While President-elect Donald J. Trump and Republicans exploit the tragic arson and murder of a woman riding on a New York City subway, they ignore the other woman set on fire by another attempted murderer. The suspect was a mentally ill immigrant from Guatemala.
The victim of the recent arson was a young Black woman attacked in the same fashion in North Carolina.
Oh by the way, I want to issue a correction. The victim was not identified as previously posted. The victim was burned so badly, the New York Police Department forensics must do DNA testing to confirm if the victim was a resident of the city.
Ashanti Downey didn't get the mammoth coverage of the junk food media.
No one was filming her while being burned alive. People actually tried to save her life and they identified the person who tried to murder her.
It happened in Sanford, North Carolina.
Downey was walking to a Dollar Tree when the suspect poured gasoline on her and set her on fire.
On Dec. 16, the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office got a 911 call from a staff member at Central Carolina Hospital in Sanford about a burn victim.
Investigators found 20-year-old Ashanti Downey who was taken to the emergency room suffering from burns on the right side of her body.
She was taken to a burn center where she was in critical, but stable condition.
This man was rejected by his former girlfriend. So he decided to set her on fire as an act of revenge.
On Friday, investigators arrested 23-year-old Jami Raiziah Griffin. He was charged with attempted murder, assault with deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and assault onfemale/domestic violence.
Griffin is being held in the Harnett County Detention Center without bond.
An online GoFundMe campaign had raised over $85,000 for Downey’s medical care as of Saturday morning.
“My daughter will be celebrating her 21st birthday on January 1, 2025, and due to the hatred of an individual or individuals, her life will be forever changed,” her mother, Donecia Davis. wrote on the fundraiser page. “No parent should have to see their child in the condition my daughter is in. I am making her my top priority and have been by her side at the hospital since this incident occurred.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Ronald Beasley at 910-893-0151 or the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office at 910-893-9111.
The suspect is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Attempted murder, arson, stalking, menacing and kidnapping. If found guilty, he could serve LIFE without graduation, labeled a TIER III arsonist, TIER III in Offender U and the suspect as well as his family will have to foot the bill for Ashanti's treatment.
As long as anyone engaged in the actions that are tied to Israel or the Israeli Defence Forces, they shouldn't feel safe anywhere.
The International Criminal Court has officially decreed the Israeli prime minister, former defense minister and IDF soliders are war criminals. They are to be arrested if seen in member countries of the ICC.
The only country the Israelis feel "safe" is the United States. But trust me, coming to the United States is more dangerous now that Donald J. Trump is returning to power. Also activists are willing to push for violence against IDF soliders who claim citizenship in the United States. President Joe Biden or Trump might pardon these war criminals if the ICC does place a warrant for their arrest.
Israel will fall.
Trump will fail.
Biden has failed.
Israel Genocide Tracker has posted on social media the actions of IDF soliders engaged in war crimes in Gaza, the West Bank, Yemen, Iran, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt.
Republican House members Mike Lawler and Mike Johnson (U.S. House Speaker) support Israeli interests despite their bullshit claims about being "America First." They pose with an IDF solider.
How can one country claim self defense when it is invading two occupied regions, three countries and plotting state sponsored terrorism everywhere?
With member states willing to arrest Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant if they travel, the U.S. and Israel are probably the only places that offer shelter.
The U.S, is losing credibility everyday. The tired excuse of "Israel having a right to self defense" has expired. The Israeli government has destroyed every ounce of support globally.
Only 45% of Americans support Israel. But when you see how much of our taxpayer money is being funded to that country, you would start opposing it.
The hasbara campaign is falling apart. More Americans especially Democratic leaning voters are tuning out cable news and local news. With Israel and Trump, it has show freefall at CNN, MSNBC, Newsnation and even Fox.
No one has interest in Biden or Trump. No one has interest in Israel.
Raymond Scott, formerly known as Benzino is damn near 60 years old and still running around like he's a damn 20 something year old. I mean this former entertainer needs to get his shit together. I mean he's literally dragging his daughter down with him.
Scott is the father of rapper/model Coi LeRay. She is embarrassed by his constant ignorant behavior.
Scott is still fixated on the neverending feud with Eminem.
The former entertainer has another infamous police video release. It was almost like a Christmas present to people like TheEvolve, Steve Knight and NoLifeShaq.
The winners and losers of 2024.
