Midwest

Indiana to carry out first state execution in 15 years

Published

1 year ago

December 20, 2024

Indiana to carry out first state execution in 15 years

A man who killed four people including his brother in 1997 will be put to death in Indiana – the state’s first execution in 15 years.

Joseph Corcoran, 49, was on death row since his 1999 conviction and, despite late appeals on the grounds that he was severely mentally ill, is set to be executed Wednesday by lethal injection at Indiana State Prison.

Corcoran fatally shot his brother James Corcoran, 30, his sister’s fiancé Robert Scott Turner, 32, and two other 30-year-old men, Timothy G. Bricker and Douglas A. Stillwell, inside his family home in Fort Wayne on July 26, 1997.

Joseph Corcoran is led to the City-County Lockup on Aug. 26, 1999, in Fort Wayne, Ind., after being sentenced to death in the slayings of four people in July 1997. (Matt Sullivan/The Journal-Gazette via AP)

INDIANA SEEKS TO CARRY OUT FIRST EXECUTION IN 15 YEARS AFTER OBTAINING LETHAL INJECTION DRUG

Five years earlier, he was acquitted in the shooting death of his parents after the jury found insufficient evidence to convict him.

Indiana’s last state execution was in 2009 when Matthew Wrinkles was put to death for killing his wife, her brother and sister-in-law in 1994. Thirteen executions have been carried out in Indiana since Wrinkle’s execution, but those were initiated and performed by federal officials in 2020 and 2021 at a federal prison.

Since Wrinkles was put to death, the state suspended state executions because a combination of drugs used in lethal injections had become unavailable. There has been a years-long nationwide shortage because pharmaceutical companies — particularly in Europe, where opposition to capital punishment is strongest — have refused to sell their products for that purpose.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, announced in June that Corcoran’s execution was to go ahead after the state acquired a drug — pentobarbital — which can be used to carry out executions and is used by multiple states in lethal injections.

Joseph Corcoran pictured in prison. (Indiana Department of Corrections via AP)

Corcoran was being held at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City.

Corcoran’s attorneys had fought his death sentence for years, arguing that Corcoran was severely mentally ill, which affected his ability to understand and make decisions. Corcoran exhausted his federal appeals in 2016. Earlier this month, his attorneys asked the Indiana Supreme Court to stop his execution but the request was denied.

OKLAHOMA DEATH ROW INMATE EXECUTED FOR DOUBLE KILLING AFTER 3 LAST WORDS

His attorneys felt that the denial gave some bit of hope to stave off the execution as the justices were split 3-2.

“Given that it is a close case, it shouldn’t be rushed through,” defense attorney Larry Komp said previously. “He’s so extremely mentally ill. We think he’s irrational. We’ve never had a fair process.”

Corcoran wrote the justices a handwritten affidavit this month saying he was done litigating his case, although his attorneys said it was a sign of his mental illness, per the Associated Press.

“I am guilty of the crime I was convicted of, and accept the findings of all the appellate courts,” Corcoran wrote.

Corcoran fatally shot the four victims as he was under stress because the forthcoming marriage of his sister to Turner would necessitate moving out of the Fort Wayne home he shared with his brother and sister, according to court records.

He awoke to hear his brother and others downstairs talking about him, loaded his rifle and then shot all four men, records say.

After the shootings, Corcoran asked a neighbor across the street to call the police. When they arrived, Corcoran told them, “You might as well just arrest me,” per the Tampa Bay Times.

While jailed, Corcoran reportedly bragged about fatally shooting his parents.

One of Corcoran’s sisters, Kelly Ernst, said she believes the death penalty should be abolished and that her brother’s execution won’t solve or change anything.

She criticized the execution for taking place so close to Christmas.

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb speaks at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Jan. 8, 2024, in Indianapolis. Holcomb announced in June that Corcoran’s execution was to go ahead after the state acquired a drug — pentobarbital (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

“I’m at a loss for words. I’m just really upset that they’re doing it close to Christmas,” she said. “My sister and I, our birthdays are in December. I mean, it just feels like it’s going to ruin Christmas for the rest of our lives. That’s just what it feels like.”

Earlier this year, Alabama became the first state to use nitrogen gas for an execution when it carried out the death penalty for convicted killer Kenneth Smith.

The execution method, which has been criticized for being inhumane and a form of torture, killed Smith after he appeared to shake and writhe on the gurney, sometimes pulling against the restraints before several minutes of heavy breathing until breathing was no longer perceptible.

Fox News’ Landon Mion and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

Michael Dorgan is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business.

You can send tips to michael.dorgan@fox.com and follow him on Twitter @M_Dorgan.

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Michigan

Indiana extends Big Ten streak to five as the Michigan women win for the first time since 2018

Published

27 minutes ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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Minnesota

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

Published

39 minutes ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Here’s how much snow parts of Minnesota got on Saturday, Feb. 28

article

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.

WeatherWinter Weather

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Missouri

Best Missouri Sportsbooks: Download MO Sportsbooks Today

Published

51 minutes ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

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.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Frequent Odds Boosts
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Get up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bet If You Lose Your First Bet
🤝 Partner:	Century Casinos
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

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.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Tons of Betting Markets
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Wins
🤝 Partner:	Untethered License
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

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.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Early Payouts for Most Sports
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $10, Get $365 in Bonus Bets
🤝 Partner:	St. Louis Cardinals
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

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!

⭐️ Top Feature:	Caesars Rewards
🎁 Welcome Offer:	$250 Bet Match
🤝 Partner:	Harrah’s Kansas City, Horseshoe St. Louis, Isle of Capri Casino
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

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.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Great Betting Odds & Lines
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $5, Get $200 In Bonus Bets
🤝 Partner:	St. Louis CITY SC
💰 Payout Speed:	1-2 Days

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!

⭐️ Top Feature:	FanCash Loyalty Program
🎁 Welcome Offer:	10x$100 Bet Match in FanCash
🤝 Partner:	Boyd Gaming
💰 Payout Speed:	1-3 Days

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.

⭐️ Top Feature:	Easy to Navigate Interface
🎁 Welcome Offer:	Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets
🤝 Partner:	Argosy Riverside Casino, River City Casino, Hollywood Casino St. Louis
💰 Payout Speed:	1-5 Days

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.

⭐️ Top Feature:	High Betting Limits
🎁 Welcome Offer:	N/A
🤝 Partner:	Untethered License
💰 Payout Speed:	1-2 Days

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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