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Sheila Jackson Lee, Long-Serving Democratic Congresswoman and Advocate for Black Americans, Dies at 74

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Sheila Jackson Lee, Long-Serving Democratic Congresswoman and Advocate for Black Americans, Dies at 74

Sheila Jackson Lee, a longtime Democratic congresswoman from Texas who was an outspoken advocate for Black Americans for decades, has died. She was 74.

“Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of United States Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas,” her family said in a statement Friday.

Jackson Lee announced in June that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. At the time, she acknowledged that “the road ahead will not be easy” and said she had “faith that God will strengthen me.”

Her family remembered her as “a fierce champion of the people,” saying that “she was affectionately and simply known as ‘Congresswoman’ by her constituents in recognition of her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.”

Born on January 12, 1950, in Queens, New York, Jackson Lee was among the first women to graduate from Yale University and served as a Houston municipal judge and a city councilwoman before she was first elected to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District in 1994, unseating a Democratic incumbent in the primary for the Houston-area seat.

During her congressional tenure, Jackson Lee was an outspoken advocate for marginalized communities and Black Americans. She was one of the sponsors of legislation establishing Juneteenth as a national holiday, frequently spoke out against police brutality, and advocated federal legislation to prosecute police misconduct.

She was widely admired and sometimes controversial for her opposition to the Iraq War and as a fierce critic of former President Donald Trump. She opposed the tallying of the electoral votes that certified Trump as the winner of the 2016 election, citing an unfounded claim about “massive voter suppression,” and occasionally used her position on the House Judiciary Committee to excoriate members of Trump’s circle.

While she was often unsuccessful in some of her most ambitious aims, Jackson Lee remained a prominent and vocal figure, particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s killing by a member of the police in 2020.

Did Police in Kenya Catch a Serial Killer or Coerce a Confession?-NYT

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Did Police in Kenya Catch a Serial Killer or Coerce a Confession?-NYT

Days after the arrest and public display of the suspected killer of 42 people in Kenya, the New York Times, in its publication of July 19, 2024, asked a pertinent question: “Did Police in Kenya Catch a Serial Killer or Coerce a Confession?”

The authorities in Kenya announced the arrest of the man suspected of being a serial killer, linked to the gruesome discovery of at least 10 sacks filled with body parts found in an abandoned dump, according to the NYT. The suspect allegedly confessed to killing 42 women, including his own wife, over the past two years. However, questions are arising about the validity of the confession and the police’s handling of the case.

The case came to light when 26-year-old Josephine Owino, a hair braider from the Mukuru Kwa Njenga shantytown in Nairobi, disappeared one morning last month. She had left abruptly to meet someone who had just called her. Her younger sister, Peris Keya, desperate to find Josephine, approached three different police stations, pleading for help, but her cries went unheard.

The shantytown of Mukuru Kwa Njenga in Nairobi, Kenya where a man who police say confessed to being a serial killer lived in close quarters with his neighbors.

Ms. Keya’s determination led her to a startling dream in which her sister appeared, guiding her to a hill and beseeching her to search in a pool of water. Fueled by this vision, Keya persuaded local men to help her search an abandoned quarry filled with floating trash. They discovered sacks containing dismembered body parts, much to her horror.

After learning of the horrific discovery, the police launched an investigation that resulted in the arrest of Collins Jumaasi Khalusha, 33. According to the authorities, Khalusha confessed to the murder of 42 women, disposing of their bodies in a dump located disturbingly close to a police station.

However, controversy has surrounded the confession. Khalusha’s lawyer accused the police of using torture to extract the confession, casting doubt on its authenticity. The rapid progression from the discovery of the body parts to the arrest and confession of Khalusha has left many Kenyans skeptical and suspicious of the police’s methods.

The police have defended their actions, stating that they traced the suspect through forensic analysis of a cellphone belonging to one of the victims. They claim that this critical evidence links Khalusha to heinous crimes.

The corridor leading to the room that residents said Collins Jumaisi Khalusha, the accused serial killer, rented. A neighbor said it would have been impossible to kill and dismember people undetected in such close quarters.

