GALLUP, N.M. (KRQE) – A Route 66 caravan is making its way from California to Illinois on an 11-day trip in honor of the centennial anniversary this year. “This route, Route 66, is so full of life and color and character,” Jake Welk said with America’s Automotive Trust. “Not only the historical stops but also the […]
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Route 66 caravan of drivers trek 2,000 miles in classic cars for centennial
Shooter who killed Brown students, MIT professor had been planning for months and left videos, officials say
The man suspected of killing two students at Brown University and fatally shooting a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor days later recorded a series of short videos after the violence that provided no clear motive and suggested he’d spent significant time planning, federal officials said Tuesday.
In transcripts of the videos released by the U.S. attorney’s office in Massachusetts, Portuguese national Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, 48, said he did not hate the United States and complained about an eye injury that he said he suffered from a shell round. He appeared to say he had been planning the violence for at least six semesters, and he said no one had ever sincerely apologized to him in his lifetime.
“The world cannot be redeemed,” he added, according to the transcripts.
The four videos were recovered from the New Hampshire storage unit where Neves Valente was found dead on Dec. 18, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement.
Authorities said he opened fire inside a Brown auditorium on Dec. 13, wounding nine students and killing two — Ella Cook, 19, an Alabama native and vice president of a college Republican group, and Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, 18, a native of Uzbekistan who relatives said dreamed of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Two days later, authorities said, Neves Valente fatally shot MIT professor Nuno Loureiro at Loureiro’s home near Boston.
In one of the videos he recorded, Neves Valente said he’d had previous opportunities to carry out a shooting at Brown but that he’d “always chickened out,” according to the transcripts released Tuesday.
The U.S. attorney’s office said an initial review of evidence showed Neves Valente targeted Brown, but it did not provide a motive for that shooting or that of Loureiro.
“Neves Valente showed no remorse during the recordings; on the contrary, he exposed his true nature when he blamed innocent, unarmed children for their deaths at his hand and grumbled about a self-inflicted injury he suffered when he shot the MIT professor at close range,” the office said in a statement.
Rhode Island’s attorney general credited a Reddit user who encountered Neves Valente at Brown and posted about it with providing crucial clues that helped authorities track him to the storage unit where he was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Neves Valente, whose last known address was in Miami, attended Brown in the early 2000s as a Ph.D. physics student before he withdrew in 2003, a university official has said. He also appears to have attended the same university in Portugal as Loureiro, a special agent in charge of the FBI’s Boston field office has said.
An investigation into a possible motive will continue, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Texas Influencer Couple Admit to $5M Home-Building Scam
A Texas influencer couple who built an online following for their picture-perfect renovation style has admitted to defrauding dozens of homeowners out of millions of dollars.
Christopher and Raquelle Judge, both of Fort Worth, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud after federal prosecutors said they promised dream homes — and delivered heartbreak instead.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, the Judges’ company collected nearly $5 million in payments for custom homes, renovations and design projects they never finished.
Between August 2020 and January 2023, the couple ran their company, Judge DFW LLC, pitching themselves as a local husband-and-wife dream team — “a Chip and Joanna Gaines type of vibe,” one victim told WFAA.
What the Judges Were Accused Of
Court documents reveal that Christopher falsely claimed to be a licensed architect, while the couple used client payments from one project to fund others — often leaving families without livable homes.
“[They] started construction projects and accepted multiple installment payments from victims but never completed those projects,” prosecutors wrote.
Read More: WhistlinDiesel’s Gag Order: What He Can + Can’t Say About His Arrest Now [Watch]
Prosecutors noted more than 40 victims across six counties and at least 24 unfinished homes, with losses totaling roughly $4.8 million.
Facing Prison Time
Christopher pleaded guilty on Dec. 30, 2025, to conspiracy to commit wire fraud — a charge that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Raquelle pleaded guilty on Dec. 17 to the same charge and faces up to five years.
Sentencing is scheduled for spring 2026 — April 14 for Raquelle and May 12 for Christopher — before U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means. Both are also expected to face restitution, fines, and supervised release.
From Instagram Dreams to Federal Court
The Judges’ social media presence once painted the picture of a thriving design duo — all bright kitchens, matching outfits, and Texas charm.
Read More: Kyle Chrisley’s Arrest Gets Worse — Now Facing 10 Charges After Allegedly Assaulting Officers
Now, that image has unraveled in federal court documents detailing one of the state’s largest home-building fraud cases in recent years.
For the victims left behind, the damage goes far beyond money — it’s the loss of homes, trust, and years of hard work.
As one homeowner told WFAA, “You don’t think something like this will happen to you — until it does.”
