Polk County Florida

World

Peace Talks Delayed, Then Drone Strike: Russian Attack Kills Ukrainian Miners Returning From Shift

A Russian drone strike targeted a bus carrying coal miners in central Ukraine, killing at least a dozen workers hours after Kyiv announced a postponement of diplomatic negotiations. The attack, condemned as a deliberate strike on civilians, marks one of the deadliest single incidents for Ukraine's energy sector since the invasion began.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Names Revealed: Federal Agents Involved in Fatal Minneapolis Shooting of ICU Nurse

ProPublica has identified the two Customs and Border Protection officers who discharged their weapons during an encounter that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse. The incident has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics in urban areas.

Feb 2, 2026

US

North Carolina Mother Faces Multiple Charges After Alleged 103 MPH Drunk Drive in Snowstorm With Unrestrained Toddler

A 24-year-old Goldsboro woman was arrested and charged with impaired driving, reckless endangerment, and child abuse after deputies clocked her vehicle traveling over 100 mph on snow-covered roads with her 1-year-old child not properly secured.

Feb 2, 2026

California's Billionaire Tax Debate: A New Front in the Battle Over Wealth and Power

A proposed wealth tax on California's ultra-rich has ignited a fierce debate, pitting tech billionaires against a coalition of millionaires who argue it's time for the wealthy to pay more. The fight echoes past battles over Silicon Valley's influence and raises questions about the state's economic future.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Peace Talks to Resume in Abu Dhabi Amid Ongoing Russian Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms a new round of trilateral negotiations with Russia and the U.S. is scheduled for early February, even as drone attacks continue to target civilian infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

New Allegation Emerges: Second Epstein Accuser Claims Encounter with Prince Andrew at Windsor Estate

A second woman has come forward alleging the late financier Jeffrey Epstein arranged for her to have a sexual encounter with Prince Andrew in 2010, according to a BBC report. The claim surfaces amid renewed scrutiny following a major document release by U.S. authorities.

Feb 2, 2026

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

U.S. Accuses Cuba of Harassment After Protesters Confront Top Diplomat

Washington has formally accused Havana of orchestrating intimidation tactics against its chief envoy, following a series of heated public confrontations that underscore escalating bilateral tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

American Financial Group Set to Report Q4 Earnings Amid Volatile Insurance Sector

American Financial Group (AFG) is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter earnings after the market closes on Tuesday, with analysts anticipating flat revenue growth. The report comes as the property & casualty insurance sector faces headwinds from policy uncertainty and market volatility.

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

Colorado Ice Rink Worker Killed in Zamboni Accident at Fort Collins Facility

A Zamboni operator has died following a workplace collision at the Edora Pool Ice Center, prompting a city-wide safety review and temporary closure of the rink.

Feb 2, 2026

US

TSA's $45 ConfirmID Fee Takes Effect: What Travelers Without REAL ID Need to Know

A new $45 fee for air travelers lacking a REAL ID or other approved identification is now in effect. The TSA's ConfirmID program aims to shift processing costs to non-compliant passengers, urging advance online payment to avoid airport delays.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Rogue Kangaroo Halts Virginia Traffic After Dramatic Escape, Mother and Joey Safely Recovered

A female kangaroo and her joey sparked an unusual rescue operation in central Virginia after escaping from a private property, evading hunting dogs, and briefly blocking a major highway before being safely tranquilized and returned home.

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

Firefighter Sentenced to Life for Murdering Pregnant Ex-Girlfriend, Setting Fire to Cover Up Crime

A firefighter has been convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the 2020 murder of Melissa Lamesch, who was days from giving birth to his son, and for setting her home ablaze in an attempt to destroy evidence.

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

Houston Mother of Five Found Deceased in Freezing Conditions, Highlighting Gaps in Homelessness and Mental Health Support

The death of Alicia Harnishfeger, discovered under a downtown bridge during a severe cold snap, has sparked conversations about systemic failures in addressing homelessness intertwined with mental health and substance abuse crises.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Arizona Fraternity Leaders Arrested Following Student's Death at Pledge Event

Three executive members of a Northern Arizona University fraternity have been charged with hazing after an 18-year-old student died during an off-campus rush event, prompting a university suspension and renewed scrutiny of Greek life practices.

Feb 2, 2026

US

From Suspected Rival to Betrayal by Friends: The Twisted Stalking Saga of a Celebrity Esthetician

Los Angeles skincare entrepreneur Dawn DaLuise spent months believing a business competitor was terrorizing her, only to discover the real perpetrators were two close friends—a revelation detailed in a new true-crime documentary.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Search Intensifies for Missing Arizona Woman, 21, as Boyfriend Faces Charges; Vehicle Found with Blood Evidence

The search for Isabella Comas, last seen in Avondale on January 11, continues after her abandoned car was discovered with blood stains. Her boyfriend, Thomas Rodriguez, a convicted felon, is in custody on unrelated charges as authorities plead for public assistance.

Feb 2, 2026