Negasi Zuberi, 31, was sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping and sexually assaulting two women in separate incidents, including holding one in a cinderblock cell in his Oregon garage. Convicted on federal charges, Zuberi’s crimes included posing as a police officer, assaulting victims during transport, and constructing a makeshift cell. One victim escaped and alerted authorities, leading to his arrest in 2023. Prosecutors detailed … Continue reading Oregon man who kidnapped a Seattle woman and kept her in a makeshift cell gets life sentence

Southern California faces heightened wildfire risks as strong Santa Ana winds and low humidity are forecast from Monday through Thursday, with gusts reaching up to 100 mph in mountainous areas. Critical fire weather warnings extend from Los Angeles to San Diego, urging residents to prepare for possible evacuations. Firefighters are battling the Palisades and Eaton fires, which have destroyed over 14,000 structures. The Palisades fire, … Continue reading Fire-Ravaged Southern California Braces for Gusty Winds and Heightened Wildfire Risk

Mexican authorities plan to seal a secret tunnel discovered on January 10, connecting Ciudad Juarez to El Paso, Texas. The 1,000-foot-long tunnel, hidden within a storm sewer system, featured lighting, ventilation, and reinforced walls, making it suitable for smuggling people or contraband. Officials believe its construction took one to two years, and an investigation is underway to determine potential complicity by authorities. Clues about the … Continue reading Secret tunnel found on U.S.-Mexico border to be sealed off

Millions along the East Coast are preparing for heavy snow and dangerously cold temperatures, with up to 10 inches forecasted in parts of New England and 6 inches in the Mid-Atlantic by Monday morning. Winter storm warnings affect 70 million people, with hazardous travel expected along the I-95 corridor. Snowfall is disrupting flights in cities like New York, D.C., and Boston, while New York City … Continue reading Heavy snow and frigid Arctic blast put 70 million across the US under winter storm warnings

Police in Wisconsin are investigating a suspected arson at Congressman Glenn Grothman’s district office, allegedly set by a 19-year-old man upset over a temporary TikTok blackout in the U.S. The fire occurred early Sunday, January 19, in Fond du Lac, with firefighters quickly extinguishing it. The suspect admitted to starting the fire in response to discussions about banning TikTok, which Grothman supported. No injuries were … Continue reading Man admits to setting congressman’s district office on fire over TikTok ban: police

A U.S. Justice Department report released Thursday accuses Louisiana State Police (LSP) of a pattern of excessive force during arrests and vehicle pursuits, posing a serious public risk. The civil rights inquiry, launched after an AP investigation, highlights concerns about the use of stun guns, especially on restrained individuals or those not posing a threat. The report details systemic failures, chronic underreporting of force, and … Continue reading Louisiana State Police engaged in pattern of excessive force for years, scathing DOJ report finds

Brendan Davis, a 26-year-old from Washington state, was found safe after going missing while climbing Mount Hood in Oregon. Davis became separated from his friend in foggy conditions after summiting the mountain. Rescue teams located him through his voice nearly 24 hours later, around 2:45 p.m. Pacific Time, and he was in good condition despite spending the night on the mountain. Davis was able to … Continue reading Washington man rescued nearly 24 hours after going missing on Oregon’s Mount Hood

Two missing children from Ohio, ages 8 and 9, were found in Iceland after a months-long search, the U.S. Marshals Service announced. The children were reported missing in October after their mother, 34, stopped taking her medication and left their home. The search tracked them from Colorado to London, Jersey, and finally to Reykjavik, Iceland, where police located them on Jan. 10. Icelandic social services … Continue reading 2 missing Ohio children found in Iceland

A massive fire at the Moss Landing battery storage plant in Northern California prompted the evacuation of 1,700 people and the closure of a major highway. The blaze, which began Thursday, has significantly diminished, but fire crews are letting it burn out due to the difficulty of extinguishing lithium battery fires. Residents raised concerns about air quality, and local schools were closed. The plant, owned … Continue reading Fire at one of the world’s largest battery plants in California forces evacuations

Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, recalled by voters in November, has been indicted on federal corruption charges alongside her boyfriend, Andre Jones, and waste company executives David and Andy Duong. Thao allegedly accepted bribes from the Duongs, including payments disguised as a no-show job for Jones and funding for a $75,000 campaign against her political rivals, in exchange for extending city contracts and using her … Continue reading Recalled Oakland mayor indicted on federal corruption charges

Sai Varshith Kandula, a 20-year-old from St. Louis, was sentenced to eight years in prison for ramming a rented truck into a gate near the White House on May 22, 2023. Kandula, who pleaded guilty to property damage, had plans to overthrow the U.S. government and replace it with a dictatorship based on Nazi ideology. After the crash, he was arrested with a Nazi flag … Continue reading Man who rammed gate near White House in attempt to overthrow government sentenced to 8 years

Homero Zamorano Jr., a Texas truck driver, pleaded guilty to charges in the 2022 smuggling tragedy that left 53 migrants dead in a sweltering trailer near San Antonio. Facing life in prison, Zamorano admitted to transporting migrants in unsafe conditions, knowing the trailer’s air-conditioning was broken. The incident, the deadliest smuggling attempt on the U.S.-Mexico border, involved migrants from Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, … Continue reading Driver in Texas migrant smuggling run that led to the deaths of 53 people pleads guilty