The discovery of the body parts near a police station has sent shockwaves through the community, igniting fear and speculation about how such a prolific killer could operate unnoticed for so long. Human rights activists and critics are now demanding an independent investigation into the police’s conduct, arguing that the police might have coerced a confession from Khalusha to cover up their own negligence and failures.

This case has also brought to light the broader issue of police inefficiency and disregard for missing persons cases in Nairobi. Ms. Keya and other families have shared harrowing accounts of their attempts to report their missing relatives, only to encounter police indifference and inaction.

“I had to take matters into my own hands,” said Ms. Keya, recalling her futile pleas to the police to search for her sister. “The police kept saying they were too busy, or they would brush my sister’s toddler away when I brought him along.”

The discovery of body parts so close to a police station has sparked serious concerns about the police’s vigilance and commitment to community protection. Human rights groups are now demanding transparency and accountability, scrutinizing the police’s handling of the case to ensure justice for the victims and their families.

3 Women Arrested for Allegedly Stealing a Baby at Kasoa, Ghana

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3 Women Arrested for Allegedly Stealing a Baby at Kasoa, Ghana

Kasoa, Ghana – The Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit at the Kasoa Divisional Police Command, DOVVSU Department, led by DSP Doris Laryea, has arrested three suspects for allegedly stealing a baby at Kasoa Ofaakor, Ghana.

The suspects are Magdalene Nana Adwoa Boafo, 28, Faustina Binney, 32, and Eunice Koomson, 36, a teacher at Ebenezer High Academy, a private basic school in Ofaakor.

Police sources say Nana Adwoa Boafo, the prime suspect, approached the mother of the baby, Abigail Addison, who was eight months pregnant and selling pure water in traffic at Ofaakor in the Awutu Senya East municipality. She offered to assist her financially and ensure she delivered safely.

She later introduced her to the other two suspects, Eunice Koomson and Faustina Binney, who pretended to be offering genuine support but had ulterior motives. The police report said to cover up their intentions, the suspects rented an apartment for Abigail at Kasoa Lamptey, a suburb of the Adam Nana Electoral Area.

They continued to offer the 29-year-old a little support until she delivered at the Kasoa Polyclinic on July 10, 2024.

However, the kind gesture changed when the victim and her baby were discharged from the hospital. The suspects were said to have introduced another woman to Abigail as a nurse at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital who would treat her baby for an infection. This, according to the police, was just a ploy to steal the baby.

The suspects never returned to the victim two days later, crying uncontrollably, claiming the baby had died at Korle-Bu and had been buried.

The landlord of the victims, Ebenezer Arthur, in an interview with Adom News, said he was appalled by their actions and reported the matter to Kasoa Police.

Nigeria Grapples with Cholera Outbreak as Authorities Urge Proper Hygiene

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Nigeria Grapples with Cholera Outbreak as Authorities Urge Proper Hygiene

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian government is currently grappling with a cholera outbreak that has swept through the West African nation. As authorities work tirelessly to contain the spread of this diarrheal disease, medical experts are urging residents to maintain proper hygiene when handling food and liquids.

Dr. Adewale Adeleye emphasized that thorough hand washing and safe food and water practices are crucial in preventing the spread of cholera. He advised citizens to heed all health advisories and take proactive measures, as the disease is highly transmissible. “The cause of cholera is usually the contamination of food or water by the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Ensuring safe water, environmental hygiene, and proper hand washing are key preventive measures,” explained Dr. Adeleye. He also stressed the importance of safe food handling and preparation.

While vaccines are available for those at high risk, Dr. Adeleye noted that mass immunization is not currently advisable for cholera. “These vaccines are typically meant for specific at-risk groups, and their immunity wanes after two to three years, requiring booster doses,” he said.

In Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, authorities report progress in their efforts to combat the outbreak. Professor Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, reassured residents that the situation is under control and encouraged them to continue their daily activities while adhering to recommended hygiene practices.