50 Cent got a hold of the infamous video where Scott tried to unalive himself. Remember Wack 100 warned Scott to stop talking nonsense about him and those associated with him. The video was released two weeks ago and it got the attention of the controversial media mogul.
50 posted a video of what appeared to be Benzino threatening to commit suicide, which Benzino’s girlfriend, Ashley Bell, apparently filmed.
“Benzino caught on video, by his girlfriend Ashley Bell threatening to unalive himself with a knife because she called the cops for him allegedly beating her,” Fif captioned the clip on Instagram.
Scott is seen sobbing on the floor as a woman talks to him. “Just stop, stop. Give me the knife,” she says.
When he responds, “Call the police,” she says, “No I’m not. Give me the knife.” She repeatedly yells “No!” adding, “I’ll call them back,” seemingly referring to the police.
Benzino told fans he was “okay” and was rehearsing a role for a Tubi movie.
“First and foremost, I just want to let everybody know that I’m okay, all right?” he explained. “Second of all, I want to let everybody know that that was a rehearsal for a Tubi movie, all right? My girl was helping me out, we was doing script reading, and that was a rehearsal for a Tubi movie.”
He added, “I would never ever put my hands on any woman—I’ve never done that in my life. That’s for cowards and I surely wouldn’t do anything to hurt myself. So shout out to all the people who were concerned, I’m okay.”
He then spoke directly to 50 Cent: “I also wanted to let Curtis know good-looking. Thanks, Curtis for promoting me. Keep on posting me, that’s dope.”
Benzino then showed off his abs and physique. “If you wanna post something, post this,” he said. “I’m in that gym heavy, benching 315 [pounds]. What you doing, Curtis?”
Benzino and 50 Cent started beefing in the early 2000s when Benzino started criticizing Eminem in The Source. As a Shady/Aftermath Records signee, Fif inherited their bad blood as tensions escalated.
Back in April, Benzino said he could take on 50 Cent in a boxing match. “50’s been shot in the face before so that counts. He had to get reconstructive surgery; he’s not gonna be able to take any old punch in his face," Zino said.
Raymond Scott wish he could have Eminem's record sales and crowd sizes.
He added, “If we were to box in a boxing match and I were to train for a couple months, hell yeah I could box 50. I’m gonna pick me every time.”
Tubi has become quite popular. In September, the streamer announced that it had eclipsed 74 million monthly active users and logged nearly 4 billion streaming hours for the first half of 2024.
“Tubi is now watched as much as a top 5 cable network, as audiences continue to embrace our digital-first, 100 percent free streaming experience,” Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, recently said in a statement.
Then another bodycamera footage of Scott being evicted and soon arrested again for physically assualting a woman at his local gym in Cobb County, Georgia.
Scott has also defended Sean "Puffy" Combs (aka Diddy), Bill Cosby, Shawn Corey Carter (Jay-Z), R. Kelly and other controversial figures who are accused of sexually predatory behavior.
And yes, he still talking shit about Em.
Endless chaos.
I feel sorry for Coi LeRay. Her legacy is tarnished because of her father's constant need to be in the spotlight. Scott is no longer a rapper or even a reality television star. He is a washed up celebrity who ruined his career feuding with Eminem. Anything he does is in the words of Eminem, "speaking from the grave."
Shout out to The Evolve, Wack 100, Crypt, Cliff Beats, NoLifeShaq, Aayan X, N.O.R.E., DJ EFN, The Danza Project, 50 Cent and all the podcasters on YouTube. These podcasters are the reasons to why I address the crisis with Scott. It has put a real dent in Coi Leray.
Fun facts about Raymond "Benzino" Scott. This is a copy and paste I've put together. So for anyone who never heard of this dude, here's some fun facts about him.
He is the former co-owner of The Source Magazine and Hip-Hop Weekly.
He is born Raymond [Edward] Leon Scott on July 18, 1965 but it is actually 1963.
He is best known for being on Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta for two seasons.
He is a former reality television star.
He is a former rapper.
He is a Boston-native entertainer.
He is the reason why The Source Magazine nearly went bankrupt.
He is the father of rapper/socialite Coi LeRay.
He is standing at 5'3" tall.
He is bipolar.
He is a one-hit wonder. His biggest single "Rock The Party" was hot in 2002.
He is the guy who took on Eminem and it left his rap career ruined.
He faced a handful of devastating disses from Eminem. The "Nail in the Coffin", "The Sauce", "Bully", "Big Weenie", "Killshot", "Doomsday Pt. 2" and "Go 2 Sleep" were the most brutal singles going at Scott.
