general 68 - The Latremie Post

California Moves to Protect CalFresh Payments From Federal ‘Confusion and Chaos’

Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Monday morning new efforts to protect food benefits California has distributed after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) directed states over the weekend to halt and reverse payments.

The filing for a temporary restraining order against the federal government, joined by 23 attorneys general and three governors, comes as the USDA instructed states to “immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025” amid the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.

“The whiplash the president and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins have given Americans in recent weeks, the steps they’ve taken to prevent vulnerable families from putting food on the table, are unnecessary, unconscionable and unlawful,” Bonta said. “We refuse to stand by and allow it to continue without a fight.”

The shutdown, which began in early October, has resulted in delayed payments for those on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). According to Bonta, it has sparked “confusion and chaos” that was “concocted by the Trump administration.”

Over 41 million people nationwide rely on SNAP, with approximately 5.5 million using California’s version, known as CalFresh. Food benefits have become a focal point of disputes between courts, states, and the federal administration.

Last week, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to make a payment that would fully fund the month of November. Despite this, the administration has ignored a previous order to resume certain payments and is appealing the most recent ruling.

The court’s decision prompted states including California to reinstate benefits on people’s EBT cards. According to Bonta, “the vast majority” of Californians on CalFresh “have received full funding” payments that the USDA is now attempting to claw back.

On Saturday, the USDA warned that “failure to comply with this memorandum may result in USDA taking various actions, including cancellation of the Federal share of State administrative costs and holding States liable for any overissuances that result from the noncompliance.”

The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts is currently pausing this request, with a hearing scheduled for later Monday.

“If any of that back and forth left you with whiplash, you are not alone,” Bonta acknowledged. He later emphasized, “I want every SNAP beneficiary to know we are fighting for you tooth and nail to make sure that you can be fed. And that there will be no revocation or undoing of the benefits that you have loaded onto your cards.”

There is hope for an end to the federal government shutdown. On Sunday, eight Democratic senators broke ranks to join Republicans in making a deal to reopen the government.

The October shutdown began primarily due to Democrats seeking extended subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), which supports low-income Americans’ access to health care. The current deal does not guarantee these extended subsidies but is based on an informal agreement that Republicans will vote to extend them in December.

Speaking Monday morning, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi criticized the deal: “They got a promise that they would bring up a bill. Well, what’s that? They’re gonna vote for it? Is he gonna sign it? What’s the promise? What’s a promise? Them is fighting words.”

The eight Democrats who voted for the deal have faced criticism from fellow party members, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who posted on social media: “Pathetic. This isn’t a deal. It’s a surrender. Don’t bend the knee!”

California’s senators, Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff, made clear they will not support the deal, citing concerns over health care access.

“This does nothing to stop the Republican-made health care crisis. It does nothing to stop premiums from doubling for millions of Americans,” Padilla said, according to the Sacramento Bee.

“I have heard from countless Californians who are at risk of losing their health insurance, and my position has been clear from the beginning: I would not support a government funding bill that did not fund health care tax credits,” Schiff added.

KQED reporters Carly Severn and Sara Hossaini contributed to this report.
https://ww2.kqed.org/news/2025/11/10/california-moves-to-protect-calfresh-payments-from-federal-confusion-and-chaos/

Hollywood police seek help identifying suspect in string of chain-snatching robberies

Police Seek Public’s Help to Identify Suspect in Multiple Chain-Snatching Robberies in Hollywood, FL

HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) — Police are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man accused of committing multiple chain-snatching robberies across the city.

According to Hollywood Police, the suspect approaches victims unexpectedly, forcibly removes gold chains from around their necks, and then flees the scene in a black sedan.

Detectives have linked the man to several robberies in Hollywood and believe he may have pawned multiple stolen gold necklaces. These items could be connected to additional unreported crimes.

Investigators have released surveillance photos of the suspect captured during the robberies, along with images of the pawned items. Authorities urge anyone with information about the suspect’s identity, or who recognizes the pawned property, to come forward.

If you have any information, please contact the Hollywood Police Department or Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

https://wsvn.com/news/local/broward/hollywood-police-seek-help-identifying-suspect-in-string-of-chain-snatching-robberies/

Family pays $1.3 million for dream home, then mysterious letters start arriving. What ‘the Watcher’ knew about their children made them flee

Derek and Maria Broaddus were thrilled when they purchased a large six-bedroom house on Boulevard Street in Westfield, New Jersey, in June 2014. They paid $1.3 million for what they believed would be the perfect home to raise their three young children.

However, their excitement soon turned to fear. Just days after moving in, the family began receiving strange letters. According to CBS News, the first letter appeared ordinary but quickly took a disturbing turn. It was signed by someone calling themselves “The Watcher,” who claimed to have been observing the house for many years. The letter stated that it was now their turn to watch the Broaddus family.

The letters were chilling, but the scariest part was the Watcher’s unsettling comments about the Broaddus children. The writer referred to the kids as “young blood” and seemed fixated on them. One letter said, “I am pleased to know your names now and the name of the young blood you have brought to me.” Another letter asked whether the children would “fill the house.” The Watcher even ominously mentioned that if the children were playing upstairs, no one would hear them scream from the basement.

Over the course of about a year and a half, the Broaddus family received a total of four letters, each more eerie than the last. The Watcher demonstrated an unnerving level of knowledge: they knew the children’s names and nicknames and were aware of when workers were at the house. It was clear they knew details that couldn’t be seen by simply passing by.

In an attempt to feel secure, Derek installed cameras all around the property and invested in an advanced security system. Despite these efforts, the family was too frightened to live in the house and never spent a single night there. Instead, they stayed with relatives, even though they had spent over a million dollars on their new home.

The entire ordeal highlights just how terrifying it can be when someone threatens your family, especially your children.

Law enforcement worked diligently to uncover the identity of the Watcher. Police interviewed neighbors and tested DNA from the envelopes, even suspecting a nearby family might be responsible. However, no conclusive evidence was found. Private detectives and former FBI agents also investigated the case but failed to solve the mystery.

Unable to live in the house, the Broaddus family tried to sell or rent it out but faced great difficulty. Eventually, in 2019, the house sold for $959,000—a loss of over $400,000, not including legal and investigative expenses.

The new owners have not reported receiving any strange letters. To this day, the true identity of the Watcher remains unknown.

The entire experience left the Broaddus family financially strained and emotionally stressed, a painful example of how unexpected threats can upend lives.

In 2022, Netflix released a show titled *The Watcher* based on this bizarre case. Starring Naomi Watts and Bobby Cannavale, the series captivated over 125 million viewers in its first week alone.

The Watcher case remains one of New Jersey’s strangest and most chilling unsolved mysteries.
https://wegotthiscovered.com/fyi/family-pays-1-3-million-for-dream-home-then-mysterious-letters-start-arriving-what-the-watcher-knew-about-their-children-made-them-flee/

Trump slams air traffic controllers who called out during the government shutdown

President Trump is slamming U.S. air traffic controllers who called out of work during the government shutdown, a period during which they were forced to stay on the job without pay.

Trump expressed his frustration in a post on Truth Social Monday morning, stating that he was “NOT HAPPY” with controllers who took time off. “All Air Traffic Controllers must get back to work, NOW!!! Anyone who doesn’t will be substantially ‘docked,'” he wrote.

Some controllers have taken on second jobs, while others have called in sick. They are set to miss their second full paycheck this week. Meanwhile, Trump praised those controllers who took no time off during the longest shutdown in U.S. history, calling them “GREAT PATRIOTS” and saying he would recommend giving each a $10,000 bonus.

He added that any controllers wishing to quit shouldn’t hesitate but would receive “NO payment or severance of any kind!” and would be “quickly replaced by true Patriots.” It’s important to note that one reason for the shortage of controllers is that it takes years to train and certify new personnel.

In a subsequent post on X, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised “those who have worked throughout the shutdown” and said he would work with Congress to “reward your commitment.”

However, others have sharply criticized Trump’s comments. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg responded on X, saying, “The President wouldn’t last five minutes as an air traffic controller, and after everything they’ve been through and the way this administration has treated them from Day One he has no business s****ing on them now.”

Last week, the FAA announced it would reduce flights by up to 10% at 40 of the busiest airports in the country, starting with a 4% reduction implemented on Friday. These cuts contributed to major travel headaches over the weekend.

According to the flight tracking website FlightAware, there were more than 4,500 cancellations and 18,000 delays at airports across the U.S.

At Philadelphia International Airport, passenger Phill Hicks experienced multiple cancellations. His flight to West Palm Beach, Florida, was canceled and rebooked twice on Sunday. Preparing to head home for the night and return for his flight Monday morning, he wasn’t confident his flight would take off either.

“I don’t believe this ticket,” Hicks told NPR, “but I’m going to gas my truck up, and take that trip if I have to.”

Similarly, Seth Alpert faced a two-hour delay on his flight back to Columbus, Ohio. Preparing for uncertainties, he rented a car as a backup plan.

“We’ll see. The incoming flight says it’s on time, or a few minutes delayed so, you know, 50-50,” Alpert said regarding his chances.

Hicks, who was stranded at the airport for several hours before senators announced they had reached a potential deal to reopen the government, expressed frustration with Congress.

“I think little cry babies need to get together and figure it out,” he said. “People elect them to do a job. Do your damn job.”
https://www.npr.org/2025/11/10/nx-s1-5604664/trump-air-traffic-controllers-forced-time-off-bonus

The Mavericks have a huge problem aside from the Nico Harrison drama

The Dallas Mavericks are striving to play a quality brand of basketball while navigating the vocal backlash from a frustrated fanbase. It’s not uncommon to hear “Fire Nico” chants at the American Airlines Center—a direct reference to Mavs general manager Nico Harrison’s controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic last season.

However, there is another emerging challenge facing this Mavericks squad: injuries. Over the past couple of seasons, injuries have been a lingering issue for the team. Anthony Davis, acquired as part of the Doncic trade a season ago, has been especially injury-prone. While some have speculated whether Davis might be traded if the team decides to rebuild, it’s extremely unlikely to happen this season. Currently, Davis is sidelined with an injury. Though unfortunate, it’s not surprising given his history. The Mavericks understood the risks when they made the trade.

The injury concerns that are increasingly grabbing attention, however, revolve around Dereck Lively II.

### Mavericks Have a Dereck Lively II Injury Problem

The future of the Dallas Mavericks is centered around Cooper Flagg, but Dereck Lively II is also frequently mentioned as a core piece who can contribute for years to come. Lively, a 21-year-old 7-foot-1 center, has unfortunately dealt with significant injury troubles early in his career.

Now in his third NBA season, Lively’s durability has been a concern. The most games he has played in a single season is 55, which he achieved during his rookie year. In the 2024-25 campaign, Lively was limited to just 36 games. This season (2025-26), he has appeared in only three games so far.

Lively is currently sidelined with a knee sprain, and no specific timeline has been given for his return. Head coach Jason Kidd has expressed hope that the center can come back this week, but the uncertainty remains.

### What This Means for the Mavericks’ Future

Lively’s injury concerns cannot be overlooked as the Mavericks plan ahead. Ideally, he will regain full health soon and avoid future injuries, but given his early career history, the reality might be more complicated.

From a talent perspective, Lively offers intriguing potential. His imposing size and rim protection make opposing scorers hesitate to attack the basket. He is an excellent finisher on lobs and continues to develop his offensive skill set.

Dallas is clearly not ready to give up on him anytime soon. However, if Lively struggles to stay on the floor over the next couple of years, the Mavericks may be forced into a difficult conversation about his role moving forward.

For now, fans and the organization alike can only hope for a healthy and productive future from Dereck Lively II as he strives to fulfill his promise with the Mavericks.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/dallas-mavericks/mavericks-huge-problem-dereck-lively-ii-nico-harrison

1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 Coupe 4-Speed

This 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 coupe was meticulously refurbished before being purchased by the late owner in 2019. Originally finished in Dusk Blue, the body was refinished in the same hue and accented with white racing stripes. Under the hood sits the factory-rated 302-cubic-inch V8, now equipped with a Holley four-barrel carburetor and electric choke, delivering its original 290 horsepower to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transmission and a 12-bolt rear end with limited-slip (Positraction) differential.

Exterior
The Camaro’s aggressive styling features a cowl induction hood, front and rear spoilers, and rear bumper guards. Power-assisted disc brakes occupy all four corners, while power steering ensures confident handling. The car rides on 15″ American Racing Torq Thrust wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires (225/60 front, 235/60 rear).

Interior
Inside, the cabin was re-trimmed in black vinyl, with front bucket seats and a rear bench. A center console houses the shifter and auxiliary gauges for fuel level, oil pressure, battery status and coolant temperature. Up front, an Equus column-mounted tachometer sits alongside the factory 120-mph speedometer, and an AM/FM radio provides entertainment. Front headrests and a two-spoke steering wheel round out the cockpit appointments.

Documentation & Extras
• Five-digit odometer shows 80,000 miles, approximately 2,000 added under current ownership
• Clean Texas title in the late owner’s name
• Fisher body-tag decoding available
• Included with sale: car cover, battery charger and spare two-spoke steering wheel

This Z/28 is now offered for sale by the estate of its late owner. With its matching-numbers small-block V8, period-correct upgrades and show-ready presentation, it’s a classic Camaro primed for the next chapter in its history.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-chevrolet-camaro-z-28-267/

Louisiana prison guards cut a Rastafari inmate’s dreadlocks. Supreme Court will decide if he can sue

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court on Monday wrestled with whether a former Louisiana inmate can sue prison officials who cut off his dreadlocks in violation of his Rastafari religious beliefs.

