Midwest
Biden frees radical left-wing killer convicted in FBI agents' murders during last hours as president
Shortly before leaving office Monday, former President Biden commuted the life sentence of Leonard Peltier, a far-left activist convicted in the 1975 murders of two FBI special agents, Ronald Williams and Jack Coler, who were gunned down in a shootout in South Dakota.
Peltier’s most recent bid for parole failed in July. Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama both denied clemency requests for him, but he had supporters among other prominent Democrats, including Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well as former Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland.
The move outraged the FBI Agents Association and came days after outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray sent a letter to Biden urging him not to free the killer.
“The FBI Agents Association (FBIAA) is outraged by President Biden’s decision to commute the sentence of Leonard Peltier, a convicted cop killer responsible for the brutal murders of FBI Special Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams,” FBIAA President Natalie Bara told Fox News Digital. “This last-second, disgraceful act by then-President Biden, which does not change Peltier’s guilt but does release him from prison, is cowardly and lacks accountability. It is a cruel betrayal to the families and colleagues of these fallen Agents and is a slap in the face of law enforcement.”
DOJ PANEL DENIES PAROLE FOR FAR-LEFT ACTIVIST CONVICTED IN SLAYINGS OF 2 FBI AGENTS
Leonard Peltier, American Indian Movement leader, is led to a waiting helicopter. After a prolonged legal battle, Peltier was ordered deported by Canadian Justice Minister Ron Basford to face charges of murdering two FBI agents. (Bettmann/Contributor via Getty Images)
On Jan. 10, Wray implored Biden not to do it.
“I hope these letters are unnecessary, and that you are not considering a pardon or commutation,” Wray wrote. “But on behalf of the FBI family, and out of an abundance of caution, I want to make sure our position is clear: Peltier is a remorseless killer, who brutally murdered two of our own – Special Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams. Granting Peltier any relief from his conviction or sentence is wholly unjustified and would be an affront to the rule of law.”
Peltier, now 80 and in poor health, is serving two consecutive life sentences for the slayings, plus another seven years for an armed escape attempt. He repeatedly failed to appeal his case. His supporters feared he would die in prison and looked to President Biden to set him free.
“For nearly 50 years, no fewer than 22 federal judges, multiple parole boards, and six presidential administrations have evaluated the evidence and considered Peltier’s arguments,” Wray wrote. “Each has reached the same conclusion: Peltier’s claims are meritless and his convictions and sentence must stand.”
Biden overruled him.
PRESIDENT BIDEN PARDONS HIS SIBLINGS JUST MINUTES BEFORE LEAVING OFFICE
FBI Special Agents Ronald Williams, left, and Jack Coler in their official FBI portraits. Both men were executed at point-blank range on June 26, 1975, after being injured in a shootout. Leonard Peltier was convicted of killing them. (FBI)
It’s the latest in a string of pardons, commutations and sweetheart plea deals Biden has given to convicted murderers on his way out of office. He took 37 out of 40 federal inmates off of death row, and his attorney general, Merrick Garland, took the death penalty off the table for a brutal MS-13 leader responsible for seven murders. Two victims, teen high school girls, were massacred with machetes and baseball bats.
He also gave last-minute preemptive pardons to his family members and allies, including his siblings, Dr. Anthony Fauci, Mark Milley and members of the January 6 Committee. He had previously pardoned his son, Hunter.
Read FBI Director Wray’s letter to Biden on Leonard Peltier:
Haaland praised Peltier’s commutation.
“I am beyond words about the commutation of Leonard Peltier,” she wrote on X. “His release from prison signifies a measure of justice that has long evaded so many Native Americans for so many decades.”
TEEN MS-13 VICTIM’S FATHER SLAMS LAST-MINUTE BIDEN DOJ PLEA DEAL
On June 26, 1975, Williams and Coler were looking for a group of armed robbery suspects in the Oglala Sioux Indian Reservation in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Although Peltier wasn’t one of them, he was traveling in a vehicle that caught the agents’ attention.
The agents weren’t aware that Peltier was also the subject of an arrest warrant for the attempted murder of an off-duty police officer in Wisconsin.
Former President Biden delivers his farewell address to the nation from the Oval Office of the White House on Jan. 15, 2025. (Mandel Ngan/Getty Images)
According to court documents, Williams warned Coler over the radio that someone in the vehicle was about to start shooting at them. Gunfire erupted. Both agents were wounded. According to the FBI, both agents were executed with point-blank gunshots to the head from Peltier’s AR-15.
