Jesse Butler, a Stillwater teenager, received a sentence of one year of counseling after pleading no contest to multiple counts of rape and strangulation. The charges stemmed from two victims’ reports detailing repeated sexual assaults, strangulation, and threats of violence. One victim, “Jane,” described near-fatal strangulation and lasting physical and emotional trauma, while the second victim, “Sarah,” recounted similar abuse and the existence of a video recording of the assaults. Despite the severity of the charges, the judge’s sentence allows Butler to avoid prison time if he complies with the counseling program. The victims’ families expressed disappointment with the court’s decision, emphasizing the need for a system that better supports victims.
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Tristan, a 13-year-old with a large Instagram following, utilizes the platform to express unfiltered political criticism. His content, managed by his parents, showcases his adolescent indignation and argumentative skills, addressing topics like human rights and U.S.-Mexico relations with clarity. In his videos, he directly accuses figures like Donald Trump of various offenses. Despite criticisms of manipulation, Tristan’s direct and eloquent approach has garnered significant attention and sparked debate on social media.
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Seventeen-year-old Victor Perez, an autistic teenager, was critically injured after being shot nine times by Pocatello Police officers responding to a disturbance call. Police reported Perez, who was on the ground and allegedly wielding a knife, was shot after standing up. Witnesses dispute the level of threat, suggesting police could have de-escalated the situation, and Perez’s family emphasizes his autism and behavioral challenges. The East Idaho Critical Incident Task Force is investigating the incident, and Pocatello Police have declined comment pending the investigation’s conclusion.
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John Q. Hosedrinker