He has responded to Eminem with singles like "Don't Wanna", "Pull Ya Skirt Up", "Die Another Day", "Look Into My Eyes", "Zino vs. The Planet", "Rap Elvis" and "Vulturius."
He is the one who told staffers to give Eminem's albums poor ratings.
He has used ghostwriters for most of his music.
He is the one who threatened to kill Eminem's daughter, social media influencer Hailie Mathers in a rap verse.
He has threaten men who dated the mothers of his children. He was arrested for damaging a man's truck after he caught Althea Easton walking with him and their son, Zino.
He is a known hot head.
He is extremely sexist, homophobic and racist.
He is not known much outside of mainstream. Even the people who engage with him don't know he is a celebrity. In fact, he is a D-list celebrity at best.
He used cocaine, ecstasy, and steroids. It has contributed to his reckless behavior.
He is the father of five [or six] children.
He has appeared on Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta and Marriage Boot Camp.
He was a member of The Almighty RSO which is known as Made Men.
He was caught at the end of his Bootee Remix music video taking a nasty fall.
He has got into feuds with YouTube personalities NoLifeShaq, The Danza Project, Stevie Knight, Knox Hill, Crypt, JayBlac, Cliff Beats and The Evolve.
He has feuded with Eminem, 50 Cent, Wack 100, Aayan X, Funkmaster Flex, DJ Khaled, Angie Martinez, Angela Yee, Joyner Lucas, Charleston White, Joe Budden, Lil Nas X, Royce Da 5'9", Merkules, Obie Trice and D12.
He was shot in Massachusetts after getting into a confrontation at his mom's funeral. His nephew was criminally charged.
He has admitted to attacking former NBA star Paul Pierce.
He owes child support to former reality television star Althea Easton.
He steals carts from Publix and Kroger. His landlord at his previous apartment told law enforcement about his failures to pay rent and his tendencies to steal property from grocery stores.
He was evicted from another apartment after he was arrested for assualt on a woman.
He has berated an Uber/Lyft driver because he was upset over masks.
He was caught in a one bedroom motel room with another man. He and Cavario Don Diva were in a Red Roof in Brookhaven, Georgia. They were trespassed after Scott got upset at the manager. That hotel was known for cruising and prostitution.
He continues to drive a vehicle without a valid license. It's a reason to his multiple arrests. He had his vehicle impounded and despite his multiple pullovers, he still drives. He owes child support, court costs and traffic citations. Those contributing factors to why he is banned from driving. He was arrested numerous times for not appearing in court for traffic violations and misdemeanors.
He was on camera using racial slurs against an Asian-American Brookhaven, Georgia cop.
He is a subject of Real World Police videos. His antics expose the turmoils of entertainers struggling after fading from fame. Those videos with him have more views than his own music videos.
He has done things to make people believe he could be a pedophile.
He is an internet troll. He often responds to Eminem fans or critics with sexist, racist, homophobic and parental digs.
He is sabotaging Coi LeRay's rap career on purpose because of jealousy. Nicki Minaj nearly cancelled her verse on Coi LeRay's album thanks to him running his mouth.
He was threatening Coi LeRay for sharing her experiences being his daughter. Coi said that her dad is broke and after The Source fallout, he literally struggled and she claimed he needed her to appear on reality TV to at least generate a buck.
He was allegedly grooming his half-sister.
He was allegedly sleeping with his niece. That may have led to his nephew shooting him at his mother's funeral.
He is screaming Black Lives Matter whenever he has a Karen moment.
He is temporarily banned on Clubhouse for making racial, homophobic and death threats toward a gay podcast host.
He has attempted to fight Stevie Knight on a live debate where the podcast host stated his failures in life can't be blamed on Eminem.
He appeared on Drink Champs and practically embarrassed himself over Eminem.
He openly brags about doing low budget movies on Tubi.
He has openly brags about having an OnlyFans account and sharing nudity for a buck.
He has a sex tape on XVideo of him eating a woman's ass. Not safe for work.
He has a fetish where he allows women and transwomen perform sex acts on him.
He is caught on social media talking to a transgender model/activist. He begged for forgiveness towards Shauna Brooks because he had a relationship with her.
He owes millions in back taxes, took advantage of concert promoters, squatted in people's homes and broke promises to his old allies.
