3rd person arrested for allegedly helping a Tennessee fugitive wanted in family's killings

3rd person arrested for allegedly helping a Tennessee fugitive wanted in family's killings

JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — Police in Tennessee have charged a 23-year-old woman with assisting aman wanted in the killingsof the parents, grandmother and uncle of an infant found alive miles away from the crime scene. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Dearrah Sanders of Jackson, Tennessee, was arrested on Monday and charged with being an accessory after the killings. Investigators have also arrested two men on similar charges, alleging they helped 28-year-old Austin Robert Drummond after the July 29 killings. Drummond remained on the run on Monday afternoon, the TBI said in a news release. It wasn't immediatley known if Sanders had an attorney. Over the weekend, police in Jackson warned that they didn't know Drummond's whereabouts and advised residents to lock their doors and "remain alert." The U.S. Marshals Service said recently that Drummond could have left the state. Authorities have left many questions unanswered, including how the three people allegedly helped Drummond, the manner in which the victims were killed and how the baby ended up in a car seat in the Tigrett area, roughly 40 miles (65 kilometers) from the bodies. Last week, authorities said theyfound the carin Jackson that they believe Drummond had been driving. Authorities believe the family murders were a targeted attack by Drummond, who had a relationship with the victims, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Director David Rausch said. The baby is safe and being cared for. Officials have warrants for Drummond that charge him with four counts of first-degree murder, one count of aggravated kidnapping and weapons offenses. His criminal history includes prison time for robbing a convenience store and threatening to go after jurors. He was also charged with attempted murder while behind bars. Drummond could also face a federal charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution, U.S. Marshals said in a federal court filing Friday. Authorities have identified the four people found dead in Tiptonville as James M. Wilson, 21, and 20-year-old Adrianna Williams, the baby's parents; 15-year-old Braydon Williams and 38-year-old Cortney Rose, the mother of Adrianna Williams and Braydon Williams.

byAlpha World

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August 04, 2025

3rd person arrested for allegedly helping a Tennessee fugitive wanted in family's killings

3rd person arrested for allegedly helping a Tennessee fugitive wanted in family's killings JACKSON, Tenn. (AP) — Police in Tennessee hav...

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Canada airdrops aid into Gaza, says Israel violating international law

Canada airdrops aid into Gaza, says Israel violating international law

By Kanishka Singh (Reuters) -Canada said on Monday it delivered humanitarian assistance through airdrops to Gaza, which has been under a devastating Israeli military assault for almost 22 months, with Ottawa again accusing Israel of violating international law. "The (Canadian Armed Forces) employed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to conduct an airdrop of critical humanitarian aid in support of Global Affairs Canada into the Gaza Strip. The air drop consisted of 21,600 pounds of aid," the Canadian government said in a statement. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation reported that it was Canadian Armed Forces' first humanitarian airdrop over Gaza using their own aircraft. The Israeli military said 120 food aid packages for Gaza's residents were airdropped by six countries, including Canada. The other five were Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Germany and Belgium. Canada said last week it plans to recognize the State of Palestine at a meeting of the United Nations in September, ratcheting up pressure on Israel as starvation spreads in Gaza. Canada also said on Monday that Israeli restrictions have posed challenges for humanitarian agencies. "This obstruction of aid is a violation of international humanitarian law and must end immediately," Canada's government said. The Israeli embassy in Ottawa had no immediate comment. Israel denies accusations of violating international law and blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza. Israel cut off food supplies to Gaza in March and then lifted that blockade in May - but with restrictions that it said were needed to prevent aid from being diverted to militant groups. President Donald Trump also claimed Hamas militants were stealing food coming into Gaza and selling it. However, Reuters reported late last month that an internal U.S. government analysis found no evidence of systematic theft by Hamas of U.S.-funded humanitarian supplies. Israel says it is taking steps for more aid to reach Gaza's population, including pausing fighting for part of the day in some areas, allowing airdrops and announcing protected routes for aid convoys. The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023 when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 and taking about 250 hostages, Israeli tallies show. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's subsequent military assault has killed over 60,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. (Reporting by Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)

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August 04, 2025

Canada airdrops aid into Gaza, says Israel violating international law

Canada airdrops aid into Gaza, says Israel violating international law By Kanishka Singh (Reuters) -Canada said on Monday it delivered huma...

