Horrified Texas lawmakers demand crackdown on body broker industry
Parker's bills would make Texas one of a handful of states, including Hawaii, Minnesota and Vermont, that prohibit research or training on unclaimed bodies without consent. That restriction did not draw opposition at the hearing, but some body brokers raised concerns that Parker's other proposed regulations could stifle crucial training for doctors and potentially lifesaving medical research.
The committee heard from two people featured in the NBC News investigation: Kimberly Patman, whose ex-husband, Victor Honey, a homeless Army veteran, was cut up and leased out to medical companies and the Army; and Tim Leggett, whose older brother, Dale's, body was shipped to Kentucky to train anesthesiologists. Both learned from reporters what had happened to their loved ones.
'Victor deserved better. His children deserved better. His country owed him better,' Patman said. 'We're asking for accountability and, more importantly, change, so that no other family has to experience this kind of violation and grief.'
Leggett, who learned of his brother's death through a list of names of unclaimed bodies NBC News published, said he thought every day about how Dale's body was treated. 'When does a human being stop being a human deserving of simple kindness and respect?' he said.
The committee's chairperson, Lois Kolkhorst, a Republican, appeared aghast.
'These are horrifying stories, and I don't know where we get to this point in society,' said Kolkhorst, who is a co-author of one of the bills. 'It is a darkness here. Your descriptions. Unthinkable.'
Parker added: 'It is a darkness, and it's absolutely horrific. It's like a horror film.'
The NBC News investigation, published last year, detailed how the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth obtained unclaimed bodies from Dallas and Tarrant counties, then dissected and leased them out. The bodies included those of military veterans, the homeless, people with mental illness and a murder victim. Reporters identified at least 26 people whose bodies were sent to the Health Science Center without their relatives' knowledge. Twelve of those people's families learned details of what happened to their loved one s from NBC News, including from a list of names it published.
The investigation prompted the Health Science Center to suspend its body donation program, fire the officials who led it and stop taking unclaimed bodies. Medical technology companies that had received unclaimed bodies from the center said they would change their policies or reconsider their work with the center. Local, state and federal officials expressed alarm and vowed to push for policy changes. The Texas Funeral Service Commission, which regulates body donation, launched an investigation.
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The Independent
2 days ago
- The Independent
Warnings spread on TikTok about ‘Feel Free' drinks that contain kratom, which has opioid-like effects
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Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Donald Trump's niece says US president 'declining rapidly' as she lists dementia signs
Donald Trump's niece, Mary Trump, has taken to YouTube to discuss the US President's "obvious emotional and psychological decline". Donald Trump's niece has claimed the US President is showing obvious signs of "mental decline" as growing evidence hints he's "losing it every day". Mary Trump, who is the daughter of Donald's older brother Fred Trump Jr, took to YouTube to discuss her uncle's clear "emotional and psychological decline" in a video titled "Trump DECLINES RAPIDLY as Behavior RAISES CONCERNS." She listed the key signs she believes point to the 79-year-old's supposed cognitive decline, including a strange impromptu press conference he carried out on the White House roof on Tuesday, as well as his announcement of his bizarre plan to build a nuclear reactor on the moon. Mary's video comes after the White House confirmed Trump was suffering from a chronic venous insufficiency after growing concerns were raised about bruising on his hands. Chronic venous insufficiency is a vein condition that leaves the Republican politician with swollen ankles and constant bruising. However, his niece alleges he is also suffering with major cognitive decline, the Mirror reports. Mary said: "We've all become used to the fact that every time Donald stumbles, rambles, forgets people's names, wanders off the stage, or just pulls made-up facts out of thin air, in other words, lies, people on the right pass it off as if these are just fun little quirks of their dear leader and not the fact that every single day Donald Trump appears to be losing it." It comes after a US military veteran also said Trump's mental state is 'clear to see' with lawmakers being urged to 'act now'. Here are some of the examples Mary gave to add to her case. 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I got the highest vote in the history of Texas, as you probably know, and we are entitled to five more seats." Reacting to this, Mary said: "For weeks, Republicans, Donald included, have insisted that this redistricting was about competitiveness, not politics. But now Donald made it very clear on live television that he believes he is entitled to five more seats in Texas simply because he won the state in 2024. I think it should go without saying that that's not how any of this works." She continued: "Despite being the president of the United States of America, Donald continues not to understand, even into his second term, how the government works." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Trump butchers Kristi Noem's name Mary concluded by slamming a press conference about the 2028 Olympics held by her uncle on Tuesday. She noted: "Surrounded by his staff with whom he speaks daily, he couldn't even manage to get their names right." During the press conference, Trump mistakenly introduced Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem as Cristie Kerr, a pro golfer. 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Scotsman
