News
Disgraced singer R. Kelly sentenced to 30 years in sex trafficking case
R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping and other sex-related crimes.
R. Kelly has been sentenced to 30 years for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, kidnapping and other sex-related crimes. In September, a jury found Kelly guilty on all nine federal charges: one count of racketeering and eight counts of violating the Mann Act.
R. Kelly sentenced
The diagraced singer did not react as US District Judge Ann Donnelly handed down the sentence after listening to statements from seven victims during an hours-long hearing in Brooklyn federal court.
“With every addition of a new victim, you grew in wickedness,” said one survivor, Jovante Cunningham, who spoke in a stern voice and stared directly at her abuser.
“You used your fame and power to groom and coach underage boys and girls for your own sexual gratification.”
Racketeering and violating the Mann Act
Robert Kelly, 55, was convicted on nine charges, including racketeering and violating the Mann Act, which bars interstate transportation of women and girls for “immoral purposes.”
Prosecutors painted Kelly as a serial predator over decades who used his fame to exploit his victims, and asked the judge for a sentence of more than 25 years. His defense asked for less than 10.
“R. Kelly used his fame, fortune and enablers to prey on the young, the vulnerable and
the voiceless for his own sexual gratification, while many turned a blind eye,” said Breon Peace, US Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
“With today’s sentence he has finally and appropriately been held accountable for his decades of abuse, exploitation and degradation of teenagers and other vulnerable young people.”
Kelly still faces charges in Minnesota for engaging in prostitution with a minor, as well as federal charges in Illinois for pornography and obstruction.
News
5-year-old helps save his family from house fire
5-year-old Juwan Perry Jr. is being held a hero after saving his family from a house fire. Juwan’s mom says if it wasn’t for her son they likely wouldn’t have survived.
5-year-old Juwan Perry Jr is being held a hero after alerting his mother to a house fire, saving his family lives.
5-year-old saves family
On Apr. 5th around 4:40 am, Juwan woke up to the smell of smoke in his home in Warren, Michigan.
He said he saw flames and called for his mother.
His screams came just in time, and his mom Brittany was able to get all seven of the children in the home outside to safety.
Juwan’s mom says if it wasn’t for her son they likely wouldn’t have survived.
As for Juwan, he told WXYZ-TV his motivation for helping save his family despite the fear. “Because I love everybody,” he said.
The Warren Fire Department got the fire under control but the home is a total loss.
To help in recovering from this devastating loss, a GoFundMe has been launched to support them during this challenging time.
News
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake strikes northeastern United States
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake in Lebanon, New Jersey shook the northeastern United States on Friday morning.
A magnitude 4.8 earthquake shook the northeastern United States on Friday morning.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 4.8-magnitude earthquake was detected near Lebanon, New Jersey, at 10:23 a.m. Friday.
The earthquake was felt in New Hampshire down to Maryland.
According to the Richter scale, which is used to measure earthquake magnitude, they considered the event a “light” earthquake. Still, the geological survey posted on X that it was “notable.” They went on further to say earthquakes are “uncommon but not unheard of along the Atlantic Coast”.
It’s not yet clear if anyone was hurt in Friday’s quake.
News
9-year-old cancer survivor killed in tragic school bus accident
A family is in mourning after a 9-year-old cancer survivor was tragically killed in an accident in Orlando.
A family is in mourning after a 9-year-old cancer survivor was tragically killed in an accident in Orlando, Florida.
9-year-old cancer survivor tragically killed
Elyas Amyr Marshall-Rodriguez got off the bus Tuesday afternoon and, as he was walking away from the bus, he dropped his football when he crawled under the bus to get it and the vehicle began moving.
Marshall-Rodriguez was in remission for leukemia when he was killed on Tuesday after being diagnosed at 2-years-old, according to his family who spoke at his vigil.
He loved life
“He was the life of the party,” said Trenae Gayle, Marshall-Rodriguez’ cousin. “He loved football; he loved basketball. He loved all sports.”
The family has set up a GoFundMe.
The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident and the investigation is currently ongoing.
Family of Black teen shot in head after ringing doorbell of wrong home sues gunman and HOA
Gymnast Morgan Price becomes the first HBCU athlete to win national collegiate title
Paramedic involved in Elijah McClain’s death sentenced to probation, work release and community service
5-year-old helps save his family from house fire
Honor student killed by stray bullet while visiting Delaware State University
Exonerated man on a mission to rebuild his life
5-year-old helps save his family from house fire
O.J. Simpson, football Hall of famer, dies at 76 after cancer battle
Paramedic involved in Elijah McClain’s death sentenced to probation, work release and community service
Honor student killed by stray bullet while visiting Delaware State University
KevOnStage’s “Churchy” coming to BET+
Garrett Morris to be honored with star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame
BLK Dating App launches “New Year, Real You: #RealNotPerfect” campaign to empower Black women in 2024
Marlena Shaw, legendary jazz singer, dies at 81
2023 saw a record year of killings by police in U.S.
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- Mental health conference coming to Brookdale Community College in June
- N.J. Congressman Donald Payne Jr. dies at 65
- Odessa Dangler, one of the first Black, female entrepreneurs in Long Branch, passes at 87
- In Loving Memory : Renée McMillan (1963 – 2024)
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