KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — In a celebratory event, Bays Mountain Brewing Company held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark their recent acquisition of High Voltage and King’s Sport Axe House.
The brewing company expressed enthusiasm in a statement about the fresh prospects this acquisition brings for both brewing and entertainment in Kingsport.
On Thursday, federal authorities revealed a major crackdown on individuals suspected to be linked with the Mexican Mafia in Southern California. In a comprehensive case encompassing charges of murder, kidnapping, drug trafficking, and extortion, 43 individuals are facing accusations of transforming Orange County into a “Gangsta’s Paradise.”
Coordinated raids led to the arrests of numerous suspects, while others currently detained are likely to face federal charges in the coming weeks, according to the prosecution team.
Authorities allege that this case sheds light on how the infamous “La Eme” prison gang has managed to orchestrate street-level crimes from behind bars. Using smuggled cellphones and encrypted messaging apps, they allegedly directed violent acts and drug operations from within the prison system.
“Gang members involved in murder, extortion, kidnapping, and drug trafficking pose a significant threat to our communities and our way of life,” stated First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. He emphasized the ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime, both inside correctional facilities and on the streets.
Officials also distributed images of many individuals facing charges in this extensive Mexican Mafia investigation.
“Today’s arrests highlight the continuing cooperation between federal and local law enforcement against violent felons and our unyielding determination to crack down on organized crime in our prisons and our streets.”
At the center of the case is alleged gang leader Luis “Pops” Cardenas, who prosecutors say oversaw operations in Orange County from prison, issuing orders to trusted associates, including Jaime “Junior” Alvarado, Karina Cesena and Mario “Happy” Flores.
Luis Cardenas, known as “Gangster,” is accused of directing Mexican Mafia operations from prison, according to federal prosecutors. (U.S. Department of Justice)
Those associates are accused of carrying out kidnappings, assaults and drug trafficking and overseeing stash locations, gang-controlled motels and illegal gambling operations tied to the enterprise.
Authorities say violence played a key role in maintaining control.
In one case outlined by prosecutors, two men allegedly killed a victim at an Anaheim motel in 2025 in an effort to gain status within the gang. Both defendants could face life in prison or the death penalty if convicted.
Heavily armed agents move in as a suspect is taken into custody during the gang takedown. (Fox News)
The indictment also alleges gang members kidnapped and assaulted individuals who fell out of favor, including a 2025 attack tied to a gambling operation in Stanton.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the organization as a “ruthless criminal enterprise” that operated across prison walls and neighborhood streets.
“These defendants allegedly ran a criminal network that murdered, kidnapped, extorted and flooded our communities with deadly drugs,” Patel said. “The FBI will never stop working alongside our law enforcement partners to hold these individuals accountable and protect the people of California.”
During the investigation, authorities seized large quantities of narcotics and weapons, including nearly nine pounds of fentanyl, roughly 120 pounds of methamphetamine, as well as heroin, cocaine and 25 guns.
FBI agents escort a suspected gang member during a sweeping operation targeting the Mexican Mafia. (Fox News)
Officials say the drugs were distributed through a network of dealers and so-called “slap houses,” illegal gambling sites that also functioned as hubs for narcotics sales.
Federal agents also tracked the group’s finances, targeting the flow of money tied to suspected drug trafficking and extortion schemes.
Suspected Mexican Mafia members are detained during a coordinated federal takedown in Orange County. (Fox News)
“By tracing and dismantling these financial pipelines, we cut directly into the organization’s ability to operate,” said IRS Criminal Investigation official Darren Lian.
A suspect is taken into custody as part of a large-scale federal operation targeting gang activity. (Fox News)
Local law enforcement leaders said the arrests should send a clear message.
Anaheim Police Chief Manny Cid said the alleged activity had a direct impact on neighborhoods, while Santa Ana Police Chief Robert Rodriguez said authorities will continue to target those who threaten public safety.
Dozens of defendants are expected to appear in federal court in Los Angeles and Santa Ana, with many facing decades in prison or life sentences if convicted.
Lorraine Nicholson delighted fans with a rare snapshot of her elusive father, Jack Nicholson, in celebration of his 89th birthday on Thursday.
The 36-year-old actress shared an Instagram photo featuring the iconic actor enjoying a special day surrounded by family and his dear friend, 82-year-old Joni Mitchell, on Wednesday, April 22.
