U.S.
Kim Kardashian Helped Free 17 Inmates in 90 Days
Published
2 years agoon

- Kim Kardashian West has helped release over 17 inmates by funding a prison reform campaign.
- The 90 days of Freedom campaign is working to release prisoners under the First Step Act, the 2018 law that allows nonviolent offenders to be considered for early release if they display good behavior, among other requirements.
- The move is one of several others that the reality star turned criminal justice reform advocate has made in recent months.
90 Days of Freedom
Kim Kardashian West has carried on with her commitment to fighting for prison reform. In the last three months, she has been quietly working with a nonprofit law firm to help commute the life sentences of 17 first-time nonviolent drug offenders.
Kardashian West helped fund the 90 Days of Freedom Campaign, which was launched after President Donald Trump signed the First Step Act. The sweeping criminal justice reform bill was signed into law in December and eased mandatory minimum drug sentences, among other things.
The 90 Days of Freedom campaign was started by Kardashian West’s lawyer, Brittany K. Barnett who heads the Buried Alive Project, in partnership with lawyer MiAngel Cody of The Decarceration Collective. Barnett and Cody are utilizing the newly signed First Step Act as grounds for the releases of low-level drug offenders serving life sentences who have displayed good behavior.
“Kim Kardashian has been instrumental in funding the legal fees for vital attorney representation, transportation for newly freed prisoners so they have a ride home to their families and reentry costs related to our clients’ smooth transition back into society,” Cody told CBS News.
Inmates Released
Those freed with help from the campaign include Terrence Byrd. Byrd was convicted in 1995 for possession with intent to sell less than a kilo of crack cocaine, or as the Buried Alive Project puts it in its profile of Byrd, “about enough to fill a small sandwich bag.”
This is what freedom looks like! Won immediate release for Terrence yesterday! He was arrested at 25 and sentenced to life – he turns 50 in August and is FREE to celebrate LIFE AFTER LIFE. Pure joy being able to give these life sentences back! 🖤@BuriedAliveProj @DecarcerateNow pic.twitter.com/AXntRKoTpM
— Brittany K. Barnett (@MsBKB) April 6, 2019
According to a report from TMZ, others who were freed include Jamelle Carraway, who served 11 years of a life sentence for cocaine possession, and Eric Balcom, who is now back with his family in Florida after 16 years behind bars on a drug charge.
As part of our #90daysoffreedom campaign, we are #winning! Yesterday – the same day our recently released clients @AliceMarieFree & Edward Douglas attended the #StateoftheUnion – our client Jamelle was granted IMMEDIATE RELEASE after serving 11 years of an unjust life sentence! pic.twitter.com/euTF7HDS8Y
— Buried Alive Project (@BuriedAliveProj) February 6, 2019
Last month, we had the unbelievable privilege of telling Eric that he would not be spending his life in prison. With @DecarcerateNow, we solidified immediate release for him––and now he's FREE, reunited w his family.#womenwarriors #womenlawyers #90daysoffreedom #firststepact pic.twitter.com/ZwJhHFdDDx
— Buried Alive Project (@BuriedAliveProj) March 29, 2019
Barnett praised Kardashian West for her help, telling CNN, “(Kim) has been on the phone as we’ve told clients they are coming home.”
“I think one, she really wants to be taken seriously, so she is really focused on learning the system and the people who are directly impacted,” she added.
Kim’s Focus on Criminal Justice
Kardashian West made headlines last year when she visited President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss criminal justice reform and the case of Alice Marie Johnson. The 63-year-old was a first-time non-violent drug offender who had already served 21 years of a life sentence. About a week after the meeting, the President commuted her sentence.
Great meeting with @KimKardashian today, talked about prison reform and sentencing. pic.twitter.com/uOy4UJ41JF
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 30, 2018
But Kardashian West’s efforts didn’t stop there, the reality star turned criminal justice reform advocate continued helping others impacted by the prison system like Matthew Charles. Charles was one of the first inmates released under the First Step Act and is widely recognized as one of the faces of criminal justice reform.
Charles was struggling to find a place that would rent to him after his release. Kardashian West stepped in offering to pay his rent for five years, but his application was still denied. Even so, the two hoped his story would shine a light on the obstacles former inmates face after their release.
Matthew Charles’s lease application was rejected again bc of his criminal record (even w me paying his rent in advance). If there are any landlords w a 2 bedroom in Nashville willing to give Mr Charles a 2nd chance, contact mocapt615@gmail.com Serious inquiries only, thank you 🙏🏼
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) March 15, 2019
She has spent many months immersing herself in law, meeting with fellow advocates, inmates, and politicians to learn more about the prison system.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on