He admitted he used a dildo on himself. The allegations go back about 10 years ago.
He has already sabotaged his son Yung Chavo's career by dragging on the Eminem feud. Chavo previously known as Ray Ray appeared in Scott's rap video.
He was relentless trolled on social for his D'Angelo-themed "The Bigger Picture" video.
He has many videos on YouTube and none of them cracked over 500,000 views.
He had a few struggling restaurants called Benzino's Crab Trap. The locations in Atlanta and Chicago are permanently closed. The new owner successfully sued him and Stevie J for breach of contract.
He had nightclub, a seafood restaurant, a sports bar, a clothing line and a music label. All of those projects have failed because of his poor mismanagement.
He does a celebrity boxing match to make a little change cause his rap career is pretty much over.
He has no boxing skills or certification.
He has been a failure most of his adult life.
He has an Instagram account after losing several of them due to violations of terms.
He was told by his late mother Mary Scott that his violent temper will always keep him in trouble. She said that if he continues to do this, he will be left with no one.
He was sued by former business partner Dave Mays.
He has a X (formerly Twitter) account. He violated all the terms.
He has attempted to commit suicide after a woman told him about the risks of contacting a sexually transmitted infection from his acts.
He has been physically and mentally abusive towards women and tramswomen.
He has filmed his ghostwritten single "Rap Elvis" in Mom's Spaghetti.
He has filmed himself vandalizing property at Mom's Spaghetti.
He has cried alot whenever he has a nervous breakdown.
He was mocked in a YouTube podcaster's animation clip.
He has filmed his "Rap Elvis" music video and it was premiered on a pro Eminem YouTube page.
He has tried to charge people upwards to $10,000 for interviews.
He has snitched on himself whenever he is drunk, high or telling his neverending stories about being in the streets.
He has tried to unalive himself after he got into a physical assualt with his ex-girlfriend.
He has type-2 diabetes.
He has defended Bill Cosby, Sean "Puffy" Combs, Jay-Z, R. Kelly, Kobe Bryant and accused sexual predators in Black entertainment.
He has this obsession with saying "You know what I'm sayin'" when he tells his neverending stories about Eminem, his upbringing and being in the streets.
He has literally proven to Eminem, he is a "Stan."
He has snitched on himself and others.
He is considered the worst rapper in modern history.
He has no neck.
He has no fame.
It is part of an ongoing feud that has been going on for over 20 years. It is the only thing memorable about him. Besides the reality series, "Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta", Scott was the former co-owner of The Source Magazine and Hip-Hop Weekly.
He started a feud with Em to promote his album in 2002. Scott accused Em of being a "culture vulture" and a "Rap Elvis." Eminem is white and probably the most successful rappers because of his rhyming skills, not his race. Em released two devastating disses at Scott and ruined his rap career.
Scott in turn, used The Source Magazine as a weapon to trash Em. He tried to brand Em a racist after he made a demo tape dissing a Black woman. The song was blocked by Em and Scott ignored the injunction and released the single in full. Em sued the magazine and its founder Dave Mays, a white business executive and Scott's rap manager at the time. The Source ended up wasting all its money and going into bankruptcy. The magazine executives fired Mays and Scott after the feud. Mays ended up doing other ventures and Scott ended up going broke. Mays helped Scott get on reality television with Stevie J. He ended up ruining that and as of today, Scott has struggled.
Just to make this clear, Scott has tendencies to be bipolar, suicidal, violent and mentally unstable when he is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. So here the number for people dealing with mental illness and has suicidal tendencies.
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.
You can get help if you, a loved one or friend are dealing with drug abuse.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
I am certain that Scott will be talking about this feud for months. To this day, Scott blames Em, 50 Cent, Jimmy Iovine, Angie Martinez, Funkmaster Flex, Julia Beverly, Kim Osorio, Mr. Gzuz, Coi Leray, Real World Police, Althea Hart, Stevie J, Joseline Hernández, Mona Scott, NoLifeShaq, The Evolve, Crypt, Knox Hill, Stevie Knight, JayBlac, DJ Vlad, Busta Rhymes, Russell Simmons, Quincy Jones III, DJ Mister Cee, Star, Angela Yee, Wendy Williams and even his old friend Dave Mays for his fucked up situations.
What would be the best nickname for Raymond "Benzino" Scott?
Scott said that no one in the hood plays Eminem's music. He said Em's music is trailer trash and his fans voted for Donald J. Trump. He said thinks Em rhymes "masturbater in the elevator" whenever he's on the mic.