The image captured Nicholson’s legendary grin as he joined Mitchell and others in the room, clapping joyously.
Lorraine captioned the heartfelt snap, ’89!!’
Additionally, Lorraine shared a nostalgic picture from the 1970s, showing her father sporting a red Coca-Cola T-shirt and puffing on a cigar.
Jack Nicholson is the proud father of Lorraine, an actress herself, and 34-year-old son Ray, both from his previous marriage to model Rebecca Broussard, 63.
Jack Nicholson’s daughter Lorraine posted a rare photo of the reclusive Hollywood legend celebrating his 89th birthday on Thursday with musician Joni Mitchell
He also has daughter Jennifer, 62, with ex-wife Sandra Knight, son Caleb James Goddard, 55, with his late Five Easy Pieces co-star Susan Anspach and daughter Honey Hollman with Danish model Winnie Hollman.
Nicholson is estranged from his alleged youngest child, 32-year-old daughter Tessa Gourin, whose mom is actress Jennine Gourin.
Lorraine is the only one of Nicholson’s children who has given fans a look at the actor’s private life on social media since he left the Hollywood spotlight over a decade ago.
He has seemingly retired from acting, with his last film role being the 2010 rom-com How Do You Know.
Lorraine posted the first photo of her father in nearly a year back in December 2025, which showed him posing with her and son Ray inside what appeared to be a restaurant.
A source told the Daily Mail at the time that Nicholson ‘is doing well, he is happy to be out of the Hollywood spotlight and just enjoys time with his family.’
The insider added, ‘He loves being around his children and is very close to them.’
Before Lorraine’s post, Nicholson was last seen at the SNL 50 party in February last year, where he made a rare appearance in the audience.
Before that, Nicholson was spied in 2024 using a cane on an outing in Beverly Hills, three years after he was last seen at an LA Lakers game in October 2021.
Nicholson’s close pal Danny DeVito, 81, provided a rare update on the star last July, reassuring fans that he is doing ‘great’ despite his reclusive lifestyle.
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Should children of famous parents openly embrace their connections or carve their own paths in Hollywood?
Nicholson and daughter Lorraine, 36, seen together in 2007
Lorraine is the only one of Nicholson’s children who has given fans a look at the actor’s private life on social media since he left the Hollywood spotlight over a decade ago; Lorraine seen in 2024
DeVito gave the update while speaking to PEOPLE in honor of the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, which famously starred both DeVito and Nicholson.
‘I just saw Jack a couple of weeks ago – it was his birthday a month ago, and he’s great,’ he told the outlet at the time.
DeVito maintained a close bond with Nicholson after One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as they appeared in a number of movies together and recalled how he was impressed with the star’s grounded attitude when they first met even though his star in Hollywood was rising at the time.
‘There was no need for an icebreaker. He was immediately just so embracing… He started out exactly the way everybody else did, where he couldn’t get a job. It was like he came to Hollywood and he was just going to write and direct, and then Easy Rider comes along after the (Roger) Corman stuff… So he was in our milieu, and he was always just as open and genuine, and we all felt it immediately,’ DeVito said of Nicholson.
The It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia star added: ‘Of course, he was doing it because he’s that way, and he was also doing it because that had to be, because we had to be all joined at the hip in that movie, and we had such great performances.’
Four years ago, former Fox News host Bill O’Reilly said during an episode of his No Spin News broadcast that reports that Nicholson’s mental health had diminished were ‘bull.’
Lorraine posted the first photo of her father in nearly a year back in December 2025, which showed him posing with her and son Ray inside what appeared to be a restaurant
Nicolson has only made a handful of public appearances since leaving the Hollywood spotlight over a decade ago; seen in 2023 with son Ray
Many of his outings have been to LA Lakers game with his son Ray; seen in 2021
‘I visited Jack Nicholson a few months ago. I had a long conversation with him and he follows the No Spin News very closely and had all kinds of intelligent questions for me,’ O’Reilly said.
‘I have been friends with him for decades. He is 85, okay? But he is more intellectually nimble than the president of the United States,’ he continued.
Nicholson has been criticized for never acknowledging his paternity of his alleged daughter Tessa, who was born out of his brief affair with waitress Jeanine Gourin.
In February 2025, Tessa, an aspiring actress, published an essay in Newsweek titled ‘I’m Jack Nicholson’s Daughter – I Wish People Could Call Me a Nepo Baby.’
