A Texas man was sentenced to six and a half years in prison and three years supervised release for trafficking more than 21 kilograms of the drug known as Spice from Texas to Alaska. “Spice” is a generic term for synthetic cannabinoids, which are mind-altering chemicals that are formed by dissolving psychotropic drugs in acetone […]
Category: National News
Zearing, IA family denies kidnapping, torturing 18-year-old
Four members of a family from Zearing, Iowa, have entered pleas of not guilty to charges involving the severe abuse and kidnapping of an 18-year-old relative. According to court filings, the teenager was admitted to a hospital displaying signs of extreme malnutrition and injuries severe enough to cause brain bleeding. The individuals charged include Gary […]
Filing frenzy hits as Tax Day countdown moves into the final hours
It’s Tax Day in the United States, a deadline that prompts a late surge in income tax filings. IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel reported to journalists on Friday that over 100 million returns have already been filed, and many more are expected in the final hours. “For those of you submitting at the last minute, you’re […]
U.S. Supreme Court justices seem skeptical of limits on access to abortion medication
(Missouri Independent) – The future of medication abortion access in the United States went in front of the U.S. Supreme Court justices on Tuesday, where several justices appeared somewhat skeptical as anti-abortion organizations argued the use of the pharmaceutical should be moved back to what was in place before 2016. Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, speaking […]
2024 Solar Eclipse: Aspects of the eclipse you probably don’t know about
On April 8, 2024, North America will be captivated by a rare celestial spectacle: a total solar eclipse. Unlike the more common partial eclipses, this event offers an extraordinary opportunity for millions across Mexico, the United States, and Canada to witness daytime turn into twilight. The eclipse’s path of totality, a narrow corridor where the […]
Massive $1.2 trillion spending package that would avert a shutdown released by Congress
(Missouri Independent) – Congress released the final six government funding bills early Thursday, starting off a sprint toward the Friday midnight deadline to wrap up work that was supposed to be finished nearly six months ago. The bipartisan agreement on the $1.2 trillion spending package, which emerged just before 3 a.m., came less than two […]
Video: Iowa family members accused of kidnapping, torturing teen in home
In a shocking case from Zearing, Iowa, a community 50 miles north of Des Moines, a family of four faces serious charges after a young man was discovered in a critical condition, leading to widespread alarm within the community. Gary Graham Jr., 44, Danielle Graham, 42, Aaron Williams, 20, and a 16-year-old female, who are […]
$21 million investment to support education beyond high school
(Missouri News Service – Eric Galatas) – This year’s high school graduates will be eligible for 14,000 new scholarships offered through Opportunity Next Colorado, a $21 million investment approved by state lawmakers. Angie Paccione, the Colorado Department of Higher Education’s executive director, stated the goal is to set graduates up for success and fill high-demand […]
New emission standards to increase electric cars sales
(Missouri News Service – Alex Gonzalez) – In Arizona, four in every 1,000 people own electric vehicles (EVs), and a federal rule, soon to be finalized, could increase these numbers. The rule is gaining support but also faces criticism. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) new car and light truck emission standards could require that up […]
It’s National Animal Poison Prevention Week
National Animal Poison Prevention Week, March 17-23, 2024, is a time for pet owners to assess what plants and products can potentially poison their animals, identify signs they’ve been poisoned, and learn how to prevent pet poisoning. It is also a good time to remind livestock owners of the springtime dangers of potential poisons, such […]
New study highlights Nirsevimab’s effectiveness in RSV prevention
The CDC just shared new information showing a medicine called Nirsevimab is good at keeping babies from getting so sick from a virus called RSV that they have to go to the hospital. RSV is a big reason why lots of babies end up in the hospital. The CDC says it’s a good idea to […]
Understaffed, unnerved Texas postal workers speak out about delivery delays
(Texas News Service – Roz Brown) – Texas postal customers, especially in rural areas, are experiencing delays in mail delivery, and some letter carriers feel it could get worse. Staffing shortages are blamed for certain delays but others believe a demoralized workforce and a 10-year Postal Service improvement plan also are a problem. To reduce […]
Biden unveils latest round of student loan cancellation to aid 153,000 borrowers
(Missouri Independent) – President Joe Biden expanded his push to eliminate student loan debt Wednesday, saying during a speech the initiative is part of a campaign promise to address the “broken” system. “While a college degree is still a ticket to a better life, that ticket is too expensive,” Biden said. “And too many Americans […]
CDC warns of E. Coli outbreak linked to raw milk cheese
A CDC food safety alert has been issued regarding a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese. According to the alert, ten people have been reported infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli across four states. The report indicates that four individuals have been hospitalized, and one […]
Veterinary research offers hope for human arthritis
Researchers at Colorado State University are advancing our understanding of how osteoarthritis progresses in horses. Their work could eventually aid individuals who develop the degenerative disease following an injury to a knee, elbow, or shoulder. Lynn Pezzanite, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and assistant professor at Colorado State University, noted that the disease impacts nearly […]
Intense opposition to U.S. Senate immigration deal quickly emerges
(Missouri Independent) – The proposed global security funding legislation that includes major bipartisan updates to immigration policy encountered opposition from members of both parties Monday, especially Republicans upset by the Biden administration’s handling of border security, charting a tumultuous path for passage in the Senate this week. The deal on immigration policy, negotiated for months […]
CDC reports 80% increase in U.S. syphilis cases
In a troubling development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a nearly 80% surge in syphilis cases across the United States, totaling more than 207,000 between 2018 and 2022. This sharp increase spans all age groups, including newborns, and affects every region of the country. A staggering 3,755 cases of congenital […]
Video: Zuckerberg, Spiegel apologize to victim families for harm experienced online
(Missouri News Service) – A contentious congressional hearing on Wednesday unanimously called for regulations on social media, with a focus on protecting children. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) pressed Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to apologize to the families of child victims who suffered due to social media’s negative impacts, including exploitation, harm, and death. […]
“A product that’s killing people”: Lawmakers chastise social media giants for harm to kids
(Missouri Independent) – Members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee castigated executives at leading social media companies Wednesday, calling for more to be done to shield children from sexual exploitation, drug dealing, self-harm encouragement and other damaging content. In one tense exchange, Missouri Republican Sen. Josh Hawley demanded to know if Mark Zuckerberg, the founder […]
“Taylor Swift Act” will protect against unauthorized deepfake images
State Representative Adam Schwadron is taking a significant step towards protecting the privacy and well-being of individuals by filing “The Taylor Swift Act.” This groundbreaking legislation aims to address the unauthorized disclosure of intimate digital depictions, providing crucial safeguards for those affected by such actions. The bill, named after the renowned artist Taylor Swift, aims […]