PICTURES: See Inside the McBee Dynasty’s Luxurious Nashville Home
A luxurious Nashville home owned by the McBee family from TV’s ‘McBee Dynasty’ is for sale, and pictures show an ultra-modern property that’s well worth its $1.5 million price tag.
Gallery Credit: Sterling Whitaker
The $160,000 Mechanic Job That Ford Can’t Fill
Ford’s CEO says 5,000 jobs are open. Mechanics say there is little wonder why.
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Lionel Messi prefers ownership over coaching after career
Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi said he cannot see himself as a coach in the future, saying he likes the idea of owning and developing his own club after retiring from playing.
“I don’t see myself as a coach,” Messi said in an interview with Luzu TV, an Argentine streaming channel, that aired Tuesday. “I like the idea of being a manager, but I’d prefer to be an owner. I’d like to have my own club, start from the bottom, and make it grow. To be able to give the kids the opportunity to develop and achieve something important. If I had to choose, that’s what would appeal to me most.”
Messi recently signed a contract extension with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season, keeping him active on the field for a couple more years. However, he has already found ways to venture into the idea of ownership by partnering up with longtime teammate Luis Suárez to launch Uruguayan fourth division team Deportivo LSM. The club, with initials that stand for Luis Suarez and Messi, boasts 80 working professionals and 3,000 members.
“Deportivo LS is a family dream that began in 2018. We have grown a lot with more than 3,000 members,” Suárez said. “I want to offer Uruguayan soccer, the place I love and where I grew up as a child, opportunities and tools for teenagers and children to grow.”
Suárez initially began the project before inviting Messi to participate.
“I’m proud and happy that you chose me, so I hope to contribute everything I can to continue growing and, above all, to be by your side in this,” Messi said in an announcement.
Messi also recently launched the Messi Cup, an under-16 youth tournament that featured eight academy teams from around the globe playing in Miami, in hopes of developing talent and competition.
River Plate won the inaugural edition of the Messi Cup in December, beating Atlético Madrid in the final. For now, Messi will continue to stay focused on matters on the field as a player with defending MLS Cup champions Inter Miami kicking off the 2026 campaign on Feb. 21 on the road against LAFC.
Golden Globes enter the world of podcasts and tread carefully, avoiding controversy
The Golden Globes this year introduced a best podcast category and, predictably, the nominees announced Monday will get people talking.The six nominees for the inaugural best podcast award are “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “SmartLess” and “Up First,” from NPR. Representing a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews, they were drawn from a shortlist of 25 programs the Globes had previously deemed eligible.The nominations avoided politics or controversy by passing on popular podcasts from the shortlist, such as conservative-leaning programs “The Megyn Kelly Show,” “The Tucker Carlson Show,” “The Ben Shapiro Show,” Candace Owen’s “Candace” and, most notably, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which topped Spotify, Apple and YouTube’s list of weekly podcast charts this year. The left-leaning “Pod Save America” also was snubbed, as were popular true crime podcasts like “Morbid” and “Rotten Mango.”Ben Bogardus, a professor and chair of the journalism department at Quinnipiac University, said it seemed that the Globes’ voting body — after years of scandal for the beleaguered awards show — wanted to avoid any controversy, like inviting a podcast host who might show up and say something contentious.”They’re trying to bill themselves as an award show that is for the masses and non-controversial, celebrating the best in entertainment. Having this political sideshow, I think they just wanted to avoid that,” he said.Reaction to the apparent snubbing of politics-related podcasts early Monday was light, with a handful of X users weighing in with criticism that high-ranking programs from personalities like Rogan and “manosphere” podcaster Theo Von had been left off the final cut. There was no direct reaction from the hosts themselves.Shapiro had launched an all-out Golden Globes publicity campaign for his decade-old podcast, on which he’s spoken with the likes of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the past year. In addition to making the rounds with industry publications, Shapiro also secured massive billboard space in New York City’s Times Square.The 25 potential candidates — including The New York Times’ “The Daily” and Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” — mostly matched up with the most listened-to shows.”If that’s how you want to pick your ‘best podcast,’ that’s certainly one starting point and one way to do it,” says Karl Hughes, a 20-year podcasting veteran who is CEO of The Podcast Consultant. “I think it leaves a lot of stuff out. It leaves a lot of nuance out.”Eligible podcasts must have original content and must have released at least six episodes between Jan. 1, 2025, and Sept. 30, 2025, with each episode having a minimum length of 30 minutes. The award, which will be handed out at the Nikki Glaser-hosted show Jan. 11, recognizes “the quality, creativity, audience engagement and impact” of the podcast, per