13 days ago
A bitter legal fight between Aaliyah's uncle and her cousin has produced a stunning accusation: Barry Hankerson is blaming his own son Jomo for the 2001 plane crash that killed the R&B star.
The claim surfaces in lawsuit documents obtained by TMZ, which show Barry alleges Jomo was hired and compensated to coordinate travel for Aaliyah's "Rock the Boat" video shoot in the Bahamas. Barry contends Jomo "failed in his responsibility" to carry out that role, and states the crash "may have been avoided had [Jomo] followed through on his compensated task of travel coordination."
Barry also says his relationship with his son was never the same after Aaliyah's death.
Aaliyah died on August 25, 2001, when a small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands, killing all nine people aboard. Investigators found the plane was overloaded, and pilot Luis Morales III had falsified FAA credentials, had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system, and was not certified to fly the designated aircraft.
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The claim surfaces in lawsuit documents obtained by TMZ, which show Barry alleges Jomo was hired and compensated to coordinate travel for Aaliyah's "Rock the Boat" video shoot in the Bahamas. Barry contends Jomo "failed in his responsibility" to carry out that role, and states the crash "may have been avoided had [Jomo] followed through on his compensated task of travel coordination."
Barry also says his relationship with his son was never the same after Aaliyah's death.
Aaliyah died on August 25, 2001, when a small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Marsh Harbour in the Abaco Islands, killing all nine people aboard. Investigators found the plane was overloaded, and pilot Luis Morales III had falsified FAA credentials, had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system, and was not certified to fly the designated aircraft.
COMPLEX SHOP: Shop the brands you love, anytime and anywhere. Uncover what's next. Buy. Collect. Obsess.
#shop
14 days ago
Nick Kyrgios is eligible to return to tennis after accepting a one-month ban for testing positive for cocaine.
The Australian, 31, was provisionally suspended on 4 August after a sample he submitted during the Mallorca Open in June was found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Kyrgios told investigators from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that he used cocaine at a nightclub in Magaluf in the early hours of 20 June.
He played his first-round match at the Mallorca tournament two days later, losing in straight sets to compatriot Adam Walton.
The ITIA accepted he used cocaine outside of competition after consulting with an independent expert.
#june #itia #australian #august
The Australian, 31, was provisionally suspended on 4 August after a sample he submitted during the Mallorca Open in June was found to contain benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine.
Kyrgios told investigators from the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) that he used cocaine at a nightclub in Magaluf in the early hours of 20 June.
He played his first-round match at the Mallorca tournament two days later, losing in straight sets to compatriot Adam Walton.
The ITIA accepted he used cocaine outside of competition after consulting with an independent expert.
#june #itia #australian #august
17 days ago
NEW YORK (AP) — Stefanos Tsitsipas was not surprised that Nick Kyrgios was suspended from tennis for drugs.
"Pretty much expected, to be honest," Tsitsipas said. "I am surprised it came so late, though."
Kyrgios was banned earlier this month after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in June when he was in Spain to play at an event. The Australian could be suspended for four years, though a lighter punishment is expected.
Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios on Monday after upsetting No. 10-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the U.S. Open.
"I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," Tsitsipas said.
#surprised #suspended #expected
"Pretty much expected, to be honest," Tsitsipas said. "I am surprised it came so late, though."
Kyrgios was banned earlier this month after he revealed he tested positive for cocaine in June when he was in Spain to play at an event. The Australian could be suspended for four years, though a lighter punishment is expected.
Tsitsipas was asked about Kyrgios on Monday after upsetting No. 10-seeded Arthur Fils in the first round of the U.S. Open.
"I mean, to be entirely honest with you, I knew about this before the announcement. Myself, I knew about it," Tsitsipas said.
#surprised #suspended #expected
24 days ago
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's full autopsy report on late Memphis Grizzlies veteran forward and former Phoenix Desert Vista standout Brandon Clarke was released Monday, Aug. 24. Clarke had cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, and multiple other medications "within therapeutic levels," per the report obtained by USA Today Sports.
Clarke's roommate told officials that Clarke had a "history of drug use" and underwent multiple rehabilitation stints for drug addiction, according to the report's synopsis.