Jide Idris, head of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, stated that the government is committed to minimizing the impact of cholera on citizens’ health. Since June 2024, when we alerted the public, the federal government has been actively responding to the cholera outbreak,” he said.

As of July 15, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention reported over 3,600 suspected cholera cases and 103 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 2.8 percent. Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, is primarily waterborne and linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation facilities. It is commonly transmitted through the ingestion of contaminated food or water, particularly affecting those in rural areas with poor hygiene practices and limited access to safe drinking water.

The Associated Press

125 Islamic Bandits Killed, 200 Arrested in One Week in Nigeria – Defense HQ

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125 Islamic Bandits Killed, 200 Arrested in One Week in Nigeria – Defense HQ

Abuja, Nigeria – In a bid to combat increasing crude oil theft, the Nigerian Army has reported that its operatives conducted raids across the Niger Delta region, resulting in 125 deaths, 200 arrests, and the recovery of ammunition in the past week.

This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Friday, and made available to our correspondent.

Buba said the redesigned strategy of the Armed Forces aims to curb the menace of crude oil theft through a comprehensive approach.

The statement read, “During the week under review, troops neutralized 125 and arrested 200 persons. Troops also arrested 20 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 140 kidnapped hostages. In the South-South, troops denied the theft of the estimated sum of N744,153,900 million.”

The statement added, “Troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 assorted ammunition. The breakdown is as follows: 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 22 Dane guns, one SMG rifle, seven pump action guns, one fabricated Beretta pistol, seven locally made guns, five mortar bombs, unexploded ordinances, and two small rubber gun powder.”

Buba noted that troops discovered and destroyed 11 dugout pits, five boats, 20 storage tanks, 31 cooking ovens, five vehicles, three mobile phones, and 31 illegal refining sites, adding that 715,325 liters of stolen crude oil and 148,415 liters of illegally refined AGO were recovered.

Alabama Man Shoots Down 5 People, Including His Wife and 2 Kids

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Alabama Man Shoots Down 5 People, Including His Wife and 2 Kids

An Alabama man has been charged with capital murder in the shooting deaths of five people, including his wife and two children, authorities said.

The quintuple homicide occurred in West Blocton in Bibb County on Thursday around 10 p.m. CT, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation.

The suspect, Brandon Kendrick, 32, is accused of fatally shooting his wife, 24-year-old Kelsey Kendrick, a 2-year-old, two 6-year-olds, and a 9-year-old, ALEA said.

Among the juvenile victims, two were the suspect’s children and two were relatives, according to ALEA.

Kendrick was arrested and has been charged with five counts of capital murder. He has been booked into the Bibb County Jail with no bond.

It is unclear if he has an attorney.

ALEA’s State Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the quintuple homicide.

No additional information has been released amid the ongoing investigation, including an alleged motive.

The agency’s findings will be turned over to Alabama’s Fourth Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

Ben Affleck’s Harsh Warning to Daughter Violet Revealed–18-Year-Old Struggles with ‘Ridicule’ Over Pro-Mask Speech

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Ben Affleck’s Harsh Warning to Daughter Violet Revealed–18-Year-Old Struggles with ‘Ridicule’ Over Pro-Mask Speech

Los Angeles, CA – Ben Affleck has advised his daughter Violet to be ‘realistic’ about her campaigning and not to rely on his celebrity status after the 18-year-old was left ‘extremely disheartened’ by the response to her speech on mask mandates.

Violet Affleck, 18, called for an end to all ‘mask bans’ in medical facilities and government buildings during an impassioned plea to the governing body for Los Angeles County last week. In her speech, she detailed her experience of contracting a ‘post-viral condition’ in 2019. Her unexpected speech, which lasted just over a minute, proved divisive, with some praising her ‘courageous’ stance, while others branded her ‘utterly deluded.’

Violet, the eldest daughter of Ben, 51, and his ex-wife Jennifer Garner, 52, is reportedly struggling with the ‘ridicule’ and feels ‘alone’ in her fight to strengthen pandemic-era protections.

