KEEPING IT 100

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a pivotal case that could reshape how federal courts handle compassionate release. In Fernandez v. United States , the justices are considering whether legal errors — such as flawed sentencing or ineffective counsel — can qualify as “extraordinary and compelling reasons” for early release under 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A). 🧑‍⚖️ The Case: Who Is Joe Fernandez? Joe Fernandez was convicted of conspiring

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell The holiday spirit is alive and well in Pitt County, North Carolina, thanks to the annual Toys for Tots campaign , which launched with a high-energy event known as “Cops on the Roof.”  Law enforcement officers from across the county climbed onto rooftops — including Walmart locations — and stayed there until they reached their goal: collecting 200 bicycles  for children in need. Winterville Police Chief Ryan Willhite shared that the ev

In Lincoln, Nebraska, a man in his 40s experiencing a mental health crisis died by suicide while in police custody. Officers responded to a disturbance call on November 9, 2025, finding the man attempting to enter a home through a basement window. He was arrested, searched, and placed in the back of a police cruiser. Yet somehow, while officers were distracted interviewing witnesses, the man managed to move his hands to the front of his body, retrieve a hidden firearm from hi

David Bell was sentenced to 200 days in jail by Judge Imelda Pate in Kinston, NC, reportedly for charges related to contempt of court and probation violations. While full case details remain sealed or limited in public access, court records confirm he filed an appeal. With so much going on in his own life—including legal battles and personal challenges—many in the community believe he should focus on his own affairs rather than involving himself in others’. In a recent ruling

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell As Enfield prepares for its next municipal election, Mayor Mondale Robinson  finds himself under scrutiny—not just for his policies, but for his place of residence  and a recent police-involved incident  in Maryland. Robinson, who has served as mayor since 2022, was seriously injured in a car accident  in Largo, Maryland , after swerving to avoid a herd of deer. While the crash was ruled accidental, it has raised questions about whethe

Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell There was a time when Kinston didn’t just have news—it had Mr. Andy . His local radio station was more than a broadcast; it was a lifeline. From city council updates to church announcements, from weather alerts to sales at local stores , Mr. Andy kept the community informed, connected, and cared for. He knew the pulse of Kinston. If a neighbor was in need, if a business had a special, if a storm was coming—Mr. Andy’s voice was there. H

On Saturday, November 8, 2025 , a fatal shooting occurred inside the emergency department lobby of WakeMed Garner Healthplex . The incident involved WakeMed Campus Police Officer Roger Smith , 59, and Benji Martin Jr. , a 29-year-old Black man from Garner. Both men were shot during a physical altercation. Officer Smith died from his injuries; Martin remains hospitalized and has been charged with murder. 🕵️‍♂️ What We Know So Far The shooting happened around 9:00 a.m.  in a p

🕵️‍♀️ Fraud in Disguise: Durham Woman Charged for Posing as Bank Agent Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell In a case that has shocked the Triangle community, Yanru Cui , 28, of Durham, was arrested on Monday and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly impersonating a bank representative and exploiting a vulnerable adult. According to arrest warrants, Cui posed as a Wells Fargo agent named “Anna”  and contacted a woman under the pretense of resolving an issue with

🌟 Celebrities Who Gave During the 2025 Government Shutdown Written and inspired by Quarla Blackwell 🎬 Tyler Perry Donated $1.4 million  to support families affected by the loss of SNAP (food stamp) benefits. His donation was distributed across multiple organizations, including: Atlanta Community Food Bank Baby2Baby Meals on Wheels Atlanta Caring for Others All for Lunch Ron Clark Academy Goodr Perry said: “If you’ve never been poor, then you may not fully understand the lif

🚨 Search Area Update: Dominic Connelly Manhunt Expands As of November 4, 2025 , law enforcement officials have shifted their focus after new sightings and evidence suggest that Dominic Connelly , wanted for murder, arson, and assault , is no longer in the previously targeted area near Highways 17 and 43  in Craven and Beaufort Counties . Key developments: On November 3 , Connelly was reportedly seen crossing U.S. 17 near N.C. 102 from Chandler Road  in Beaufort County. Witne

