Ruby Franke, a Utah YouTuber with over 2 million followers, and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt were taken into custody this week after authorities received a call about a malnourished child with open wounds and duct tape. Franke's sister Bonnie Hoellein posted a YouTube video expressing shock and sadness, but the link was later made unavailable. Franke and Hildebrandt are currently in custody, but it is unclear what charges they are facing.
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In July, the bodies of two sisters and a teenage boy were found in a remote campsite in Colorado's Gunnison National Forest. Autopsy reports released this week suggest that the three likely died of hypothermia and malnutrition, having been exposed to extreme weather conditions. The 14-year-old was found to weigh just 40 pounds, and the family has warned against living off the grid. The Gunnison County Coroner's Office has not yet released the official cause of death, but the family has asked for privacy as they mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Dominic Pezzola, a Proud Boy member, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Friday for his involvement in the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021. He was found guilty of obstruction of an official proceeding and destruction of government property, and was acquitted of a charge of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States. His sentence serves as a warning to those who participated in the attack that they will be held accountable for their actions.
A viral incident occurred in Norfolk, Nebraska this week when police responded to a call about a vehicle with a cow inside, only to find a full-sized bull named Howdy Doody riding shotgun. Lee Meyer, the driver of the modified Ford Crown Victoria sedan, was cited by police for the incident, and the Norfolk police department released a warning about the dangers of transporting animals in a vehicle in a way that endangers their safety or the safety of others. The incident has been a source of amusement, but serves as a reminder to be mindful of the safety of animals and other drivers on the road.
Judge Scott McAfee has ruled that the proceedings in the case of former President Donald Trump's election interference in Georgia will be livestreamed on the court's YouTube channel, allowing the public to watch the trial online. Media members will be allowed to use their computers and phones inside the courtroom, but will not be allowed to record the trial. The case is expected to be heard in the coming weeks, with an unknown timeline for a verdict.
Two leaders of the Proud Boys street gang, Joseph Biggs and Zachary Rehl, were sentenced to 17 and 15 years in prison respectively in federal court on Thursday for their roles in the violent plot to overturn the 2020 election. Prosecutors had sought 20 years in prison for both men, but the sentences were roughly half of what was requested. A third Proud Boy is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday morning.
Hurricane Idalia has caused immense destruction in Florida and other East Coast states, with an estimated $12-20 billion in damage and lost economic activity. President Biden has declared a major disaster and will be visiting the state to view the devastation firsthand. Homeowners are now turning to their insurance policies for help in the aftermath of the storm.
Ruby Franke, the mother behind the now defunct family YouTube channel 8 Passengers, was arrested Wednesday night in Utah on suspicion of aggravated child abuse. Police found a malnourished child with open wounds and duct tape on their extremities, and Franke and her business partner and collaborator, Jodi Hildebrandt, have been charged with two counts of aggravated child abuse. The two women create advice videos that critics say promote a harsh style of parenting.