Alleged Migrant Perpetrators Reportedly Stole Phones from 62 Women in NYC Crime Spree

A group of individuals, alleged to be migrants, were apprehended in the Bronx during the early hours of Monday for a series of criminal activities across New York City, which notably involved snatching phones from women, the police revealed.

Acting on a search warrant, the New York Police Department conducted an operation at a suspected hideout, leading to the arrests of seven individuals. The apprehended suspects are anticipated to face charges related to numerous robberies and grand larcenies, with ongoing efforts to locate additional individuals involved.

Authorities have indicated that all suspects are believed to originate from Venezuela. According to law enforcement officials, these men have been connected to a string of incidents amounting to at least 62 cases where women had their belongings, including phones, grabbed from them. The modus operandi involved the suspects swiftly approaching their victims, primarily women walking alone, seizing their phones or purses, and making a swift escape.

Investigators suspect that the motive behind the phone thefts was to exploit features like Apple Pay, utilizing credit cards associated with the stolen phones to make purchases within the United States or Central America. Subsequently, the phones were reportedly dispatched to Colombia, where they were wiped clean, as per police statements. In response to these developments, NYPD Assistant Commissioner Kaz Daughtry emphasized on social media the city's commitment to apprehend those engaging in criminal activities, underlining the substantial progress made in addressing this significant robbery pattern.

These arrests mark the second notable instance involving individuals identified as migrants within the city in recent weeks. Last week, a group of asylum-seekers was arrested for assaulting police officers in Times Square, an incident that was captured on video. Authorities continue to seek additional suspects associated with the attack.

Migrants On A 62 Robbery Crime Spree Early In NYC

Furthermore, law enforcement agencies, in collaboration with the Manhattan district attorney's office, are investigating whether four previously released defendants, who were not held on bail, traveled to California under false identities following their release. 

Alleged Migrant Perpetrators Reportedly Stole Phones from 62 Women in NYC Crime Spree

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 Toxic Pesticide Found in Cheerios and Quaker Oats: What You Need to Know

A recent study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggests that Cheerios and Quaker Oats may contain chlormequat, a pesticide associated with infertility in animals.

Despite not being approved for use in food grown within the United States, researchers discovered chlormequat in 77 out of 96 urine samples collected between 2017 and 2023, with a notable increase in concentration observed in 2023. Additionally, EWG's findings from last year indicated the presence of chlormequat in 92% of oat-based foods tested, including popular brands like Cheerios and Quaker Oats.

While chlormequat is not directly applied to crops in the U.S., its presence in wheat products and egg powder can result from high temperatures during food processing. Since 2018, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has permitted the importation of oats, wheat, barley, and certain animal products treated with chlormequat, even raising the allowable limit of the pesticide in oats in 2020.

General Mills, the manufacturer of Cheerios, asserts that its products comply with all regulatory requirements, according to a spokesperson's statement to Verywell. Alexis Temkin, PhD, a senior toxicologist at EWG and lead author of the study, stresses the need for continued monitoring of chlormequat in food and its potential impact on human health, citing concerns raised by animal studies.

While studies on humans are lacking, research on animals has shown adverse effects of chlormequat on reproductive health and hormone levels. Although the EPA considers current levels of chlormequat safe based on animal studies, concerns persist regarding its potential impact on human health.

Toxic Chemical Chlormequat Found In Cheerios and Quaker Oats

To minimize exposure to chlormequat, consumers can opt for USDA Certified Organic products, as organic oats are cultivated without the use of most synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. However, the EWG study indicates that even some organic oat-based foods may contain traces of chlormequat, underlining the need for continued vigilance in food choices.

Toxic Pesticide Found in Cheerios and Quaker Oats: What You Need to Know

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California Mother Undergoes Limb Amputation Due to Bacterial Infection After Consuming Undercooked Tilapia 

A California mother, Laura Barajas, underwent amputation of all her limbs after consuming undercooked tilapia, leading to a severe infection. Purchased from a local market in San Jose last month, the fish was prepared and eaten at home by Barajas. Her friend, Anna Messina, detailed the situation in a GoFundMe campaign, explaining that Barajas spent over a month in the hospital battling an infection caused by Vibrio vulnificus bacteria. On Wednesday, she underwent the drastic measure of limb amputation.

