Crystal

Jury Selection Begins in High-Stakes Trial Linked to Disappearance of Crystal Rogers Nearly a Decade Ago

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Almost a decade after the mysterious disappearance of Crystal Rogers, jury selection is set to begin Tuesday in the trial of her former boyfriend, Brooks Houck, along with another man implicated in her presumed death. Houck, who is the father of Rogers’ youngest child, faces serious charges, including complicity to murder and complicity to tampering with physical evidence. Authorities assert that he enlisted Steven and Joseph Lawson to assist in the alleged murder of the mother of five on July 3, 2015, just hours before she vanished from the Houck family … Read more

Karlovy Vary Film Festival Unveils 11 Compelling Entries for Crystal Globe Competition Ahead of 59th Edition

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KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic — The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival is gearing up for its 59th edition with the announcement of its official selection and jury members. This year, the festival has revealed 11 films in its esteemed Crystal Globe Competition, deviating from its usual dozen. Highlights include the world premiere of Ondřej Provazník’s Sbormistr (also known as Broken Voices) and the Hungarian film Jimmy Jaguar by director Bence Fliegauf. The festival organizers have stated that one of the competition titles will come from Iran but will remain undisclosed until closer to the event … Read more

Environmental Group Moves to Sue Federal Government Over Manatee Protection at Crystal River Refuge

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CRYSTAL RIVER, Fla. — An environmental advocacy group has initiated legal proceedings against the federal government, aiming to bolster protections for manatees within the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge. The Center for Biological Diversity submitted a formal notice alleging that inadequate staffing compromises the refuge’s ability to protect these endangered marine mammals, especially during the harsh winter months. According to the group, the refuge is critical for approximately 20 percent of Florida’s manatee population, offering warm-water springs and abundant vegetation as refuge during colder weather. The notice highlights concerns over what the group terms “take,” … Read more

Guilty Verdict in Crystal Rogers Case: Steve Lawson Found Liable for Murder Conspiracy Nearly a Decade After Her Disappearance

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BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The trial of Steve Lawson, one of the men accused in the disappearance and presumed murder of Crystal Rogers, nears conclusion nearly ten years after she was last seen. The prosecution wrapped up its case on Thursday as courtroom proceedings were cut short due to the absence of two defense witnesses. On Friday, the defense announced that one of these witnesses would not be called to testify. Rogers, a mother of five, vanished on July 3, 2015, during the Fourth of July weekend. Her car was discovered abandoned and running on … Read more