Clarke died at his San Fernando Valley residence on May 11. He was 29 years old. The cause of death was an accidental overdose from the "effects of heroin and cocaine" in Clarke's system, which matched the medical examiner's initial statement about Clarke on Aug. 7.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials listed in the incident's early reports that he was found unresponsive and declared dead at the scene.
Drug paraphernalia was found at Clarke's home, according to the synopsis report. That included "vape devices, cannabis products, prescription medications, injectable peptides, syringes, a box of Narcan, blister packets of medications, vitamins and other medical evidence." Also, there was a plate with an "unknown white powdery substance and a hotel keycard" found in the kitchen.
#medical #drug
Clarke's roommate told officials that Clarke had a "history of drug use" and underwent multiple rehabilitation stints for drug addiction, according to the report's synopsis.
Clarke died at his San Fernando Valley residence on May 11. He was 29 years old. The cause of death was an accidental overdose from the "effects of heroin and cocaine" in Clarke's system, which matched the medical examiner's initial statement about Clarke on Aug. 7.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials listed in the incident's early reports that he was found unresponsive and declared dead at the scene.
Drug paraphernalia was found at Clarke's home, according to the synopsis report. That included "vape devices, cannabis products, prescription medications, injectable peptides, syringes, a box of Narcan, blister packets of medications, vitamins and other medical evidence." Also, there was a plate with an "unknown white powdery substance and a hotel keycard" found in the kitchen.
#medical #drug
28 days ago
ESPN is expanding its tennis coverage for the 2026 U.S. Open with the addition of former Canada tennis star Genie Bouchard.
The 32-year-old hasn't stepped onto the tennis court since 2025 after abruptly leaving the game. However, her return to the sport is coming soon as she transitions towards a potential new career.
MORE: Simona Halep, berated by Nick Kyrgios in the past, speaks out about his cocaine-related suspension
The sports media giant revealed Thursday that Bouchard is joining its star-studded coverage for the final major of the year.
Bouchard's top career highlight as a player came in 2014 when she reached the Wimbledon final after appearing in the Australian Open and French Open semifinals that same season.
#coverage #star #espn #canada
The 32-year-old hasn't stepped onto the tennis court since 2025 after abruptly leaving the game. However, her return to the sport is coming soon as she transitions towards a potential new career.
MORE: Simona Halep, berated by Nick Kyrgios in the past, speaks out about his cocaine-related suspension
The sports media giant revealed Thursday that Bouchard is joining its star-studded coverage for the final major of the year.
Bouchard's top career highlight as a player came in 2014 when she reached the Wimbledon final after appearing in the Australian Open and French Open semifinals that same season.
#coverage #star #espn #canada
28 days ago
APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) -- A Wisconsin Timber Rattler's player now has a great story to tell about his first-ever home run.
Four alleged drug traffickers arrested in Manitowoc; cocaine and guns seized
In a one-in-a-million catch, Sawyer Strosnider's father was the one to catch his own son's first pro homer, according to a social media post.
Strosnider, the Brewers' number 17 prospect, slammed the 85 mph pitch at 103.6 mph, right into his father's hands.
Strosnider is 10-for-30 after the Wednesday game.
#first #timber
Four alleged drug traffickers arrested in Manitowoc; cocaine and guns seized
In a one-in-a-million catch, Sawyer Strosnider's father was the one to catch his own son's first pro homer, according to a social media post.
Strosnider, the Brewers' number 17 prospect, slammed the 85 mph pitch at 103.6 mph, right into his father's hands.
Strosnider is 10-for-30 after the Wednesday game.
#first #timber
29 days ago
Thirteen current and former students at Penn State University are charged in connection with an off-campus cocaine ring. Authorities allege senior members of Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi ran the operation inside their fraternities between 2023 and 2024. Officials say the suspects used new pledges to cut and package the drugs.
#penn #delta
#penn #delta
1 month ago
The alleged ringleader of a Penn State University fraternity cocaine distribution ring is now in custody.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Agostino Abbatiello, 24, from Westbury, New York, turned himself in Tuesday morning.
