A Columbus man is accused of sextorting a Maryland juvenile after an online TikTok contact moved to a private messenger and demanded $129 via Zelle.

Foggy, sticky start to Friday with highs near 85°F. Afternoon storms possible with isolated gusts.

Chenzo LLC wants to replace burned Main Street storefronts with a four‑story, 18,600‑sqft building and has requested $2M from the city's disaster‑relief program ahead of a July 14 vote.

Gov. Stein signed Executive Order No. 39 to create a Health Care Affordability Commission co‑chaired by Brad Briner and Dev Sangvai, charged with lowering costs and improving access.

A man was fatally beaten early Friday in the 900 block of East Sahara Avenue while waiting for a business to open; police say two suspects fled on foot.

A Kingsport driver faces vehicular homicide charges after a July 7 crash on Hwy 107 that killed a 69‑year‑old motorcyclist. Deputies say impairment and drugs were involved.

A woman plowed a sedan through a gate and into a dumpster at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse early Friday; she was hospitalized and police are investigating.

State Question 846 would enshrine a voter ID requirement in the Oklahoma Constitution and appears on the Aug. 25 runoff ballot. Supporters say it secures elections; opponents warn it could entrench restrictions.

Lincoln Avenue Trader Joe’s won recognition after the NLRB opened a challenged ballot, giving the crew a one‑vote majority and making it the first TJ’s in Illinois to unionize.

Oregon slipped to No. 42 in CNBC's 2026 business rankings after slippage across cost, tech and infrastructure. A newly released Prosperity Council report lays out tax, regulatory and education recommendations.

Two coyotes were photographed in West Seattle neighborhoods within an hour Thursday morning. Wildlife officials urge humane hazing and securing pets and garbage.

Mequon-Thiensville’s preliminary 2026-27 budget edges up property taxes slightly while protecting reserves and funding special-education needs plus Range Line recreation upgrades.

Five attendees say they were shoved and injured at Wesley Bell’s August 2025 town hall and have filed suit seeking $25,000 per person. The complaint names Bell and several security hires and alleges assault, battery and negligence.