Rudy Giuliani reached a settlement with Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss, resolving a $150 million defamation case against him. The agreement allows Giuliani to keep his homes and possessions, including his Florida condo and New York Yankees memorabilia, while committing not to defame the women again. The case stemmed from Giuliani’s false claims following the 2020 election, and though the workers won … Continue reading Rudy Giuliani avoids trial by settling with Georgia election workers

The FBI announced the closure of its Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), effective December 2024, amid criticism from Republicans who argued the focus on DEI distracted from national security. Critics, including Sen. Marsha Blackburn and former FBI agents, claimed DEI initiatives misused taxpayer resources and detracted from the FBI’s core mission. The ODI, established in 2012, aimed to foster a diverse workplace but faced … Continue reading FBI closed DEI office in December, agency says

Firefighters made progress against two massive wildfires near Los Angeles as strong winds eased on Wednesday, though forecasters warn Santa Ana winds could return next week. Improved conditions, including cooler temperatures and a marine layer, are helping containment efforts, with nearly half of the Eaton Fire and 20% of the Pacific Palisades Fire controlled. The fires have killed 25 people, destroyed thousands of homes, and … Continue reading Weather eases up as progress made on LA fires

A Southwest Airlines pilot, David Paul Allsop, was removed from the cockpit before a flight from Georgia to Chicago on Wednesday after allegedly showing signs of intoxication and smelling of alcohol. He was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. Southwest Airlines apologized for the disruption, ensuring customer safety and rescheduling flights. Allsop’s bail was set at $3,500, and he was released on bond. … Continue reading Southwest pilot removed from cockpit, booked for DUI

Texas sheriff’s deputy Jesus Vargas, a 17-year veteran of the Brazoria County sheriff’s department, was fatally shot on Wednesday while attempting to serve an arrest warrant in Houston. Vargas, working with a U.S. Marshal’s task force, was targeted by a suspect with a lengthy criminal history, including aggravated assault. A large-scale search involving helicopters and K-9 units ensued, culminating hours later when law enforcement located … Continue reading Texas sheriff’s deputy killed, suspect fatally shot after large search in Houston

Residents and businesses in Pacific Palisades have sued Los Angeles’ Department of Water and Power (LADWP), claiming unpreparedness and a failed water system worsened the Palisades Fire, which began January 7, destroyed 5,000 structures, and caused eight deaths. The lawsuit, filed in California Superior Court, seeks damages for property losses, living expenses, and lost income, citing the empty Santa Ynez Reservoir and ignored fire warnings … Continue reading Pacific Palisades residents sue Los Angeles department of water and power

The son of Robert L. Brooks Sr., who died after a brutal beating by guards at Marcy Correctional Facility in New York, filed a federal lawsuit alleging systematic violence and negligence. Brooks, a 43-year-old Black inmate, died in December 2023, a day after being handcuffed, beaten, and lifted by his neck in an attack caught on body camera footage. The lawsuit names over a dozen … Continue reading Guards ‘systematically and casually’ beat New York inmate to death, lawsuit says

Sinaloa cartel co-founder Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, 76, is negotiating a plea deal with U.S. federal prosecutors in Brooklyn to avoid a trial that could result in the death penalty. Arrested in New Mexico in July after decades on the run, Zambada faces 17 counts of drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and money laundering. During a hearing, he chose to keep his lawyer despite a conflict … Continue reading Sinaloa cartel leader ‘El Mayo’ in plea talks in Brooklyn federal case, prosecutor says

A youth basketball coach in Connecticut, Bryan Baez-Rivera, has been charged with vehicular assault after hitting a person with his car following an argument about a weekend game. The incident occurred Saturday at Horace W. Porter School, where Baez-Rivera struck the victim, sending them over the vehicle’s hood. Baez-Rivera also faces charges of breach of peace, reckless endangerment, and risk of injury to a minor. … Continue reading Connecticut youth basketball coach accused of vehicular assault after argument about game 

The FBI and DHS issued a warning to law enforcement nationwide about potential copycat attacks following an ISIS-inspired vehicle ramming attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day that killed 14 people. The agencies cautioned about the appeal of vehicle ramming as a tactic for extremists and the possible use of additional weapons like firearms, knives, or IEDs. The warning urged vigilance and reporting of … Continue reading FBI, DHS warn of possible copycat attacks after NOLA ISIS-inspired vehicle attack

Authorities in Los Angeles County have charged a man with arson and several individuals with looting homes in wildfire evacuation zones. The arson suspect, Jose Carranza-Escobar, allegedly started a fire in Azusa and faces nine years in prison. Looting charges were filed against groups targeting homes in Pacific Palisades and Altadena, stealing over $200,000 in goods, including an Emmy Award. Arrests were made in Koreatown … Continue reading Los Angeles County DA says nine charged with looting homes in wildfire zones, one with arson

The Justice Department released Special Counsel David Weiss’s final report on his investigation into Hunter Biden, defending the prosecution of the president’s son on tax and gun charges. Weiss rejected claims of political influence, addressing criticism from President Biden and allegations of special treatment raised by IRS agents. The investigation led to Hunter Biden’s felony gun conviction, tax evasion guilty plea, and allegations of failing … Continue reading Justice Dept releases special counsel’s report on Hunter Biden

A Colorado apartment complex linked to crime and alleged gang activity, including a Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua, will close under an emergency court order, city officials announced. Aurora officials sued to declare most of the complex a criminal nuisance after a violent kidnapping and assault last month. The property owner, CBZ Management, disputes the claims but has faced criticism for abandoning management, which authorities … Continue reading Colorado apartment complex where armed gang members were seen on video will be closed