Mckenzie Levar Monestine, 33, was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison for identity theft and possessing unauthorized access devices. Following a 2020 FBI raid, authorities uncovered substantial evidence of fraud, including stolen personal information and $11,000 in cash. Monestine's actions resulted in financial losses between $250,000 and $550,000.
US seeks forfeiture of ghost tanker, 1.8M barrels of illicit oil
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a complaint to seize the M/T Skipper and its cargo of 1.8 million barrels of Venezuelan oil, linked to financing the IRGC. The vessel, evading sanctions since 2021, was intercepted in December 2025. Officials assert this action is part of efforts to dismantle foreign adversaries’ financial networks.
Share this:
10 things about Miss Global Hmong 2025 Nikki Nsta Iab Lee
Nikki Nsta Iab Lee, a Hmong-Laotian-American entrepreneur and beauty queen, represented the Hmong community in Miss Global 2025. Owner of Kasha Daleina, a creative arts studio, Nikki's career spans roles in human resources and technical recruitment. She is the first plus-size and Hmong woman in Miss Global history.
Share this:
10 things about Miss Universe Latina 2025 semifinalist Andrea Aguilar
Andrea Aguilar, a Salvadoran beauty queen residing in Pasadena, California, has represented El Salvador in various pageants, including Miss Intercontinental and Miss World. Originally from San Salvador, she enjoys arts and outdoor activities. She achieved second place in Reinado de El Salvador 2022 and was crowned Miss Intercontinental El Salvador 2022.
Share this:
13 things about Mister International Cuba 2023 Branden Alaen Cruz
Branden Alaen Cruz, a Cuban-American multifaceted talent from Miami, is known for his achievements in various beauty pageants, including Mister Universe and Mister International. He holds several titles, such as Mister Universe USA 2018 and Mister Global USA 2019. Cruz is also a recording artist, brand strategist, and certified growth coach.
Share this:
US-funded hepatitis B trial in Guinea-Bissau is unethical: WHO
The WHO criticized a U.S.-funded hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau as unethical, raising concerns about exposing infants to harm by delaying vaccination. The trial, involving 14,000 newborns, faced backlash amid local outrage over its methods. Following the WHO's intervention, the Guinea-Bissau government suspended the study.
Share this:
Delaware sets deadline for insurance data security
Trinidad Navarro, Delaware's insurance commissioner, has reiterated the importance of compliance with the Delaware Insurance Data Security Act ahead of the February 15, 2026 deadline. The Act mandates insurers to implement strong data security measures, notify authorities of breaches swiftly, and provide affected consumers with credit monitoring and investigation of incidents.
Share this:
Bond for Marion, Ohio cop Brendan Damron set at $250K
Marion, Ohio police officer Brendan Damron, 24, is accused of sexually assaulting a woman on February 11, 2026. He was arrested on February 12, 2026. He was charged with one count of third-degree abduction and two counts of first-degree rape.
Share this:
Nancy Guthrie’s family gets ransom texts; Hawthorne, California’s Derrick Callella arrested, released
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her Arizona home on February 1, 2026, following a suspected kidnapping by an unknown male. Derrick Callella, 42, was later arrested for sending ransom texts to her family, using a disguised phone number. He faces federal charges related to the incident.
Share this:
13 things about Romeo, Michigan native Kid Rock
Robert James Ritchie, professionally known as Kid Rock, is a Michigan-born American singer-songwriter. Debuting in 1990, he gained fame with hits and albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including "Devil Without a Cause." Aside from music, he acted in films and faced personal challenges, marking a diverse career by 2026.
CONAN Daily 