Tell me:
Has anyone in the hood ever heard of a Benzino song (other than the most recent disses)?
Or perhaps has anyone ever played any of Benzino's music?
Let me make this clear. If you believe your street credibility leads to you being arrested, financially struggling, estranged from your family, constantly angry at people, always trying win favor for unruly behavior; it's not the streets, it's you.
Raymond Scott, please get some mental health treatment. Try to repair the broken relationship with Coi and Zino. Stop capping. Act your fucking age. Stop obsessing with Eminem.
Your behavior is a totally a prediction of being a stan.
No I am not moving to Texas, but at lot of Americans are. The state is becoming one of the fastest growing second to California.
Texas, Florida and California saw population growth and are expected to continue to put pressure on the electric grid. It will continue pressuring the weather because of climate change. More continued strains on resources, possible eradication of protected species, continue denials of medical, home, flood, hurricane and vehicle insurance. Oh by the way, more stupidity.
The 10 largest cities in Texas include:
Houston 2.4 million
San Antonio 1.4 million
Dallas 1.3 million
Fort Worth 1.04 million
Austin 1.03 million.
El Paso 689,000
Arlington 405,000
Corpus Christi 324,000
Lubbock 270,000
Crime, gun violence, hurricanes, tornodoes and endless electrical grid outages are the biggest threats to Texans. However, the far right would love to scapegoat immigrants, gays, liberals and Black shoplifters as their threats.
The Canadian Texan. Ted Cruz is actually smart but pretends to be the dumbest member of the senate.
The Texas Tribune reports that Texas’ population surpassed 31 million people within the last year as the state added more residents than any other place in the country, estimates released Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau show.
However, the number of people who moved from other parts of the country slowed.
Texas added 562,941 residents between July 2023 and July 2024, census estimates show — ahead of Florida and California. That growth brought the state’s total population to 31,290,831.
The state didn’t add residents as quickly as it did the previous year, but the rate of its population growth — 1.8% — was still the third-highest in the country behind Florida and the District of Columbia.
A legendary sportscaster and brother of Bryant Gumbel has passed away from cancer. Greg Gumbel, the face of NCAA College Basketball on CBS has passed away..
Greg Gumbel is usually the face of NCAA March Maddness on CBS, TNT, TruTV and TBS. You know it was time for the best of college basketball when he showed up.
Gumbel, a longtime CBS sportscaster who broke barriers during his career calling some of the biggest sporting events, has died from cancer, according to a statement from family released by the network on Friday. He was 78.
“He leaves behind a legacy of love, inspiration and dedication to over 50 extraordinary years in the sports broadcast industry; and his iconic voice will never be forgotten,” his wife Marcy Gumbel and daughter Michelle Gumbel said in a statement.
In March, Gumbel missed his first NCAA Tournament since 1997 due to what he said at the time were family health issues.
Gumbel was the studio host for CBS since returning to the network from NBC in 1998. Gumbel signed an extension with CBS last year that allowed him to continue hosting college basketball while stepping back from NFL announcing duties.
In 2001, he announced Super Bowl 35 for CBS, becoming the first Black announcer in the U.S. to call play-by-play of a major sports championship.
David Berson, president and CEO of CBS Sports, described Gumbel as someone who broke barriers and set standards for others during his years as a voice for fans in sports, including in the NFL and March Madness.
“A tremendous broadcaster and gifted storyteller, Greg led one of the most remarkable and groundbreaking sports broadcasting careers of all time,” said Berson.
Gumbel had two stints at CBS, leaving the network for NBC when it lost football in 1994 and returning when it regained the contract in 1998.
Greg Gumbel with Bryant Gumbel as he celebrates an Emmy Award.
He hosted CBS’ coverage of the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics and called Major League Baseball games during its four-year run broadcasting the national pastime. In 1995, he hosted the World Figure Skating Championships and the following year hosted NBC’s daytime coverage of the Olympic Summer Games in Atlanta.
But it was football and basketball where he was best known and made his biggest impact. Gumbel hosted CBS’ NFL studio show, “The NFL Today” from 1990 to 1993 and again in 2004-05.
Earlier this year, Gumbel recalled replacing Brent Musburger as host of “The NFL Today” in 1990, describing it as intimidating and daunting.
“The fact that I got to sit in the same chair and do the same thing or try to do the same thing that he did was an incredible honor,” he said.
