The city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, has agreed to a $20 million settlement with the family of Teresa Gomez, a grandmother fatally shot by police officer Felipe Hernandez in October 2023. Hernandez, who was fired after the shooting, faces a second-degree murder charge and has pleaded not guilty. The lawsuit accused the city of negligence and claimed Gomez, who was unarmed and posed no … Continue reading A New Mexico city reaches $20 million settlement in the death of a woman shot by a police officer

Elizabeth Gutfahr, former treasurer of Santa Cruz County, Arizona, pleaded guilty to embezzling over $38 million in county funds between 2012 and 2024. She used the money for personal expenses, including ranch renovations, at least 20 cars, and family costs. Gutfahr transferred funds to personal accounts and used fake business accounts to conceal the theft. She faces up to 35 years in prison and must … Continue reading Arizona county treasurer pleads guilty to embezzling more than $38 million for personal expenses

At least four people died after a powerful atmospheric river event, including a bomb cyclone, hit the U.S. West Coast and parts of Canada, causing widespread damage and leaving thousands without power. Nearly 1 million customers lost electricity at the storm’s peak, with hurricane-force winds toppling trees onto power lines. Two deaths occurred in Washington due to falling trees, while flooding and rough seas claimed … Continue reading At least 4 dead after powerful atmospheric river event clobbers West Coast

Federal investigators released an update on the September 29 fires at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, which created a toxic chemical cloud and forced residents to shelter in place. The fires began after water-reactive chemicals became wet, producing large vapor plumes before igniting. The blaze destroyed the Plant 12 warehouse, led to evacuations, and shut down Interstate 20 for hours. Smoke drifted into … Continue reading New details emerge on BioLab fire that forced thousands to shelter outside Atlanta

A Civil Air Patrol Cessna 182 plane crashed during a training exercise in Larimer County, Colorado, killing pilot Susan Wolber and aerial photographer Jay Rhoten, and severely injuring co-pilot Randall Settergren. The crash occurred Saturday in a mountainous area, and the cause remains under investigation by the NTSB. Colorado Governor Jared Polis and Maj. Gen. Laura Clellan honored the victims for their volunteer service, highlighting … Continue reading Two dead, one injured in single-engine plane crash in Colorado

Walmart was ordered to pay nearly $35 million to former truck driver Jesus “Jesse” Fonseca after a California jury found the retailer falsely accused him of workers’ compensation fraud and wrongfully terminated him. Fonseca, who worked for Walmart for 14 years, was injured in a 2017 accident and filed a workers’ comp claim. Despite medical restrictions, Walmart allegedly failed to accommodate him and later fired … Continue reading Walmart must pay $35 million to a truck driver it falsely accused of fraud, jury says

Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo urged communities to stop adding fluoride to drinking water, citing potential neuropsychiatric risks and IQ reduction concerns. While fluoride is proven to reduce tooth decay by 25% and is widely endorsed by health organizations like the CDC and ADA, Ladapo highlighted the need for further research on its safety. Critics argue his stance undermines public health, noting his history of … Continue reading Florida’s surgeon general advises against adding fluoride to drinking water

Jon and Carie Hallford, owners of Colorado’s Return to Nature Funeral Home, pleaded guilty to corpse abuse after authorities discovered 190 decomposing bodies improperly stored in a building since 2019. Families were given fake ashes, often dry concrete, while the Hallfords spent customers’ money and pandemic relief funds on luxury items and travel. The remains, found last year in a decaying, insect-infested building, prompted Colorado … Continue reading Colorado funeral home owners accused of letting 190 bodies decay plead guilty to corpse abuse

Former Kentucky sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines was indicted for the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins, who was fatally shot in his courthouse chambers on September 19. Stines, 43, allegedly entered Mullins’ office, spoke briefly with him, and then opened fire, killing the 54-year-old judge. He surrendered at the scene and pleaded not guilty. A court video showed Stines shooting Mullins multiple times as he … Continue reading Ex-sheriff indicted on murder charge in the slaying of a judge in Kentucky

Colorado dentist James Craig, accused of fatally poisoning his wife Angela with cyanide and eyedrop chemicals, now faces additional charges, including solicitation to commit murder and perjury. Angela, a mother of six, died in March 2023 after falling ill from a poisoned protein shake. Prosecutors allege Craig conducted online searches about undetectable poisons and faking heart attacks, coinciding with the start of an affair. Craig … Continue reading Colorado dentist charged with poisoning his wife’s protein shakes faces new charges