The suspect was arraigned by a judge on "numerous felonies" and was denied bail after the attorney general said he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on Monday.
Follow The Fox True Crime Team On X
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Agostino Abbatiello, 24, turned himself in Tuesday morning, was arraigned and denied bail. He is the accused Penn State ******* e kingpin.
#abbatiello
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Agostino Abbatiello, 24, from Westbury, New York, turned himself in Tuesday morning.
The suspect was arraigned by a judge on "numerous felonies" and was denied bail after the attorney general said he failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment on Monday.
Follow The Fox True Crime Team On X
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Agostino Abbatiello, 24, turned himself in Tuesday morning, was arraigned and denied bail. He is the accused Penn State ******* e kingpin.
#abbatiello
1 month ago
Celebrities always say they love their fans — but fans don't always make it easy.
Scream and Scooby-Doo star Matthew Lillard recently made headlines for a particularly odd encounter at a horror convention, but he's far from the only celebrity to endure a tense, awkward, or downright bizarre interaction with an admirer. Unfortunately, as the boundary between celebrities and their fans becomes increasingly blurred, that affection can sometimes be expressed in confusing ways.
From requesting to be punched in the face to propositioning stars for ****** to approaching them to buy crack cocaine, there seems to be no shortage of odd things a fan might do to make their celeb encounter memorable — and not in the best way.
Entertainment Weekly takes a look at 12 times fans didn't know how to take a chill pill when meeting a famous star.
01 of 12
#star #scooby #matthew #lillard
Scream and Scooby-Doo star Matthew Lillard recently made headlines for a particularly odd encounter at a horror convention, but he's far from the only celebrity to endure a tense, awkward, or downright bizarre interaction with an admirer. Unfortunately, as the boundary between celebrities and their fans becomes increasingly blurred, that affection can sometimes be expressed in confusing ways.
From requesting to be punched in the face to propositioning stars for ****** to approaching them to buy crack cocaine, there seems to be no shortage of odd things a fan might do to make their celeb encounter memorable — and not in the best way.
Entertainment Weekly takes a look at 12 times fans didn't know how to take a chill pill when meeting a famous star.
01 of 12
#star #scooby #matthew #lillard
1 month ago
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner has determined that Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died from the effects of heroin and cocaine.
Clarke was found unresponsive in a bedroom on May 11th and ******* ounced dead at the scene. He was 29.
The medical examiner formally certified his cause and manner of death on August 7th, nearly three months after his death. The manner was ruled an accident.
Earlier reports had described the circumstances as a possible overdose while toxicology and other testing remained pending. The finding provides the first official determination of what caused Clarke's death.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Clarke's cause of death was the effects of heroin and cocaine. His manner of death was classified as an accident.
#manner #clarke
Clarke was found unresponsive in a bedroom on May 11th and ******* ounced dead at the scene. He was 29.
The medical examiner formally certified his cause and manner of death on August 7th, nearly three months after his death. The manner was ruled an accident.
Earlier reports had described the circumstances as a possible overdose while toxicology and other testing remained pending. The finding provides the first official determination of what caused Clarke's death.
According to the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner, Clarke's cause of death was the effects of heroin and cocaine. His manner of death was classified as an accident.
#manner #clarke
1 month ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Friday.
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player's death was accidental.
Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The **** ociated Press after the Grizzlies announced Clarke's passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.
Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. He was with Memphis for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga.
#angeles #found
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player's death was accidental.
Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The **** ociated Press after the Grizzlies announced Clarke's passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.
Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.
About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. He was with Memphis for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga.
#angeles #found
1 month ago
LONDON (AP) — Former world heavyweight champion Joseph Parker argued to British anti-doping authorities that his nutritionist's cocaine use caused a positive drug test after his bout with Fabio Wardley last October.
Parker, who lost the Oct. 25 fight at O2 Arena in London, had been provisionally suspended after urine tests overseen by UK Anti-Doping showed traces of cocaine in his system.
UKAD said Thursday it imposed a three-month ban which was deemed served because the 34-year-old New Zealander had been suspended since late November.