Coler, originally from Bakersfield, California, had been an LAPD officer before joining the FBI in 1971. Williams was also a California native, from Glendale. He joined the FBI in 1972.
“The pardon of Leonard Peltier is not an act of justice but an abandonment of it,” said Nicole Parker, a former FBI agent who lost two colleagues of her own to line-of-duty violence.
“I myself lost my dearest friend and colleague, FBI Special Agent Laura Schwartzenberger, and Special Agent Daniel Alfin when they were murdered February 2, 2021, executing a search warrant to stop a child predator,” she told Fox News Digital. “The crushing heartbreak of losing mighty warriors who selflessly protect others is indescribable.”
A 1985 prison portrait of American Indian Movement activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted in 1976 of the murders of FBI agents Ronald Williams and Jack Coler. (MPI/Getty Images)
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Four men were arrested in their deaths, but only Peltier was convicted, according to the FBI. The government dropped charges against James Eagle, the robbery suspect Williams and Coler were looking for at the start of the shootout. Two other men, Robert Robideau and Darrelle Butler, were acquitted at trial in 1976.
After his release from federal prison, he is expected to be placed on house arrest.
“Agents Coler and Williams gave their lives in service to this nation, and their families continue to bear the heavy burden of that sacrifice,” Bara said. “The loss of these heroes is felt as deeply today within the FBI family as it was in 1975. Leonard Peltier has never expressed remorse for his actions. Special Agents Coler and Williams were stolen from their families, robbed of the chance to share precious time and milestones with their loved ones. Leonard Peltier should not have been granted a mercy he so cruelly denied to the Coler and Williams families.”
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Michigan
Indiana extends Big Ten streak to five as the Michigan women win for the first time since 2018
The Indiana men didn’t just win, they secured a fifth straight conference championship, continuing a swimming and diving dynasty in Bloomington. Michigan’s women surged to the top of the league, capturing the title with authority and balance across the lineup.
Records fell left and right throughout the week as this year’s Big 10 championships featured some of the best performances in conference history in the pool.
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Here are the main takeaways from this year’s Big 10 swimming and diving championships:
Indiana breaks away from Michigan to win fifth straight title
The Indiana men continued their dominance in the pool in 2026, extending their Big 10 dynasty.
From start to finish, the Hoosiers demonstrated experience and elite talent. Indiana won ten different events, including two relays and eight individual wins from six different athletes.
Indiana dominated the distance events this week, winning the 400-yd IM, the 500-yd freestyle, and 1,650-yd freestyle. Senior Zalan Sarkany won both distance freestyle events while freshman Josh Bey started off his Big 10 career with a win in the 400-yard IM.
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Owen McDonald was the second highest scorer in the meet behind Michigan senior Tyler Ray, who was named Big 10 Swimmer of the Championships. The senior won the Big 10 title in the 100-yd backstroke and 200-yd IM.
Senior Kai Van Westering and junior Dylan Smiley closed on the week with wins on the last night of competition for the Hoosiers. Van Westering grabbed the win in the 200-yd backstroke and Dylan Smiley won the 100-yd freestyle before leading Indiana to a win in the 400-yd freestyle relay to close out the meet.
Beyond individual stars, the Hoosiers stacked swims in the top eight of each event, showcasing balance across not only distance, but sprint and mid-distance events as well. Indiana’s performance combined consistency and poise, placing swimmers in the establishing control from the first event individual event to the final relay.
The win marks Indiana’s 32nd Big 10 title overall, which is second all time behind Michigan. Head coach Ray Looze won his ninth men’s Big Ten title, moving him into the top five all time in conference history.
The Hoosiers have once again positioned themselves as one of the nation’s elite teams, ready to challenge for another top-three finish at the NCAA Championships in March.
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Michigan women continue building momentum
The Michigan women left Minneapolis with its first Big 10 title since 2018 and the Wolverines’ 18th all-time, the most in conference history.
The Michigan women started the season ranked tenth in the CSCAA Top 25, one spot behind Big 10 rival Indiana. Since December they’ve moved into the top four and have cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the country.
“We had a really great team this year,” senior Devon Kitchel told Yahoo Sports. “Throughout the season we consistently worked hard and continually improved. By the time B1Gs came we were ready to go.”
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As a team Michigan won eight individual events, took first in four of the five relays and medaled in five additional events.
Bella Sims lead the charge for the Wolverines. The junior transfer won two out of her three individual swims and was named Swimmer of the Championships, the first for Michigan since Maggie MacNeil won it three times between 2020-22.
