Years-long investigation leads to new arrests in Ralph Brian murder case

KIFI on June 18, 2025

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) — A Madison County grand jury has indicted Ryler Jensen, 28, and Anthony Dean Wilson, 33, on charges connected to the brutal 2021 home invasion and shooting death of Ralph Brian. The indictments were handed down on Friday, marking “a step forward in a years-long investigation,” Sheriff Ron Ball told reporters on Wednesday.

Ralph and Karen Brian were attacked in their mobile home at 340 North 12th West, widely known as the Boathouse Trailer Court, near Rexburg on the morning of September 20, 2021. Ralph was shot in the head by an intruder and later died from his injuries in a local hospital. His wife, Karen, was stabbed multiple times but survived the ordeal.

Previous Arrest and Ongoing Investigation

Pierre Lake, Mugshot 2021

Authorities later arrested Pierre Lake of Jefferson County, who was 18 at the time of the crime. Lake initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea in October 2023, admitting guilt to the murder of Ralph Brian and the attempted murder of Karen Brian. In January 2024, Lake was sentenced to a fixed term of 30 years in prison.

Pierre Lake sentencing, January 2024

Despite Lake’s conviction, Sheriff Ball stated, “At the time of that event, the investigators involved, we always believed there were more participants in that crime. So this case has been active since.”

On Wednesday, the Sheriff explained that new information surfaced in 2023, ultimately leading to the recent indictments. He says Madison County Detectives dedicated hundreds of hours to interviews and executed multiple search warrants to gather evidence in the case.

Charges and Bail Set

Jensen and Wilson have both been charged with First-Degree Murder and Conspiracy to Commit First-Degree Murder. A bail of $1 million has been set for each defendant.

Both men are currently being held on separate charges. Wilson is in jail on charges out of Teton County, including previous charges of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Jensen was arrested in July 2024 for allegedly attempting to traffic drugs in the Hawthorne Elementary School parking lot.

Sheriff Ball extended his gratitude to the Rexburg Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Teton County Sheriff’s Office, Idaho Falls Police, and the Madison/Fremont County multijurisdictional special response team for their continued support throughout the investigation.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Click here to follow the original article.

Palm Springs homeless battling intense heat

KESQ on June 18, 2025

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — As temperatures near the hottest parts of the season, Palm Springs’s homeless population is struggling to stay cool.

This week, Palm Springs reached highs of 117 degrees and for one local veteran battling homelesness, it’s been a rude awakening.

“There is support out there, you just really have to find it. You do your best to go out there and provide a blanket of freedom for them to sleep under it and to come out here and see the reality of it, it breaks my heart,” Steven, a local homeless veteran said.

Matt Naylor with Well In The Desert, a local nonprofit that provides free daily meals, says the population they’ve seen has only grown, with 435 people served from January 1 to June 1.

He says cold water and shelter with air conditioning is paramount in keeping people safe, but says accessibility to shelters and cooling centers needs to improve.

“The best thing is to have cooling stations with lots of water that are easy to walk to. So one of the problems is we don’t have enough resources for transportation.”

Unhoused folk say shelters with strict rules about pets and personal belongings also prevent them from seeking help.

News Channel 3 took those concerns to Palm Springs Police, who enforce in the area. Lt. Michael Torres says they have seen the need increase, but it can be difficult providing help to those who don’t want it.

“Homelessness is not just about having a home. It’s about mental health. There’s also a substance abuse aspect to this whole thing. There’s a multi-pronged approach we’re taking,” Lt. Torres said.

Torres says they work with the county to provide mental health and addiction resources, but they need people to accept them before the work starts.

Another problem? The department’s five emergency shelter beds can sometimes fill up, leaving those who want help without a place to sleep.

As temperatures continue to rise, News Channel 3 will continue to follow the impact hot temperatures have on the Valley’s homeless population.

For more information on the city’s cooling centers, visit: https://www.palmspringsca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/7835/23

Click here to follow the original article.

Imperial County announces road closure for Silliman Road

KYMA on June 18, 2025

Dillon Fuhrman

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – Imperial County has issued a PSA regarding the closure for Silliman Road, located east of Brawley.

The PSA says Silliman Road, from Butters and Green Road, will close from June 23 to July 18 due to the concrete lining of the Osage Lateral.

Courtesy: Google Maps

There will be a detour along Ben Hulse Highway (SR-78) or Shank Road, according to the PSA.

To learn more about the PSA, read the press release below.

6-18-25 Sillman RdDownload

Click here to follow the original article.

Room At The Inn homeless shelter to be open every Saturday through winter

KMIZ on June 18, 2025

Erika McGuire

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Room At The Inn overnight homeless shelter in Columbia is extending its services by adding Saturday operations to fill service gaps in the community.