“While Ben and Jen will always support their daughter, Ben had a conversation with her and told her that she needs to be realistic about this because he doesn’t want her to waste all of her time putting effort into something that probably won’t make a difference in the long run,” an insider told DailyMail.com.

“Ben knows how strongly she feels about this, but now that Violet is an adult, he felt that it was important to warn her that she is David fighting Goliath and that most people are just not going to see things the same way she does about this,” the insider added.

It has been reported that Violet feels if her parents’ star power was going to be able to help her accomplish what she wanted, which in this case, it is not.

During her speech, Violet urged the board to ‘confront the long COVID crisis’ by implementing stricter regulations, offering high-quality tests, and opposing a ban on masks.

She also advocated for improving air filtration and Far-UVC light in government facilities, and demanded an end to ‘all mask bans and mask mandates in medical facilities,’ she said.

Two Dead and 28 Sick from Sliced Deli Meat Contaminated with Deadly Bacteria

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Two Dead and 28 Sick from Sliced Deli Meat Contaminated with Deadly Bacteria

July 19, 2024 – A listeria outbreak linked to sliced deli meats has resulted in two deaths and the sickness of more than two dozen individuals across 12 states, according to an announcement by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC reported that 28 people have been sickened by listeria bacteria, traced back to sliced deli meats. The outbreak has claimed the lives of two individuals, while the others have been hospitalized. The health agency is advising the public to avoid eating deli meats unless they are reheated to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to eliminate the bacteria.

Keeping deli meats refrigerated does not prevent listeria contamination. CDC investigators are actively collecting data to pinpoint the exact sources of the listeria outbreak. “Many people in this outbreak are reporting eating meats that they had sliced at deli counters,” the CDC stated.

In interviews conducted by the CDC, 16 out of 18 individuals reported consuming sliced deli meats such as turkey, liverwurst, and ham from supermarket and grocery store delis. The agency is continuing its investigation to determine which specific deli meats are contaminated. “We do not have information to show that people are getting sick from prepackaged deli meats,” officials noted.

FILE – A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sign stands at the entrance of their offices in Atlanta on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. On Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, the head of nation’s top public health agency announced a shake-up of the organization, in a bid to respond to ongoing criticism and try to make it more nimble. (AP Photo/Ron Harris, File)

The CDC has not yet disclosed which specific products have been affected. However, they confirmed that all 28 individuals have been hospitalized, with samples collected from the sick between May 29, 2024, and July 5, 2024.

Among the reported cases is a pregnant woman who successfully recovered from the infection. The two fatalities occurred in residents of Illinois and New Jersey. Affected individuals range from 32 years old to 94 years old.

The CDC emphasized the risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems or pregnant women. These groups are advised to take extra precautions, including avoiding deli meats unless properly reheated.

The health agency also advises cleaning all surfaces and containers that may have come into contact with deli meats to prevent further spread of the bacteria.

Jennifer Lopez Switches from Diamond ‘Ben’ to ‘Jennifer’ Necklace Amid Ben Affleck Divorce Rumors

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Jennifer Lopez Switches from Diamond ‘Ben’ to ‘Jennifer’ Necklace Amid Ben Affleck Divorce Rumors

Jennifer Lopez, the 54-year-old multi-hyphenate star, was recently seen leaving her upscale Equinox gym in The Hamptons, making what appears to be a silent statement about her personal life. The sighting comes amidst swirling rumors of marital troubles with husband Ben Affleck, as the couple hasn’t been photographed together in nearly 50 days.

In a move that’s raising eyebrows, Lopez has traded her gold ‘Ben’ heart necklace for a brand-new diamond-encrusted necklace bearing her own name, ‘Jennifer,’ in cursive script. This change in jewelry is being interpreted by many as a potential sign of relationship turmoil, given the couple’s history of wearing each other’s names as accessories.

The “On The Floor” singer put on a busty display in a black tank top that appeared to be a size too small, showcasing her impressive abs. She paired this with white drawstring slacks and a NY Yankees cap – a notable choice given her ex-boyfriend Alex Rodriguez’s history with the team. Her highlighted hair was worn down as she made her way to a gold car driven by a female friend.

