Robert Shepard, a 50-year-old man from Hamilton County, Ohio, was arrested following a search warrant executed by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators found numerous videos and photos depicting child sexual abuse, described by the prosecutor as some of the most disturbing content encountered. Shepard is suspected of acting upon these urges, with two investigations underway involving local child victims. Initially set at $350,000, Shepard’s bond was raised to $1.9 million by a Hamilton County judge, and Prosecutor Connie Pillich has warned of the possibility of additional victims and urged the public to contact authorities if they recognize Shepard.
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On Wednesday evening, Tiffin Police responded to a home on Huss St. after a mother reported a shooting. Investigation revealed that the mother was moving belongings with the help of Dustin Wiley, while her husband, Ryan Eagon, was believed to be out of town. Eagon fatally shot the two children, aged 7 and 7 months, as well as Wiley, before taking his own life. Law enforcement and emergency services responded, but all four individuals, including the children, Wiley, and Eagon, were pronounced dead.
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In Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, a ten-year-old boy drove himself home from his elementary school after a disagreement with his mother. Police responded to the school after a report of a stolen car with a child inside, discovering the boy had driven the vehicle a mile to his home. The car was found in an open garage with the unharmed child and his father, who was then taken into custody on an outstanding warrant. Authorities decided against filing charges against the child due to his age.
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Juveniles among 9 people hurt in shooting at Airbnb house party near Akron, Ohio: Police – this headline is definitely a gut punch, and it’s easy to see why. Growing up in the area, it’s hard to reconcile the idea of this happening in what’s often perceived as a small, quaint town. The fact that the shooting took place at an Airbnb house party just adds another layer of absurdity to the whole situation. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can escalate, especially when alcohol and potentially other factors mix with a crowd.
It’s just devastating to think about, the rented house becoming the scene of such violence.… Continue reading
Amid the escalating tensions between China and the U.S., Taiwan’s youth are increasingly exposed to pro-China narratives on social media, causing concern about their perceptions of the island’s relationship with China. Podcaster Mindy Huang, through her program Mindi World News, observes a generational divide, with younger Taiwanese less inclined to view China as a threat compared to older generations. A study suggests that pro-Beijing messaging is more prevalent among TikTok users in Taiwan, influencing their views on cross-strait hostilities. Taiwan’s government is working to counter this influence through media literacy campaigns, but faces challenges in competing with the overwhelming reach of Chinese messaging, as younger generations prioritize daily life struggles over geopolitical concerns.
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Pope Leo tells hundreds of thousands of young Catholics to build a better world. This declaration, while seemingly noble, has sparked a variety of reactions, ranging from enthusiastic support to deep skepticism. The very concept of a “better world” is subjective, and the means to achieve it are even more contentious, especially when coming from a figurehead of a complex institution like the Catholic Church. Some find the sentiment encouraging, highlighting the potential for positive change that can stem from such a call to action. They may see it as a welcome departure from the status quo and an acknowledgment of the need for progress.… Continue reading
Facing potential House losses in 2026, Republicans in Ohio and Texas are considering aggressive congressional redistricting. Ohio Republicans aim to unseat two, possibly three, Democratic representatives, leveraging a legal loophole. In Texas, a special session might redraw maps to gain up to five seats, though this carries risks for incumbent Republicans. This strategy, while potentially beneficial for the GOP in the short term, is a gamble, especially if 2026 proves favorable for Democrats. Democrats strongly oppose these efforts, calling them partisan gerrymandering.
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The Supreme Court unanimously reversed a lower court ruling dismissing Marlean Ames’ reverse discrimination lawsuit against her employer, the Ohio Department of Youth Services. The Court found that a stricter evidentiary standard applied to majority-group plaintiffs, requiring proof of “background circumstances,” is inconsistent with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. This decision eliminates this heightened burden for reverse discrimination claims in several federal appellate court jurisdictions. The case was remanded for further proceedings, effectively making it easier to pursue such claims in those jurisdictions. Justice Thomas, in a concurring opinion, criticized the discriminatory nature of the “background circumstances” rule.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood