“NO ELECTRICITY, NO VOTE,” SOUTH AFRICANS THREATEN TO SHUN RULING PARTY ANC. (PHOTO)

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 “No electricity, no vote,” South Africans threaten to shun ruling party ANC Residents in Katlehong, a township outside Johannesburg, have resolved to boycott South Africa's upcoming local elections on November 4 due to long-standing failures by authorities to provide basic services like electricity. For over 20 years, around 180 households in the community have relied on illegal electrical connections pulled from neighboring areas to power their homes. Angry over the lack of formal grid infrastructure, residents are directing their frustration at the ruling African National Congress (ANC). "We have made a collective decision: no electricity, no vote," said community leader Lesiba Rankapole, 59. "We know it is illegal, but we had no choice because we cannot live without electricity. Our children cannot progress without electricity." "I was born ANC, but today I do not want anyone to tell me about the ANC because I am suffering," added 57-year-old resid...

EX-NBA PLAYER DAMON JONES PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN RIGGED POKER INVESTIGATION. (PHOTO).


 Ex-NBA player Damon Jones pleads not guilty in rigged poker investigation

Former NBA player Damon Jones pleaded not guilty to charges claiming he profited from rigged poker games and shared confidential information to aid sports bettors.

Jones, who spent 11 seasons in the NBA, including four alongside LeBron James, is accused of providing nonpublic details about James and Anthony Davis that allegedly allowed bettors to profit. Over his career, Jones earned more than $20 million. His mother and stepfather are posting their Texas home as collateral for a $200,000 bond, allowing him to remain free while awaiting trial.

Jones’s attorney, Kenneth Montgomery, told the court that plea negotiations may be underway. Jones is scheduled to return to court Nov. 24 for a preliminary conference with other defendants. He was among more than 30 people arrested in the sweep targeting alleged gambling misconduct, which also included Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier.

Prosecutors allege Jones sold or attempted to sell insider information, including a Feb. 9, 2023, tip that James would miss a game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Jones allegedly texted an unnamed co-conspirator: “Get a big bet on Milwaukee tonight before the information is out.” James wasn’t listed on the Lakers’ injury report at the time but was later ruled out due to a lower-body injury; the Lakers lost 115-106.

In the poker scheme, prosecutors say Jones helped recruit unsuspecting players into games rigged with manipulated shuffling machines, hidden cameras, specialized sunglasses, and even X-ray-equipped tables. The indictment notes Jones received $2,500 for a game in the Hamptons, where he was directed to cheat by observing other participants closely.

Anthony Ruggiero Jr., an alleged Gambino crime family member, was denied release on a $5 million bond in connection with the rigged poker case by U.S. District Judge Ramon Reyes.


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