Local News

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found that easing driver’s license renewal requirements for older adults may lead to an increase in crash rates. Previously, Iowa required drivers aged 72 and older to renew their licenses every two years. However, a 2020 law raised that age to 78. Additionally, drivers under 70 are now allowed to renew their licenses online. The University of Iowa study examined crash data across 13 states over 20 years. It revealed that states with longer renewal periods or less frequent renewal requirements experienced a rise in crash rates, particularly among older drivers. “As some of these states relaxed their renewal policies over time, we observed slight increases in crash and injury rates among older drivers compared to middle-aged groups,” s...

The Department of Justice filed a motion this week to dismiss charges against a Salvadoran man previously accused of being a leader in the notorious MS-13 gang. On Wednesday, attorneys for Attorney General Pam Bondi’s DOJ requested that a federal court drop the case against Henry Villatoro Santos. His arrest in Woodbridge, Virginia, had been widely celebrated by top administration officials, with several taking to social media to mark it as a major victory. In March, federal agents apprehended the 24-year-old in Northern Virginia, identifying him as a high-ranking member of the violent Mara Salvatrucha gang, commonly known as MS-13. At the time, former President Donald Trump shared the news on Truth Social, posting, “Just captured a major leader of MS13. Tom HOMAN is a supers...

A 23-year-old American man from Maryland was found dead on a beach in the Bahamas just hours after arriving on vacation with his parents. His family now suspects foul play. Dinari McAlmont had only been on Paradise Island in Nassau for about 12 hours when authorities discovered his body on April 6. According to his mother, Michelle McAlmont, the family had just checked into The Reef at Atlantis resort. Dinari reportedly left dinner to grab a jacket and never returned. When his parents were unable to reach him and saw no movement on his phone location, they reported him missing. The next morning, Dinari's body was discovered on a nearby beach. His mother later told Eyewitness News Bahamas that identifying her son’s body was a traumatic experience, claiming he appeared to h...

Southern Motors is going the extra mile to support a great cause! As a proud partner of the 2025 St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway, they’re offering an incredible bonus prize—your choice of a brand-new 2025 Jeep Compass or a 2025 Honda Civic LX. This means that when you purchase a St. Jude Dream Home ticket, you’re not only entering for a chance to win a beautiful new home—you could also drive away in a brand-new car! But don’t wait—this special car giveaway is only available to those who purchase their Dream Home ticket before 11:59 p.m. on April 11. If you get your ticket in time, you’ll automatically be entered into a separate drawing for this exciting bonus prize, courtesy of Southern Motors. Tickets are just $100 each, and every ticket sold helps support St. Jude Children’s Resea...

The arrival of warmer months in the South marks the much-anticipated return of fresh, juicy peaches. Whether they’re picked up from roadside stands, stocked in supermarkets, or harvested right from your backyard, peaches are a beloved symbol of Southern summer—and, thanks to modern farming, they’re now available nearly year-round. South Carolina, in particular, has a deep-rooted history with this sweet fruit. Records show that peaches were found in the Palmetto State as early as the late 1600s, and today, South Carolina is recognized nationwide for its peach production. South Carolina grows more peaches than any other Southern state. While Georgia proudly calls itself “The Peach State,” the numbers tell a different story. According to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture...

Wildlife officials are raising concerns about the spread of an invasive lizard species—Argentine black and white tegus—now being spotted in Georgia, Florida, and even South Carolina. Originally brought to the U.S. through the pet trade, these large lizards are becoming a serious ecological threat. What is a Tegu? The Argentine tegu is a black and white lizard native to South America. It can grow up to 4 feet long and weigh over 10 pounds. They’re ground dwellers, strong swimmers, and known to brumate (a form of hibernation) during colder months. Tegus typically breed in the spring, laying around 35 eggs per year, and can live up to 20 years. What Do They Look Like? Tegus have a distinctive black-and-white banded pattern across their backs and tails. Young tegus are similarly ma...

If you're planning to run errands or do a bit of shopping on Easter Sunday this year, it’s best to get ahead of the game. A growing number of major retailers across Iowa will be closing their doors on April 20th for a full 24-hour “shopping blackout,” according to a report from The Mirror. Big-name stores like Target, Costco, Aldi, Five Below, Macy’s, JCPenney, Kohl’s, and others have announced they’ll be closed for the day to give employees a well-deserved break. Here’s a List of Stores that Will Be Closed on Easter Sunday: Aldi Best Buy Costco Five Below H-E-B JCPenney Kohl's Lowe's Macy's Marshalls Michaels Publix Sam's Club Target TJ Maxx While closing shop might seem like a missed sales opportunity, it makes solid financial s...

In a heartfelt tribute to those who have served in the U.S. military, Colorado hosted the "Welcome Home" event to honor veterans and address the challenges they face. The gathering, held in Denver, provided a space for appreciation, reflection, and discussion about veteran support programs. The event included speeches from veterans, government officials, and representatives from veteran organizations. One key issue discussed was the difficulty many veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life, including challenges related to employment, mental health, and accessing medical care. Veterans who attended the event shared their experiences, with many expressing gratitude for the support they received but also calling for more comprehensive assistance programs. One Vietnam War ve...

In a powerful demonstration of unity and advocacy, members of Colorado's transgender community, along with their allies, gathered at the state Capitol to push for greater recognition, rights, and protections. The rally, which drew a diverse crowd of activists, lawmakers, and concerned citizens, was a response to the increasing challenges faced by transgender individuals in the state and across the country. The event was organized by local advocacy groups in response to a series of legislative efforts that they say threaten the rights of transgender individuals, particularly in areas such as healthcare, education, and workplace protections. Speakers at the rally emphasized the importance of policy changes that safeguard the rights of transgender people, including access to gender-affirmi...

A tragic truck accident that claimed multiple lives in Colorado has led to the conviction of a Mexican national, who is now in the custody of U.S. immigration authorities. The driver, whose identity has not been disclosed, was found guilty of vehicular manslaughter and reckless driving, raising concerns about road safety and immigration policies. Further The accident, which occurred on a busy highway, involved a semi-truck that lost control, crashing into several vehicles and causing a multi-car pileup. The prosecution argued that the driver’s negligence and disregard for traffic regulations directly contributed to the fatalities. Following the conviction, immigration authorities placed the driver in detention, sparking debates about whether the individual should face deportation ...