A Sikorsky S-64 firefighting helicopter crashed near Richfield, Utah, on Friday morning while operating near the Widemouth 2 Fire. Two people were aboard the aircraft, and both were confirmed dead by the National Interagency Fire Center. Heavy fire activity initially prevented emergency crews from safely reaching the crash site, forcing officials to wait for safer conditions. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating … Continue reading Firefighting helicopter crashes near Widemouth 2 Fire in Utah

At least one person has died in the Gann Fire in California’s Sierra Nevada foothills, which has burned more than 10,000 acres and destroyed seven buildings. Police arrested 65-year-old Herbert Wayne Smith, who investigators believe accidentally sparked the blaze while using a chainsaw and other equipment near dry vegetation. Smith, who had previously faced charges for starting another fire, expressed regret and said he never … Continue reading At least one person dead in California wildfire allegedly sparked by chainsaw

The remains of 56 people were discovered decomposing in deplorable conditions at a Chicago funeral home, where bodies were allegedly stored in an unrefrigerated area. Illinois officials suspended the funeral director’s license after investigators found evidence of decomposition, maggots and rodent infestation. The funeral home’s owners had previously operated a crematory that was shut down after improperly stored bodies and unreturned cremated remains were discovered. … Continue reading Remains of 56 people found decomposing at Chicago funeral home

More than 300,000 Haitians in the United States are now at risk of arrest and deportation after the Trump administration ended their Temporary Protected Status (TPS). A federal judge’s order blocking the termination expired following a Supreme Court ruling that cleared the way for the government to end TPS for Haitians. Many affected Haitians face the difficult choice of remaining in the U.S. without legal … Continue reading Haitians face arrest and deportation after US removes TPS protections

A 66-year-old Washington man has been charged with illegally shooting and killing a bald eagle with a shotgun in rural Clark County. Federal prosecutors said Benjamin G. Allen allegedly violated the Bald and Gold Eagle Protection Act and laws protecting migratory birds. Investigators found the eagle had two shotgun pellets lodged in its brain after a veterinary examination. Allen, who reportedly kept chickens near where … Continue reading Washington man charged with killing bald eagle

A man was killed and seven children were injured in a two-vehicle crash Tuesday morning in Germantown, Maryland. Police said the children, ages 12 to 15, were inside a Kia Optima that had been reported stolen, while the man was driving a Toyota Matrix. Authorities said the Kia entered an intersection and struck the other vehicle, with witnesses reporting the car had been driving erratically … Continue reading Man dead, 7 children in stolen vehicle hurt in Maryland crash

Madison police arrested 16 people Tuesday while clearing an encampment that formed at the site where officer-involved shooting victim Corey Ruiz was memorialized. Authorities said protesters threw rocks and started fires after city workers attempted to remove the encampment, leading police to intervene and reopen the street. The site had been occupied for nearly two weeks with tents, memorial items, and demonstrations blocking several city … Continue reading Madison police clear encampment at shooting site, arrest 16

The Gann Fire in Northern California has grown to more than 7,000 acres as smoke continues to impact communities in Calaveras County. All Calaveras Unified School District campuses were closed Wednesday due to worsening air quality, shifting winds, and wildfire conditions. Firefighters reported 10% containment as crews worked through rugged terrain with support from aircraft and overnight operations. The blaze began Monday near Hogan Dam … Continue reading California Gann Fire closes schools, recreation areas as it burns more than 7,000 acres

A man was arrested outside Trump National Golf Club in Southern California after federal agents said he was found acting suspiciously while recording security preparations ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit. Investigators later found weapons-related items at his home, including an illegally modified rifle, body armor, high-capacity magazines, and notebooks containing what authorities called concerning statements. Officials said there is no evidence the suspect was … Continue reading Armed man arrested at Trump’s California golf course ahead of president’s visit