In April Kardashian West revealed that she is studying to become a lawyer and plans to take the bar exam as early as 2022. She began a four-year apprenticeship with a law firm in San Francisco last summer.
“I just felt like I wanted to be able to fight for people who have paid their dues to society,” Kardashian West told Vogue. “I just felt like the system could be so different, and I wanted to fight to fix it, and if I knew more, I could do more.”
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on
Her efforts to help those struggling in the prison system will surely continue. Just law week, Kardashian West celebrated the release of a Miami man who spent over two decades behind bars.
We did it again! Had the best call w/this lovely family & my attorney @msbkb who just won release for their loved one Jeffrey in Miami – he served 22 years of life sentence for low level drug case. He served too much time but it gives me so much joy to fund this life saving work. pic.twitter.com/pbYicKmFpJ
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) May 3, 2019
Oxygen Media also recently greenlighted a two-hour documentary that will capture her efforts to free prisoners she believes were unfairly sentenced The project currently has the working title: “Kim Kardashian: The Justice Project.”
See what others are saying: (CNN) (CBS News) (TMZ)
U.S.
Catholic School Expels Students After Discovering Mother’s OnlyFans Account
Published
6 days agoon
February 26, 2021
- Crystal Jackson, a California mother of three, said her boys were expelled from their Catholic school after other parents notified administrators of her OnlyFans account.
- Jackson, who started the account to boost her confidence and rekindle her relationship with her husband, said she only posts pinup-style photos in lingerie, not pornography.
- Now, she’s speaking out against the intense harassment she’s faced from parents in her community and has criticized the school’s decision to punish her children.
- She also said the school is working to update its handbook to include a rule that “any parent who is involved in a site or blog that goes against teachings of the church and school philosophy must be removed.”
Mother’s OnlyFans Account Draws Criticism
A mother in Sacramento, California says her three boys were expelled from their Catholic school after administrators discovered her OnlyFans account.
That mother is Crystal Jackson, who joined the site in 2019 to spice up her struggling relationship with her husband of 14 years, Chris.
Jackson says she does not post pornography on her account. Instead, she posts pinup-style photos in lingerie and includes “sexy stories” that play up the image of what she and Chris call “the mom next door.”
The account started as a secret between the two of them, but it has since become a huge success, bringing in over $150,000 a month along with hundreds of thousands of social media followers.
While the new venture has also brought her a boost of joy and self-confidence, her growing popularity on the platform eventually caught the attention of parents at Sacred Heart Parish School.
According to several interviews Crystal has given to media outlets, parents were relentlessly urging that her sons be kicked out of school.
They began harassing her with texts and voicemails bullying her and insulting her family. At one point, she says a group of mothers even printed out her OnlyFans photos and sent them anonymously in a packet to the school principal.
Some also reported her to their local priest and bishop and created a Facebook group to gossip about her family.
School Expels Mother’s Three Sons
She was eventually removed as 2nd-grade ‘room mother’ due to the complaints. After growing tired of the treatment, she eventually gave an interview to The Sun about all the harassment.
But the issue escalated Sunday when the school sent her a letter notifying her of its decision.
“Your apparent quest for high-profile controversy in support of your adult website is in direct conflict with what we hope to impart to our students and is directly opposed to the policies laid out in our Parent/Student Handbook,” it read.
“We therefore require that you find another school for your children and have no further association with ours.”
Now, she says the school is working to update their handbook to include a rule that says: “Any parent who is involved in a site or blog that goes against teachings of the church and school philosophy must be removed.”
Crystal has continued to speak out against the school’s decision, telling People Magazine that her 8, 10, and 12 years old are good kids who are only being hurt by the school’s actions.
“Take me down, that’s fine, but leave my kids out of this,” she said.
“I didn’t want to be put out there, but at some point, I have to stand up and say I can’t take it anymore because this behavior is horrible,” she added.
Crystal noted that she was hoping to put her kids back in Catholic school but says she and her husband will likely have to put them in public school.
“They won’t allow them in this diocese, and is this really the place for them to be?” she said. “It’s clear that they said we don’t want you.”