‘Having grown up without my father, I’ve sat on the sidelines and watched in frustration as other celebrity children have seamlessly secured roles or been signed to huge agencies,’ she wrote.
‘More recently, I have grown even more frustrated at what I think is a missed opportunity for these so-called ‘nepo babies’ to own their position and embrace it instead of complaining about it,’ Tessa continued.
While in a separate interview with the Daily Beast, Tessa said that she was told from a young age not to tell people who her father was. She said that the actor is ‘a complicated person’ and that her birth was ‘collateral damage.’
Nicholson had a somewhat controversial upbringing from the start – after his mother, an unmarried showgirl named June Frances Nicholson, gave birth to the actor at age 18, her parents decided to raise him as their own child, pretending that June was his sister.
For nearly four decades, Jack believed that his mom was his sibling, until 1974, when Time magazine uncovered the truth and told him about its findings.
While speaking to Patrick McGilligan for his biography, entitled Jack’s Life, the Shining star called it ‘the most f***ed thing he had ever heard.’
He also said the discovery was ‘dramatic’, but added that it ‘wasn’t’ something he’d ‘call traumatizing.’
The actor later told Rolling Stone, when asked about the shock revelation: ‘I was very impressed by their ability to keep the secret, if nothing else. It’s done great things for me.’
Nicolson is a three-time Oscar winner and is considered one of the greatest actors in Hollywood; seen in 1998
Nicholson is best known for his 1980 thriller The Shining
He landed more than 70 roles in a slew of big movies and TV shows, including as Joker in Tim Burton’s Batman (1989)
He’s pictured collecting his first best actor Oscar for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest in 1976
June moved away from Jack – who grew up in Neptune City, New Jersey – when he was four to pursue her career as a showgirl.
But when he was 17, he decided to move out to California to be with her, where he landed a secretary job for animation directors William Hanna and Joseph Barbera at the MGM cartoon studio.
At the same time, he was also studying to be an actor, and he eventually landed his debut role in the 1958 teen drama The Cry Baby Killer.
After that, his career soon took off and Nicholson went on become one of the most well-known actors of all time, landing more than 70 roles in a slew of big movies and TV shows over his 50-year career.
Some of his best-known acting credits include As Good as It Gets, Terms of Endearment, Five Easy Pieces, A Few Good Men, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, and The Shining.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is back with a bang as season 15’s reunion unfolds over three episodes. One might wonder if three parts are truly necessary, but given the drama that unfolded this season, perhaps it is.
The reunion begins with Sutton Brown making her entrance, marking her first reunion under this name. True to her punctual nature, she arrives on time. Bozoma follows, turning heads in a stunning, albeit hefty, 75-pound dress. Not to be outdone, Dorit steps onto the stage with a little help managing her gown’s train, but notably, she arrives without delay.
The anticipation builds as Amanda, the self-proclaimed Money Queen, joins the group. Host Andy wastes no time, hoping to steer the conversation towards reconciliation. Kyle expresses a desire to mend fences and return to a positive place with Dorit, though Erika remains skeptical about any potential resolution.
While Erika is busy commanding the decks as a DJ in Australia, Amanda envisions positive vibes for the group. Bozoma, with a sparkle of excitement, requests Erika to DJ her wedding in Beverly Hills. Meanwhile, Dorit, surprisingly upbeat, momentarily basks in the show’s camaraderie until Andy highlights an impressive milestone. He gives a nod to Kyle for becoming Bravo’s longest-running consecutive housewife. With 15 seasons and as many reunions under her belt, it’s a commendable feat indeed!
Erika is busy DJing like a boss in Australia, and Amanda is manifesting all of the goodness for this group. Boz makes a special request and asks Erika to DJ her Beverly Hills wedding. Dorit is (shockingly) in good spirits as of now, until Andy gives Kyle a special shout out for being Bravo’s longest running consecutive housewife. This is Kyle’s 15th season and reunion- what an achievement!
Rachel gets to re-live her “painful life makeover” and all the decisions that led up to her divorce from Rodger. She talks about how much love she has received coming back to Bravo and is happy the fans accepted her.
Rachel’s ex is not thrilled with how open she was on the show, but explains there were things she did not say since there were A LOT of bad things that went down in real time over the summer. The divorce is not officially filed yet and no, she does not, and will not ever, have a relationship with Rodger’s girlfriend.