the Globes.Many podcast experts were left scratching their heads since the Globes didn’t use any categories for its long list and was a bit murky about what constituted a best podcast. Quality of production? Consistency? The stories being told? Raw numbers?”It’s a good thing for the industry to get more recognition and getting recognition in a major award ceremony is awesome,” Hughes says. “I think that’s cool to see. But the way it’s done, of course, is a very blunt instrument.”Controversy almost immediately ensued after the initial announcement when it was revealed that Luminate Data, an entertainment tracking and analytics company, would create the shortlist. Luminate belongs to Penske Media Corp., which owns the Globes. Then there’s the accompanying costs associated with traditional ad campaigns for the award in the pages of Variety and The Hollywood Reporter — also owned by Penske. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.While more digital-friendly awards shows like the Webby Awards, the Ambies, iHeartRadio and The Shorty Awards recognize podcasting, the Globes’ move marks the first time podcasts have been included by a major awards show.Hughes says that’s a natural step as podcasting matures and starts attracting more corporate dollars. He hopes the Globes’ spotlight will make podcasting accessible to more people.”It’ll open up the door for more individuals and businesses that want to use the medium to tell interesting stories because it’s got a little more respect, a little more gravitas, a little more mainstream appeal,” he said.Bogardus marveled at how the podcasting industry has grown up in the past 25 years, moving beyond its origins in radio and giving hosts freedom that content creators in other media don’t have: “Going into an award show now really shows that it has come into its own as a type of communication that people consume, which can be on par with television, with radio, with streaming, with internet videos, with social media.”___Associated Press reporter Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.
The Golden Globes this year introduced a best podcast category and, predictably, the nominees announced Monday will get people talking.
The six nominees for the inaugural best podcast award are “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard,” “Call Her Daddy,” “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Mel Robbins Podcast,” “SmartLess” and “Up First,” from NPR. Representing a mix of news, advice and celebrity interviews, they were drawn from a shortlist of 25 programs the Globes had previously deemed eligible.
The nominations avoided politics or controversy by passing on popular podcasts from the shortlist, such as conservative-leaning programs “The Megyn Kelly Show,” “The Tucker Carlson Show,” “The Ben Shapiro Show,” Candace Owen’s “Candace” and, most notably, “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which topped Spotify, Apple and YouTube’s list of weekly podcast charts this year. The left-leaning “Pod Save America” also was snubbed, as were popular true crime podcasts like “Morbid” and “Rotten Mango.”
Ben Bogardus, a professor and chair of the journalism department at Quinnipiac University, said it seemed that the Globes’ voting body — after years of scandal for the beleaguered awards show — wanted to avoid any controversy, like inviting a podcast host who might show up and say something contentious.
“They’re trying to bill themselves as an award show that is for the masses and non-controversial, celebrating the best in entertainment. Having this political sideshow, I think they just wanted to avoid that,” he said.
Reaction to the apparent snubbing of politics-related podcasts early Monday was light, with a handful of X users weighing in with criticism that high-ranking programs from personalities like Rogan and “manosphere” podcaster Theo Von had been left off the final cut. There was no direct reaction from the hosts themselves.
Shapiro had launched an all-out Golden Globes publicity campaign for his decade-old podcast, on which he’s spoken with the likes of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the past year. In addition to making the rounds with industry publications, Shapiro also secured massive billboard space in New York City’s Times Square.
The 25 potential candidates — including The New York Times’ “The Daily” and Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take” — mostly matched up with the most listened-to shows.
“If that’s how you want to pick your ‘best podcast,’ that’s certainly one starting point and one way to do it,” says Karl Hughes, a 20-year podcasting veteran who is CEO of The Podcast Consultant. “I think it leaves a lot of stuff out. It leaves a lot of nuance out.”
Eligible podcasts must have original content and must have released at least six episodes between Jan. 1, 2025, and Sept. 30, 2025, with each episode having a minimum length of 30 minutes. The award, which will be handed out at the Nikki Glaser-hosted show Jan. 11, recognizes “the quality, creativity, audience engagement and impact” of the podcast, per the Globes.
Many podcast experts were left scratching their heads since the Globes didn’t use any categories for its long list and was a bit murky about what constituted a best podcast. Quality of production? Consistency? The stories being told? Raw numbers?
“It’s a good thing for the industry to get more recognition and getting recognition in a major award ceremony is awesome,” Hughes says. “I think that’s cool to see. But the way it’s done, of course, is a very blunt instrument.”