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Lady Gaga to Release New Song, ‘Dead Dance,’ for ‘Wednesday’ Season 2

Lady Gaga to Release New Song, 'Dead Dance,' for 'Wednesday' Season 2

It's hardly a surprise given the widespread fan speculation, but two sources close to the situation confirm toVarietythat Lady Gaga will release a song titled "Dead Dance" that will appear in the forthcoming season 2 of theTim Burton-helmed Netflix series "Wednesday." The song and video are expected to be released next month to coincide with her appearance in the show as Rosaline Rotwood, a "legendary Nevermore teacher who crosses paths with Wednesday." More from Variety Tim Burton Says Working With Lady Gaga on 'Wednesday' Was 'Inspirational' and Hopes to Collaborate Again: 'She's Such an Artist' What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025 'Wednesday' Renewed for Season 3 at Netflix Reps for Gaga declined to confirm or deny the report. Early last month, multiple media outlets reported that Gaga, who is currently on her blockbuster "Mayhem Ball" tour, and Burton had been spotted on the Island of the Dolls in Xochimilco, south of Mexico City, which is purportedly haunted and features hundreds of decaying dolls strung across trees and structures. Sources say the song was recorded with the same team that helmed the "Mayhem" album, primarily cowriters and coproducersAndrew Wattand Cirkut. Burton spoke effusively about Gaga at the premiere of "Wednesday" Season 2 in London last week, saying saying that working the multi-hyphenate artist on the series was "inspirational." Gaga wasn't in attendance at the premiere due to her ongoing Mayhem Ball tour, but has joined a cast that includes Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones and new faces Steve Buscemi as new Nevermore principal Barry Dort and Joanna Lumley as Wednesday's grandmother. "She's such an artist and so for me, working with an artist is inspirational," Burton, who directs and executive produces "Wednesday," told Variety of Gaga. "But I felt that way about Joanna and Steve, who I've worked with before. These people come on this set, you see the whole crew kind of light up. It's a beautiful thing to witness." Burton also recently teased that he may collaborate with Gaga again in the future, saying at the Giffoni Film Festival in Italy that he's "done something else with her." Asked by Variety if he could reveal more details or confirm that they're working together again, Burton replied: "No, I can't. But I hope so." Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in August 2025 What's Coming to Netflix in August 2025 Sign up forVariety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us onFacebook,Twitter, andInstagram.

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August 04, 2025

Lady Gaga to Release New Song, ‘Dead Dance,’ for ‘Wednesday’ Season 2

Lady Gaga to Release New Song, 'Dead Dance,' for 'Wednesday' Season 2 It's hardly a surprise given the widespread fan sp...

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Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce

When news broke ofbeloved actress Loni Anderson's death,tributes from fansand fellow celebrities alike began to pour in. Anderson,who starred as a brassy blonde receptionist on the classic sitcom"WKRP in Cincinnati," was remembered not only for her acting prowess but for her embodiment of a specific sense of Hollywood glamour. Part Faye Dunaway, part Farrah Fawcett, Anderson's dimples and sweeping bleached hair made her a prime candidate at the time for magazine covers. She also became tabloid fodder with her high-profile marriage and subsequent messydivorce from Burt Reynolds. Loni Anderson tributes:Barbara Eden, more remember 'WKRP in Cincinnati' icon Anderson,who died Sunday, Aug. 3, at 79, began datingReynoldsin 1982, after working together on the comedy film "Stroker Ace." Their on-set romance grew in tandem with a love story between their two characters:Andersonplayed a doe-eyed PR employee who caught the eye of Reynolds' stock-car racer. The pair tied the knot in 1988, later adopting a son, Quinton Reynolds, now 36. After five years, the union ended in a bitter and public divorce, with both sides of the once-iconic Hollywood couple throwing digs at one another in the years that followed. The feud fueled speculation for nearly a decade, often splashed across the cover of tabloids throughout the '90s, even spurringPrincess Dianato sendReynoldsa thank-you note for "keeping her off the cover of People magazine." Loni Anderson death:Smart and sexy star of 'WKRP in Cincinnati' dies at 79 Reynolds,who died in 2018, continued to excoriate Anderson in later years, including in his 2015 memoir, "But Enough About Me." "I don't think she'll be surprised. I just talk about her spending habits,"Reynolds told USA TODAYat the time, explaining how he thoughtAndersonmight receive the book. "She went through a lot of American Express cards I have." (In one instance, he alleged that she maxed out the $45,000 credit limit "in half an hour.") "I think better of her now," he added, softening a bit. "It's always a two-way street." Reynolds, who later openly spoke about an addiction to painkillers in the 1980s and early 1990s, was accused of abuse by both Anderson andformer girlfriend Sally Field.In her memoir, "In Pieces," Field said her yearslong relationship with Reynoldswas controlling and emotionally abusive, whileAnderson claimed in her own autobiographythat he had been physically abusive. "The physical abuse I always blamed on the drugs," shetold SFGATEin 1995. "Burt always said no one would ever believe me because he was Mr. Wonderful and the world loved him." Following Reynolds' death, Anderson channeled a similar conciliatory sentiment,writing in a statement to USA TODAY: "Quinton and I are extremely touched by the tremendous outpouring of love and support from friends and family throughout the world. He was a big part of my life for twelve years and Quinton's loving father for thirty years. We will miss him and his great laugh." That both parties were an effective stand-in for the quintessential American beauty ideal – Reynolds, a rugged hunk, and Anderson, a sparkly-eyed bombshell – only served to whip up more interest in their love affair and its undoing. Even as the actors moved on to other high-profile romances, their union remained a potent and enduring symbol of the era. Anderson later remarried, tying the knot with singer Bob Flick in 2008, who survives the actress after her death. Anderson diedat a Los Angeles hospitalon following "an acute prolonged illness," the actress' representative Cheryl J. Kagan confirmed to USA TODAY. She would have turned 80 days later on Aug. 5. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental and/or substance use disorders, you can call theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration'sfree and confidential treatment referral and information serviceat 1-800-662-HELP (4357). It's available 24/7 in English and Spanish (TTY: 1-800-487-4889). This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds had a storied marriage