Rodger’s girlfriend, Bree Jacoby, recently called out Rachel in a series of online posts so it doesn’t appear any friendship or relationship will be forming soon.
Andy brings up the guy Rachel was spotted with on a red carpet and Rachel gets all giddy and shy. His name is Sasha and she claims they are really good friends. Regarding his career: Is Rachel dating a life coach who sells online courses like Amanda? LOL. Rachel tries to clarify what he really does, but clearly she only focuses her attention on his handsomeness.
“With a husband in prison…” What a transition! Erika’s tape rolls from this season and boy are there some ups and downs. Andy apologizes that Erika had to go through an abusive experience. According to Erika, an abusive relationship is much more common than we think and calling the cops was her only way out.
After this aired, Erika luckily did not hear from this person. The DV shame brought up a lot of other shame in her life. Erika admits that Tom was emotionally and financially abusive to her, going as far as not talking to her for six weeks. Erika explains that Tom never thought she would get on the show, but when she did, she felt like she needed to walk on eggshells throughout the first few seasons.
Erika wonders if Tom only came around as an act for the cameras. He did not read her book nor did he come to see her on Broadway, yet Erika continued to ride for him. Erika stands by the fact that visiting Tom would not give her closure (especially because he may not even remember who she is).
If Erika had to ask him one question, she would ask Tom “WHY?” She’s in an “almost impossible situation” and the $25 million dollar thing has been going on for years, so yes, Dorit, it seems like Erika IS really going through a tough time.
Dorit claims that when she was in Italy, she had a lot on her mind and she never spoke about Erika’s newest issues with her. Dorit states, “If I’m not having that conversation, I’m not thinking about it.” Talk about self-involved. Kyle points out that they shouldn’t have to mention things to Dorit for her to be sympathetic.
Erika lights up when she talks about her relationship with John McPhee that has now been going strong for 9 months. He has met her son and she explains that she “enjoys” the man she is dating.
When the Dorit segment rolls, Dorit mutters that Kyle started this. Dorit believes that Kyle was relaying information to Mauricio about Dorit in the season. Armed with ammo from Mau, PK was then taunting Dorit with text messages about things occurring. Dorit does not appreciate Kyle “fueling the fire by suggesting” she’s “erratic.” Dorit then goes woman by woman, asking them outright if they all felt the same way about her this season.
Kyle claims she meant to say Dorit is scattered, not erratic, and swears she wasn’t saying things to be gossipy or mean. Dorit is hung up on Kyle bashing her finances and feels the need to remind us all that she can most certainly spend $4,000 during a shopping spree. She feels “judged” by Kyle at a time in her life when she needs support. To that, Kyle retorts, “I am not in the same financial position as you, I’m sorry.” Ouch!
Erika then mumbles about Dorit’s foreclosure drama. Is Erika in a position to be discussing anyone’s finances amid her mounting lawsuits?!
Last year, her home was in pre-foreclosure and now it is currently in $800,000.00 debt because PK has allegedly not been paying the mortgage. Dorit believed he was paying and so she was blindsided. She was not checking monthly that PK was bringing the house current and her lack of knowledge on this topic is astounding.
However, Dorit does not appreciate a comment Amanda made. Amanda said that Dorit “outsourced her financial well-being to a man and it didn’t go well.” PK was coming out of a bankruptcy when she first met him and they built their life together. Amanda tries to clarify that she wants all women to know about their money and she apologizes if she offended Dorit.
In better news, as of today, the divorce proceedings are better with PK and Dorit says their relationship is improving.
On a positive note, Amanda did a great job activating all of the women. But, many fans were aghast with the way Amanda speaks about her husband, Eddie. Eddie knows Amanda makes more money than him, but did she need to put him on blast like that?
According to Amanda, she does not see her comments as disrespectful. Erika suggests that Amanda stop planting “seeds of contempt” in her marriage. Amanda does not want to hear Rachel’s reasoning why Amanda should stop “emasculating” her husband.
Andy points out that Amanda was a braggart and this made her surprised because she thought that was what this show is about. Kyle feels like Amanda thought she HAD to be that way and Erika speaks of a time she caught Amanda telling the cameramen to get a shot of her Chanel bag in Sedona. Erika can’t believe Amanda leads with that, rather than who she is as a person.
Rachel explains that she is confused by Amanda because she does not really know who she is and why she says the things she says.