As a team, Michigan put eight athletes of a possible 17 on the All-Big 10 First Team. Along with Sims, eight-time Big 10 champion Stephanie Balduccini, eight-time Big 10 champion Brady Kendall, five-time Big 10 champion Letitia Sim, and five-time Big 10 champion Hannah Bellard led the way for the Wolverines.
Michigan will now turn its focus to the NCAA Championships in March, where the team will attempt to improve on its ninth-place finish in 2025.
Welcome to the Big 10, Bella Sims
Bella Sims is finding her groove in Ann Arbor.
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Sims swam in seven Big Ten finals, which included the 200-yd and 400-yd IM’s, the 100-yd backstroke, and four relays. She finished the meet with five gold medals and two silvers.
In her first two years of collegiate swimming Sims was a three-time NCAA champion, thirteen time All-American, and nine time SEC champion. However, all three of her NCAA titles came during her freshman season at Florida.
The Las Vegas native has represented the United States at the Olympics and World Championships and transferred to Michigan to finish her collegiate career.
Now approaching her third NCAA championship meet, Sims has momentum on her side. Although she is yet to go a personal best this season, Sims is leading the Michigan women to new heights in 2026.
“Bella Sims is an amazing swimmer and an even better person,” Kitchel said. “Obviously she helped our team with points, but she is such a light on deck and such a joy to train with everyday.”
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Sims barely had a lowlight during her week in Minneapolis. Her lowest finish was second in the 100-yard backstroke, where she was upset by Wisconsin’s Maggie Wanezek by 0.03 seconds.
There is little doubt Sims will go down as one of the best in Big Ten history when she finishes her career as a Wolverine.
Big 10 records come crashing down
Across the men’s and women’s meets, six Big Ten conference records were set in 2026. In addition, 16 meet records fell over the two championship weeks.
On the women’s side Michigan set two conference records in the 200-yd and 800-yd freestyle relays. Kendall and Bellard added to the total with their marks in the 50-yd free and 200-yd butterfly, respectively.
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Six additional meet records were broken including Michigan’s 200-yd and 400-yd medley relays, Sims’ 400-yd IM. Indiana’s Liberty Clark broke the meet record in the 100-yd freestyle, and Wanezek added one in the 200-yd backstroke. Indiana finished the week with a meet record in the 400-yd freestyle relay.
Nine total records fell in the men’s meet, including two conference records and seven additional meet records.
Ray broke 44 seconds in the 100-yd fly to set the Big 10 record in 43.83, which moves him up as the tenth fastest performer in history. The Michigan senior also broke the meet record in the 200-yd butterfly in his last Big 10 swim.
Bey cut over seven seconds in the 400-yd IM to win the title and break the conference record. The IU freshman came into the meet seeded with a 3:43.34 stopped the clock in a blistering 3:34.90.
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The other four meet records came from Michigan freshman Luka Mladenovic in the 200-yd breaststroke, Indiana senior Zalan Sarkany in the 500-yd and 1,650-yd freestyle, and Ohio State in the men’s 800-yd freestyle relay.
After a fast two weeks, it seems the top athletes from the Big 10 will be ready to roll at the NCAA championships in March.
Full Team Results
Men
Women
Minnesota
Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28
Storm reports in from Minnesota on Saturday, Feb. 28.
LANESBORO, Minn. (FOX 9) – Impressive snow totals were reported in parts of Minnesota after a narrow band of heavy snowfall worked its way across the state.
Minnesota snow totals for the last day of February 2026
Snow totals for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (FOX 9)
By the numbers:
Many areas saw more snow than was expected before temperatures warm up in the coming days.
The following snow totals were reported across Minnesota:
- Lanesboro: 10 inches
- Preston: 10 inches
- St. Peter: 7 inches
- Stewartville: 7 inches
- Caledonia: 6 inches
- Nicollet: 6 inches
- New Ulm: 5.5 inches
- Rochester: 4.9 inches
- Mankato: 4.5 inches
The Source: This story uses information from the FOX 9 weather forecast and the National Weather Service.
Missouri
Best Missouri Sportsbooks: Download MO Sportsbooks Today
Here are the best Missouri sportsbooks available. Learn about Missouri sportsbooks, features, welcome offers and more in this article.
Missouri bettors rejoice, launch day for Missouri sportsbooks has arrived! You can sign up for each of these brands to claim lucrative offers and get a good feel of which of these MO sportsbooks you want to bet with now that legal wagering is here!
Best Missouri Sportsbooks Today
These Missouri sportsbooks are some of the best sportsbooks in the gambling industry. Each of these brands have been broken down below to give you the finer, need-to-know details.
