News

News

Former Independence Official Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion Amid Scrutiny Over High-Profile Utility Contracts

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Independence, Mo. — A former elected official and attorney, embroiled in long-standing FBI inquiries into local utility contracts, admitted guilt to federal tax evasion charges on Monday. John C. Carnes, 69, who has previously faced imprisonment and legal scrutiny spanning decades, confirmed his evasion of personal income taxes from 2012 through 2018. Carnes was a significant player in municipal decisions during his tenure on the Independence City Council, particularly in the acquisition of land for a solar farm and the controversial demolition of a city-owned power plant. His legal issues resurfaced after he was indicted … Read more

Little Rock’s Two Rivers Bridge Renamed to Honor Visionary ‘Buddy the Builder’ Villines

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Little Rock, Arkansas – In a ceremonial event at Two Rivers Park, local officials announced the renaming of Two Rivers Bridge to honor the legacy of the late Floyd G. “Buddy” Villines, a dedicated public servant known for his significant contributions to the community. The bridge, a popular local landmark opened to the public in the summer of 2011, will now carry the name of a man remembered for his dedication to enhancing infrastructural connectivity in Central Arkansas. Villines, who was fondly referred to as “Buddy the Builder,” played a pivotal role in the development … Read more

Class Action Lawsuit Claims Canada Dry and Schweppes Ginger Ales Mislead on Artificial Flavors

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Plano, Texas — A class action lawsuit has been initiated against Keurig Dr Pepper regarding its Canada Dry and Schweppes brands. The lawsuit claims that the company has misled customers about the use of artificial flavorings in its ginger ale beverages. The suit, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of California, alleges that the brands’ labels on bottles and cans of ginger ale, including varieties such as diet, zero sugar, and other flavored versions, falsely advertise the products as naturally flavored. Legal documents indicate that the beverages contain dl-malic acid, … Read more

Jury Convicts Woman Who Fired Shots at Portland Airport in Desperate Bid for Intervention

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PORTLAND, Ore. — In a disturbing incident at Portland International Airport last year, a woman discharged a firearm into the terminal’s ceiling before surrendering to authorities. Local officials recently disclosed that the shooter, Laura Patterson, 48, of Kennewick, Washington, expressed her actions were a desperate bid for intervention to prevent her from harming her family members residing in another state. A Multnomah County jury has since convicted Patterson on multiple indictments, including unlawful use of a weapon with a firearm, possession of a loaded firearm in public places, and reckless endangerment. This verdict followed a … Read more