Disney Cruise Busted, Missing Scientist & Makayla Settles’ Dad Pleads Guilty

Episode 401  ·  May 21, 07:00 AM
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This week on Headline Highlights: Outrage is growing after Makayla Settles’ father pleaded guilty to incest and supplying alcohol to a minor, yet only faces a maximum sentence of just three years in prison. Kouri Richins has officially been sentenced to life without parole for murdering her husband, though many are now focused on her emotional courtroom statement where she continued claiming innocence. In a shocking update, Alex Murdaugh has been granted a new murder trial after the court ruled that jury misconduct by the trial clerk violated his right to a fair trial. A federal operation involving multiple cruise ships in San Diego has sparked major backlash and speculation after 28 crew members were removed and deported over alleged involvement with CSAM. And, the disappearance of Melissa Casias has fueled major online speculation after the Los Alamos employee vanished in 2025, leaving behind her belongings and two factory-reset phones before being seen walking alone near a highway in New Mexico…
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