BetMGM Missouri Sportsbook
BetMGM is under the umbrella of one of the largest gambling brands in the world – MGM Resorts. The sportsbook offers a wide range of sports, frequent promotions to existing users and a great interface for desktop and mobile.
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DraftKings Missouri Sportsbook
It’s no surprise that DraftKings has launched in Missouri, given its massive presence in sports betting states. This brand is my go-to as you can find the most betting markets available on most events at DraftKings.
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bet365 Missouri Sportsbook
bet365 is the biggest sportsbook globally, and the fact that it’ll be available in the Show-Me State is great news for Missouri bettors. This is a brand that boasts a fantastic user experience, coupled with great promotions and can’t-beat odds.
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Caesars Missouri Sportsbook
Caesars is probably the biggest name in gambling, particularly in the US, so it’s no surprise that you’ve heard of Caesars. The Caesars Sportsbook is a great choice for Missouri bettors, and the Caesars Rewards program is THE best in the industry, so don’t miss out!
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FanDuel Missouri Sportsbook
FanDuel is king among sportsbooks given its breadth of betting markets, odds and lines. Most seasoned bettors will choose this brand given those options, not to mention a steady stream of odds boosts and no sweat bets for existing users.
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Fanatics Missouri Sportsbook
If you’re a fan of sports gear, you’ll love Fanatics Sportsbook! Bet with Fanatics and you can earn FanCash to use toward a new Chiefs jersey or whatever else you’d like to wear on game day!
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TheScore Bet Missouri Sportsbook
While not as recognizeable a brand, this sportsbook actually takes the place of ESPN BET as PENN Entertainment’s sports betting brand. TheScore Bet presents a clean interface that is also very easy to navigate.
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Circa Missouri Sportsbook
Circa Sports is widely known as having the highest limits among sportsbooks, and the same should be expected in Missouri. Typically, Circa doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, so we’ll have to see whether that changes in the Show-Me State or not.
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High Betting Limits
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What Sportsbooks are in Missouri?
There are plenty Missouri sportsbooks to choose from, including online, mobile and retail, here is the full list of brands where you can bet on sports in MO:
- bet365 Missouri
- BetMGM Missouri
- Caesars Sportsbook Missouri
- Circa Sports Missouri
- DraftKings Missouri
- Fanatics Sportsbook Missouri
- FanDuel Missouri
- TheScore Bet Missouri
Online Sportsbooks in Missouri
Fortunately, the full list of sportsbooks in Missouri (bet365, BetMGM, Caesars, Circa, DraftKings, Fanatics, FanDuel and TheScore Bet) all have online and mobile operations, allowing you to bet from anywhere. I prefer using mobile sportsbooks given the convenience and friendly user interface of the apps. Additionally, you can only find welcome offers on mobile sportsbooks.
Retail Sportsbooks in Missouri
If you’re more a fan of betting in person, you’ll find the pickings quite slim in Missouri. Caesars, Fanatics and ESPN BET are the only operators who have been licensed for retail sports betting for their casino partners. In Missouri, you can only bet in person at local casinos or professional sports stadiums, depending on if those locations apply for retail licenses. Here are the current locations where you can bet on sports in person in Missouri:
- Ameristar Casino Kansas City (Fanatics Sportsbook)
- Ameristar Casino St. Louis (Fanatics Sportsbook)
- Argosy Casino & Hotel (TheScore Bet)
- Harrah’s Kansas City (Caesars Sportsbook)
- Hollywood Casino St. Louis (TheScore Bet)
- Horseshoe St. Louis (Caesars Sportsbook)
- Isle of Capri Casino (Caesars Sportsbook)
- River City Casino (TheScore Bet)
Bet Types at Missouri Sportsbooks
Fortunately, you can place the typical bets at Missouri Sportsbooks. Here’s what you can find:
- Moneylines
- Parlays
- Totals
- Point Spreads
- Futures
- Prop Bets
- Live Betting
- Teasers
Sports to Bet on at Sportsbooks in Missouri
Similar to bet types, you can find pretty much every sport to bet on at sportsbooks in Missouri. Here are some of the more popular options, but there are bound to me countless more:
- NFL
- NBA
- NHL
- MLB
- MLS
- WNBA
- Tennis
- Golf
- NASCAR
Sign up With Missouri Sportsbooks Today
Missouri sportsbooks are live! Now that you’ve read this article, you have a better understanding of sports betting in the state. So sign up today and make sure to claim Missouri sportsbook promos while you’re at it, where you can earn thousands in bonuses right now!
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