Messina urged support for Barajas' family during this challenging time, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of such incidents that could impact anyone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a health advisory on September 1, warning of an uptick in Vibrio vulnificus bacterial infections in the United States due to rising water temperatures.

Vibrio vulnificus, a bacterium thriving in warmer Gulf of Mexico waters, causes approximately 80,000 illnesses in the U.S. annually, according to the CDC. In a separate incident in Galveston, Texas, a man died over Labor Day Weekend after consuming oysters contaminated with Vibrio vulnificus.

Symptoms of a Vibrio vulnificus infection include watery diarrhea, stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Additionally, infected wounds may exhibit redness, pain, swelling, warmth, discoloration, and discharge. The CDC identifies the most common cause of Vibrio infections as the consumption of undercooked or raw oysters and shellfish, advising against such practices. Proper cooking and hand hygiene, especially after handling raw shellfish, are recommended preventive measures. The CDC also cautions individuals with open wounds to avoid saltwater exposure to minimize the risk of Vibrio infection.

California Mother Undergoes Limb Amputation Due to Bacterial Infection After Consuming Undercooked Tilapia

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 Texas Resident in $16 Home Forced to Leave After 8 Months

Kenneth Robinson, known for residing in a $340,000 home in Flower Mound, Texas, for eight months after submitting a $16 filing fee under the law of "adverse possession," has been ordered to vacate the property. Robinson claimed the right to occupy the home after the owner abandoned it due to foreclosure, and the mortgage company reportedly went out of business. A judge in Denton County ruled in favor of the current lienholder, Bank of America, allowing them to remove Robinson from the property.

Man Buys $300,000 House for $16, Neighbors Are Furious

Despite gaining local fame and creating a website and eBook about his unconventional living situation, Robinson complied with the court's decision and moved out. Adverse possession, a common law concept developed in the 1800s, allows individuals to claim clear title to a property after publicly occupying it for a specific period, usually ten years. The growing number of abandoned homes resulting from the foreclosure crisis has led to increased interest in adverse possession.

While some websites provide instructions on how to pursue adverse possession, critics argue that taking another's property without payment is an un-American notion. The National Association of Realtors stated that adverse possession is not common and not on their radar. Despite the legal aspects, ethical concerns arise, with some asserting that what may be legally permissible is not necessarily ethically right. Robinson's former neighbors criticized his actions, suggesting that if he wanted the house, he should have purchased it like everyone else. Critics emphasize the importance of respecting property rights, even in challenging circumstances.

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Nicholas' death was entirely– excruciatingly – needless and avoidable. We will get justice for him, the other children and their families.” Authorities discovered a trap floor and drugs hidden in the Bronx day care center where a 1-year-old boy died of a suspected fentanyl overdose, the NYPD said.

Texas Resident in $16 Home Forced to Leave After 8 Months

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Payless Successfully Markets Discount Shoes at Luxury Prices

Payless ShoeSource executed a clever marketing stunt by creating a fake luxury brand called Palessi, enticing fashion influencers to pay exorbitant markups of up to 1,800 percent for the retailer's shoes. The bargain store set up a temporary, high-end store in Los Angeles, featuring gold mannequins and a statue, and invited 60 influencers to its launch party. These fashion insiders, recruited from the street and social media, unknowingly paid prices ranging from $200 to $645 for shoes typically sold by Payless for $19.99 to $39.99.

Payless sold discount shoes at luxury prices — and it worked

The influencers praised the supposed luxury brand's design and quality, unaware that the shoes were from Payless. The elaborate prank aimed to challenge perceptions and remind consumers of Payless's combination of stylish relevance and affordability. The participants were later informed of the stunt, and while they received refunds, they were allowed to keep the shoes.

