THE MOST DANGEROUS PERSON WITH A FIREARM. THOSE WHO ARE SPURN BY RELATIONSHIPS, THE WORKPLACE, SOCIETY IN GENERAL WILL SEEK REVENGE BY TAKING OUT LIVES. THEY WANT TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS OF MASSACRING THEIR FELLOW HUMAN BEING.

THE JUNK FOOD MEDIA AND POLITICIANS ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE BY AMPING UP POLARIZING RHETORIC. 

What to do to protect your life.

1. Run - If you hear sounds like firecrackers, popping sounds or suspicious activities around a large gathering (i.e. malls, stores, clubs, public gatherings), if you can flee, run away from the shooter. Do not run in a straight path of the sight. Move around and zig-zag if possible to keep yourself out the line of fire. It's best to not film a shooter commiting the act. If you are willing to risk your life for a viral video, more power to you but its best to stay out of the line of fire by running away.

2. Hide - If you are involved in an active shooting, you must barricade yourself in a room and keep doors locked, lights off, phones on silent. Do not go into restrooms, lockers and kitchens. Those are most likely places where shooters often go. If you can barricade a room to prevent a shooter from getting in, it eliminate the opportunity for the shooter to get through. Make sure you keep your voice low when you're involved in mass shooting. Call 9-1-1 if you can.

3. Fight - If you are willing to risk your life or willing to film the incident, you have no choice but to fight. Make sure you grab something that is powerful enough to disarm a shooter. Do not confront a shooter in the midst of sight. Make yourself not visible if you're trying to fight. Do not think being a "good guy with a gun" is going to stop a bad guy. The cops don't see good guys trying to stop bad guys. They see active shooters and they will shoot anyone who is armed regardless of the matter. If you're ready to fight, be prepared to die. It's best to not be easily seen if you're trying to stop a shooter. If you're a conceal carry and attempt to disarm an active shooter, you are willing to sacrifice your life to save lives. You are willing to go hero, you could die a hero or an idiot.

4. Realize - Mind you, that the types of firearms used by shooter are based on capacity which limits the time of reaction. As with rule 3, you have only less than a second to make a reaction when the shooter is set on sights. So there's no real solution to save your life in the event of an active shooter. The best thing to do is understand, that anywhere in the United States could be a target of a mass shooting. Congress isn't doing a damn thing about it.

Mass shootings never stop.

The far right often infiltrate protests and cause chaos to paint progressives protests as violent. Even when the far right attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, they believed that far left members infiltrated the mob. Ignore the fact that Washed Up 45 and his allies urged the supporters to come, called for them to protest and told them to not show weakness.

According to the far right: White shooters are mentally ill. Black shooters are unrepentant criminals. Gay shooters are active groomers. Muslim shooters are terrorists. Hispanic and Asian shooters are illegal immigrants. Almost all mass shooters are registered Democrats because they have liked one thing common to the left. Of course, they often share disinformation by using the "Sam Hyde" meme as a way to denounce most mass shooters being white. They say a white person should "protect" from protesters and use of firearms are justified. They say if a shooter is active military or a veteran who supports conservative causes, they are considered a "heroes" and use of firearms are justified. If the shooters are teens, the far right automatically assume the gunmen are Black.

The Republicans usually amplify white victims. Anytime a person of color kills a white victim, it is often wall-to-wall coverage on Fox, Twitter and they force it into national news. They make the case to blame Black Lives Matter, Barack Obama, Kamala Harris, Democrats, Rev. Al Sharpton and rap music for Black on whatever violence. Republican lawmakers who do not live in urban neighborhoods often troll social media to talk about gun violence or crime in Chicago, Baltimore, Milwaukee and New York City while not doing a damn thing to stop it. If a white person shoots a Black person, the shooter is given the benefit of doubt. White shooters are given glowing profiles about their perfect lives and how friends noticed something but refused to do something. When it comes to Black shooters, automatic vilification. They don't see mental illness. They see it as gang violence, allegedly fatherless homes, Democratic policies or the need for more firearms. The far right and Republicans exploit gun violence in the Black community for culture wars and racism.

Republicans solutions are more guns, blame others for America's social ills and defect from accepting reality.

You're not safe at home, in the school, the concert, the hospital, the church, the casino, the bus station, the subway, the light rail train, the buses, the malls, the local big box store, the political rally, the protest rally, the beach, the women's center for reproductive surgeries, the mosque, the synagogue, the road trip, the natural disasters, the state/federal buildings, the workplace, the gas station, the family picnic, the food truck rally, the funerals, the birthday parties, the graduations, the wedding, the televised events, the sporting events, the homeless shelter and many more events that have some terrorist with a firearm. Domestic violence, suicide, racism, culture war inspired, politically motivated and international operative inspired are types of gun violence.

Every community in the United States will eventually have a legacy. A legacy of never ending tragedy. Gun violence, extremism and COVID-19 will affect your town, your family and your life. So I don't want to hear that bullshit about how gun reform is taking away your rights to own firearms.