Gumbel also called NFL games as the network’s lead play-by-play announcer from 1998 to 2003, including Super Bowl 35 and 38. He returned to the NFL booth in 2005, leaving that role after the 2022 season.
“Like all who knew and loved him, I too am saddened by his death, yet also so very grateful to have known him in my life,” Clark Kellogg, a CBS Sports college basketball game and studio analyst, said in a statement. “What a gift to be touched by such a good man and partner.”
Gumbel was the older brother of Bryant Gumbel, the host of NBC’s “Today” show and “Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel” on HBO. Bryant Gumbel received a lifetime achievement award at the Sports Emmys in 2003.
Greg Gumbel grew up in Chicago and graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, in 1967 with a degree in English. He had plans to become an English teacher, but after his brother got into sportscasting, he auditioned at WMAQ-TV, an NBC affiliate in Chicago in 1973, according to the book “You Are Looking Live!: How The NFL Today Revolutionized Sports Broadcasting.” He was soon offered a position as weekend sports anchor.
“I’m kind of surprised I got the job. I certainly wasn’t anyone who was polished,” he said in the book. “By my own reckoning, it took me a good year to start to feel comfortable in front of a camera.”
Gumbel also worked for ESPN and the Madison Square Garden network.
James Brown, who currently hosts “The NFL Today,” described Gumbel on Friday as “Mr. Versatility and also very telegenic.”
“It was my pleasure to call him a friend and one who could do anything that was given to him in the wake of an assignment,” he added.
Thank you Greg.
Gumbel won local Emmy Awards during his long career and was the recipient of the 2007 Pat Summerall Award for excellence in sports broadcasting.
Outside of his career as a sportscaster, he was affiliated with the March of Dimes for three decades, including as a member of its board of trustees. He also was a member of the Sports Council for St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital for 16 years.
Thank you Carlos Latuff for making political cartoons that make a lot of sense.
As President Joe Biden finishes up his term, he is pardoning and commuting hundreds of Americans in the federal time out. Some convicted of drug offenses like marijuana trafficking.
Many American states have legalized marijuana.
Here in Ohio, we passed a referendum that legalized marijuana. Republicans have tried to pass legislation to make it more difficult and expensive to purchase marijuana.
Many conservatives and far right agitators are pissed Biden commuted and reduced penalties for convicted murderers. It's not like he is going to allow them to be free.
At this point, he does not care what you think of him. Y'all elected Donald J. Trump as the president. There are no standards.
Biden announced Monday that he is commuting the death sentences of 37 inmates, leaving only three people on death row in federal prisons.
The commuted sentences will be reclassified to life sentences without the possibility of parole, according to the White House.
"These commutations are consistent with the moratorium my Administration has imposed on federal executions, in cases other than terrorism and hate-motivated mass murder," Biden said in a statement. "Make no mistake: I condemn these murderers, grieve for the victims of their despicable acts, and ache for all the families who have suffered unimaginable and irreparable loss.
“But guided by my conscience and my experience as a public defender, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Vice President, and now President, I am more convinced than ever that we must stop the use of the death penalty at the federal level,” Biden added in his statement. “In good conscience, I cannot stand back and let a new administration resume executions that I halted.”
The three men who remain on federal death row are Robert Bowers, who killed 11 people in the Tree of Life Synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh in 2018; Dylann Roof, who killed nine people in a shooting at a historically Black church in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2015; and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, one of the Boston Marathon bombers in 2013.
As a presidential candidate, Biden argued in 2019 that "we must eliminate the death penalty."
I mean he just gave them a LIFE without graduation. Seriously, he did not let them free.
In 2021, Attorney General Merrick Garland issued a moratorium on federal executions. No federal inmates have been executed during Biden's presidency.
Zero fucks. He will leave with people pissed at him regardless of what he does.
However, the Justice Department said this year that it would seek the death penalty for the white supremacist who killed 10 Black people in a shooting at a Buffalo, New York, grocery store in 2022.
Beyond federal death sentences, about half of states allow the death penalty. More than two dozen people have been executed this year, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Around 2,200 people are on death row across the country.
One of the inmates whose sentences Biden will commute, Billie Allen, has maintained his innocence.
"I want to believe that he's going to do the right thing," Allen said about Biden in an interview last month, adding, "As someone who's innocent, he should do the right thing sooner instead of later."