Controversy almost immediately ensued after the initial announcement when it was revealed that Luminate Data, an entertainment tracking and analytics company, would create the shortlist. Luminate belongs to Penske Media Corp., which owns the Globes. Then there’s the accompanying costs associated with traditional ad campaigns for the award in the pages of Variety and The Hollywood Reporter — also owned by Penske. The company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
While more digital-friendly awards shows like the Webby Awards, the Ambies, iHeartRadio and The Shorty Awards recognize podcasting, the Globes’ move marks the first time podcasts have been included by a major awards show.
Hughes says that’s a natural step as podcasting matures and starts attracting more corporate dollars. He hopes the Globes’ spotlight will make podcasting accessible to more people.
“It’ll open up the door for more individuals and businesses that want to use the medium to tell interesting stories because it’s got a little more respect, a little more gravitas, a little more mainstream appeal,” he said.
Bogardus marveled at how the podcasting industry has grown up in the past 25 years, moving beyond its origins in radio and giving hosts freedom that content creators in other media don’t have: “Going into an award show now really shows that it has come into its own as a type of communication that people consume, which can be on par with television, with radio, with streaming, with internet videos, with social media.”
___
Associated Press reporter Meg Kinnard in Columbia, South Carolina, contributed to this report.
Venezuelans in the U.S. react to upheaval at home and who should lead next
After decades of fear and instability, Venezuelans in the U.S. are cautiously hopeful about what comes next. CBS Evening News anchor Tony Dokoupil spoke to Venezuelans in Doral, Florida.
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OPETH’s MIKAEL ÅKERFELDT Says “Progressive” Has Lost Its Meaning In Modern Rock & Metal
Once upon a time, progressive rock and metal were defined by boundary-breaking ideas, stylistic experimentation, and a refusal to play by established rules. According to Opeth mastermind Mikael Åkerfeldt, that spirit has largely faded — and he’s not convinced the term “progressive” even means much anymore.
In a recent interview with Prog Project, Åkerfeldt shared his frustration with how the genre has evolved, explaining that what was once adventurous now often feels predictable and cliché. “I’m not sure if it’s so important for me to feel that we are progressive, because I don’t really know what it means anymore,” said Åkerfeldt.
Looking back, he noted that progressive bands were once easy to identify — not because of technical prowess alone, but because of their willingness to blend styles and take risks. “Back in the day, I think that it was easier to define a progressive band because they were mixing styles and stuff like that,” he said. “But now progressive means fast guitar solos, and it’s become a sound and maybe not so progressive.”
Åkerfeldt went even further, suggesting that the genre’s modern direction contradicts its original mission. “I think progressive music, especially in rock and metal, has become a bit regressive,” he said.
Because of that shift, Åkerfeldt no longer feels invested in whether Opeth is labeled as a progressive band at all. “I don’t know if I can decide if we are progressive or not. I think it’s up to the audience to decide,” he explained. “But for me, it’s become less and less important to be labelled progressive because I don’t know what it means anymore.”
When asked whether he actively tries to be “progressive” while writing Opeth‘s music, Åkerfeldt was unequivocal. “No,” he said. “I don’t wanna repeat myself.”
He acknowledged that some fans would prefer the band to revisit the sound of their early-2000s era, but that approach holds little appeal for him creatively. “Many of our fans want us to maybe repeat what we did in the early 2000s, but I’m not really interested in that,” Åkerfeldt said. “I like for us to progress, but not necessarily just so we fit into the progressive rock/metal genre.”
Instead, Åkerfeldt focuses on artistic growth on Opeth‘s own terms, driven by his diverse influences and emotional intent rather than genre expectations. “When I write music, it’s easy to make progress for our own music,” he said. “I have so many different kinds of influences, and I’m very passionate about my music. At the end of the day, I just wanna write emotional music.”
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Venezuela to Give U.S. Up to 50 Million Barrels of Oil, Trump Says
The figure would represent a significant amount of all the oil the country produces annually.
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Ravens fire John Harbaugh, Super Bowl-winning coach, after 18 seasons
The Baltimore Ravens are making a major organizational change, as the franchise fired coach John Harbaugh Tuesday after 18 seasons. The move comes after the Ravens finished the 2025 campaign with an 8-9 record — just Harbaugh’s third losing season in Baltimore — and failed to reach the postseason after opening the year with major expectations. Baltimore had a chance to clinch the AFC North title on Sunday night, but lost the win-and-in Week 18 showdown against the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, 26-24, on a last-second missed field goal.
Harbaugh, who was under contract through 2028 after signing a new three-year deal last offseason, was the second-longest tenured coach in the NFL (behind Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin) and is the winningest coach in Ravens history, going 180-113 during his time in Baltimore.