Boz makes it clear it’s not a competition and despite what Amanda thinks happened, Boz would never tell her she was losing money on a business, ever. Boz points out that Amanda has an online business. Boz has a teaching course based on a class she taught at Harvard that gives people the opportunities to understand how to negotiate in business and how to present in boardrooms, etc. Boz’s classes open the door for people who can’t go to Harvard- HERS is a charitable venture.
On the other hand, Amanda is promoting her businesses and setting up her margins so she can be “rich as f*ck.” What Boz is doing is NOT failure, to be clear. Ooph. She ate Amanda up- no crumbs left.
Except one small problem. In rolling back a clip of Boz and Amanda having a convo about their online courses, Boz can be heard admitting she’s losing money on her course which proves Amanda was telling the truth.
“I don’t [need to make money from my online course]. I lose money on it. But that’s okay with me cause that’s a choice I made,” Boz can be heard saying in the rollback clip.
Boz is clarifying her online course. #RHOBH pic.twitter.com/nTc7sCSMUT
— Bravo (@BravoTV) April 24, 2026
Awkward!
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE RHOBH REUNION PART 1?
JACKSON, S.C. () – Authorities from the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office have apprehended several individuals in relation to the shooting incident that occurred on April 13th along the 100 block of Goodman Road in Jackson, South Carolina.
The tragic event resulted in the death of 17-year-old Kahlil Simmons, while another victim, aged 16, sustained injuries.
Law enforcement officials have charged 18-year-old Jared Grant Marsh II, hailing from Aiken, with murder and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime. Additionally, 17-year-old Tyler Hans Lariscey, also from Aiken, faces a murder charge. Their arrests took place on Tuesday afternoon, April 21st, following a traffic stop.
Furthermore, 40-year-olds Tarah Alexander and Bryan Alexander, both residents of Aiken, have been charged with being accessories after the fact to murder. These charges were filed last night.
Currently, all accused individuals are detained at the Aiken County Detention Center.
Authorities say charges may be forthcoming as the case continues to develop.
The Aiken County Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this case by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and the United States Marshals Service (USMS) Fugitive Task
Force.
This remains an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is asked to contact the
Aiken County Sheriff’s Office at 803-642-1761
During a pause in her journey through the Australian outback, a tourist from Canberra found herself submerged up to her waist in a pit of human waste after an unfortunate accident with an outdoor toilet.
While traveling with her family on Sunday, she decided to stop at the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve to use a drop toilet, a simple setup consisting of a toilet bowl over a deep hole.
To her horror, the corroded flooring gave way as she stepped on it, plunging her into a pit of sewage approximately 6.5 feet deep.
Stranded without phone reception in the remote area, located 90 miles southwest of Alice Springs, her family had no choice but to leave her behind temporarily and drive north for an hour to reach the nearest town for assistance.
Trapped in the sewage pit for three hours, the woman was eventually rescued by a passing worker, as reported by NT News, still covered in the foul material.
The 45-minute rescue was a difficult operation that required dismantling the toilet and lowering a tow rope into the hole to reach the woman.
She was then winched to safety using his 4×4 vehicle.
“There’s s—, literal nappies, piss, all in that hole,” a witness told the local outlet.
“You couldn’t even see the toilet.”
The woman was said to be “incredibly shaken” and sustained minor cuts.
She was transported 90 miles to Alice Springs Hospital for further evaluation.
It is understood that she and her family were traveling from Canberra to visit relatives at the time.
The toilet has since been cordoned off while NT WorkSafe conducts an investigation.
Photos of the incident site show the restroom building taped off and the entry blocked.
“The notification was made by the agency with management of the conservation zone, as a collapse or partial collapse of a structure, which is a dangerous incident under the work health and safety laws,” a spokesperson said.
The Action for Alice community Facebook page posted photos of the aftermath of the toilet nightmare, saying, “This won’t feature in tourism brochures.”
“The decaying infrastructure of NT tourism,” they added.
Commenters were horrified by the story.
“Thanks for confirming my paranoid fear of drop loos is a legitimate one,” said one. “I will now opt for the bush toilet from now on.”
Another echoed: “This is my biggest fear.”
“This is nightmare fuel,” a third wrote.
Others were worried about the potential health risks.
The main concerns for someone exposed to human waste are bacterial infections, parasites, hepatitis A and tetanus. They may also contract skin infections.
The remote Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve is a popular tourist stop that offers a self-guided trail around a reserve that contains 12 craters.