Allen also said he felt his hope was "cut off" when Donald Trump won the presidential election last month. Hours after the news of the commutations broke, Allen told NBC News that he had been preparing to be executed under the incoming administration.
“I prepared my last will and testament and sent it off to my sister,” he said.
Allen was sentenced to death in 1998 over a bank robbery in which a security guard was shot and killed. Allen has asked the government to look at DNA evidence that he says will exonerate him.
“I am grateful, and I will say, on behalf of most of the people here, they are grateful as well,” he said. “Most of the people in here when they heard the news, is, ‘this is a second chance for me to be better.’”
Around the time of Trump's election, some of the correctional staff members taunted inmates at the prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, according to a death row inmate and two federal defenders. Execution rehearsals have also increased at the prison, where almost all federal death row inmates are incarcerated, in the lead-up to Trump's inauguration, according to the same sources.
A Federal Bureau of Prisons spokesperson declined to comment on the allegations about correctional staff members out of "privacy concerns."
"However, we can share that the Federal Bureau of Prisons is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals in our population, our employees, and the public," said the spokesperson, Emery Nelson. "Humane treatment of the men and women in our custody is a top priority. Allegations of misconduct are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken if such allegations are proven true."
Trump said on the campaign trail that he would push for the Justice Department to seek the death penalty for drug dealers.
"We’re going to be asking everyone who sells drugs, gets caught, to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts," Trump said when he launched his 2024 campaign.
He has also called for the death penalty for "any migrant who kills an American citizen or a law enforcement officer."
Thirteen federal prisoners were put to death during Trump's first term — all in the last six months he was in office. Before that, the most recent federal execution was in 2003.
Kelley Henry is a federal defender for Rejon Taylor, one of the inmates being taken off of death row by Biden's action. Henry previously represented Lisa Montgomery, who was executed in the final days of the first Trump administration. She said the rapid pace of federal executions at the end of the Trump administration was "brutal."
"It was like the legal system was suspended, is the best way I can put it," she said in an interview last month.
Reached for comment about use of the death penalty during the end of Trump's last term and his plans for his next term, Trump transition spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said he will stick with his campaign vows.
"President Trump meant what he said on the campaign trail: he will enforce the death penalty for drug dealers who knowingly sell deadly poison to their fellow Americans, and illegal immigrant criminals who kill innocent American citizens," she said in a statement. "He will deliver on these promises."
Another Trump transition spokesperson, Steven Cheung, also condemned Biden's action.
“These are among the worst killers in the world and this abhorrent decision by Joe Biden is a slap in the face to the victims, their families, and their loved ones,” Cheung said, adding that Trump "stands for the rule of law."
House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., used similar language to criticize the commutations in a post on X, calling the move "a slap in the face to the families who have suffered immeasurably at the hands of these animals.”
Trump would need congressional support to expand the types of crimes for which prosecutors could seek the death penalty, and any changes would be likely to face legal challenges.
Trump would need congressional support to expand the types of crimes for which prosecutors could seek the death penalty, and any changes would be likely to face legal challenges.
Biden this month commuted the sentences of nearly 1,500 nonviolent offenders and pardoned an additional 39 people, saying in a statement that "America was built on the promise of possibility and second chances."
Biden also pardoned his son Hunter Biden, who was set to be sentenced on a federal gun charges conviction, as well as a separate case in which he pleaded guilty to federal tax evasion charges. The president had said he would not pardon his son.
NBC News has reported that Biden is considering issuing pre-emptive pardons for people whom he thinks Trump might legally target during his second administration.
Mega Millions got $1 billion reasons. Also in April prices go up to $5.
In April, Mega Millions will increase the price of tickets to $5 dollars.
It really must be bad for the casino and gaming industry. I am not talking much about it. Ohio has seven racinos and four casinos. I used to work for two of them.
Since being let go, I stopped gambling and also tightened my wallet. I work at a non union company that doesn't pay enough and I feel like it is starting to affect my health. I am experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome and I fear that health insurance will not cover any medical expenses.
I haven't taken an actual vacation since 2016.
Still, if I decide to pay the lottery and win.... siranora.
Mega Millions for Friday has a jackpot of $1.15 billion.
The Cash Fever, a series of honest takes on how to be a smart jackpot winner. And take my word for it, it comes in handy when you enter a new tax bracket.
So once again, if you are willing to risk a few dollars, maybe you could become a billionaire.