Starting July 5th, the shelter will be open all day every Saturday to the homeless community.

Executive Director at Room At The Inn John Trapp says the extended hours comes just in time for the summer heat and says a steady increase in Columbia’s homeless population that has left service organizations struggling to keep up.

“We’re getting into the hottest part of the year we want to be prepared for that turning point stepped up and covered Sunday’s so I thought we could step up and cover Saturday,” Trapp said.

Turning Point, Columbia’s homeless day center, is closed on Saturday, which leaves a gap in service and leaves the homeless population vulnerable to weather-related dangers.

Turning Point says being open Saturday making them open seven days a week and it is not feasible.

Right now, Room At The Inn is open year-round nightly, Monday through Friday from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m and operates 90 beds nightly.

“We are full almost every night we often turn people away,” Trapp said.

Room At The Inn created a GoFundMe page asking for $15,000 in donations, but has since reduced its target amount by $4,000 after receiving offline donations. So far the shelter has collected over $5.000 in donations.

“It came from downtown businesses and the faith community,” Trapp said.

The shelter says the donations go directly toward staffing and supplying the shelter for extended operating hours.

In a Facebook post, the shelter said the $15,000 goal will go toward two staff members working eight hours for $20 an hour would cost $320 a day.

The $15,000 would operate 37 Saturday’s helping to bridge the gap until the Opportunity Campus opens for full operations next year., according to Trapp.

Lunch is also included in the potential Saturday operations, with the shelter feeding about 90 people each weekend at a cost of $2 per meal, adding $170 per Saturday. They also factor in $60 in transportation costs.

“The population has outgrown their abilities to serve them so we’re going to move Saturday cafe here, the downtown churches will still come in and donate and prepare food they’re jut gunna serve it here instead of downtown,” Trapp said.

In total, Trapp says it cost about $430 to operate each Saturday.

The shelter says if it surpasses its goal by 50%, it will add all-day Sunday operations before winter begins.

Patrick Steward, who is homeless, says having an extra place to go during the weekend can make a big difference.

“Keep off the streets and you know they doing the right thing building that new facility, you keep em out of the heat, keep em out of the rain and keep em out of the library,” Steward added.

Room At The Inn will close Sunday’s at 8 a.m.

In 2023, the Columbia City Council allocated $450,000 in the city’s fiscal 2024 budget to keep the shelter open year-round. Previously, Room At The Inn only operated during the winter months and closed at the beginning of April.

Click here to follow the original article.

12th Annual Sculpture Walk guided tour begins

News-Press NOW on June 18, 2025

Kyle Schmidt

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — Whimsical Walk with the Arts is the title of this year’s Sculpture Walk.

Executive director of the St. Joseph Allied Arts Council, Jessica Agnew, said sculpture walks typically don’t always have a title or theme attached.

“We wanted to do a loose theme to celebrate the new discovery center coming Downtown,” Agnew said. “For inspire U being here, that is a great activity for families to go to, so why not incorporate a sculpture walk with that?”

The Sculpture Walk starts at 6:30 p.m., where the walk will begin outside of inspire U, located at 521 Felix St.

Throughout the walk, 12 new sculptures are on display, as well as two others from years prior.

“The People’s Choice Award, ‘When the Clouds Break” is going to stay with us for one more year,” Agnew said. “Then we have a cute one called Sunrise Serenade, it’s been with us for a couple of years, we just love it so much, so we have that coming back.

The People’s Choice Award goes to the most voted on sculpture in the walk. Brochures for voting can be found on the Allied Arts Council’s website at: stjoearts.org/our-impact/public-art/sculpture-walk/overview.html.

One of the artists this year made two sculptures for the walk.

Gedion Nyanhongo is originally from Zimbabwe and brings stones from his home country and transforms them into art for the walk.

“The inspiration came out of the stone,” Nyanhongo said. “Normally, I use the natural form of this stone to see what’s beyond just being a stone. It has a hint by its natural form to show or tell what it wants to be.”

The sculpture “Watch Out” is handcrafted from cobalt stone and resembles the spirit of wisdom.”I left this stone very natural to respect the nature itself without totally dictating what it should be,” Nyanhongo said.

The sculptures are for sale and can be purchased by contacting the Allied Arts Council at 816-233-0231.

“What I love about the sculptures downtown is that no matter if you consider yourself an artist or not, you’re going to have a thought about it,” Agnew said. “Might be a positive, might be funny, might be whatever, it cultivates some sort of emotional path for you and it sparks conversation.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Six tall cedar trees surrounding historic Crook County Courthouse to be removed

KTVZ on June 18, 2025

Barney Lerten

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) – In an effort to preserve and protect the structural integrity of the historic Crook County Courthouse, six cedar trees surrounding the building will be removed this Friday, officials announced.