“In the year 2021, here we are, trying to bring a woman down for her choices and what she does with her husband,” Crystal added. “It’s body shaming and bullying all encompassed into one and it’s such a double standard and disturbing.”
For now, she’s just hoping the judgment and harassment in her community will stop. “I’m still the same Crystal I was, like, two years ago, a year ago, when we had coffee, before you knew this.“
See what others are saying: (People) (NBC News) (The Sun)
U.S.
Nearly 9 Million Are Without Water in Texas, Some Face Electric Bills up To $17,000
Published
1 week agoon
February 22, 2021By
Cory Ray
- More than 8.8 million people in Texas remained under boil water notices Monday, and over 120,000 had no water service at all.
- Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said Sunday that the state has distributed around 3.5 million bottles of water, though many of the lines to receive that water were plagued with hours-long waits.
- Meanwhile, power outages in the state have fallen below 20,000, but many Texans are also beginning to receive astronomical electric bills of as much as $17,000.
- Both Abbott and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (D) said those prices are not the fault of customers. While some form of forgiveness is likely, no immediate plan has been outlined yet.
Millions Without Water
As of Monday morning, nearly 8.8 million people in Texas are still under boil water notices following last week’s snowstorm. That’s about one out of every three Texans.
Despite being a giant chunk of the state’s population, that figure is actually an improvement from 10 million people on Sunday.
Another 120,000 Texans are still without water service at all.
Gov. Greg Abbott (R) said Sunday almost 3.5 million bottles of water have been distributed across Texas by helicopter, airplane, and truck.
The need for water has been extremely visible. An Austin City Council member shared a video on Twitter Sunday showing a massive line of vehicles waiting for clean water. Some waited for more than an hour before the distribution event began. At another site, she said cars began lining up more than five hours before the event.
Our neighbors in need are lining up at our D2 water site. More than an hour before we start.
— Vanessa Fuentes 💃🏽 (@VanessaForATX) February 21, 2021
The impact from this devastating crisis will be felt for days. We need to do more for our community. Count on me to continue to insist & coordinate more resources and support. https://t.co/fp6KebQTq0 pic.twitter.com/SUy2BJY1TA
📍Food & Water Distribution at Circuit of the Americas
— Vanessa Fuentes 💃🏽 (@VanessaForATX) February 21, 2021
We had cars line up starting at 11am for a distribution that started at 4 pm pic.twitter.com/zm3kdZslYH
Abbott said the state is bringing in more plumbers to increase repair efforts for damaged water systems. Additionally, Abbott said homeowners without insurance could qualify for emergency reimbursement from FEMA.
Meanwhile, one large-scale effort from Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY.) has now raised more than $5 million since first being launched on Thursday. That money will go to several organizations, including the Houston Food Bank, Family Eldercare, Feeding Texas, and the Bridge Homeless Recovery Center.
One last update (I think!): We just hit $5 million raised for Texans across the state.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) February 22, 2021
Thank you ALL for your collective action when people need it most.
Charity can’t replace policy, but solidarity is how we’ll face climate change and build a better world. 💪🏽🌎
Thank you 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/RzdgXllXoS
Texas Electric Bills Soar as High as $17K
All but just under 20,000 Texas homes and businesses have now had their power restored as of Monday morning.
That’s a stark contrast from the more than 4 million that were out of power at one point last week.
While that’s largely good news, many Texans are now beginning to receive sky-high electric bills. That’s especially evident for those whose power stayed on during the storm. In fact, some people have now told multiple media outlets they’re facing bills as high as $17,000.
One 63-year-old Army vet, who was charged $16,752, told The New York Times that his bill was about 70 times higher than normal.
“My savings is gone,” he said. “There’s nothing I can do about it, but it’s broken me.”
As far as why his and others’ eclectic bills are so high, many people in Texas have plans that are directly tied to the wholesale price of electricity. Usually, that helps keep their costs low, but as demand for power surged during last week’s snowstorm, those prices hit astronomical highs.
In a statement on Saturday, Abbott said Texas lawmakers “have a responsibility to protect Texans from spikes in their energy bills that are a result of the severe winter weather and power outages,”
He added that the state Legislature is working “on solutions to help Texas families and ensure they do not get stuck with skyrocketing energy bills.”
In a similar tone, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner (D) said in an interview with CBS on Sunday, “It’s not the consumers who should assume [these] costs. They are not at fault for what happened this week.”
