Delaware
True justice in Delaware requires effective and compassionate rehabilitation
3-minute read
On Dec. 7, 2000, the worst thing imaginable happened to my family: my older brother Yusuf Dixon was tragically murdered by an acquaintance of his. The loss for my family was unspeakable. Every day I think about my brother, what his life would have been like, and how much I miss him in my own life.
The person who killed him was arrested, prosecuted and convicted. He was barely an adult but sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.
My family and I have spent the years since we lost my brother talking about what justice would look like for us. Of course, we were angry and devastated by the senseless loss of my brother, but over the years, our conversations often turn to concern for the man convicted of his murder.
My brother’s murderer has been incarcerated for over two decades and will be eligible for parole soon. He’s missed out on his 20s and 30s and will likely come out of prison middle-aged and with few resources. I believe strongly that he should have access to a supportive and compassionate probation program that helps him succeed in the community. It makes no sense that two lives need to be ruined: my brother already lost his life, but continuing to punish the person who killed him once he has served his time does not bring my family justice. That is why I am a strong supporter of Senate Substitute 2 for Senate Bill 4 — SB 4 — sponsored by state Sen. Marie Pinkney.
SB 4 would reform our probation system to ensure that those leaving prison are given the tools they need to succeed. I hear from far too many people on probation that they are often set up to fail, as one minor technical violation — like missing a meeting with their probation officer or failing to complete an educational course — could land them back in prison. Under this new legislation, most people on probation would only go back to prison if they commit a new crime. Probation officers would be encouraged to use more rehabilitative tools to work with people on probation to keep them out of prison and help them to meet all the conditions of their probation.
SB 4 would also require each person’s probation conditions to be individualized for their specific needs. Currently, nearly every person on probation in Delaware receives identical rules they must follow. This makes little sense considering the wide variety of needs each person has. I want the probation system to assess my brother’s killer for his specialized needs that must be addressed for him to successfully transition out of prison, rather than receiving a one-size-fits-all approach that may not work for him.
The pain that my family went through when we lost my brother is something we want no other person to ever go through, and that is also why I am passionate about probation reform. If the person who killed my brother is given all the tools to succeed, my hope is that he will be able to get a job, stable housing, mental healthcare and be able to reconnect with his family. All of those things are the key factors to ensure he does not commit a new crime in the future and is able to make positive contributions to our community.
My brother was a loving, joyful person who I remember as a man who cared deeply about his community. The person who took him from us has been punished, and it is a better testament to Yusuf’s memory to show mercy, grace and forgiveness. Justice for my family is honoring the values my brother had: restoration, not retribution. Please honor crime victims like my brother and help to create a justice system that promotes rehabilitation and compassion.
Jasmine Dixon is the Sussex County Organizer for Network Delaware.
Delaware
Joe Biden turns his Delaware home into 'personal ATM', earns $4.2mn from $350K property: Report
United States President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden are believed to have treated their various real estate holdings in Delaware as their personal ATM for years by using them for various mortgages and refinancing them for not less than 35 times, according to a report.
The couple, whose reported net worth is $10 million, have allegedly borrowed $6 million against their properties for many years.
The dealings over their homes in Delaware are likely to have started in the late 1970s just after Joe and Jill got married.
According to a report published in the Daily Mail, the mortgage or credit deals were negotiated by the couple after approximately every 17 months. Such frequent refinancing has left the finance experts puzzled.
“It doesn’t make a lot of sense unless they were desperate for cash,” said a finance expert, while speaking to Daily Mail.
The revelations made in the report have further added mystery to the financial past of his family as the president faces scrutiny over financial transactions.
Biden’s murky financial transactions
The current residence of Bidens is a mansion which was purchased in 1996 and has an outstanding $541,000 mortgage after nearly three decades, as per records.
“Why would anyone view their home as an ATM?” LA realtor Tony Mariotti said while speaking to the Daily Mail.
“Over time, mortgage fees really add up. Paying off a mortgage… is like a forced savings account that bears modest interest,” Mariotti added.
As per the records, in 1996 the current four-acre spread was purchased by Bidens for $350,000 and they have since leveraged it with 20 different home credit agreements as well as mortgages totalling $4.23 million.
Watch: US: Biden & Trump prep for key Presidential debate
Bidens’ other major property is a summer home in Rehoboth Beach which was purchased in 2017 for $2.74 million. It was a cash purchase and had no mortgages attached to it.