DCX Growth Accelerator, the advertising agency behind the campaign, strategically chose the name Palessi, playing on the cachet of Italian design. The campaign's goal was to bring Payless back to its roots of appealing to pragmatic American consumers, highlighting the contrast with elite fashion brand prices. The stunt underscores the power of branding in shaping perceived value and resonating with cultural codes, according to Doug Cameron, DCX Chief Creative Officer. The campaign, featuring stunned influencers, is set to air on cable networks throughout the holiday season.

In Other SMH America News

A man has been arrested and a woman remains hospitalized after deputies say the couple was involved in a vehicle crash as they tried to flee from authorities in a Polk County subdivision following reports of car burglaries.

Payless Successfully Markets Discount Shoes at Luxury Prices

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 Massive Fish Mortality: Tens of Thousands Found Stranded on Texas Beach Amid Low Oxygen Levels

Over the weekend, tens of thousands of deceased fish washed ashore along the Texas Gulf Coast, creating a shoreline littered with decaying carcasses and prompting local authorities to advise against visitation.

Tens of Thousands of Dead Fish wash up on a Texas Beach due to Low Oxygen Levels

On Friday, waves from the Gulf of Mexico carried in vast numbers of dead fish, creating a grim spectacle in Brazoria County, located over 40 miles south of Houston, according to officials at Quintana Beach County Park.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department attributed the mass fish mortality to low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, a condition making it challenging for the fish to breathe. Termed a "fish kill," such incidents are common during the summer when temperatures rise, the state department noted.

Although no direct link to climate change has been established in this particular occurrence, researchers caution that fish kills may become more frequent with rising temperatures and decreasing oxygen levels in lakes across the United States and Europe.

Dissolved oxygen levels in water typically rise through photosynthesis, a process where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into oxygen. When there is less sunlight, as occurs at night, photosynthesis slows or halts, while the consumption of oxygen by aquatic plants and animals continues unabated, leading to a reduction in oxygen concentration, as explained by Texas Park and Wildlife officials.

The Gulf menhaden, commonly used as bait by fishermen, was the species most severely impacted by this fish kill, according to Texas Parks and Wildlife.

By Sunday evening, efforts had largely cleared Quintana Beach of the deceased fish, with only some remaining that machinery couldn't remove, according to county officials.

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A jury on Thursday found 31-year-old Alan Colie not guilty of aggravated malicious wounding in the shooting of 21-year-old Tanner Cook, who runs the “Classified Goons” YouTube channel. The jury was split on two lesser firearms counts and decided to convict him on one and acquit him on the other.

Massive Fish Mortality: Tens of Thousands Found Stranded on Texas Beach Amid Low Oxygen Levels

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Tragedy Strikes Carrot Field: Workers Allege Being Instructed to Continue Picking Despite Nearby Fatality

A tragedy unfolded in a carrot field in New Cuyama as Miriam del Carmen Ramirez lost her mother, Rosa Miriam Sanchez, in a harrowing accident. The 58-year-old Sanchez was struck by a truck driving in reverse while Ramirez and a crew of approximately 60 workers were returning to pick carrots.

Ramirez, who witnessed the incident, rushed to her mother's side as she succumbed to her injuries, making a desperate 911 call. Shockingly, amidst the unfolding tragedy, workers at Grimmway Farms, where the incident occurred, claim they were instructed to resume picking carrots while Sanchez's lifeless body lay nearby under a blanket. This callous directive has sparked outrage among the laborers.

The incident on September 20 in Santa Barbara County has prompted investigations by Grimmway Farms and Cal/OSHA, the state agency overseeing workplace safety. While the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office deemed the crash an accident, farmworkers are demanding an investigation into the handling of the incident and expressing safety concerns about the involved truck and driver.

Ernesto Perez, a witness and farmworker, criticized the decision to continue working, stating, "Even a worker losing their life wasn’t going to stop them from finishing the work. We’re just a piece of trash for them."

In response, Grimmway Farms issued a statement expressing condolences for Sanchez's death and asserting an ongoing internal investigation. The company denies issuing the directive to continue work but acknowledges that operations should have ceased immediately.

Ramirez and fellow farmworkers are seeking an inquiry into the handling of the incident, emphasizing concerns about the truck and driver's safety. Cal/OSHA is conducting an investigation into the matter, scrutinizing the contractors involved, including Esparza Enterprises Inc. (which hired the workers) and M & M Labor Inc. (which employed the driver).