Parker is free to fight again after the anti-doping organization accepted that "any ingestion of cocaine by Mr. Parker occurred out-of-competition only and in a context unrelated to sport performance." It noted that "cocaine is prohibited in-competition only."
Parker had told investigators he "did not knowingly or intentionally use cocaine" and alleged the positive test "was the result of his exposure to cocaine from use by a nutritionist he employed in preparation for the bout," UKAD's decision read.
#fight
Parker, who lost the Oct. 25 fight at O2 Arena in London, had been provisionally suspended after urine tests overseen by UK Anti-Doping showed traces of cocaine in his system.
UKAD said Thursday it imposed a three-month ban which was deemed served because the 34-year-old New Zealander had been suspended since late November.
Parker is free to fight again after the anti-doping organization accepted that "any ingestion of cocaine by Mr. Parker occurred out-of-competition only and in a context unrelated to sport performance." It noted that "cocaine is prohibited in-competition only."
Parker had told investigators he "did not knowingly or intentionally use cocaine" and alleged the positive test "was the result of his exposure to cocaine from use by a nutritionist he employed in preparation for the bout," UKAD's decision read.
#fight
1 month ago
A man charged with drug offences after police seized cocaine worth more than £2m has appeared in court.
Arminas Sotikovas, 35, of Riverside Road in Ipswich, has been charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.
Suffolk Police said officers stopped a white van travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the A14, near Stowmarket, on Tuesday when they found the large quantity of cocaine.
Sotikovas appeared at Ipswich Magistrates' Court where he was remanded into custody ahead of his next hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on 3 September.
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#charged #arminas
Arminas Sotikovas, 35, of Riverside Road in Ipswich, has been charged with possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.
Suffolk Police said officers stopped a white van travelling on the eastbound carriageway of the A14, near Stowmarket, on Tuesday when they found the large quantity of cocaine.
Sotikovas appeared at Ipswich Magistrates' Court where he was remanded into custody ahead of his next hearing at Ipswich Crown Court on 3 September.
Do you have a story suggestion for Suffolk? Contact us below.
#charged #arminas
1 month ago
A failed drug test threatened to derail the career of former WBO heavyweight champion Joseph Parker. But a decision issued Thursday by UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) confirmed that Parker has been cleared to fight and can now continue his run toward a second world **** le.
New Zealand's Parker returned an adverse **** ytical finding for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) drug test conducted hours after losing his WBO interim **** le at the hands of Fabio Wardley this past October in London.
Cocaine is a stimulant and therefore considered performance-enhancing when taken in-competition. Parker was facing a ban of up to two years for the presence of the substance in his system. The former champion denied knowingly or intentionally using the drug.
Fabio Wardley stunned Joseph Parker with a late knockout to win in Round 11 at The O2 Arena on October 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Parker argued that the presence of traces of cocaine in his system was due to the regular use of the substance by a nutritionist he employed for the bout.
#cocaine #fabio
New Zealand's Parker returned an adverse **** ytical finding for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine, in a Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency (VADA) drug test conducted hours after losing his WBO interim **** le at the hands of Fabio Wardley this past October in London.
Cocaine is a stimulant and therefore considered performance-enhancing when taken in-competition. Parker was facing a ban of up to two years for the presence of the substance in his system. The former champion denied knowingly or intentionally using the drug.
Fabio Wardley stunned Joseph Parker with a late knockout to win in Round 11 at The O2 Arena on October 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Parker argued that the presence of traces of cocaine in his system was due to the regular use of the substance by a nutritionist he employed for the bout.
#cocaine #fabio
1 month ago
Joseph Parker's recent drug ban was caused by "contamination" from his "nutritionist", UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) has said, after the boxer's cocaine suspension was lifted this week.
After suffering a controversial stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley in October, traces of cocaine were found in a test given to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency by Parker.
The test was taken in the hours after Parker's 11th-round loss at London's O2 Arena, with which he lost the interim WBO heavyweight belt, but the result was only published in the weeks thereafter.
Joseph Parker (left) during his loss to Fabio Wardley in October (Getty)
Parker, 34, denied taking any banned substances and insisted that he does not take performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Despite cocaine being a recreational drug and not a PED, taking it can lead to a multiple-year ban for a boxer.