The craters were formed 4,700 years ago when the Henbury Meteor, weighing several tonnes and accelerating to over 25,000 miles per hour, disintegrated before impact, leaving only fragments that hit the Earth’s surface.
Henbury is one of five meteorite impact sites in Australia with remaining meteorite fragments and one of the world’s best-preserved examples of a small crater field.
TEUTOPOLIS, Ill. (WCIA) — Malea Helmink is making waves in her final high school season.
In just 17 games, the accomplished shortstop, recognized twice as an All-State player, boasts an impressive .663 batting average and has driven in 26 runs.
After wrapping up her high school career, Helmink is set to continue her softball journey at the University of Illinois Springfield.
“Growing up, I always watched the College World Series and dreamed of playing at that level,” Helmink shared.
By her sophomore year, her potential for a collegiate career became evident, fueling her drive to succeed.
“That was really motivating and made me want to work even harder to see who I can get attention from,” Helmink said.
“She’s one that’s here first all the time,” Teutopolis head coach Crystal Tipton said. “She’s the one always there to pick up her teammates, and even after practice, she’s staying after taking extra hits or doing extra things.” “She just goes above and beyond, and it tells in her numbers and how she plays the game.”
Helmink is now eligible for a $1,500 cash prize given to one boy and one girl at the end of the school year. To nominate a local high school varsity athlete for WCIA 3 Athlete of the Week, click here.
Staff Report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have taken Curtis D. Jackson II, aged 50, into custody after he allegedly threatened a pregnant woman with a firearm.
On the morning of April 22, around 7:32 a.m., officers from the Gainesville Police Department were dispatched to Choice Apartments, located at 2101 NE 2nd Street. The victim, who is expecting a child, informed police that both she and Jackson are currently homeless. Jackson had been residing temporarily with a witness at the apartment.
The victim recounted that an argument erupted when Jackson woke up and realized he had lost something. In a fit of frustration, he allegedly threatened to “rob and even kill someone to get food.” When she urged him to refrain from such talk, he allegedly retorted that he would end up in jail that day for murdering a pregnant woman. He then purportedly drew a small black handgun, described as having a leather covering, and aimed it at her face. Terrified, she fled outside to call 911, noting that Jackson had placed a “small clip” into the gun before pointing it at her.
Concerned for the safety of the witness who remained inside with Jackson, the victim shared her fears with the arriving officers. Police contacted Jackson via phone, and he eventually exited the apartment peacefully.
The witness gave officers consent to search the apartment and said Jackson only had access to the living room; officers reportedly searched the living room and did not find a gun, but as soon as they moved to the kitchen, which was directly adjacent to the living room, the witness withdrew her consent and asked officers to leave the apartment.
The witness reportedly said she had heard a brief argument before the victim left the apartment, but she did not hear Jackson make any threats toward the victim. She said Jackson had been staying with her for a few days, and she never saw a gun.
Post Miranda, Jackson reportedly said he had gotten into a verbal argument with the victim over money, and the victim started asking him about an incident on April 8; the arrest report states that officers responded to that incident, which also involved threats with a firearm. In that investigation, several people reportedly said they saw Jackson with a firearm, but none of those people wanted to press charges.
Jackson said he never had a firearm and never pointed a firearm at the victim.
The officer reported that based on the April 8 and April 22 incidents, Jackson “has shown to be increasing in his volatility.”
Jackson has been charged with domestic aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He has 13 felony convictions (two violent), 19 misdemeanor convictions (one violent), and 11 traffic convictions; he has served two state prison sentences, with his most recent release in 2024. Judge Bo Bayer ordered him held without bail pending a hearing on a motion from the State Attorney’s Office to hold him without bail until trial; if the judge denies the motion, bail will be set at that hearing.
Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
On Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel revealed that the agency’s regional offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Houston, Texas, have successfully disrupted an alleged terrorist plan. The plot, reportedly orchestrated by a woman from Lexington, North Carolina, aimed to execute a mass casualty attack on a synagogue in Houston.
The Houston Police Department has charged a 16-year-old with conspiracy to commit capital murder in connection with the scheme. Due to the suspect’s minor status, their identity has not been disclosed. However, the Houston Chronicle has provided further insights into the alleged conspiracy.
