.jpg)
Members of the Central Park Five, who were wrongfully convicted of rape and assault, spoke at the Democratic convention on Thursday, criticizing former President Trump for his past calls for their execution. They didn't hold back, expressing their outrage over his actions and statements.
The Department of Justice has indicted a man from the Prescott area this week, following allegations that he intended to target a Bad Bunny concert in Atlanta in an attempt to incite a "race war."
Handling live calls on television can be challenging, as evidenced by a recent incident on C-SPAN. On Monday, host Greta Brawner received a contentious call from "Dave in Texas," who criticized the perceived lack of gratitude from Black individuals towards Union soldiers in relation to Juneteenth.
A devastating mass shooting in Maine has left 22 people dead and over 60 injured, marking the deadliest such incident in the state's history. The gunman, identified as Army Reservist Robert Card, had a known history of mental health issues.
In a video obtained by WMTW-TV 8, taken from a New York State Police body camera, Card is seen being interviewed by officers at Camp Smith in Cortlandt, New York, on July 16, 2023. This footage provides a glimpse into Card’s interactions with law enforcement months before the tragic event.
Army officials are scheduled to testify on March 7, 2024, before a special commission that is investigating the mass shooting. The testimony will address the circumstances surrounding the incident and the mental health challenges faced by Card, offering crucial insights into the factors that led to this horrific event.
In his address, Jason Carter highlighted the enduring legacy of his grandfather, emphasizing the former president’s lifelong commitment to service. He drew a connection between that legacy and Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that she embodies the same dedication to public service. Carter also shared that his grandfather, who is nearing 100 years old, is eager to cast his vote for Harris in the upcoming election.
Who is Jason Carter? Jason Carter is a former Georgia state senator and the grandson of President Jimmy Carter. In 2014, he was the Democratic nominee for governor of Georgia but was defeated by then-Governor Nathan Deal. Today, he serves as a lawyer and the chair of the Carter Center, a human rights organization founded by his grandparents in 1982.
His Role: Jason Carter continues to uphold the values and mission of his grandfather, who spent his life advocating for peace and defending democracy both in the United States and internationally. As an emissary of that legacy, Jason plays a crucial role in continuing the Carter family’s commitment to these ideals.
Key Quote: "My grandfather can’t wait to vote for Kamala Harris. She reminds us all that the promise of America remains unchanged. We are one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all, and my grandfather knows that with her as our next president, we will keep that promise."
Senator John Fetterman has decided to skip the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this week, opting instead to spend quality time with his three children. In an interview with The Free Press, Fetterman explained, "I’ve got three young kids, and they’re out of school. That’s four days I can spend with my children."
Fetterman, a Democrat from Pennsylvania, revealed that his decision to forego the convention was made well before the pivotal debate on June 27 that significantly impacted the Democratic primary. That debate led to a series of unexpected events, culminating in President Joe Biden stepping out of the race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris, who then secured enough delegate votes to become the Democratic nominee even before the convention.
The decision to stay home has not been without controversy. Fetterman has faced criticism from within his party, particularly from progressive factions, due to his unwavering support for Israel during the ongoing conflict in Gaza. His stance, which has included displaying photos of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas in his office and opposing calls for a cease-fire, has put him at odds with some of his more progressive colleagues. Even his communications director, Carrie Adams, has expressed disagreement with his views on the Middle East conflict.
Fetterman’s position on Israel contrasts sharply with the progressive image he cultivated during his time as mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, and during his 2022 Senate campaign, where he championed issues such as raising the minimum wage and protecting LGBTQ+ rights. His casual appearance, often featuring hoodies and shorts, also contributed to his reputation as a progressive outsider. However, since his Senate race, Fetterman has distanced himself from the progressive label, referring to himself simply as "just a Democrat."
Despite the tension between Fetterman and parts of the Democratic Party, he has continued to support the party’s broader goals. Though he expressed disappointment at Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race, Fetterman endorsed Kamala Harris, posting a fundraising link for her on social media and declaring his full support for her presidential bid. He also participated in a Harris-Walz rally in Philadelphia on August 6, further solidifying his commitment to the party’s future.
Hundreds of law enforcement officers are actively searching for Ramone Alston, a 30-year-old convicted murderer, who escaped from custody after being transported to a hospital in North Carolina, according to the state’s Department of Adult Correction.
Alston, who was serving a life sentence, managed to break free from a prison transport vehicle on Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at around 7 a.m. at the U.N.C. Hospitals Hillsborough Campus, where Alston was brought for a medical appointment. According to authorities, Alston freed himself from his leg restraints while still handcuffed and made a dash into nearby woods as soon as the vehicle door was opened.
By midday Wednesday, the search had expanded to cover 1,335 acres, involving 335 law enforcement officers from 19 different agencies, as reported by Keith Acree, the department’s communications director.
Kirby Saunders, the emergency services director for Orange County, assured the public that Alston is no longer believed to be in the immediate area, reducing the imminent threat to the community. However, authorities suspect that Alston may have received assistance in his escape, though they have not provided specific details. A $35,000 reward for information has generated numerous tips, with two considered particularly promising, according to Orange County Sheriff Charles S. Blackwood.
Alston was convicted in 2018 for his role in a 2015 shooting that tragically killed a 1-year-old girl on Christmas Day. Although his lawyers argued that Alston did not fire the fatal shot, he was sentenced to life in prison and was being held at Bertie Correctional Institution, over 100 miles from the Hillsborough medical campus.
James D. Williams Jr., a Durham-based lawyer who represented Alston during the 2015 investigation, stated that he had not been in contact with Alston and learned about the escape from news reports.
Questions have been raised about why Alston was taken to a medical facility so far from his prison. Acree explained that the Hillsborough campus was chosen because the appointment was a follow-up with a specific provider at that location, and the transfer was necessary due to medical requirements.
Details about the ongoing search remain limited, as law enforcement is cautious about revealing too much information publicly. Officials acknowledge that Alston may have already left the state.
“The ground search phase is winding down,” Acree stated during a Wednesday press conference, indicating that the focus will now shift to investigating leads and tips. When captured, Alston is expected to be placed in a maximum-security facility, likely Central Prison in Raleigh.
