Local News

Missing Child Alert Update: Oregon Department of Human Services Announces Christopher Brayton, Age 11, Has Been Found

Missing Child Alert Update: Oregon Department of Human Services Announces Christopher Brayton, Age 11, Has Been Found

Salem, OR – The Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) announced the safe recovery of Christopher Brayton, an 11-year-old boy who went missing from Redmond, Oregon on August 18, 2025. After a six-day search, Christopher was found on August 24, bringing relief to the community and authorities who had been working tirelessly to ensure his safe return. The ODHS Child Welfare Division expressed gratitude for the overwhelming public support, which played a crucial role in locating Christopher. When children go missing, ODHS prioritizes their safety and issues media alerts as necessary to involve the community in the search efforts. The…
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U.S. Marshals: Oregon Murder Suspects May Be Hiding in North Texas, Reward Offered for Information

U.S. Marshals: Oregon Murder Suspects May Be Hiding in North Texas, Reward Offered for Information

Federal authorities have announced that two men wanted in connection with the tragic murder of a 13-year-old boy in Oregon could currently be hiding in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The U.S. Marshals Service is actively searching for 21-year-old Anthony Hunter Jr. and 20-year-old Xavier Hirsch, both accused of fatally shooting William “Liam” Bailey in April. The gravity of the situation has prompted officials to issue a $15,000 reward for any information that leads directly to their arrest, underscoring the urgency to bring these suspects to justice. Ongoing Search Efforts and Reward Details Authorities believe Hunter Jr. and Hirsch may be…
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Governor Tina Kotek Signs Bill Doubling Oregon Energy Assistance Program Funds to $40 Million

Governor Tina Kotek Signs Bill Doubling Oregon Energy Assistance Program Funds to $40 Million

Salem, OR – In a significant move to support vulnerable residents, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed a bill that doubles the funding for the Oregon Energy Assistance Program to $40 million. This increase is aimed at helping Oregonians who are struggling to pay their utility bills during challenging economic times. The boost in funding arrives at a crucial moment, as federal support through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) faces cuts, leaving thousands of households at risk of losing essential energy assistance in the near future. Addressing the Growing Need for Energy Assistance The Oregon Energy Assistance…
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Alabama Couple Dies Two Days Apart: Family Believes Wife Died of a ‘Broken Heart’

Alabama Couple Dies Two Days Apart: Family Believes Wife Died of a ‘Broken Heart’

Prattville, AL – An Alabama couple, Johnny and Tammy Schmidthorst, tragically passed away just two days apart in August 2024, leaving their family devastated. The heartbreaking story has drawn attention to the profound impact of emotional loss and the possibility of death due to a 'broken heart.' The couple, married for roughly 20 years, faced the ultimate tragedy when Johnny, 48, suffered a sudden massive heart attack on Saturday, August 16, and Tammy, 53, was found dead two days later. Family members believe Tammy’s death may be linked to the overwhelming grief she experienced after Johnny’s passing. The Sudden Loss…
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Oklahoma Man Charged with Child Sexual Abuse After 11-Year-Old Stepdaughter Gives Birth

Oklahoma Man Charged with Child Sexual Abuse After 11-Year-Old Stepdaughter Gives Birth

Muskogee County, OK – An Oklahoma man, Dustin Walker, 34, has been charged with child sexual abuse following the birth of a child fathered by his 11-year-old stepdaughter. The disturbing case has drawn widespread attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the conditions in which the children were found. The child’s mother and Dustin’s wife, Cherie Walker, 33, also faces criminal charges, including enabling child sexual abuse and felony child neglect. The couple faces the possibility of life imprisonment as authorities continue their investigation. A Harrowing Case of Abuse and Neglect The abuse reportedly occurred between January…
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Ohio Mom Forces Husband and 4-Year-Old Son to Drown to ‘Prove Worthiness’ in Tragic Amish Spiritual Delusion Incident

Ohio Mom Forces Husband and 4-Year-Old Son to Drown to ‘Prove Worthiness’ in Tragic Amish Spiritual Delusion Incident

Tuscarawas County, OH – A devastating incident has unfolded in Ohio where an Amish mother allegedly forced her husband and 4-year-old son to drown themselves in a lake as part of a disturbing "spiritual delusion" claiming to prove their worthiness to God. The tragic event, followed by an alleged attempt to harm her remaining older children using a golf cart, has shocked the community and raised serious concerns about spiritual fanaticism and mental health. Disturbing Orders Under Spiritual Delusion Authorities report that the woman, a member of the Old Order Amish Church, believed she was receiving direct messages from God.…
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Oregon Blaze Destroys Bird Sanctuary as Forecasters Warn of New Lightning-Caused Wildfires

Oregon Blaze Destroys Bird Sanctuary as Forecasters Warn of New Lightning-Caused Wildfires

Oregon & Northern California – A devastating wildfire in central Oregon has destroyed a cherished bird sanctuary and multiple homes, while forecasters warn that lightning storms could ignite new fires amid ongoing dry, windy conditions. Firefighters continue to battle large blazes threatening thousands of structures as the western United States grapples with scorching heat and high winds. As of August 26, the Flat Fire, Oregon’s largest active wildfire this season, has scorched about 34 square miles of land near Sisters, Oregon, with only 7% containment. At the same time, northern California faces the Pickett Fire, burning over 10 square miles…
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Is It Illegal to Post Memes About Celebrities? Understanding Defamation Risks in Los Angeles, CA

Is It Illegal to Post Memes About Celebrities? Understanding Defamation Risks in Los Angeles, CA

Memes have become a huge part of internet culture, especially when they involve celebrities. Sharing funny or satirical images of famous people can spread quickly online, but many wonder if posting such content can lead to legal trouble. In places like Los Angeles, where the entertainment industry thrives, laws around celebrity images and speech are taken seriously, so it’s important to know what is allowed and what is not. Many young internet users post memes without thinking about the possible consequences. While making fun of a celebrity might seem harmless, some posts cross the line into defamation or privacy violations.…
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Is It Illegal to Record Police Officers? Understanding Your First Amendment Rights in Minneapolis, MN

Is It Illegal to Record Police Officers? Understanding Your First Amendment Rights in Minneapolis, MN

Many people wonder if it is legal to record police officers during their duty. This topic has become very important, especially as more people use smartphones to capture videos in public. In Minneapolis, MN, like many other places in the United States, the question revolves around your rights under the First Amendment and the laws governing recording in public spaces. This article will help explain whether it is illegal to record police officers in Minneapolis and what your First Amendment rights truly mean. Knowing your rights can protect you from misunderstandings and legal trouble while standing up for transparency and…
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Is Using a VPN for Streaming Illegal? Exploring the Legal Grey Area in Washington, D.C.

Is Using a VPN for Streaming Illegal? Exploring the Legal Grey Area in Washington, D.C.

Many people use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to stream movies, shows, and sports content that might be blocked in their region. VPNs help users appear as if they are accessing the internet from a different location, which can unlock a vast library of content. But is it illegal to use a VPN for streaming? This question has gained attention, especially in Washington, D.C., where online content and copyright laws are constantly evolving. Understanding the legal status of VPN use for streaming can be confusing. While VPNs themselves are legal in the United States, streaming copyrighted content using a VPN enters…
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