I don't want to hear that protesting against police killing people of color is hate on cops in general. I don't want to hear talk about the coronavirus being a myth.

When you hear folks say "gun rights," what they really mean is that its white privilege. This good guy with a gun nonsense has to end. The cops didn't do nothing when children were shot inside a school. A security guard was shot dead trying to protect shoppers. A cop accidentally shot his own. The good guy who tried to stop a bad guy is outgunned and a part of the rule #3.

Remember #3 means: The "good guy with a gun" better be prepared to die if they want to stop a shooter.

I don't want to hear folks say masks and vaccine mandates impede their freedoms. It prevents a deadly outbreak from spreading. If you want to die from the coronavirus, that's on you. We lost over 1 million people from the coronavirus.

I don't want to hear the shit about guns saving lives. Cause a bullet does not have eyes and it's always likely gonna hit a target. These folks seem to not get it. These incidents are a tragic part of American history. Thoughts and prayers and your heart going out to the victims is not enough. It quite frankly is an insult. I am also tired of scapegoating Black on Black crime, Chicago, Baltimore and Democratic mayors for the nation's obsession to be numb to gun violence. You pretty much enable this nonsense by deflecting.

President Joe Biden is trying to curb gun violence. However, he has no support from Republicans. Most Democrats and America are for gun control measures. However one Democrat and one independent who caucuses with the Democrats in the Senate refuse to change the filibuster rules and its holding us back.

The National Rifle Association is always pushing against it. They will not relinquish from the narrative that guns are not saving lives. The Republicans aided by a fickle junk food media are openly encouraging anarchy and disruption in a desperate attempt for the Republicans to win back Congress and the White House. These agitators are calling for Biden to curb crime but will not help him. They want more guns on the street. It makes no sense.

So in closing, expect more.

The website Officer Down is a memorial to those who were killed in the line of duty. Those who don't get their names mentioned in the junk food media. Also the website the National Gun Violence Memorial also keeps record of the many individuals killed by gun violence. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

The call number to the U.S. Capitol is now going to be used. This is the official phone number, 202-224-3121. Let them know that "thoughts and prayers," "hearts going to" and "good guys with guns" are no longer acceptable and you want legislation to curb gun violence.

GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE UNITED STATES.

Israel Attacks The West Bank! The West Looks The Other Way To War Crimes!

The U.S. continues to look away when it comes to war crimes done by Israel.

We want to hold Russia accountable for its invasion of Ukraine. But when it comes to Israel and Palestine, the U.S. and many other countries ignore the war crimes, the illegal occupation and the Israel's tilt towards fascism.

The Palestinians do not have a military or the weapons of defense. Israel does and they have vowed to wipe out the Palestinians from existence.

The Republicans and some Democrats have this notion that criticism of the state of Israel is equal to antisemitism. They seriously call for boycotts and censorship of those who dare speak against the inhumane crimes done by the Israeli government. 

Israel is a neo fascist country. They are masquerading as a legitimate democracy when its prime minister and his far right coalition are trying to eliminate the federal courts, outlaw integration, outlaw non white Jews, non white immigrants, make it a religious theocracy and eliminate the other. They are trying to destroy democracy and wipe out the Palestinians who live in Gaza Strip, West Bank, East Jerusalem and Golan Heights.

The U.S. funds its defense operations and they use it in a brutal almost criminal assault on those living in Palestine. The Palestinians have no military equipment or the technology. Whenever Israel strikes, they hit residential and urban centers. They claim they are killing "militants" and those who were injured are used as shields. Israel claims the world hates them and they must defend themselves.

At its founding, the Israeli Zionists brutally forced out Palestinians and demolished their homes, schools and businesses. This continues as we speak. The U.S. and many Western nations look the other way.

Whenever the United Nations intervenes with investigations into war crimes, immoral dehumanization and violations of sovereignty, the U.S., United Kingdom and France block the notions.

Israeli propaganda has Americans believing criticism of its actions is anti-semitic. 

The Israeli Defence Force went into Jenin and hit the city with no mercy.

Israel has launched a major aerial and ground offensive into the West Bank city of Jenin, its biggest military operation in the Palestinian territory in years, in what it described as an “extensive counter-terrorism effort”.

At least eight Palestinians were killed and 50 injured, 10 seriously, in the attack that began at about 1am on Monday, and the death toll is likely to rise, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Launching at least 10 drone strikes on buildings, a brigade of Israeli troops – suggesting between 1,000 and 2,000 soldiers – backed by armoured bulldozers and snipers on rooftops entered the city and its refugee camp, encountering fire from Palestinians, after Israel informed the White House of its plans.

A spokesperson for the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, called the operation “a new war crime against our defenceless people”, while the Gaza-based militant group Hamas called on young men in the West Bank to join the fighting.

