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21 Feb 2012 00:58

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World: Massive Mexican prison riot: Not exactly what it seems?

  • whatIn a Mexican prison, 44 prisoners died in an early-morning riot Sunday. The riot, wich lasted around two hours, stemmed from a conflict between two cell blocks of around 750 prisoners each, many of whom were held without convictions. It was one of the deadliest prison riots since the Drug War gained steam.
  • why? Some rioters may have belonged to rival gang factions. Those rivals were normally separated within the prison, however, leading some to suspect that the guards used the fight as a cover to allow for a prison escape. The guards on duty at the time have been detained, along with their supervisors and the director of the prison. source
Posted by samimain • 0 Comments • Permalink

29 Nov 2009 11:11

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Tech: Twitter gangs of New York: Tweets turning into gang hub in NYC

You know, if you’re participating in illegal activity, it’s a stroke of genius to use a system that’s openly searchable and saves your records forever. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

20 Nov 2009 23:08

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World: Sick: Peruvian gang kills people for their fat for some reason

  • “We are not making this up. They have confessed to this. That’s what’s coming out now.” In case you’re Peruvian and were wondering where your fat friend went recently, it’s possible that he’s one of 60 people who may have been killed for his fat. Four gang members were arrested in the incredibly bizarre scheme, which reportedly netted them $15,000 per liter of fat from European labs. We smell a plot to a horror movie. source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

04 Oct 2009 22:53

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Culture: Rapper Nas tells his Chicago “warriors” to stop the violence

  • I remember feeling like I was the hardest ‘n*gga’ breathing. And I couldn’t wait to prove it. But let’s think. What are we really proving?? And proving what to who??
  • Nas • In an “Open Letter To Young Warriors In Chicago,” a lengthy note written to his still-growing peers (specifically gang members) in the Windy City. He goes further, noting that when he was growing up, others “chose the dumbest things to go the hardest for. I remember seeing deaths over 8 ball jackets, Fila sneakers, and name plate chains.” After the Derrion Albert incident, his words take on extra poignancy.  • source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink

28 Sep 2009 23:00

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U.S.: Is Derrion Albert’s death a tipping point for school violence?

Screencaps from Darrion Albert's murder

It's a hard video to watch. (Watch it here, but note that it's very graphic.) It's a situation that you'll likely never be in. But in Chicago, it's a way of life. Derrion Albert's death is not the first nor the last to happen in and around the public school system, but it could be a tipping point.
  • Derrion Albert Albert, an honors student, got caught in the middle of a gang fight just blocks away from his school, where a separate incident happened earlier that day. He was kicked and beaten with a plank, and he died on the scene. But someone caught it on a camera phone, a video that allowed Chicago police to identify the suspects. Four have been charged.
  • This was not isolated Let’s be honest here: Albert’s death is getting much more attention because of the YouTube-friendly video. But it’s attention that can be harnessed. 290 students were injured last year in gun-related incidents in Chicago, and gang fights like the one shown in the video are common. The page-one play of this story could help the city turn a corner.
  • Social mediaAs Albert’s death becomes a touchstone for Chicago schools, it’s important to note the video’s impact. Like the texting-while-driving PSA from a month ago, this video stays with you. It’s as strong a deterrent against gang violence as any, because the world doesn’t need more Derrion Alberts. Chicago needs safer schools and safer streets. Will that happen? source
Posted by Ernie Smith • 0 Comments • Permalink
 
 
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