04-08-2025
- Scotsman
Sight Scotland Veterans' Hawkhead Centre to open after hours to help more veterans access life-changing support
Sight Scotland Veterans' Hawkhead Centre is opening after hours to give more veterans with vision impairment the opportunity to come and sample the support, activities and camaraderie the centre has to offer. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Recognising that many veterans are unable to attend during the day due to work, family commitments or transport challenges, the centre will welcome visitors to a special open evening on Tuesday 12 August from 5pm to 9pm. The evening aims to give veterans with vision impairment the chance to explore what the centre has to offer – from its wide range of activities and support services to the warm community spirit that underpins everything the centre does. Staff will be on hand to welcome visitors, provide information, offer guided tours, and introduce some of the popular activities on offer, including axe throwing, Boccia, archery, acoustic shooting, woodwork, and more. Peter Ramsay, aged 56, served in the Army before losing his sight as a young man due to Retinitis Pigmentosa – a life-changing event that led to his early discharge from service. Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of inherited eye disorders that cause progressive degeneration of the retina, leading to vision loss. Symptoms typically begin with night blindness, followed by a gradual loss of peripheral (side) vision. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Since 2014, Peter has been supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, a charity he credits with helping him regain his confidence and independence. He describes going to the Hawkhead Centre as a real turning point in his life and encourages other veterans to come along and see the difference it can make. Peter visits the Hawkhead Centre twice a week, taking part in a wide range of activities and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow veterans. He also regularly joins Sight Scotland Veterans' Digital Hub, where he takes part in weekly quizzes, chats, and support calls. Peter Ramsay plays pool at the Hawkhead Centre Peter shares: 'I honestly don't know where I'd be without the Hawkhead Centre. Before I came here, I was struggling, not just with my sight loss, but with my confidence and mental wellbeing too. Losing your vision is a huge adjustment, and it can leave you feeling cut off from everything and everyone. I wasn't sure what I could still do, or where I fitted in anymore. 'From the moment I first walked through the doors, I felt welcomed. The staff are brilliant – they genuinely care – and some of the other veterans have become close friends. I've tried so many things I never thought I'd be able to do again: woodwork, bowling, archery, shooting, pool, fishing, hill walking, going to the Cenotaph in London. Some veterans recently went on a driving experience. I love the kitchen, where we are shown how to make our own meals, stuff like this is just so important for your confidence. I never imagined doing any of that after losing my sight. 'But honestly, it's not just about the activities. It's about having somewhere to go where you feel safe and understood. Somewhere you can just be yourself. The friendships I've made here have changed my life. It often feels like I am back in the army again, the banter is just like we are back in the barracks. We laugh, we support each other, and we push each other to try new things. It's given me my confidence and independence back.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Peter adds: 'I'd say to any veteran who's unsure or a bit nervous – just come along to the open evening. See it for yourself. Sight Scotland Veterans shows us what is still possible. I can't thank them enough.' Lorraine Bruce, Deputy Centre Manager at the Hawkhead Centre, comments: 'As a charity, we want to reach and support as many veterans with vision impairment as possible. We understand that not everyone can attend during the day; many are working, have family commitments, or rely on others for transport. This open evening is a chance for those veterans, and their families, to come at a different time and see what we offer. 'The Centre has fantastic facilities, from our sports hall and gym to our IT suite, woodwork and art rooms. But more than that, it's the friendship and camaraderie built among the veterans that's truly life changing. You can see people becoming more confident as they get involved. Vision impairment can be incredibly isolating, especially at first, as it knocks your confidence and makes everyday things feel out of reach. But it doesn't have to be that way. 'We hope this evening not only gives people a glimpse of the help available but also helps us understand the level of interest in opening outside regular hours. We'd love to see as many people as possible drop in, try some activities, and meet the team.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Hawkhead Centre provides a vibrant, inclusive environment where veterans can explore interests, reconnect with passions, and develop new skills – all while being part of a supportive community. If you are a veteran with vision impairment, or you are a friend or a family member of someone who could benefit from Sight Scotland Veteran's services, please come along to the open evening on Tuesday 12 August from 5pm to 9pm or call the information line on 0800 035 6409.