This development highlights the FBI’s effectiveness in countering hate-driven threats, a stark contrast to the efforts of organizations like the Southern Poverty Law Center. The FBI’s proactive measures underscore the agency’s commitment to public safety and security under the leadership of Director Patel. This success story also challenges recent criticisms of Patel, as his strategic direction has led to significant accomplishments, both regionally and nationally, as extensively reported by various outlets.
On Wednesday, the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Angelina Han Hicks, 18, of Lexington, on two counts of felony conspiracy. According to warrants, the charges are for conspiring to commit murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury.
She is also facing charges out of Texas.
According to the Houston Police Department, a 16-year-old has also been charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder. Because this person of interest is a minor, they remain unnamed. But the Houston Chronicle gave more details on the alleged conspiracy.
A juvenile in Harris County faces criminal charges tied to a multistate FBI investigation into an alleged plot to attack the campus of Houston’s Congregation Beth Israel.
The FBI office in Charlotte, N.C., said Thursday that the unidentified juvenile was arrested in Harris County. Before the juvenile’s arrest, court records obtained by the Houston Chronicle show a second person, 18-year-old Angelina Han Hicks, was arrested in North Carolina on felony charges.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that a juvenile female had been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit capital murder. The Houston Police Department was expected to release more information this afternoon.
Court papers accuse Hicks and two other people of planning to “kill as many Jews as possible” with a vehicle. Beth Israel and its school, The Shlenker School, said they were closed on Wednesday after learning from the Houston Police Department of a potential threat.
🚨On Tuesday FBI received a tip that an individual out of Lexington, North Carolina was planning a mass casualty event at a Jewish Day School near Houston, Texas. @FBICharlotte and @FBIHouston acted quickly, and working with our outstanding local partners in the Davidson County… pic.twitter.com/pqaItJ55i5
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) April 23, 2026
On Tuesday FBI received a tip that an individual out of Lexington, North Carolina was planning a mass casualty event at a Jewish Day School near Houston, Texas. @FBICharlotte and @FBIHouston acted quickly, and working with our outstanding local partners in the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office, the subject has been taken into custody.
Investigation ongoing. Thank you to our Joint Terrorism Task Force personnel, FBI teams and local partners for their decisive work that likely saved lives.
It seems the FBI is doing a better job at thwarting hate than the Southern Poverty Law Center ever did. Of course, as we are discovering with the SPLC, that was a feature, not a bug. It also shows that The Atlantic hit piece against Patel was straight-up trash. As RedState has covered extensively, regionally and nationally, the FBI has been kicking butt and taking names on multiple levels. This reflects the extreme focus, competence, and strategic skill of FBI Director Patel, his agents, and his leadership team.
An ex-police officer from North Carolina was taken into custody late Wednesday, accused of threatening a mass shooting at a festival in New Orleans, as reported by officials.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office announced that 45-year-old Christopher Gillum was apprehended at a hotel in Destin, Florida, on Wednesday night.
Gillum is being sought in Orleans Parish, Louisiana, on charges of making terroristic threats. Authorities allege he intended to travel to a New Orleans festival with plans to carry out a mass shooting followed by suicide.
The Louisiana State Police have not disclosed which festival was allegedly targeted but reassured in a Thursday statement that “there are no known direct threats to any festivals in Louisiana.”
The first weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was set to commence on Thursday.
Christopher Gillum, of Chapel Hill, N.C., was wanted by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety “for terroristic threats” and was arrested at a hotel in Destin, Fla., the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement Thursday. (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)
Alex Carrasquillo, the communication manager for Chapel Hill, North Carolina, confirmed to Fox News Digital that Gillum was an officer there from 2004 to 2019.
Gillum returned as a non-sworn employee in 2024 before leaving for another job by the end of that year, Carrasquillo said.
Gillum was being held in a Florida jail and awaiting extradition to Louisiana, the sheriff’s office said. (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)
Authorities in Louisiana and Florida highlighted the collaboration between several agencies and the use of license plate reader technology after the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office said deputies learned Gillum was in the area through the county’s Flock camera system.
“This disturbing case highlights how technology like FLOCK and strong partnerships between agencies can help prevent potential violence and bring wanted fugitives into custody safely before a tragedy could occur,” said Sheriff Eric Aden.
When officers arrested Gillum, they recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from his hotel room, the sheriff’s office said. (Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office)
Deputies also recovered a handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition from Gillum’s hotel room.
Gillium is being held in the Okaloosa County jail pending extradition to Louisiana.
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