#parker #october #drug
After suffering a controversial stoppage loss to Fabio Wardley in October, traces of cocaine were found in a test given to the Voluntary Anti-Doping Agency by Parker.
The test was taken in the hours after Parker's 11th-round loss at London's O2 Arena, with which he lost the interim WBO heavyweight belt, but the result was only published in the weeks thereafter.
Joseph Parker (left) during his loss to Fabio Wardley in October (Getty)
Parker, 34, denied taking any banned substances and insisted that he does not take performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Despite cocaine being a recreational drug and not a PED, taking it can lead to a multiple-year ban for a boxer.
#parker #october #drug
1 month ago
Bangor striker Ben Arthurs has completed a three-month ban after an anti-doping test revealed the presence of a banned substance following an Irish Premiership game in March.
The 28-year-old was suspended by the County Down club in April, although at the time it was said the Seasiders were "unable to provide further details" while an investigation took place.
Arthurs was subject to the anti-doping test after his side faced Glentoran on 10 March.
A statement from UK Anti-Doping [UKAD] on Thursday said: "Analysis of Mr Arthurs' sample returned an adverse ***** ytical finding (AAF), for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine."
Under UKAD rules, athletes can be issued reduced three-month suspensions "if they can establish that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance".
#arthurs #test #substance #bangor
The 28-year-old was suspended by the County Down club in April, although at the time it was said the Seasiders were "unable to provide further details" while an investigation took place.
Arthurs was subject to the anti-doping test after his side faced Glentoran on 10 March.
A statement from UK Anti-Doping [UKAD] on Thursday said: "Analysis of Mr Arthurs' sample returned an adverse ***** ytical finding (AAF), for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine."
Under UKAD rules, athletes can be issued reduced three-month suspensions "if they can establish that they used the substance out-of-competition and in a context unrelated to sport performance".
#arthurs #test #substance #bangor
2 months ago
Socceroos World Cup star Cristian Volpato has allegedly tested positive for cocaine after police twice stopped him for speeding in Sydney on the same night.
The 22-year-old Australia midfielder was stopped in a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm local time on Thursday night after he was caught travelling between 86-94km/h in a 60km/h zone, police said.
He was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.
However, Volpato allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine when he was stopped two hours later for travelling at 109km/h in the same 60km/h zone.
New South Wales state police said Volpato was issued an infringement notice for excess speed, while his international driver's licence was suspended for six months - which means he cannot drive in New South Wales.
#positive #cocaine
The 22-year-old Australia midfielder was stopped in a BMW Coupe on the Anzac Bridge at 11:05pm local time on Thursday night after he was caught travelling between 86-94km/h in a 60km/h zone, police said.
He was subjected to a roadside breath test, which returned a negative result.
However, Volpato allegedly returned a positive result for cocaine when he was stopped two hours later for travelling at 109km/h in the same 60km/h zone.
New South Wales state police said Volpato was issued an infringement notice for excess speed, while his international driver's licence was suspended for six months - which means he cannot drive in New South Wales.
#positive #cocaine
2 months ago
Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn suffered a nightmare debut for San Jose Earthquakes as they slumped to a 4-0 defeat at home to Orlando City in their first match following Major League Soccer's break for the World Cup.
It was the 30-year-old's first game since his national side failed to qualify for the knockout stages following a 3-0 loss to Brazil in their final group game - and his first club game since coming on as a substitute in Nottingham Forest's 1-1 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace in February.
But, in truth, Gunn could take little blame for any of the goals while also producing a couple of saves that prevented a more painful loss for Bruce Arena's hosts.
Who has your Premiership club brought in & let go this summer?
Socceroos star allegedly tests positive for cocaine after speeding
#game #league #since #loss
It was the 30-year-old's first game since his national side failed to qualify for the knockout stages following a 3-0 loss to Brazil in their final group game - and his first club game since coming on as a substitute in Nottingham Forest's 1-1 Premier League draw with Crystal Palace in February.
But, in truth, Gunn could take little blame for any of the goals while also producing a couple of saves that prevented a more painful loss for Bruce Arena's hosts.