The farmworkers, often supervised by contractors, are concerned about the industry's disregard for their well-being, emphasizing that monetary interests seem to override their safety. Some workers have chosen to leave their jobs due to the traumatic incident, highlighting the need for systemic changes to prioritize the safety and dignity of agricultural laborers.

Grimmway Farms is collaborating with contractors to enhance vehicle safety measures, installing cameras and alarms. Witnesses claim they had previously raised concerns about the truck and driver, including issues with reversing alerts and high-speed driving, but Grimmway Farms maintains it was unaware of these concerns.

The tragedy has left the affected workers traumatized, prompting some to seek alternative employment. Ernesto Perez, profoundly affected by the loss of Sanchez, voiced his conviction, saying, "After seeing that, I can’t go back to that." Miriam del Carmen Ramirez and her younger brother are planning to relocate, hoping to find a sense of normalcy after the devastating incident.

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In New Mexico, a 23-year-old gunman wearing a red MAGA hat opened fire last week on Jacob Johns and other Indigenous activists opposing plans to reinstall a statue honoring the 16th century conquistador Juan de Oñate, New Mexico’s first colonial governor. Johns, the prominent climate activist, was airlifted from Española to an Albuquerque hospital and required emergency surgery. We speak with Malaya Peixinho, who participated in Thursday’s gathering, about how the statue of the colonial leader has divided the local community. “It is a really controversial thing to talk about Oñate,” says Peixinho, who believes funds for the statue could go to social programs instead. “That feels more important than funding a statue being resurrected.” The shooter, Ryan Martinez, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon for shooting Johns and aiming the gun at Peixinho, who calls the charges “fair” and blames police for not intervening. “They didn’t show up for us,” says Peixinho.

Tragedy Strikes Carrot Field: Workers Allege Being Instructed to Continue Picking Despite Nearby Fatality

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 As we marvel at the beauty of the Northern Lights, the same solar storm energy that creates this spectacle could potentially lead to what a researcher terms an "internet apocalypse."

Professor Peter Becker of George Mason University highlights the unique challenge humanity faces as the sun becomes more active just when our dependence on the internet and the global economy linked to it is at its peak. This intersection prompted Becker and his team, in collaboration with the Naval Research Laboratory, to embark on a project to develop an early warning system.

Scientist Claims Solar Superstorm Could Create An Internet Apocalypse

Solar superstorms, characterized by solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME), pose a significant threat to Earth. Becker explains that while flares provide a visible warning with their brightening of the sun, the real concern lies in the unpredictable directions CMEs can take. Fortunately, scientists can predict when these charged particles are heading toward Earth, providing approximately 18 to 24 hours of warning before they impact the planet and interfere with its magnetic field.

CMEs involve large blobs of plasma hurtling through space, some of which collide with Earth, distorting its magnetic field. This distortion can turn the Earth's surface into an unintended conductor, potentially leading to the flow of inductive currents. Contrary to the assumption of safety through grounding, this scenario could result in damaging electronic systems that were previously deemed secure.

Various critical systems, including the power grid, satellites, underground fiber optic cables, navigation and GPS systems, radio transmitters, and communication equipment, are susceptible to the effects of a solar superstorm.

Drawing parallels to the Carrington Event of 1859, the last time a CME reached Earth, Becker emphasizes the vulnerability of modern electronics compared to the sturdier telegraph wires of that era. The potential consequences of a solar superstorm could cripple essential infrastructure, leading to weeks or months of downtime for repairs, causing not only communication disruptions but also significant economic losses.

Becker estimates a staggering economic disruption of $10-$20 billion per day for the U.S. alone if such an event were to occur. Evidence from tree rings and ice cores suggests that superstorms in the past have been much larger, with a solar flare about 14,000 years ago potentially hundreds of times stronger than the Carrington Event.