The 63-year-old Harbaugh went 13-11 in the postseason, won Super Bowl XLVII against his brother, Jim, in 2013, and was named Coach of the Year in 2019. His eight road playoff victories are the most by a coach in NFL history, yet the Ravens made the AFC Championship just once following the franchise’s second Super Bowl victory. In eight seasons with two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson leading the offense, the Ravens won just three postseason games and never made it past the conference championship round.
“Following a comprehensive evaluation of the season and the overall direction of our organization, I decided to make a change at head coach. Today I informed John that he has been relieved of his duties,” Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said in a statement. “This was an incredibly difficult decision, given the tremendous 18 years we have spent together and the profound respect I have for John as a coach and, most importantly, as a great man of integrity.
“Throughout what I firmly believe is a Hall of Fame coaching career, John has delivered a Super Bowl championship to Baltimore and served as a steadfast pillar of humility and leadership. He and his family have deeply embedded themselves in this community. For these profound contributions, on and off the field, we should all be forever grateful.”
What’s next for the Ravens? Big questions for Lamar Jackson, John Harbaugh after disappointing 2025 season
Zachary Pereles
Harbaugh was reportedly confident he would return to Baltimore to chase a Lombardi Trophy in 2026, but he was not granted that opportunity. In a statement, Harbaugh said he was disappointed but filled with gratitude and appreciation.
“Well, I was hoping for a different kind of message on my last day here, someday, but that day has come today. It comes with disappointment certainly, but more with GRATITUDE & APPRECIATION,” Harbaugh said. “Gratitude to the owner and organization who was willing to bring in a head coach who made his mark with Special Teams success. A difficult thing to do … and appreciation for all the moments, all these years, that are etched into eternity.”
While Harbaugh is out in Baltimore, he suddenly becomes the most attractive prospect on the coaching carousel — including with the New York Giants. Harbaugh is “expected to emerge as a favorite” for the vacancy in New York, according to ESPN.
According to CBS Sports Research, Harbaugh has the eighth-most wins (180) by a coach with a single team in NFL history.
| Coach | Team | Wins | Record | Win Pct | Seasons | Years | Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| George Halas | Chicago Bears | 318 | 318-148-31 | .682 | 1920-1967 | 40 | 497 |
| Bill Belichick | New England Patriots | 266 | 266-121 | .687 | 2000-2023 | 24 | 387 |
| Don Shula | Miami Dolphins | 257 | 257-133-2 | .659 | 1970-1995 | 26 | 392 |
| Tom Landry | Dallas Cowboys | 250 | 250-162-6 | .607 | 1960-1988 | 29 | 418 |
| Curly Lambeau | Green Bay Packers | 209 | 209-104-21 | .668 | 1921-1949 | 29 | 334 |
| Chuck Noll | Pittsburgh Steelers | 193 | 193-148-1 | .566 | 1969-1991 | 23 | 342 |
| Mike Tomlin | Pittsburgh Steelers | 193 | 193-114-2 | .628 | 2007-2025 | 19 | 309 |
| John Harbaugh | Baltimore Ravens | 180 | 180-113 | .614 | 2008-2025 | 18 | 293 |
Ravens have fallen short of expectations in recent seasons
Recently, the Ravens acquired the reputation of being a regular-season juggernaut that failed when the stakes were high. When Jackson won his first NFL MVP in 2019, the Ravens earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC. However, they were upset by the Tennessee Titans in their first postseason matchup. After avenging that playoff loss to the Titans the very next year in the wild-card round, the Ravens fell to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round, 17-3, while Jackson exited with an injury.
The Ravens missed the playoffs in 2021 after finishing with an 8-9 record. Jackson started 12 games, but suffered a late-season ankle injury that forced him to miss the final four games of the year. The following season, Baltimore returned to the playoffs, but Jackson suffered a knee injury that held him out of the wild-card matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. Tyler Huntley started in his place.
In 2023, it appeared the stars were aligning for Baltimore. The Ravens clinched the AFC North with a 13-4 record, and Jackson won his second NFL MVP. Baltimore blew out the Houston Texans in the divisional round, setting up a date with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. However, the Ravens would commit three turnovers in a devastating 17-10 home loss. Jackson had another MVP-type campaign in 2024, but lost out on the award to Josh Allen of the Bills — the same team that defeated the Ravens in the divisional round that season.
Harbaugh won just four playoff games over the last 12 seasons after winning an NFL record nine in his first five seasons as coach.
This season, the Ravens started 1-5 but rallied with a five-game winning streak after the bye week to get back into the playoff hunt. However, Harbaugh’s group lost four of their final six games, capped off by the loss in Pittsburgh on Sunday night with the division on the line.