Who has your Premiership club brought in & let go this summer?
Socceroos star allegedly tests positive for cocaine after speeding
#game #league #since #loss
2 months ago
Brandi Glanville may have had a party girl phase in her younger years, but her children are not following suit.
On a recent episode of her Brandi Glanville Unfiltered podcast, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 53, talked about her past recreational drug use.
"Well, I mean, let's be clear, we've all done cocaine," Glanville remarked. "Well, in the 90s. I haven't since fentanyl came out."
Instagram / brandiglanville
The reality TV star said she got cocaine test strips for her sons Mason, 23, and Jake, 19, whom she shares with ex-husband Eddie Cibrian. However, the boys are not doing drugs, according to Glanville.
#brandi #well
On a recent episode of her Brandi Glanville Unfiltered podcast, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum, 53, talked about her past recreational drug use.
"Well, I mean, let's be clear, we've all done cocaine," Glanville remarked. "Well, in the 90s. I haven't since fentanyl came out."
Instagram / brandiglanville
The reality TV star said she got cocaine test strips for her sons Mason, 23, and Jake, 19, whom she shares with ex-husband Eddie Cibrian. However, the boys are not doing drugs, according to Glanville.
#brandi #well
2 months ago
By Nate Raymond
July 21 (Reuters) - A White House lawyer nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on a court that hears litigation regarding trade laws and tariff policies was confirmed to the bench on Tuesday after she apologized for past social media posts that attacked various senators including Republicans.
The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 in favor of Kara Westercamp becoming a life-tenured judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine joining with Democratic lawmakers to oppose her confirmation.
Two Republican senators did not vote, including Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who has been hospitalized and has not been present for votes. Westercamp has previously in Twitter posts referred to McConnell as "Cocaine Mitch" and accused him of betraying Trump.
The Senate moved ahead with votes on Westercamp while McConnell was out following the July 11 death of another of her social media targets, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, whom she called "weak-ass" and "disappointing." She had retweeted a post critical of Collins as well.
#republican #mcconnell
July 21 (Reuters) - A White House lawyer nominated by President Donald Trump to serve on a court that hears litigation regarding trade laws and tariff policies was confirmed to the bench on Tuesday after she apologized for past social media posts that attacked various senators including Republicans.
The Republican-led Senate voted 50-48 in favor of Kara Westercamp becoming a life-tenured judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade, with Republican Senator Susan Collins of Maine joining with Democratic lawmakers to oppose her confirmation.
Two Republican senators did not vote, including Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who has been hospitalized and has not been present for votes. Westercamp has previously in Twitter posts referred to McConnell as "Cocaine Mitch" and accused him of betraying Trump.
The Senate moved ahead with votes on Westercamp while McConnell was out following the July 11 death of another of her social media targets, Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, whom she called "weak-ass" and "disappointing." She had retweeted a post critical of Collins as well.
#republican #mcconnell
2 months ago
(This July 11 story has been repeated with no changes to the text.)
By Fatos Bytyci and Edward McAllister
TIRANA, July 11 (Reuters) - A Miami-based businessman wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Jared Kushner wants to build a multi-billion-dollar resort, the country's organised crime-fighting agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
The businessman, Artur Shehu, denies all accusations against him, said his lawyer, Kujtim Cakrani, who confirmed that Albanian prosecutors had issued a warrant seeking Shehu's arrest for laundering money for drug gangs.
The case files accuse Shehu and ******* ociates of trafficking South American cocaine into European ports, and laundering the funds by using them to establish a real estate empire, including with falsified land-ownership documents.
By Fatos Bytyci and Edward McAllister
TIRANA, July 11 (Reuters) - A Miami-based businessman wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Jared Kushner wants to build a multi-billion-dollar resort, the country's organised crime-fighting agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
The businessman, Artur Shehu, denies all accusations against him, said his lawyer, Kujtim Cakrani, who confirmed that Albanian prosecutors had issued a warrant seeking Shehu's arrest for laundering money for drug gangs.