As the current solar cycle peaks, with an expected peak in 2024 according to NOAA forecasts, Becker emphasizes the difficulty of predicting solar storms, likening it to predicting earthquakes. He suggests that while it's challenging to control the situation, preparations can be made to mitigate the impact. His team monitors the sun and models flares, aiming to provide as much advance notice as possible.

Becker emphasizes the importance of quick action in the event of a warning, allowing for measures such as putting satellites in safe mode and taking transformers offline to prevent damage. However, he acknowledges the economic challenge of long-term solutions, such as hardening the internet infrastructure. With a lack of economic incentives for large corporations to invest in such measures, the potential for an "internet apocalypse" remains a looming concern, with the odds standing at approximately 10% over the next decade.

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Teen tries to hit and run another vehicle with his mother's car, and gets into another accident in the process!

As we marvel at the beauty of the Northern Lights, the same solar storm energy that creates this spectacle could potentially lead to what a researcher terms an "internet apocalypse."

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 Teen Who Turned in Rioter Dad: He ‘Absolutely’ Deserves His Long Sentence

The teen who turned his dad in for participating in the Capitol riot said his father “absolutely” deserved to get the longest prison sentence yet and will hopefully be rehabilitated in prison. “I haven’t been happy about this whole situation...but to say I’m surprised would be a lie,” Jackson Reffitt told CNN. “Everything my dad did—he’s his own person. And his action has consequences.” Guy Reffitt was sentenced to more than seven years in prison on Monday for bringing a loaded gun to the riot, where he threatened House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. When he returned home, he threatened to shoot his kids if they said anything but Jackson still tipped off the FBI. He told CNN his father was used as a “puppet” for Trump, and that he agreed with his sister Peyton when she said Monday that Trump deserves “life in prison” for manipulating thousands of people for political gain.

SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital. 

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According to CBS News' WBZ, Harris Wolobah participated in the “one chip challenge” on Friday, a viral trend on social media that involves eating a spicy chip containing Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.

Teen Who Turned in Rioter Dad: He ‘Absolutely’ Deserves His Long Sentence

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 New York City stores are locking up Spam and other foods amid shoplifting surge

Some New Yorkers are resorting to theft as inflation lifts the cost of everyday goods, including food. Drugstores in parts of New York City are on high alert amid a rise in shoplifting and are increasing security measures to stop theft. Cans of Spam, a cooked pork product that retails for $3.99 per 12-ounce tin, appeared to be encased in an antitheft container at a Duane Reade store in Manhattan, according to a customer who shared an image of the loss-prevention device on Twitter.

SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital.

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At sentencing Wednesday, prosecutors said the suspect showed no remorse for stabbing and killing 16-year-old Naima Liggon outside a McDonald’s at 14th and U streets in Northwest D.C. in August. They pointed to text messages they say the suspect sent immediately after the stabbing.

New York City stores are locking up Spam and other foods amid shoplifting surge

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 Katie Porter Weapons shouldn't have Fewer Safety features than Cell Phones

In today's society, where technology is advancing at an exponential rate, it is concerning that firearms are still lacking essential safety features. As we all know, cell phones have a fingerprint scanner that allows for secure access to the device. However, firearms, which are deadly weapons, don't have such safety features.

It is time for firearm manufacturers to start implementing fingerprint scanners on all their guns. This technology could prevent up to 40% of accidental deaths caused by firearms. As a result, I asked firearm manufacturers why they are hesitant to install these safety features on their products.

It is crucial that we take every possible measure to prevent accidental deaths caused by firearms. The implementation of fingerprint scanners would not only provide an added layer of safety but also prevent unauthorized use of firearms, including stolen weapons.

We must put safety first and demand that firearm manufacturers prioritize safety features. It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure that firearms are used safely and responsibly. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and our communities to take action and prevent senseless tragedies caused by irresponsible gun use.

SMH America is a newly erected news and information platform which shines a light on the sheer stupidity of America and the American Culture in many aspects such as society, government, politics, policing, and much more. This platform is brought to you by The LAM Organization for Disaster Relief, a nonprofit organization that provides funding to disaster relief situations such as UNICEF and Saint Jude's Children's Hospital. 

Katie Porter Weapons shouldn't have Fewer Safety features than Cell Phones

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