The trees — four located on the front of the Courthouse and two on the west side — are large, mature cedars that were not part of the original landscape design, county officials said in a news release.

“While their presence may seem picturesque, their size and placement now pose a serious threat to the foundation of this iconic structure,” the county said.

“The trees are leaning outward in search of sun, and their roots are placing significant stress on the Courthouse’s historic rock foundation. In the event of severe weather or saturated soil conditions, these trees could fall, potentially pulling on and damaging the Courthouse’s foundation.”

Here’s the rest of the county announcement about the trees’ removal:

“This is a proactive measure to safeguard one of Crook County’s most iconic and beloved buildings,” said Facilities Director James Preuss. “These trees, while beautiful, have unfortunately become a risk to the structure we’re working hard to preserve.”

The removal will be conducted by Lindsey Land & Tree LLC, a local tree service company based in Crook County. Work is expected to take place throughout the day on Friday.

In addition to addressing safety and preservation concerns, the removal will also help restore the original character and visibility of the Courthouse, allowing its architectural beauty to once again be fully appreciated. Clearing the overgrowth will allow the community to once again admire the historic details and craftsmanship that have defined the Courthouse since its construction.

“This is part of a larger effort to spruce up the Courthouse and return her to her former glory,” Commissioner Susan Hermreck noted. “These particular trees were not part of the historical landscape, and while the decision to remove them was not made lightly, it is ultimately the most prudent step for the long-term health and safety of the building.”

The County said it “appreciates the community’s understanding as this important preservation work is carried out.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Hundreds show out for Western Street Breakfast in downtown Colorado Springs

KRDO on June 18, 2025

Bradley Davis

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Hundreds gathered on Pikes Peak Avenue in the early hours of Wednesday morning to grab a plate and enjoy the annual Western Street breakfast and Range Riders Peak Ride.

The breakfast started at 5:30 a.m. to kick off the rodeo season and get people excited for the “Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo” coming up on July 8. For just $5, participants got a wooden entry token good for a full breakfast plate with pancakes, eggs and sausage. Two Blackhawk helicopters made a flyover for downtown onlookers just after 7 a.m. A live band entertained with popular cover songs before the Range Riders took off on horseback for their week-long Peak Ride at 8 a.m.

The Range Riders and their 160 horses started the peak ride with a lap around the downtown area of Colorado Springs, treating residents to a horseback parade.

Fort Carson soldiers and Air Force Airmen cooked and served breakfast. The Range Riders will donate all the entry money to military families in the local community.

Click here to follow the original article.

“Dump the Pump”: St. Joseph Transit offers free rides on Thursday

News-Press NOW on June 18, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — In participating in the National effort to “Dump the Pump” on Thursday, June 19, the St. Joseph Transit is encouraging residents to utilize its services.

National “Dump the Pump” day is the third Thursday in June, and not only encourages people to ride public transportation, but also to save money- highlighting the resource when gas prices may be high, or money may be tight.

Residents are able to ride free on all routes, all day, as often as they like.

Information about routes and schedules can be found at www.stjosephmo.gov/310/St-Joseph-Transit-Go-St-Joe.

Click here to follow the original article.

Yuma couple charged in the murder of toddler plead not guilty

KYMA on June 18, 2025

Jalen Fong

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The couple charged with murdering a two-year-old toddler were formally charged in court and pleaded not guilty to the murder.

20-year-old Angelina Vasquez and 23-year-old Miguel Garcia pled not guilty before Judge Roger Nelson on Monday.

Both are being charged with three felony counts, which are first-degree murder, child abuse per domestic violence and abandonment or concealment of dead body parts.

They were arrested back on May 30 after Yuma police discovered possible human remains of a toddler in a home near 25th Street and Avenue 9E, just south of Arizona Western College.

Vasquez and Garcia remain in custody on a $2 million cash-only bond.

They will be back in court on July 16 for a case management conference.

Click here to follow the original article.

Downtown Library to host blood drive, partnered with Royals

News-Press NOW on June 18, 2025

News-Press NOW

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The St. Joseph Downtown Library is partnering with the Community Blood Center and the Kansas City Royals to save lives, offering incentives along the way.

From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, June 23, St. Joseph residents can make an appointment or stop by the Downtown Library, located at 927 Felix St., to donate.

Those who donate can also get a t-shirt and two tickets to a home game, while supplies last.

To set up an appointment, go to savealifenow.org/group and enter the Group Code: EI3N.

Those interested are encouraged to eat, drink and bring a photo ID to be able to donate.

Click here to follow the original article.