The case files accuse Shehu and ******* ociates of trafficking South American cocaine into European ports, and laundering the funds by using them to establish a real estate empire, including with falsified land-ownership documents.
2 months ago
By Fatos Bytyci and Edward McAllister
TIRANA, July 11 (Reuters) - A Miami-based businessman wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Jared Kushner wants to build a multi-billion-dollar resort, the country's organised crime-fighting agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
The businessman, Artur Shehu, denies all accusations against him, said his lawyer, Kujtim Cakrani, who confirmed that Albanian prosecutors had issued a warrant seeking Shehu's arrest for laundering money for drug gangs.
The case files accuse Shehu and ******* ociates of trafficking South American cocaine into European ports, and laundering the funds by using them to establish a real estate empire, including with falsified land-ownership documents.
"Nothing that has been alleged regarding Mr. Artur Shehu's character is true. He is neither a drug trafficker nor a forger of property documents," Cakrani said.
TIRANA, July 11 (Reuters) - A Miami-based businessman wanted in Albania for allegedly laundering drug money is suspected of faking the deeds to land where Jared Kushner wants to build a multi-billion-dollar resort, the country's organised crime-fighting agency said in case files reviewed by Reuters.
The businessman, Artur Shehu, denies all accusations against him, said his lawyer, Kujtim Cakrani, who confirmed that Albanian prosecutors had issued a warrant seeking Shehu's arrest for laundering money for drug gangs.
The case files accuse Shehu and ******* ociates of trafficking South American cocaine into European ports, and laundering the funds by using them to establish a real estate empire, including with falsified land-ownership documents.
"Nothing that has been alleged regarding Mr. Artur Shehu's character is true. He is neither a drug trafficker nor a forger of property documents," Cakrani said.
3 months ago
Former ***** ans scout Blaise Taylor has been convicted of killing Jade Benning and her unborn child.
Via WKRN, a jury convicted Taylor of murder on Wednesday.
Prosecutors claimed that Taylor poisoned Benning's pink lemonade by lacing it with lethal amounts of cocaine. She was rushed to a hospital on February 25, 2023. The five-month-old baby died two days later. Benning died on March 6, 2023 — her 25th birthday.
Specifically, Taylor was found guilty on all four counts: second-degree murder of Benning, first-degree murder of the unborn child, first-degree felony murder of Benning, and first-degree felony murder of the unborn child.
He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Via WKRN, a jury convicted Taylor of murder on Wednesday.
Prosecutors claimed that Taylor poisoned Benning's pink lemonade by lacing it with lethal amounts of cocaine. She was rushed to a hospital on February 25, 2023. The five-month-old baby died two days later. Benning died on March 6, 2023 — her 25th birthday.
Specifically, Taylor was found guilty on all four counts: second-degree murder of Benning, first-degree murder of the unborn child, first-degree felony murder of Benning, and first-degree felony murder of the unborn child.
He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
3 months ago
The murder case against former ***** ans scout Blaise Taylor continues.
On Tuesday, Taylor decided not to testify in his own defense.
It's not a surprising decision. Most criminal defendants choose not to waive the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Doing so opens the door for an aggressive cross-examination that could help the prosecution more easily prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
As a practical matter, it's a no-win situation for the defendant. Even though the judge tells the jury not to hold the decision not to testify against the defendant, it's hard for many jurors to not conclude that, if the defendant was innocent, the defendant would get on the witness stand and say so.
Taylor allegedly poisoned his pregnant girlfriend by lacing pink lemonade with a lethal amount of cocaine. Both Jade Benning and her child died.
On Tuesday, Taylor decided not to testify in his own defense.
It's not a surprising decision. Most criminal defendants choose not to waive the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination. Doing so opens the door for an aggressive cross-examination that could help the prosecution more easily prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
As a practical matter, it's a no-win situation for the defendant. Even though the judge tells the jury not to hold the decision not to testify against the defendant, it's hard for many jurors to not conclude that, if the defendant was innocent, the defendant would get on the witness stand and say so.
Taylor allegedly poisoned his pregnant girlfriend by lacing pink lemonade with a lethal amount of cocaine. Both Jade Benning and her child died.