The justices heard arguments in the case of Damon Landor, who wants to sue for money damages under a federal law designed to protect the religious rights of inmates. After two hours of arguments, the court’s three liberal justices seemed firmly on Landor’s side. But it was unclear whether even one of the six conservatives, let alone the two who would be necessary for a majority, would join them.

No one is defending what happened to Landor in 2020 when guards cut the dreadlocks he had been growing for nearly two decades. However, Louisiana argues that the law—the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA)—cannot be used to hold those who violate inmates’ rights financially responsible. Lower courts have so far uniformly ruled against Landor and others who have made similar claims.

“Look, the facts of this case are egregious,” Justice Amy Coney Barrett said. But Barrett also expressed concern that every court that has weighed in “went the other way.”

The justices could be guided by their decision in 2020 allowing Muslim men to sue over their inclusion on the FBI’s no-fly list under a sister statute, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA). Interestingly, the Justice Department, which argued against the plaintiffs in the no-fly list case during President Donald Trump’s first administration, now agrees with Landor.

When Landor entered the prison system for a five-month term in 2020, he carried a copy of an appeals court ruling from another inmate’s case holding that cutting religious prisoners’ dreadlocks violated the federal law. At his first two stops, officials respected his beliefs. But things changed when he arrived at the Raymond Laborde Correctional Center in Cottonport, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Baton Rouge, for the final three weeks of his term.

According to court records, a prison guard took the copy of the ruling Landor carried and tossed it in the trash. Then the warden ordered guards to cut his dreadlocks. While two guards restrained him, a third shaved his head to the scalp.

Landor sued after his release, but lower courts dismissed the case. The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals lamented Landor’s treatment but said the law doesn’t allow him to hold prison officials liable for damages. Louisiana stated that “the state has amended its prison grooming policy to ensure that nothing like petitioner’s alleged experience can occur.”

The Rastafari faith is rooted in 1930s Jamaica, growing as a response by Black people to white colonial oppression. Its beliefs are a melding of Old Testament teachings and a desire to return to Africa. The faith’s message was spread worldwide in the 1970s by Jamaican music icons Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, two of Rastafari’s most famous exponents.

A decision in *Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections*, 23-1197, is expected by spring.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court at [AP News](https://apnews.com/hub/supreme-court).
https://ktar.com/national-news/louisiana-prison-guards-cut-a-rastafari-inmates-dreadlocks-supreme-court-will-decide-if-he-can-sue/5773903/

De Blasio’s estranged wife Chirlaine McCray shocked to hear about his breakup, cheating allegations: ‘I can’t wait to read the story’

Former Mayor Bill de Blasio’s estranged wife was on the edge of her seat Monday, eager to learn more about her lothario husband’s philandering ways that have rocked his romantic relationship with a much-younger progressive activist.

Chirlane McCray let out a sympathetic “awww” upon discovering that the ex-mayor, 64, had been two-timing former “The Young Turks” correspondent Nomiki Konst with an elected official from out of state. This revelation led to the abrupt end of their 10-month whirlwind romance.

“I don’t know anything. I’m not up to date, but I will be,” the former First Lady of New York City told The Post at her Brooklyn home. “I can’t wait to read the story,” she added, referring to The Post’s exclusive report on Sunday revealing that her hornball hubby was back on the market following his contentious breakup with Konst.

De Blasio and McCray separated in 2023 but stated they had no intention of divorcing. In the months after parting ways with McCray, with whom he shares two children, the former mayor was spotted engaging in a three-hour make-out session with a mystery woman at an Upper West Side rooftop bar. He was also seen whisking a different married woman out for a night on the town.

Konst, 41, and de Blasio went public with their relationship in February and were recently spotted together at a “no kings” rally, both wearing Zohran Mamdani T-shirts just last month.

Sources say Konst was left devastated by the infidelity and that she was “really, really happy” with the love connection before things went south.

“Nomiki and I had a lovely relationship for 10 months. I have deep respect for her and what she stands for, and I hope we can have a real friendship in the future,” de Blasio said Sunday when asked about the alleged affair.