Lynn Hastings, the UN’s resident humanitarian coordinator, described “alarm” at the “scale of Israeli forces operation in Jenin”, adding on Twitter: “Airstrikes were used in the densely populated refugee camp. Several dead and critically wounded. Access to all injured must be ensured.”

The West continue to call Palestinians defending themselves militants. Again, giving a one sided view to why this ongoing conflict is not ever bring peace in the Middle East.

In a joint statement, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and the domestic intelligence service, Shin Bet, said they had attacked a command centre in the Jenin refugee camp that was used by a local militant group.

Images from inside Jenin showed armed and masked Palestinian fighters on the streets as gun battles and explosions continued into Monday morning.

At a checkpoint on the outskirts of the city, the sound of increasingly heavy gun battles and aircraft overhead could be heard as the day wore on.

In an escalation of the violence, Israel carried out an airstrike near a mosque in the city that it said was being used by Palestinian gunmen to target Israeli forces. “Exchanges of fire are taking place with gunmen adjacent to a mosque in the Jenin refugee camp,” the IDF said. “An IDF aircraft struck to remove the threat.”

Hundreds of armed fighters from militant groups including Hamas, Islamic Jihad and Fatah are based there, and the semi-autonomous Palestinian Authority has next to no presence.

This is not Ukraine.

The Jenin Brigades, a unit made up of armed men from different factions, has been blamed for several terror attacks against Israeli citizens as the security situation across Israel and the West Bank has deteriorated over the past 18 months.

Jenin and nearby Nablus have been the major targets of the now more than year-old Israeli Operation Breakwater, which has involved near-nightly raids and some of the fiercest fighting in the West Bank since the second intifada came to an end in 2005. Vigilante attacks by West Bank-based Israeli settlers against Palestinian villages are also growing in scale and scope.

Only days before a drone strike last month in Jenin, for the first time since the second intifada, the army used helicopter gunships to help extract troops and vehicles from a raid on the city, after fighters used explosives against a force sent in to arrest two suspects.

After the last major raid in Jenin, Palestinian gunmen killed four Israelis near a Jewish settlement in the West Bank in an attack that led to a rampage by settlers in Palestinian villages and towns.

Des émeutes déchirent la France!

Police shoot unarmed French teen and it sparked massive unrest.

Riots Tear France Apart!

The United States Department of State has a Level II travel advisory for people heading to the French Republic. The country is known for crime, sex trade which forces victims into the industry without consent, possible attacks from terrorist groups and civil unrest.

Embattled French president Emmanuel Macron is now facing a global crisis. 

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the former president Washed Up 45 and current President Joe Biden are facing controversies as well.

When you become a leader of a country, you're tasked to keep civility in the wake of controversy.

The police shooting of an unarmed teen has led to a series of violent protests.

Nahel Merzouk (sometimes spelled Naël), a 17-year-old French youth of Maghrebi Algerian descent, who was driving without a licence, was shot and killed by a police officer during a traffic stop following a car chase in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris, France. Authorities arrested the police officer who shot Merzouk, on suspicion of "voluntary homicide by a person in authority". The killing led to widespread protests and riots in which symbols of the state such as town halls, schools, and police stations, as well as other buildings were attacked, as well as cars and trash bins set on fire. According to the Interior Ministry, over 1,350 vehicles were set on fire, and over 1,300 arrests were made in connection with the riots.

On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron accused social media of playing a “considerable role” in encouraging copycat acts of violence as the country tries to tamp down protests that surfaced long-simmering tensions between police and young people in the country.

The cop who shot Nahel five times was criminally charged.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said police made 917 arrests on Thursday alone. More than 300 police officers have also been injured attempting to quell the rioting over the death of the teenager, who is of north African descent and has only has been identified by his first name, Nahel.

Macron, who in tandem castigated video games for the rioting, said the French government would work with social media sites to take down “the most sensitive content” and identify users who “call for disorder or exacerbate the violence.”

WHY IS THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT CONCERNED?

A French official, speaking anonymously in line with the presidency’s customary practices, cited an example of the name and address of the police officer who shot at Nahel being published on social media. A prison officer also has seen his professional card going online, the official said, suggesting it could put the person’s life and family at risk.

During his speech on Friday, Macron did not specify what type of content he viewed as “sensitive,” but he said he expected “a spirit of responsibility” from the social media platforms.

Unrest continues.

Talks between the government and social media platform, including Snapchat and Twitter, have started with the aim to speed up the process to remove content inciting to violence, the official said. The French government is also pushing for identifying people who launch calls for violence but it’s still at the “discussion” stage.

Darmanin said that in a meeting with social networks, he’d delivered a warning that they can’t allow themselves to be used as channels for calls to violence.

“They were very cooperative,” he said. “We’ll see tonight if they really are.”

Darmanin said on Friday that French authorities will provide social media companies with “as much information as possible” so that, in return, they get identities of people who incite violence, adding that authorities will “pursue every person who uses these social networks to commit violent acts.”

He also said that the country will take “all necessary measures if we become aware that social networks, whoever they are, don’t respect the law.”