Fatal Attack in Charlotte Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, 23, was fatally stabbed on a Charlotte Blue Line train while sitting with headphones on.
Police say suspect Decarlos Brown Jr. attacked her without provocation before fleeing.
She was pronounced dead at the scene, and Brown was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
Suspect’s Background Brown, who has a history of criminal activity and mental health issues,
was denied bond during his August 29 court appearance and ordered to undergo a competency evaluation.
Viral Reaction After surveillance footage was released on September 5,
the incident spread widely online, sparking global outrage and grief.
Trump’s Response On September 7, President Donald Trump called the killing “horrible” but admitted, “I haven’t heard …
when did this happen?” Later, on Truth Social, he wrote: “I have seen the horrific video… Criminals like this need to be LOCKED UP.” Brown’s next court date is September 19.
The internet is filled with visual puzzles and brain teasers, and one of the newest challenges to pay everyone’s attention is the “Eye Test” where participants are asked to notice the number of times the letter “m” appears in a grid filled with “n”s.
At first glance, the grid seems simple enough—rows upon rows of lowercase “n”s—but hidden among them are a few cleverly placed “m”s that can easily go unheeded. This test is prepared to ask for your attention to detail, visual perception, and patience.
Why Are These Tests So Common?
Puzzles like these tap into our innate desire to solve problems and test our abilities. They also acted as as a fun way to finish the monotony of the day while giving our brains a bit of a workout. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction that originates from finding the answer, especially when it seems elusive.
The Psychology Behind the Puzzle
This specific puzzle plays on our brain’s tendency to spot patterns. When you see a grid full of “n”s, your brain quickly forms a pattern and predicts it to continue, making it harder to spot the slight differences that signify an “m.” The challenge is to slow down and carefully analyze each character, forcing your brain to shift from automatic pattern recognition to detailed observation.
The Answer and What It Says About You
If you’ve controlled to notice all the “m”s, congratulations! It means you have a sharp eye and a perfect attention span. For those who struggled, it might be a sign to practice mindfulness and slow down in situations where attention to detail is crucial.
Texas Sheriff’s Office Faces Tragic Wave of S**cides
A Texas sheriff’s office is reeling after four deputies d**d by s**cide within just six weeks. This heartbreaking streak has left colleagues and the community deeply shaken.
A Community in Mourning
On March 19, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez took to Facebook to announce the d**th of retired deputy William Bozeman from an apparent s**cide—initially reported as the third loss in just one week.
“Our hearts are heavy,” Gonzalez wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences to their families, colleagues, and friends. Life is fragile, and time is not promised. May they Rest in Peace.”
The truth was even more devastating: Bozeman was actually the fourth s**cide tied to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in six weeks—a sh0cking pattern that has alarmed Houston and the nation.
Remembering Two Deputies
On March 13, 37-year-old Deputy Christina Kohler d**d by s**cide. Just three days later, former Deputy Maria Vasquez, 42, also took her life, according to ABC affiliate KTRK.
“Heaven has gained two beautiful angels—Deputy Christina Kohler and retired Deputy Maria Vasquez,” the HCSO Community Engagement Division wrote on Facebook. “May their memory inspire strength and comfort to friends, family, and coworkers during this difficult time.”
A Reminder of Life’s Fragility
Jose Lopez, president of the Harris County Deputies’ Organization, said the losses “caught a lot of us by surprise.” He had known two of the fallen officers for more than 20 years, including former deputy Nguyen, whose death on February 6 marked the first in the string of suicides. Nguyen, 58, was confirmed by the medical examiner to have d**d by s**cide.
“One is too many. Two? Three? It’s devastating,” Lopez said. “It hits very close to home and reminds us how fragile life is. We need to look out for each other and take care of one another.”
S**cide Risk in Law Enforcement
Between 2016 and 2022, at least 1,287 U.S. public safety officers d**d by s**cide, according to a joint report by CNA Corporation and the nonprofit First H.E.L.P. Experts w*rn the actual number may be higher due to underreporting.
Law enforcement officers face a 54% higher risk of suicide than those in other professions, research by Dr. John Violanti of the University at Buffalo shows. Repeated exposure to traumatic events throughout their careers contributes significantly to this risk, highlighting an urgent need for mental health awareness and support.
The Toll of the Job
“This profession takes a toll on people,” Thomas McNeese, head of the HCSO wellness program, told KTRK. “The longer you’re in it, the more it changes you. The back-to-back s**cides felt like a b*mb going off.”
Lopez echoed this concern. While HCSO emphasizes mental health support, the recent losses have prompted reflection: “Is what we’re doing enough? Do we need to try something different? What else can we do?”