That said, Turner also laid blame at the feet of the Legislature, calling the current crisis “foreseeable” on the part of lawmakers because a similar snowstorm and outages struck Texas in 2011.
Turner added that, at the time, he was part of the Texas legislature and had filed a bill that would have required the agency overseeing Texas’ grid to “ensure that there was an adequate reserve to prevent blackouts.”
“The leadership in Austin did not give it a hearing,” he said.
While no aid has been fully guaranteed yet, Texas has prevented electric companies from being able to shut off power for people who don’t pay their bills on time.
See what others are saying: (NBC News) (The New York Times) (CNN)
U.S.
Texans Still Face Broken Pipes, Flooding, and Carbon Monoxide Poisoning as Million Regain Power
Published
2 weeks agoon
February 18, 2021By
Cory Ray
- The number of Texans without power fell from 3.3 million on Wednesday to below 500,000 by Thursday.
- Still, millions are currently under a boil advisory, pipes have burst as they begin to thaw, and some individuals have died or been hospitalized because of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency said Wednesday that it has sent generators, water, and blankets to Texas, adding that it’s working to send additional diesel for generators.
- Gov. Greg Abbott and President Joe Biden have also reportedly discussed the possibility of extra funding for people’s electricity bills, as well as for burst pipes.
Power May Be Back but Problems Persist
Power outages in Texas Thursday morning fell to under 500,000 — down from 3.3 million Wednesday morning.
According to the state’s main grid operator, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), the remaining outages are largely weather-related and not connected to problems related to forced outages.
While that return of power to millions is significant, Texans are still facing a host of other problems.
For example, there have been numerous reports of carbon monoxide poisoning as people still without power try to keep warm in their cars or through other means. An adult and a child were found dead Tuesday after running their car inside of a garage, prompting Houston police to issue a statement warning that “cars, grills and generators should not be used in or near a building.”
Six children and four adults were rushed to the hospital Wednesday night for carbon monoxide poisoning after setting up grills inside their homes.
Even for those now with power, water has become a major issue. On Wednesday, 7 million Texans were placed on a boil advisory and about 263,000 were without functioning water providers.
One reporter tweeted out a video of people lining up at a park to fill up buckets of water.
“This is not a third world country,” she said. “This is Houston, Texas.”
This is not a third world country. This is Houston, Texas. I spotted a line of people filing up buckets of water from a spicket at Haden Park. Why? Millions either have no water or are under a Boil Water Advisory. pic.twitter.com/VHYH5Hbqjj
— Erica Simon (@EricaOnABC13) February 18, 2021
The Food and Drug Administration and the National Weather Service have even cited melting and boiling snow as an emergency option if people can’t find water elsewhere, an option many have already turned to.
For some, all these problems only seemed to compound in the form of burst pipes. One viral video shows water gushing out of a third-story apartment. Others posted images of their broken pipes and the damage they have caused.
This is what Joel Pares’ apartment looks like at Camden Victory Park after a pipe burst, with rushing water everywhere @FOX4 pic.twitter.com/C3DzlbKd0T
— Lynnanne Nguyen (@LynnanneFOX4) February 17, 2021
As a result, a number of local media outlets have begun to outline steps people can take once their pipes start to thaw or if they break.
Amid Problems, Aid is Being Distributed
Alongside the overwhelming amount of problems, there has also been a large aid response.
A FEMA spokesperson said Wednesday that the agency has sent 60 “very large” generators to help keep hospitals and other critical infrastructure open.
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki added that FEMA is preparing to move diesel into Texas to keep that backup power going.
So far, FEMA said it has sent “millions of liters of water” and “tens of thousands” of blankets.
Governor Greg Abbott and President Joe Biden have also reportedly discussed the possibility of extra funding for people’s electricity bills, as well as for burst pipes. That’s because as the storm first hit, electrical demand surged. Since many Texans have plans connected to the wholesale price of electricity, they’re potentially set to be hit with sky-high bills.
Among other issues plaguing Texans is food spoilage; however, that can potentially be reimbursed through renters’ and homeowners’ insurance.
According to an official from the Insurance Council of Texas, “Food coverage is often related to personal property.”
Notably, there are some stipulations depending on individual circumstances and policy. To learn more about how insurance providers accept food spoilage claims, click here.
See what others are saying: (KTRK) (The New York Times) (Houston Chronicle)