However, financial records of Bidens show that they have significant debt and have a mortgage on the Wilmington home as well as an equity loan on the same property.
The family’s total liabilities fall between $350,000 and $850,000. Their estimated assets fall between $1 million and $2.6 million.
According to the records, the Bidens have sanctioned 13 home loans and two credit agreements between 1978 and 1994 which totals $1.72 million.
(With inputs from agencies)
In 2019, Alison Quimby, manager of sustainability and environmental compliance for the city of Wilmington, proposed an outdoor classroom to help support families and community members living in the urban areas where green spaces may be limited.
However, it faced setbacks at the time due to the pandemic.
“I just had this thought in my mind, definitely like a daydream, and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be beautiful to give [this to] the citizens of Wilmington who are inside of buildings a lot?’” she said. “[We want to] give them a space to be outside where they can feel comfortable, where they can learn. It’s not just for environmental stuff.”
Collaborators including Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, the city of Wilmington, Healthy Communities Delaware and local schools came together Tuesday morning to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the park’s new addition.
Education and community were central to this project, influencing its location at Cool Spring Park due to the park’s proximity to nearby schools. During construction, involving the community was essential, with students at William C. Lewis Dual Language Elementary School contributing by planting native plants and attracting pollinators.
“We went through three different schools. But this was the one that we definitely landed on, and it’s perfection. The goal is to do this again and again. This is an experience that William C. Lewis and Padua and Ursuline or any community can come and enjoy,” she added. “With the help of the school William C. Lewis, they were able to come out, get their fingers dirty and do some planting, and they found worms and they were so excited.”
Heat wave Day 6: Temperature records broken
FOX 29 Meteorologist Kathy Orr chats about the 136-year-old record broken in Philadelphia with its high temperature Sunday.
PHILADELPHIA – Summer fun is even better when it’s free, and beachgoers looking to beat the heat have several options in both New Jersey and Delaware.
Temperatures have sizzled parts of the Delaware Valley ever since summer began earlier this month, including a record-setting heat wave.
Crowds have packed shore towns in New Jersey and Delaware where the sea breeze helps make unbearable summer temps more tolerable.
Everyone has their favorite shore town, but anyone looking to save a couple bucks can still enjoy a day at the beach with these free options.
Atlantic City: Best known for its gambling and vibrant nightlife, Atlantic City also offers a massive free beach for summertime fun. Downtown Beach, Crystal Beach, and Delaware Avenue Beach are a few of the options available to visitors. A.C. also boasts a more than 5-mile stretch of boardwalk that has access to restaurants, casinos and novelty shops.
Bay Front: Considered part of the more well-known Seaside Heights, Bay Front offers beachgoers “an alternative to the oceanfront activities.” Bay Front, found just north of Route 37, not only offers a free patrolled beach, but visitors can also enjoy fishing, crabbing and boating.
Beesley’s Point: Located on the banks of Great Egg Harbor, Beesley’s Point gives beachgoers a quieter escape and is said to be “an ideal spot for launching a kayak to explore the calm waters.”
Jennifer Lane Bay Beach: Another bay side location for beachgoers who prefer a more laid back shore experience, Jennifer Lane Beach is found on the Manahawkin Bay. Jennifer Lane Bay also features nearby parks for volleyball, walking, biking, and fishing.
Strathmere: Neatly tucked between Ocean City and Sea Isle City, Strathmere beach offers “a low-key, off-the-beaten-path beach experience.”
The Wildwoods: One of the most popular South Jersey beaches is also one of the state’s largest free beaches! With over 5 miles of beaches, Wildwood offers visitors plenty of room to find a spot to enjoy the sun and surf.
William Morrow Beach: VisitNJ.com called William Morrow Beach “the perfect spot to spend a sunny summer day” due to its plentiful sandy beaches and amenities like free parking, outdoor showers and a playground. A small notch of Somers Point, William Morrow Beach stretches between Higbee and New Jersey avenues.
Dewey Beach: There’s a lot packed into the small Delaware shore town, including a free beach! The one-mile-long town is just three blocks, but offers shops, restaurants and a lively nightlife scene.
Rehoboth Beach: One of Delaware’s premier vacation spots also boasts free sandy beaches! Rehoboth Beach also features a fun boardwalk and plenty of shops and restaurants to round out your day at the beach.
If we missed a free beach in New Jersey or Delaware, let us know at WTXF_web@FOX.com!
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