Explore

Five Kentucky Men Indicted in Federal Cockfighting Investigation

Five Kentucky Men Indicted in Federal Cockfighting Investigation

Five men from Kentucky have been indicted on federal charges following an investigation into illegal cockfighting operations. Federal prosecutors allege that Christopher Copas, 53, and James Holland, 57, both of Bowling Green, along with Don Ray 'Donnie' Haley, 60, of Elkton, were charged with possessing roosters for participation in an animal fighting venture. Additionally, Ramon Escamilla, 65, who divides his time between Bowling Green and Mexico, and his son Eric Escamilla, 36, of Bowling Green, face charges of conspiracy to commit the same offense. The defendants are accused of running breeding operations across their properties to breed, raise, train, and sell game fowl specifically for cockfighting. Christopher Copas faces an additional charge of possessing a firearm with its serial number removed. All five men are scheduled to make their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Bowling Green on September 23.

A judge rejects Pamela Smart’s latest bid for a new trial in 1990 accomplice to murder case

A judge rejects Pamela Smart’s latest bid for a new trial in 1990 accomplice to murder case

A New Hampshire judge has dismissed Pamela Smart's latest petition for a new trial

Arcwood Environmental Seeks Healthcare Environmental Technician for Delaware Operations

Arcwood Environmental Seeks Healthcare Environmental Technician for Delaware Operations

Arcwood Environmental is actively recruiting a Healthcare Environmental Technician in Dover, Delaware. This role is crucial for managing a Product Collection Program at client sites as part of their recycling initiatives. The technician will be responsible for providing inspection services, which include checking collection bins, gathering data using a mobile application, and preparing full containers for shipment. Additionally, the position involves conducting various facility inspections as needed. The successful candidate will also be tasked with submitting weekly reports via the mobile app, collaborating with clients to enhance program efficiencies, and handling project billing and cost tracking operations. Maintaining an inventory of supplies for inspections and obtaining necessary credentials to service client locations are also key responsibilities. Arcwood Environmental emphasizes adherence to health and safety policies and continuous training for its employees.

States Without Income Tax Present Mixed Affordability, With Property and Sales Taxes Offsetting Savings

States Without Income Tax Present Mixed Affordability, With Property and Sales Taxes Offsetting Savings

Nine U.S. states currently do not levy a state income tax, offering potential financial benefits to residents. However, these states often compensate for the lack of income tax revenue through higher property, sales, or excise taxes. For instance, New Hampshire and Texas, while income tax-free, have some of the highest property tax burdens in the country. Florida, a popular destination for retirees, has a total tax burden of 6.27% and a cost of living slightly above the national average, driven by higher grocery, housing, and utility costs. Tennessee, ranked as the most affordable among these states, has a total tax burden of 6.21% and a cost of living index of 90.3, largely due to low housing costs. Alaska, despite having the lowest total tax burden, faces a high cost of living due to elevated prices for groceries, utilities, and transportation.

New Hampshire Chief Justice Resigns Amid Ethics Violations Over $50,000 Payout to Ally

New Hampshire Chief Justice Resigns Amid Ethics Violations Over $50,000 Payout to Ally

New Hampshire Chief Justice Gordon MacDonald has resigned, effective immediately, after admitting to violating three sections of the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct. The resignation follows an inquiry by the state’s Judicial Conduct Committee (JCC) into a personnel move involving Dianne Martin, MacDonald’s former chief of staff. Martin was laid off on April 1, 2025, and rehired on April 4, allowing her to cash out nearly $50,000 in unused vacation, sick time, and other accrued benefits. The JCC found that MacDonald failed to promote public confidence in the judiciary, perform his job competently, and avoid favoritism regarding Martin's removal. Additionally, MacDonald reportedly bypassed the judicial branch’s standard merit-based hiring process to secure Martin's new position. MacDonald chose to resign rather than face a public trial, stating it was to maintain the integrity of the judicial branch and avoid a disruptive public hearing. He also agreed to pay the legal fees of the committee’s counsel.

Senator Maggie Hassan Introduces Bill to Streamline Federal Addiction Grant Funding

Senator Maggie Hassan Introduces Bill to Streamline Federal Addiction Grant Funding

U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan, in collaboration with Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, has introduced the Addiction Grants Modernization Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to create a centralized website and application process for substance abuse recovery organizations seeking federal grants. The goal is to simplify and streamline the current system, which involves numerous applications across various federal government departments. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the bill intends to allow these organizations to dedicate more time and resources to their primary mission of combating drug addiction and supporting individuals in recovery. Senator Hassan emphasized that this initiative is crucial for New Hampshire, which has seen a decrease in overdose deaths, and for ensuring that local leaders and advocates have easier access to necessary funding.

Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce Identified as Victim in $25 Million Fraud Scheme

Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce Identified as Victim in $25 Million Fraud Scheme

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been identified by prosecutors as a victim in a $25 million fraud scheme. The case, prosecuted in St. Louis, resulted in the defendant, Sid Jawahar, being sentenced to 11 years in prison. While court proceedings mentioned Kelce as a victim, prosecutors did not elaborate on his specific connection to the scheme, citing a policy against discussing individual victims. A 2021 Forbes article indicates that Kelce was an investor in a fund called Swiftarc, which Jawahar co-founded. Jawahar pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges in January, having used new investor funds to repay older investors and finance an extravagant lifestyle.

Researchers Develop Part-Human, Part-Mouse Brains for Disease Study, Raising Ethical Questions

Researchers Develop Part-Human, Part-Mouse Brains for Disease Study, Raising Ethical Questions

Recent advancements in neuroscience have led to the creation of part-human, part-mouse brains. Researchers have genetically engineered mice to lack their own cerebral cortex and subsequently implanted human brain cells into these mice. This innovative approach aims to provide a more accurate model for studying human-specific psychiatric and neurodevelopmental diseases, which are difficult to research using traditional animal models or lab-grown organoids alone. The human cells are integrated into the mouse brain, forming connections and developing in a more natural environment than a petri dish. This method allows scientists to observe how human neurons function and interact within a living system, offering new insights into complex brain conditions.

Dartmouth Health Announces Staff Reductions and Program Consolidations Amidst Rising Operating Costs

Dartmouth Health Announces Staff Reductions and Program Consolidations Amidst Rising Operating Costs

Dartmouth Health (DH), New Hampshire’s sole academic health system, has announced significant staff reductions and program consolidations. A total of 124 employee positions have been eliminated, and 303 open positions at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Dartmouth Hitchcock Clinics Southern Region have been canceled. These changes include the restructuring of executive and administrative leadership roles and the discontinuation of specific programs. The affected programs include Tele-ICU and Tele-ED services, which were deemed unsustainable at their current scale without external support, and the New England Alliance for Health (NEAH), whose necessity diminished as member organizations integrated into larger health systems. Additionally, the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt and Green Belt employee training program will be outsourced due to cost-effectiveness. Dartmouth Health attributes these actions to escalating operating expenses, which have grown by 12%, outpacing patient revenues, driven by rising labo...

FBI Oklahoma City Warns Public About Agent Impersonation Scams

FBI Oklahoma City Warns Public About Agent Impersonation Scams

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Oklahoma City office has issued a warning to the public regarding a prevalent scam where fraudsters impersonate FBI agents over the phone. This scam typically begins with a call from an individual claiming to be a bank representative, who then alleges that the victim's information has been used for illegal firearm purchases. The call is subsequently transferred to a supposed 'FBI agent' who provides a fake name and badge number to appear credible. This imposter then attempts to extract sensitive personal and financial information from the victim. Scammers often use spoofing technology to make these calls appear to originate from the legitimate FBI Oklahoma City office number. A key characteristic of this scam is the insistence on transferring the call directly to the 'FBI agent' rather than allowing the victim to independently verify the claims by hanging up and calling the FBI directly. The FBI emphasizes that it will never demand payment, personal information, threat...

US charges five people in alleged Russian-backed murder plots

US charges five people in alleged Russian-backed murder plots

By Christian Martinez Sept 16 (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice has charged five people in connection with alleged Russian plots involving surveillance, recruitment and targeted killings, according to an indictment unsealed on Tuesday.

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Embeds Agents with Memphis Safe Task Force, Expands Authority

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Embeds Agents with Memphis Safe Task Force, Expands Authority

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) is embedding agents with the Memphis Safe Task Force, a move supported by $9 million in state funding this year. This initiative grants the TBI task force broad authority across Tennessee, including the power to initiate investigations into major criminal offenses such as murder, gang activities, disorderly conduct, riots, and drug and weapons offenses. The task force operates under an eight-member board chaired by TBI Director David Rausch, which can decide when criminal activity in a jurisdiction warrants additional law enforcement operations. Fifteen TBI agents are already embedded in Memphis, with 17 more special agent criminal investigators currently being hired. The legislation allows the task force to conduct investigations in any judicial district where the Memphis Safe Task Force is active, without requiring a request from local law enforcement. It also permits agreements with other agencies at state or federal levels.