Grief and Reflection
Sheriff Gonzalez spoke candidly about his sorrow. “It hurts, and I grieve each loss,” he said in an interview with CNN. “When a deputy d**s by suicide, it’s particularly painful because I can’t stop wondering what could have been said or done to help them.”
Supporting Our Emergency Officials
The recent tragedies underline the urgent need to protect the mental health of law enforcement and other emergency personnel. Communities can play a role by expressing gratitude and offering support to those who risk their lives physically and emotionally every day.
What do you think can be done to better support emergency responders’ mental health? Share your thoughts and help spread awareness.
Sydney Sweeney has returned to social media after a month of silence. She posted behind the scenes photos from her new movie Americana, calling it a project she filmed with friends.
She posted it right when people were still mad about that American Eagle ad, and there were plenty of arguments still brewing online. In the ad she says, “My jeans are blue,” while a voiceover adds, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.”
Critics argued the wordplay between jeans and genes promoted genetic superiority. Others said the campaign objectified her and compared it to the Brooke Shields Calvin Klein ad from the 1980s.
Comments poured in under her movie post. Some were harsh, like “Perfect, won’t be watching it.” And then others tried to back her up, saying things like “Do your thing, Sydney! Don’t let those haters get to you!”
American Eagle released a statement denying any racial undertone, saying the campaign “is and always was about the jeans.” They stressed that great jeans look good on everyone.
And even with all that going on, she still pushed the movie. Americana tells the story of people caught up in violence over a stolen Native American artifact called a ghost shirt.
Some critics slammed it, saying it was slow and kind of boring. Others liked it though, saying the writing worked and the cast was strong. Americana hits theaters on August 15.
After more than a month of frantic searching, Whisper Owens and her eight-month-old daughter, Sandra McCarthy, were found d**d. Their 2006 Chevrolet Trailblazer had been submerged beneath a bridge along Highway 120 and Victory Avenue near Oakdale, California. Search teams located the SUV using sonar equipment on Sunday, August 17, 2025, and carefully pulled it from the water.
Inside, both mother and child were found together. Investigators noted that Whisper appeared to have instinctively tried to shield her daughter, a final act of love that left many heartbroken. How the SUV ended up in the canal remains unclear. For the family, however, the discovery, though devastating, brought an end to weeks of agonizing uncertainty.
Last Steps Before the Tragedy
Whisper left her mother’s home in Fresno on July 15, planning to return to Sacramento. She never arrived. Authorities tracked her phone near the canal, leading to the search area. Surveillance footage showed her visiting family and stopping briefly at a smoke shop along the way, tending to her baby before continuing the journey. The last confirmed sighting of her Trailblazer came from traffic cameras near Shaffer and Bellevue Roads. After that, both mother and child vanished.
Family Reacts to Devastating Loss
The Owens family described the news as crushing. Richard Owens, Whisper’s brother, spoke through tears about the heartbreak of losing a child who never had a chance to grow. He reflected on how Whisper’s surviving children—ages 16, 9, and 3—will forever feel the absence of their baby sister. Yet, he admitted a quiet relief that the family would not be haunted by unanswered questions.
Richard also shared personal tributes on social media, expressing gratitude to search teams and volunteers who dedicated countless hours to finding answers. For weeks, relatives retraced Whisper’s steps, distributed flyers, and canvassed roadways between Fresno and Sacramento.
Investigation Reveals Fragments of the Day
Authorities pieced together Whisper’s final hours. She visited her mother before her doctor’s appointment, stopped at her brother’s home, and briefly paused at a smoke shop. Officials found no immediate evidence of foul play. Initially, her partner—the baby’s father—was not alarmed, knowing she often stayed with her mother. But after three days of no contact, concern turned to fear.
Vickie Torres, Whisper’s mother, said she worried about her daughter’s ongoing health struggles, including high bl0*d pressure following pregnancy complications. The family consistently emphasized that Whisper would never simply disappear. She was devoted to her children, and her sudden absence was out of character.
Community Support Amidst Grief
The search inspired a regional outpouring of support. Andrea McCarty, Whisper’s eldest daughter, appealed online for help, sharing the vehicle description, timeline, and growing desperation. Communities across the area joined efforts to locate mother and baby, clinging to hope.
When the Trailblazer was finally raised, hope gave way to grief. The discovery offered long-sought closure, but at a heartbreaking cost. Investigators now work to determine how the SUV ended up submerged.
Remembering Whisper and Sandra
Whisper Owens and Sandra McCarthy leave behind grieving family members and a community that rallied tirelessly. Though their lives ended far too soon, they are remembered for their love and resilience—a mother who tried to protect her child, and a daughter whose life had just begun.
Some nights, I just want something hot, buttery, and satisfying. Real food, not a sad snack. But boiling water? No. Grilling? Absolutely not. That’s how I stumbled upon microwaving corn—and now, I’m obsessed.
