Organized Crime

World

DOJ Official Signals End of Road for New Epstein Charges Despite Document Flood

A senior Justice Department official has indicated that the recent massive release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents is unlikely to lead to new federal prosecutions, stating that the trove of 'horrible photographs' and emails does not itself constitute prosecutable evidence, even as the revelations trigger political fallout abroad.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Global Fallout: New Epstein Document Dump Triggers Political Resignations, Diplomatic Tensions

The latest release of millions of pages from the Jeffrey Epstein investigations has sent shockwaves from European capitals to New Delhi, implicating figures in business, politics, and royalty, and forcing governments into damage control.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Rica Votes Amid Security Crisis, With Conservative Favorite Poised for Victory

Costa Ricans cast ballots Sunday in an election defined by soaring narco-violence, with ruling party candidate Laura Fernandez, promising a Bukele-style crackdown, favored to win. The vote signals a potential rightward shift and constitutional showdown in a nation struggling with its transformation into a major drug trafficking hub.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Venezuela Frees Over 30 Detainees Amid Amnesty Push, Rights Groups Report

Venezuela has released more than 30 individuals classified as political prisoners, according to a leading rights organization. The move follows the government's announcement of a proposed amnesty law and comes amid mounting international pressure and domestic calls for faster action.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Judge Orders Release of 5-Year-Old and Father from ICE Custody Amid Heated Asylum Dispute

A federal judge has ordered the release of a five-year-old boy and his father from immigration detention, sparking a public clash between Trump administration officials and Democratic lawmakers over the family's asylum status and the treatment of migrant children.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Illinois Mother of Six Fatally Stabbed in Oswego Home; Ex-Husband Charged with Murder

Ashley Stewart, 41, was killed in an alleged attack by her ex-husband inside her Oswego residence. The suspect, Ryan Dodd, faces multiple felony charges as friends remember Stewart as a 'beacon of light' and a community rallies to support her grieving family.

Feb 2, 2026

US

A Mother Strangled as Child Slept Nearby: Digital Trail Leads to Ex-Boyfriend's Conviction in Virginia Murder

The brutal 2022 murder of Katlyn Lyon Montgomery, a 28-year-old mother, sent shockwaves through her Virginia community. What initially seemed a mystery was unraveled by a relentless investigation that pieced together a stalking ex-boyfriend's digital footprint, leading to a first-degree murder conviction and a life sentence.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Ex-Boyfriend Charged in Virginia Woman's Murder After She Discovered His Deception

Katlyn Lyon Montgomery was found strangled in her Bedford County apartment days after ending a relationship with a man who had fabricated his entire life. Prosecutors allege he scaled her balcony dressed as a 'ninja' to carry out the attack.

Feb 2, 2026

US

A Firefighter's Secret: Murder and Arson Charges in Illinois EMT's Death

The killing of pregnant EMT Melissa Lamesch in a staged house fire has led to murder charges against Matthew Plote, a fellow first responder who allegedly concealed her pregnancy. The case has sent shockwaves through Illinois' tight-knit emergency services community.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Florida Luxury Auto Dealers Face Racketeering Charges in Alleged Title Fraud Scheme

A South Florida couple operating a high-end dealership is accused of using fraudulent invoices to obtain clean titles for rebuilt luxury vehicles, exposing buyers to significant financial risk and prompting a multi-vehicle investigation.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Amid Minneapolis Unrest, DHS Secretary Noem Defends Agency's Record as Border Czar Deploys

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem asserted her department is 'always learning' while defending its actions, as veteran official Tom Homan arrives in Minneapolis to oversee ICE operations following violent clashes and mounting political pressure.

Feb 2, 2026

US

West Virginia Sees Major Immigration Enforcement Operation, Over 650 Arrested in Statewide Sweep

A coordinated two-week operation between ICE and multiple West Virginia law enforcement agencies has resulted in the arrest of more than 650 individuals for immigration violations, including some with criminal histories.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Louisiana's 'Teacher of the Year' Arrested on Charges of Sexual Abuse Involving Student

Christie Oster, a recently honored middle school educator in Lafayette Parish, faces serious felony charges following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a former student, casting a shadow over her celebrated career.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Unsealed Documents Reveal Jeffrey Epstein's Early Ties to Bitcoin and Crypto Elite

Newly released court files detail Epstein's involvement with key Bitcoin figures, investment discussions, and his role in funding pivotal infrastructure projects during the industry's nascency.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Navigating the 2025 Tax Season: Key Steps and Common Pitfalls for Filers

As the April 2025 tax deadline approaches, experts advise meticulous preparation to avoid penalties. A Beckley tax specialist outlines essential steps for both new and experienced filers, emphasizing the importance of documenting all income sources.

Jan 31, 2026

World

Venezuela Proposes Amnesty Law, Plans to Shutter Notorious Prison Amid U.S. Pressure

Acting President Delcy Rodríguez announces sweeping amnesty proposal for political detainees and closure of El Helicoide prison, marking significant concessions following the U.S. capture of former leader Nicolás Maduro.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Arizona Woman Loses $1.5M in Elaborate Tech Support Scam: How a Simple TV Fix Led to Financial Ruin

A Goodyear, Arizona woman's attempt to fix her TV's closed captioning spiraled into a six-month ordeal, culminating in the loss of her life savings. This case highlights the sophisticated tactics of modern fraudsters and a dramatic surge in high-dollar scams targeting older adults.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Nasdaq Beats Q4 Estimates as Tech Solutions and AI Drive Growth, Despite Margin Headwinds

Nasdaq Inc. reported stronger-than-expected fourth-quarter results, fueled by surging revenue from its technology solutions division and strategic AI initiatives, even as the company navigates a tighter margin environment.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Hochul Moves to Sever NY Police Ties with ICE, Escalating State-Federal Immigration Clash

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has proposed legislation to prohibit state and local law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities, a move the Department of Homeland Security warns will compromise public safety.

Jan 30, 2026

World

UK PM Announces China Lifts Sanctions on Six British Parliamentarians Amid Thawing Ties

Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed during his Beijing visit that China has removed sanctions against six UK MPs and peers, a move signaling a diplomatic reset after years of tension over human rights concerns.

Jan 30, 2026