Kihei, Hawaii’s Carlos Frate sentenced to 5 years in prison

Former Maui police officer Carlos Frate, 41, was sentenced to 65 months in prison for repeatedly tasing a non-resisting arrestee in 2024. He admitted to the unjustified use of force, which federal officials condemned as a betrayal of public trust and a violation of civil rights.

Miami, Florida’s Mckenzie Monestine sentenced to 4 years in prison

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.

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.

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.

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.

13 things about Miss Universe La Union 2026 Bea Millan-Windorski

Beatrice Rebecca "Bea" Millan-Windorski, a Filipino-American beauty queen from Wisconsin, represents La Union, Philippines in Miss Universe Philippines 2026 after achieving titles like Miss Earth USA 2024 and Miss Wisconsin Earth 2023. She is an advocate for climate refugee rights and holds degrees in history and international relations.

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.

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.

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.