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August 04, 2025

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce

Loni Anderson and Burt Reynolds' storied love affair – and messy divorce When news broke ofbeloved actress Loni Anderson's death,tri...

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North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Customers at North Carolina's Division of Motor Vehicles are waiting longer in lines that are often far away from home, while agency staffing fails to keep pace with the state's surging population, according to agency reviews that also recommend major reforms. Elected Republican State Auditor Dave Boliek on Monday released two audits totaling nearly 600 pages that scrutinize the DMV — the bane of motorists in many states. But long lines and frustrations are acute in the ninth-largest state. "Our DMV affects the economy. It affects people having to take off of work unnecessarily. It takes our students out of the classroom," Boliek told reporters. "This has to be fixed and it has to be a top priority." Constituent complaints, REAL ID brings problems to fore Boliek promised during last year's campaign to conduct a top-to-bottom review of the DMV if elected. Elected leaders' constituents have complained about the inability to book appointments online close to home and the struggles for their teenagers to complete driving tests. It's not unusual for customers to camp outside driver's license offices in the wee hours hoping to get seen later that day. Problems continued as federalREAL ID licensesecurity requirements took effect in May. Erin Van Dorn of Holly Springs said at Boliek's news conference it took her and her teenage son four trips to the DMV — the last time 130 miles (209 kilometers) away in Mount Airy — to obtain his license. Information technology and staffing shortages were to blame. "My son has missed a total of four days of school," Van Horn said while mentioning additonal delays. "It's just been a very big ordeal for us." New Democratic Gov. Josh Stein's administration brought in former state legislator Paul Tine as the new Division of Motor Vehicles commissioner and has pledged a turnaround. Longer waits, continued examiner shortages A DMV performance auditMonday said average wait times for customers at the state's driver's license locations increased by over 15% since 2019 to 1 hour and 15 minutes. And close to 14% of the visits lasted over 2 hours and 30 minutes — a 79% increase from 2019. And nearly half of all transactions by customers aren't happening at the license office closest to where they live. "The employee experience has diminished as well," Boliek said. The audit said there were 160 vacant license examiner positions as of April. And while the state's population has grown by 29% over the last 20 years, the number of examiner positions has grown by just 10%. Boliek's staff heard DMV employee complaints about burnout, security and low pay — average examiner position salaries were well below $50,000 last year. The audit attributes many problems to DMV's relationship with the Cabinet-level state Department of Transportation that oversees the agency. The auditor said DMV has undersized influence within DOT when it comes to decision-making and getting budget requests approved by the legislature. Agency independence among recommendations Boliek's most significant recommendation is for policymakers to consider turning DMV into an autonomous agency separate from DOT. Boliek said the recommendation is no slight upon Tine and current Teansportation Secretary Joey Hopkins, whom he said are taking steps toward reform. But he said a permanent change is needed to address situations where the commissioner and secretary wouldn't cooperate as well. Other recommendations include creating a public online dashboard measuring keys performance goals and initiating nonconventional initiatives to reduce wait times and backlogs. Boliek said outside driving school instructors could administer road tests required of new drivers. The DMV could open "pop-up" license offices at a vacant mall anchor store or create "fast-pass" options for customers who pay extra to reach the front of the line. "We can't keep doing things the same old way," he said. DMV, DOT chiefs back most recommendations In a written response to the audits, Tine and Hopkins agreed with nearly all of the recommendations and said many already getting carried out. But they opposed the recommendation to separate DMV, saying the agency's core functions align with the Transportation Department's mission to improve highway safety. "We know that with the right leadership and follow-through, we will get results -– getting people out of lines and empowering our hard-working DMV employees," Stein spokesperson Morgan Hopkins said. The GOP-controlled General Assembly could still attempt to implement the change. A stopgap budget measure on Stein's desk provides funds to hire over 60 license examiners. And a new state law has established a temporary moratorium on renewing standard licenses, allowing them to remain valid within North Carolina for up to two years beyond the expiration date.

byAlpha World

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August 04, 2025

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale

North Carolina DMV audit recommends reforms to reverse customer wait times, worker morale RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Customers at North Carolina...

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