As of November 9, 2025 , the U.S. Senate has failed 14 times  to pass a short-term funding bill to reopen the government. The shutdown, which began on October 1 , is now the longest in U.S. history , surpassing the 35-day closure in 2019. Key sticking points include: Cuts to Medicaid  and healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act Democratic opposition  to any bill that doesn’t restore these programs Republican insistence  on budget reductions and entitlement reform D

⚖️ Case Overview: Jesse Butler in Stillwater, OK Jesse Butler was arrested in March 2024  after two teenage girls accused him of multiple violent sexual assaults. He was initially charged as an adult and faced up to 78 years in prison . However, the court later granted him youthful offender status , which allowed for a more lenient sentence. Key charges included : First-degree rape Attempted rape Domestic assault by strangulation Rape by instrumentation Violation of a protect

On the morning of Saturday, November 9, 2025 , a driver transporting bees  through Mesa lost control of their vehicle after being stung multiple times  by a swarm that had gotten loose inside the truck. The driver suffered a medical emergency, veered off the road, and fatally struck a pedestrian. This incident occurred just days after another aggressive bee swarm shut down a residential block in Mesa, where residents were chased indoors and emergency crews had to intervene. T

Too many women mistake cruelty for care. They let men speak to them with venom, disrespect, and control—thinking it's just words. But words are often the first wound. And when we ignore verbal abuse, we risk opening the door to something far worse. My niece, Kieyatta Butler , was a beautiful soul. A mother of three, she was strong, loving, and full of life. But she never saw her death coming. She was taken from us by an abusive boyfriend—someone who chipped away at her spirit

💸 What Is the Tariff Rebate Plan? Proposal Name : American Worker Rebate Act of 2025 Introduced By : Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) on July 28, 2025 Purpose : To return money collected from tariffs to American taxpayers as direct payments. 🧾 How Much Money Are Americans Getting? Rebate Amounts : $600  per tax-paying adult $600  per dependent child $2,400  total for a family of four These payments are not universal —they are targeted toward taxpayers and families, similar to pas

In a case that has outraged the Kinston community, Marquez Jones  pleaded guilty to assault by strangulation  in connection with the violent attack that left Kieyatta Butler , a mother of three, in a coma for NEARLY a year before her death. Despite the severity of the crime, Jones was sentenced to 18 months —with credit for 18 months time served , effectively walking free. 🗣️ A System That Protects the Guilty District Attorney Jeffrey Cannon accepted the plea deal, citing “c

King’s Restaurant in Kinston, NC, has long been a landmark for barbecue lovers. But recent health inspection findings—and deeper community concerns—are forcing many to reconsider what’s really being served behind the scenes. 🧼 Health Inspection or Health Illusion? On September 9, 2025, King’s Restaurant received a 92.5  from the Lenoir County Health Department. But the violations tell a different story: Live roaches and flies  in the kitchen Dirty dishes , soiled equipment ,

🏠 Thee Coffeehouse Address:  231 Hwy 58 S, Building 2 Date:  9/16 Score:  99 Observations: Sticker residue or leftover stickers on clean pans/dishes Deep, dark gash in cutting board at prep lift top unit One-door reach-in cooler on front line not holding temperature 🏠 Lovick’s Address:  320 N Heritage Street, Kinston Date:  9/10 Score:  97.5 Observations: Employees prepping food without hat or hairnet Wet stacking of dishes Missing cup dispenser lid at fountain drink machin

🛑 Federal Shutdown Impact The government shutdown has halted full SNAP funding , affecting over 42 million Americans who rely on food assistance. President Trump stated  that benefits will only resume once Democrats agree to reopen the government. Despite this, federal judges ordered partial payments  using USDA contingency funds. 💸 Payment Amounts and Timing Recipients are receiving only 50–65% of their usual monthly benefits  due to limited emergency funding. USDA conting

🚨   As of Saturday evening, the Craven County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that all available resources and law enforcement partners  are actively involved in the search for Dominic Connelly , a fugitive currently evading arrest. 🔍 Officials are: Investigating every community tip Developing their own leads Methodically cutting off Connelly’s access to food and water Despite the challenge of a large search area with many abandoned homes and vehicles, the search continues w