Konst was credited with helping stodgy de Blasio’s recent rebranding and glow-up, which included ditching his often-ridiculed hair coloring that he adopted after leaving office.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/10/us-news/de-blasios-estranged-wife-chirlaine-mccray-shocked-to-hear-about-his-breakup-cheating-allegations/

Coinbase reopens US token sales after six-year hiatus

**Coinbase Breaks Six-Year Barrier: U.S. Retail Traders Get Mainstream Access to Public Token Sales**

Coinbase is making waves in the crypto world by granting U.S. retail traders mainstream access to public token sales, breaking a six-year barrier and reshaping American participation in the nascent crypto economy. The crypto exchange announced on November 10 that it is launching a dedicated token sales platform, with the first sale for the layer-1 blockchain Monad scheduled from November 17-22.

—

**A New Launchpad for Crypto Projects**

This initiative introduces an end-to-end launchpad, handling everything from the initial sale through to secondary market listings on Coinbase’s exchange. One standout feature is an allocation algorithm that prioritizes smaller orders, promoting broader distribution and discouraging whale dominance.

“Our algorithm is designed to promote broader distribution and limit asset concentration among large purchasers. This will typically result in more complete allocation for participants requesting the lowest amounts while progressively filling larger requests until the supply is exhausted,” Coinbase stated.

—

**Setting a New Standard for Token Sales**

Coinbase aims to establish a “new standard” for how crypto projects bring tokens to market. The process includes a “request window,” typically one week, during which users can submit purchase orders at any time. Importantly, timing within this window doesn’t confer any advantage—orders submitted on the first day are treated the same as those on the last.

Once the request window closes, Coinbase’s proprietary “fill from the bottom” algorithm starts, fulfilling smaller requests completely before moving to larger ones. This approach is designed to foster a more decentralized holder base and limit asset concentration from the outset.

—

**Incentives for Long-Term Supporters**

To further reinforce its community-centric approach, Coinbase offers mechanisms to reward long-term holders. The platform identifies and prioritizes “true supporters”—those who retain their token allocations instead of selling quickly after trading begins. Users who sell their allocations within the first 30 days may have reduced access to future sales.

—

**Transparency and Protection for Investors**

Coinbase is also imposing rigorous requirements on token issuers. Issuers and their affiliates must adhere to a six-month lock-up period, preventing them from selling tokens on any market immediately after the sale. Any exceptions to this rule require public disclosure and Coinbase’s approval, ensuring greater transparency.

—

**MON Token Sale: The First Major Test**

The Monad project will be the platform’s first major test, committing 7.5% of its total MON token supply to the public sale at $0.025 per token. This structure sets Monad’s potential fully diluted valuation at approximately $2.5 billion, with the sale poised to raise up to $187.5 million.

Monad’s co-founder, Keone Hon, expressed strong support for the initiative, stating that the public sale could “extend the reach of Monad by extending the distribution of MON into the hands of millions of regular people,” and aligns with efforts to grow crypto beyond its core community.

—

Coinbase’s new token sales platform marks a significant shift for U.S. retail investors and the wider crypto ecosystem, offering more equitable and transparent opportunities to participate in emerging crypto projects.
https://crypto.news/coinbase-reopens-us-token-sales-after-six-year-hiatus/

Strive raises $160M in oversubscribed SATA IPO as Vivek Ramaswamy buys in

**Key Takeaways**

Vivek Ramaswamy purchased 15,625 shares of Strive Inc.’s Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock at $80 per share. Strive Asset Management, co-founded by Ramaswamy, positions itself as ‘anti-woke’ and focuses on maximizing shareholder value.

Strive, backed by Vivek Ramaswamy, announced on Monday that it had successfully closed its oversubscribed initial public offering (IPO) of its Variable Rate Series A Perpetual Preferred Stock (SATA Stock) on Nasdaq. Due to high demand, the number of shares offered was increased from 1.25 million to 2 million.

According to a recent SEC filing, Ramaswamy purchased 15,625 shares of Strive’s SATA Stock. Additionally, he owns 113.9 million Class B shares and indirectly holds 28.4 million shares through the Ramaswamy 2021 Irrevocable Trust.

The offering forms part of Strive’s strategy to amplify its Bitcoin holdings through perpetual preferred equity. The company plans to use the IPO proceeds for general corporate purposes and to potentially increase its Bitcoin holdings, aiming to boost value for ASST common equity shareholders.

Backed by prominent entrepreneurs including Peter Thiel, JD Vance, and Bill Ackman, Strive is acquiring health-tech firm Semler Scientific in an all-stock transaction. This deal, subject to customary closing conditions, is expected to establish a major Bitcoin treasury entity.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/tech/strive-raises-160m-in-oversubscribed-sata-ipo-as-vivek-ramaswamy-buys-in/