The couple, affectionately dubbed “Bennifer” by fans, has been the subject of divorce rumors for several weeks. Sources claim they’ve been living apart for months, with Affleck reportedly residing in a $100,000-per-month rental home near his ex-wife Jennifer Garner. The couple’s $68 million Beverly Hills mansion has recently been put on the market, fueling speculation about the state of their relationship.

Despite the rumors, sources close to the family suggest that the couple’s combined five children are working behind the scenes to reconcile their parents. An insider told DailyMail.com, “The kids think Jennifer and Ben are really, deeply in love, like soul mates and they don’t want them to divorce.” The children are reportedly highlighting each parent’s positive attributes and encouraging them to work through their issues.

As Lopez approaches her 55th birthday on July 24, there’s speculation about whether the couple will reunite for a family celebration. She’s been spotted in the Hamptons, laying low and enjoying bike rides, while Affleck has been seen in Los Angeles working on new projects.

While divorce rumors persist, some sources suggest there’s still hope for reconciliation. Us Weekly reported that there’s a “sliver of hope” the couple could work things out, with Lopez allegedly suggesting they “take time to figure it out.” As of now, both Lopez and Affleck continue to wear their wedding rings, leaving fans and observers speculating about the future of one of Hollywood’s most famous couples.

As this high-profile relationship continues to make headlines, the public remains captivated by every move Lopez and Affleck make, from jewelry choices to real estate decisions. Whether this is truly the end of Bennifer 2.0 or just another chapter in their complex love story remains to be seen.

Daily MailOnline

Small City Branded ‘America’s Jihad Capital’, Where Nobody Will Vote Biden or Trump

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Small City Branded ‘America’s Jihad Capital’, Where Nobody Will Vote Biden or Trump

Dearborn, a city labeled ‘America’s jihad capital’ by the Wall Street Journal has become fiercely divided over the war in Gaza as residents refuse to vote for either candidate in the presidential election.

Dearborn, a small city near Detroit, Michigan, is home to America’s largest Arab American community. The mood amongst locals has significantly shifted as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount, with little indication of a political solution in the near future.

Residents of Dearborn believe America’s political leaders are playing a major role in enabling the suffering caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Their apathy towards the upcoming election is dwindling by the day.

Abu Bilal, owner of Oriental Fashion – a clothing store on Dearborn’s Warren Avenue, demanded to know ‘where is the humanity’ as he discussed the killings of 90 Palestinian civilians with The Guardian. A man getting his hair cut at the Al-Rehab Barber Shop on Dearborn’s Maple Street said – in Arabic – that he doesn’t care who becomes president following the November election. “It won’t make any difference to him,” he added.

His barber agreed, saying that he didn’t vote in 2020 and doesn’t plan to this year.

Joe Biden won the battleground state in 2020 by just 154,000 votes – and the demise in political spirit could be harmful to his ability to take the key swing state come November. Election turnout in Dearborn was 10 percent higher in 2020 than the previous election in 2016 – Biden also won 10 percent more votes than Hillary did.

These statistics suggest that voters were energized in 2020, but word on the streets of Dearborn, per The Guardian, is that this year’s attitudes could not be more different.

During the Democratic primaries in February, 6,432 Dearborn voters chose Senator Bernie Sanders in protest of Biden’s support of Israel’s war.

The city held a campaign rally at a school near Dearborn on Friday – but Arab Americans interviewed by the paper rejected the campaign’s bid to win their votes.

The general community was aware that the administration had sent campaign officials to “listen to us about Palestine,” and while it says a lot, that he sees us as no more than votes or numbers, not as human beings. “Our people back home need to be killed,” Jenin Yaseen, an Arab-American who works as a cashier at the West Bank, stated.

Residents in Dearborn told The Guardian they are tired of the government’s policies and Biden’s general support for Israel. They feel betrayed and disillusioned with both political parties, leading to a growing sense of apathy and frustration.

Daily MailOnline

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