3 months ago
(NewsNation) — Russia's presidential envoy says that the country and the United States will sign an agreement Friday to continue designing an underwater tunnel connecting Russia's Chukotka region to Alaska across the Bering Strait.
Kirill Dmitriev made the announcement Thursday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
"As for the tunnel. We will have news tomorrow, we are signing an agreement that we will continue the design of the tunnel. There will be a tunnel," he told Russian outlet TV Zvezda, according to a translation.
Tunnel linking Tijuana, San Diego moved $45M in cartel cocaine: Feds
The Bering Strait separates mainland Russia and mainland Alaska by around 50 miles at its narrowest point. Two small islands — one owned by Russia and one owned by the U.S. — sit in the middle of that distance. Geographically, the distance is fairly short and the water is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 98–164 feet. The strait is just south of the Arctic Circle, where construction efforts would face extreme temperatures.
Kirill Dmitriev made the announcement Thursday at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
"As for the tunnel. We will have news tomorrow, we are signing an agreement that we will continue the design of the tunnel. There will be a tunnel," he told Russian outlet TV Zvezda, according to a translation.
Tunnel linking Tijuana, San Diego moved $45M in cartel cocaine: Feds
The Bering Strait separates mainland Russia and mainland Alaska by around 50 miles at its narrowest point. Two small islands — one owned by Russia and one owned by the U.S. — sit in the middle of that distance. Geographically, the distance is fairly short and the water is relatively shallow, with an average depth of 98–164 feet. The strait is just south of the Arctic Circle, where construction efforts would face extreme temperatures.
3 months ago
Customs and Border Protection stopped two separate vehicles and confiscated over $300,000 worth of narcotics over the span of a day.
The apprehensions continue to demonstrate the high volume of narcotics that smugglers are attempting to bring across the southern U.S. border, even as immigration numbers have plummeted in recent months.
On Sunday, May 17, agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry referred a 2013 Honda Civic for secondary inspection. After an imaging system detected anomalies in the car's firewall, they discovered six packages of white fentanyl powder worth roughly $113,600 along with 8.4 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $161,600.
Cbp Officers Seize Over $14M Of Alleged Methamphetamine At Southern Border
That same day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, about 100 miles away, a 2011 Nissan Cube was also sent for secondary inspection. Agents there discovered 63 packets of methamphetamine after a scan of that vehicle detected anomalies in its flooring.
The apprehensions continue to demonstrate the high volume of narcotics that smugglers are attempting to bring across the southern U.S. border, even as immigration numbers have plummeted in recent months.
On Sunday, May 17, agents at the San Ysidro Port of Entry referred a 2013 Honda Civic for secondary inspection. After an imaging system detected anomalies in the car's firewall, they discovered six packages of white fentanyl powder worth roughly $113,600 along with 8.4 pounds of cocaine worth an estimated $161,600.
Cbp Officers Seize Over $14M Of Alleged Methamphetamine At Southern Border
That same day at the Calexico East Port of Entry, about 100 miles away, a 2011 Nissan Cube was also sent for secondary inspection. Agents there discovered 63 packets of methamphetamine after a scan of that vehicle detected anomalies in its flooring.
10 months ago
DEA veteran indicted in alleged $12 million scheme tied to Mexican cartel
A former high-level Drug Enforcement Agency agent was indicted on and federal charges of conspiring to traffic drugs and launder millions of dollars for a Mexican cartel.
Paul Campo, who was a DEA agent for nearly 25 years, and his ****** ociate Robert Sensi, are accused in a new indictment unsealed Friday of converting cash into cryptocurrency to buy 220 kilograms of cocaine, worth $5 million, and launder $750,000 in proceeds from drug sales for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. The State Department design
A former high-level Drug Enforcement Agency agent was indicted on and federal charges of conspiring to traffic drugs and launder millions of dollars for a Mexican cartel.
Paul Campo, who was a DEA agent for nearly 25 years, and his ****** ociate Robert Sensi, are accused in a new indictment unsealed Friday of converting cash into cryptocurrency to buy 220 kilograms of cocaine, worth $5 million, and launder $750,000 in proceeds from drug sales for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG. The State Department design