Are Logan Paul & Other Celebs Scamming Fans With This? NFTs, Sofia Vergara, & More News

Death Toll in Myanmar Surpasses 50 People as Police Continue To Use Live Ammunition

House Passes Landmark Elections Bill To Expand Voting Rights

Kings of Leon Will Become One of the First Bands To Offer an Album as NFT

Netflix Launches “Fast Laughs,” a TikTok-Like Feed of Funny Clips

Court Sides With Sofia Vergara, Says Ex Cannot Use Embryos Without Permission

Saudi Arabia To Require Vaccine for Hajj Pilgrims

Texas Governor Will Reopen State “100%” and End Mask Mandate Against Expert Advice

Twitch Shares Its First-Ever Transparency Report, but Critics Want More Accountability

Chris D’Elia Accused of Soliciting Child Pornography in New Lawsuit

Epic Games Acquires “Fall Guys” Maker Tonic Games Group

Cosplay Instagram Star Belle Delphine Trolls Followers With PornHub Account

Mia Khalifa Shuts Down Death Rumors, Sparks Conversations About Plastic Surgery and Adult Film Industry

Instagram Users Tell Skai Jackson to Stop Posting About Cameron Boyce

Billie Eilish Fans Call Out Twitter User for Sexualizing the Underage Singer

Ace Family’s Austin McBroom and Team Accused of Rape

YouTuber MrBeast Responds to Criticism of Massive Tree Planting Project

Man Kills 17-Year-Old Bianca Devins and Posts Photos Online

Joe Rogan Denies Spotify Censorship Rumors, According to Alex Jones

Netflix Apologizes and Changes Marketing Materials for “Cuties” After Backlash

YouTuber Coffee Break Accuses Kurzgesagt of Being Untrustworthy, Founder Responds

Trisha Paytas Accused of Exploiting Transgender Community

Are Logan Paul & Other Celebs Scamming Fans With This? NFTs, Sofia Vergara, & More News

Please Don’t Do This! I’m Begging You! Dr. Seuss “Cancelled” Explained, DeFranco LA Mayor, The Rock

James Charles Exposed? Taylor Swift Slut-Shaming Scandal Sparks Backlash! Joe Biden Being a Coward.