With these polarizing times, maybe if you do win, you could leave the United States and find a tax haven in a green notice country or territory.
Things to get out the way.....
In about 23 states, you can remain anonymous. But if you are willing to show yourself to the public, here we go.....
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?
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.
If you win tonight's $760,000,000 lottery jackpot (8th largest in history) here are 7 things to do ASAP:
1) Don't sign the ticket (first set up a trust to stay anonymous & protect your assets)
2) Don't tell anyone. Don't be a victim of robbery or death.
3) Hire 6 experts ASAP:
— Andrew Lokenauth | TheFinanceNewsletter.com (@FluentInFinance) December 17, 2024
4. Make copies of your ticket (both digital and print copies, on both sides)
Keep digital copies of the ticket in encrypted cloud storage and an external hard drive.
Then hide the ticket somewhere safe in case you lose the original.
— Andrew Lokenauth | TheFinanceNewsletter.com (@FluentInFinance) December 25, 2024
6. Create a trust to protect your assets and accept your money anonymously.
The trust will protect your assets from lawsuits, creditors, and scammers.
— Andrew Lokenauth | TheFinanceNewsletter.com (@FluentInFinance) December 25, 2024
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.
You can get help if you, a loved one or friend is dealing with drug abuse.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
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.
The person has trouble adjusting to increases in lottery prices and rule changes.
The person usually holds up lines in businesses due to inconsistent demands or repetitive calls of plays and bets.
The person often uses phone apps to purchase lottery tickets and sports bets without consideration of funds.
The person is upset when family members, friends or frequent winners win jackpots or prizes.
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 is 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 until 2025. Some states have multiplier options to their games which could make your ticket $3 or $4 per unit. That will soon end and it will be a direct price of $5 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.
Do not believe the news reports about a winner coming forward immediately after the announcement of a winning ticket being sold. If the winner was smart, they would wait until the media moves on to the latest controversy. When you see a person appear in public 24 hours after a win, it is a publicity stunt or a grift. Many winners do not appear until they are in the presence of lottery officials, security and lawyers.
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. If I choose to not write my name on the ticket, I will prepare a trust fund. 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.
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 former lovers, 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. People are willing to rob and sometimes kill if you reveal yourself as a lottery winner.
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 life is full of uncertainty. Winning the lottery has higher odds than catching the coronavirus or being struck . 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 in 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. Expensive vehicles include more insurance rates. More homes require use of electricity or water resources. Overseas vacations are nice but you must check with the State Department if you travel to countries that could pose danger to you as an American. Think rational about your winnings. Because at the end of the day, you can blow millions in a matter of five years.
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.
This is not a joke.
This my opinion and I stand by what I say!
Tennessee man tried to bury a winning lottery ticket in the trash. Turns out cameras and the Tennessee State Lottery investigators found the man stole a winner's $1 million ticket.
Now onto the greed of things.
A Tennessee gas station clerk is facing charges after being accused of stealing a $1 million lottery ticket from a customer and trying to collect the prize money.
The 23-year-old, who worked at a Shell gas station in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, was identified as Meer Patel. He was arrested and charged with theft over $250,000, a Class A felony, according to a news release from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office obtained by USA TODAY. He is being housed at Rutherford County Adult Detention Center.
The customer, who was not identified, purchased two $20 scratch-off tickets from the store on Saturday, July 13, WTVF reported.
After scratching off the barcodes, the customer reportedly returned them to Patel to confirm if he had won. The outlet reported that the man won $40 for one ticket and $1 million for the other.
However, "during the transaction, the [customer] gave the tickets to Patel, who paid him for the lesser amount and allegedly placed the $1 million ticket in the trash," the sheriff's office said.
Detectives alleged that Patel went to the Tennessee Lottery to attempt to claim the prize, but the officials were suspicious. When lottery officials reviewed the store's security footage, it showed the clerk taking the ticket out of the trash and putting it in his pocket, according to the sheriff's office.
"Mr. Patel is then seen later in the video celebrating in the store after scratching off the front of the ticket and learning it was a $1 million winner," Detective Dennis Ward said.
During the investigation, law enforcement used the store footage to track down the customer, locating him in less than 24 hours. The customer was "surprised" to learn about the winning ticket.
"The feel-good side of this story is the [customer] never knew he was the winner until we made contact with him," Detective Lt. Steve Craig said. "That is life-changing money. He was very thankful."
The suspect is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