Years ago, I assumed microwaving corn would ruin it. Dry it out, make it chewy, destroy its flavor. I thought you had to do it “right” or not at all. But I was wrong. Microwaving corn is simple, convenient, and surprisingly delicious. Sweet, tender, buttery bites—ready in minutes with almost no effort.
What You Need
The grocery list is minimal:
Fresh corn on the cob
Microwave-safe plate
If husked: a damp paper towel
Something to hold hot corn: towel, oven mitt, or whatever you like
Method 1: Corn with the Husk On
This is the lazy genius method. Leave the husk intact.
Place corn (with husk) on a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave on high: 4 minutes for one ear; add 1–2 minutes for two. For more, rotate or spread them out.
Let it sit 1–2 minutes. It will be steamy and hot.
Use oven mitts or a towel, hold the silk end, slice off the fat end, and squeeze. The corn slides out, silk-free—like magic.
Why it works: The husk traps steam and flavor, essentially acting as a tiny pressure cooker.
Method 2: Husked Corn
Already shucked your corn? No problem.
Wrap the cob in a damp paper towel.
Place on a microwave-safe plate.
Microwave 2–4 minutes (three is usually perfect).
Carefully unwrap—it will release steam.
If dry, try a slightly wetter towel or splash a bit of water next time.
Tips for Perfect Corn
Choose fresh corn: Green husks, firm kernels, fresh silks.
Don’t overcook: Corn can turn rubbery quickly. Start low, add 30-second increments if needed.
Rotate when cooking multiple ears: Ensures even heat.
Let it rest: Even after microwaving, steam continues to cook the corn.
Flavor Ideas
Once hot, you can get creative:
Butter + lime juice + chili powder
Parmesan + garlic powder
Coconut oil + cinnamon (sweet and vegan)
Sriracha mayo + crushed tortilla chips
Or chop it off the cob for pasta, salads, tacos, or meal prep. It stays tender and sweet in the fridge.
Why Microwave Corn Makes Sense
Boiling is slow. Grilling is great if you’re already grilling. But for late-night snacks or quick meals, microwaving is perfect. No pots, no stove, no scrubbing. Fast, easy, and still tastes like corn—sweet, clean, and fresh.
Whether it’s a midweek dinner, an 11 pm snack, or something simple while watching TV, this method works. No rules, just good corn—quick and satisfying.
Next time you see corn at the market, don’t hesitate. Microwave it and enjoy—no boiling, no mess, just delicious corn
He was the first officer in Baldwin Park’s history to be killed in the line of duty and the motive behind the sh**ting may have started over a parking spot, though investigators have not confirmed that account.
A Tragic First in Baldwin Park
Officer Samuel Riveros, a nine-year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department, was ki**ed in the line of duty earlier this Summer, the first such d**th in the department’s history. The 35-year-old officer was responding to a call about a man f*ring a rifle when he was amb*shed and sh*t upon arrival.
The incident unfolded quickly: a man had allegedly sh*t and ki**ed another following a dispute, and when Riveros and his fellow officers arrived to assist, they came under immediate f*re.
“He would still run into that g*nfire. He would still take the bu**et,” said Detective Mark Berumen, who once patrolled alongside Riveros. “Without a doubt.”
The Scene Turns D**dly
The sh**ting began moments after officers pulled up, according to officials. Riveros arrived after two fellow officers, Anthony Pimentel and Alfredo Leal, were already on scene. Pimentel was injured by shattered glass from a bu**et strike. Riveros was fatally hit during the g*nfire exchange, while other officers returned fire and struck the suspect.
Authorities said more than 40 rounds had been fired. Sheriff Robert Luna later said an “AR-15-style” w**pon and two high-capacity magazines were found near the sh**ter.
Who Was the Suspect?
The g*nman, a 22-year-old male, survived the sh**tout and has since been charged with two counts of first-degree m**der with special circumstances, along with other crimes. Officials say he was wounded during the exchange and is now in custody.
While investigators have yet to confirm the full motive, neighbors claim the shooter ki**ed 43-year-old Darius Wong, a man visiting family nearby, after a heated argument over a parking space. Wong’s relatives said he was attending a housewarming party when the a**ack occurred.
A Community Says Goodbye
Riveros was remembered during a memorial service at Toyota Arena in Ontario. Family members, friends, fellow officers, and community leaders came together to celebrate the life of a man described as selfless, loyal, and brave.
He is survived by his parents, siblings, niece, and nephews. A private burial followed the ceremony.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from the community and our brothers and sisters in blue,” the department said in a statement. “Thank you for standing with us as we honor the memory of Officer Riveros.”