WOW! This Insane Lady Gaga Robbery, Jschlatt, Twitter Fights OnlyFans, Cuomo Allegations & More News

David Dobrik Jason Nash Assault Accusations, Vlog Squad Fallout, Grand Theft Auto Bill, & More News

The PewDiePie Cocomelon Double Standard, Joe Rogan is a Smart Man Asking Smart Questions & More News

Why The Internet Is Freaking Out About Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Ted Cruz Fail, NASA Perseverance Rover

DISGUSTING! Why We Need To Talk About Tim Boyd, The Truth About Texas Blackouts, Rush Limbaugh Dead

He’s Trying To Shut Down My Channel?! Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, Cuomo Nursing Home Scandal, & More

Corpse Husband Defies, “Gorilla Glue Girl” Denies, Gina Carano Star Wars Controversy, & More News

WOW! Belle Delphine Exposed, Kitten Zoom Filter Scandal, Asian Hate, Impeachment Trial & More

6 Dr. Seuss Books Won’t Be Published Anymore Because of Racist Imagery

Internet Users Defend Woman With Gorilla Glue in Her Hair From Bullies

Tessica Brown Says She Never Hired Attorney To Sue Gorilla Glue Over Hair Incident

Texas Mayor Tells “Lazy” Residents “No One Owes You” Anything Amid Power Outages

Austin McBroom Launches “How I Became a Millionaire” Program for $50/Month, But Some Think It’s Just Another Scam

Britney Spears Documentary Prompts Many To Re-Evaluate the Singer’s Reputation

Lady Gaga’s Dog Walker Shot, Singer’s 2 French Bulldogs Stolen

Former Member of David Dobrik’s Vlog Squad Says He Was Sexually Assaulted by Jason Nash on Video

Key Takeaways From Day 1 of Trump’s Impeachment Trial

Tessica Brown’s Hair Is Finally Free of Gorilla Glue

Rihanna Sparks Outrage After Posing Topless With Necklace of Hindu God

Are Logan Paul & Other Celebs Scamming Fans With This? NFTs, Sofia Vergara, & More News

Death Toll in Myanmar Surpasses 50 People as Police Continue To Use Live Ammunition

House Passes Landmark Elections Bill To Expand Voting Rights

Kings of Leon Will Become One of the First Bands To Offer an Album as NFT

Netflix Launches “Fast Laughs,” a TikTok-Like Feed of Funny Clips

Court Sides With Sofia Vergara, Says Ex Cannot Use Embryos Without Permission

Saudi Arabia To Require Vaccine for Hajj Pilgrims

Texas Governor Will Reopen State “100%” and End Mask Mandate Against Expert Advice

Twitch Shares Its First-Ever Transparency Report, but Critics Want More Accountability

Chris D’Elia Accused of Soliciting Child Pornography in New Lawsuit

Epic Games Acquires “Fall Guys” Maker Tonic Games Group

Are Logan Paul & Other Celebs Scamming Fans With This? NFTs, Sofia Vergara, & More News

Please Don’t Do This! I’m Begging You! Dr. Seuss “Cancelled” Explained, DeFranco LA Mayor, The Rock

James Charles Exposed? Taylor Swift Slut-Shaming Scandal Sparks Backlash! Joe Biden Being a Coward.

WOW! This Insane Lady Gaga Robbery, Jschlatt, Twitter Fights OnlyFans, Cuomo Allegations & More News

David Dobrik Jason Nash Assault Accusations, Vlog Squad Fallout, Grand Theft Auto Bill, & More News

The PewDiePie Cocomelon Double Standard, Joe Rogan is a Smart Man Asking Smart Questions & More News

Why The Internet Is Freaking Out About Demi Lovato, Rihanna, Ted Cruz Fail, NASA Perseverance Rover

DISGUSTING! Why We Need To Talk About Tim Boyd, The Truth About Texas Blackouts, Rush Limbaugh Dead

He’s Trying To Shut Down My Channel?! Harry Styles, Olivia Wilde, Cuomo Nursing Home Scandal, & More

Corpse Husband Defies, “Gorilla Glue Girl” Denies, Gina Carano Star Wars Controversy, & More News
