Landlord Charged with Murder After Body of a Man, Who Was Reportedly His Tenant, Was Found Hidden in a Barrel on His Property

A landlord in Washington has been charged with murder after a body was discovered in a barrel on his property. The victim was reportedly his tenant.

Authorities responded to a report of “suspicious circumstances” in the 3600 block of Old Lewis River Rd. in Cowlitz County at 6:53 p.m. local time on December 16, according to a press release shared by the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) on Tuesday, December 23.

The call came from a family member of local man Ricky Dean Miller, 67, who claimed Miller had told them he “killed someone” and that the victim’s body was hidden on his property. Police then obtained a warrant to search Miller’s property.

During the search, officers located the body of 71-year-old Dennis Eugene Schmitt in a barrel. Schmitt was reportedly Miller’s tenant and lived in a separate structure on the property, according to the statement.

An autopsy conducted on December 19 revealed that Schmitt had sustained multiple blunt-force injuries to the head, and his body showed evidence of strangulation, per police.

Miller was booked without bond into Cowlitz County Jail on charges of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of human remains on December 17, according to public arrest records.

Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the case to contact Detective James Hanberry at 360-577-3092.

PEOPLE reached out to the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and the Cowlitz County Coroner’s Office for comment on Saturday, December 27, but did not receive an immediate response.

Stay informed with the latest crime coverage by signing up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter, which features breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage, and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
https://people.com/landlord-charged-with-murder-after-body-of-tenant-found-hidden-in-barrel-on-property-11876672

பிற்பகல் வேளையில் இடியுடன் கூடிய மழைக்கு வாய்ப்பு

வடக்கு, வடமத்திய, கிழக்கு, ஊவா மற்றும் மத்திய மாகாணங்களிலும் ஹம்பாந்தோட்டை மாவட்டத்திலும் பல தடவைகள் மழை பெய்யக்கூடும் என வளிமண்டலவியல் திணைக்களம் எதிர்வுகூறியுள்ளது.

சப்ரகமுவ மாகாணத்திலும் காலி, மாத்தறை மற்றும் களுத்துறை மாவட்டங்களிலும் பிற்பகல் 2:00 மணிக்குப் பின்னர் ஆங்காங்கே மழை அல்லது இடியுடன் கூடிய மழை பெய்யக்கூடும். இப்பிரதேசங்களில் சில இடங்களில் 50 மிமீக்கும் அதிக ஓரளவு பலத்த மழை பெய்யக்கூடும்.

மத்திய மலைநாட்டின் கிழக்கு சரிவுப் பகுதிகளிலும் வடக்கு, வடமத்திய மற்றும் வடமேல் மாகாணங்களிலும், ஹம்பாந்தோட்டை, மொனராகலை மற்றும் திருகோணமலை மாவட்டங்களிலும் அவ்வப்போது மணித்தியாலத்திற்கு 40 கி.மீ வேகத்தில் பலத்த காற்று வீசக்கூடும்.

மேல், சப்ரகமுவ மற்றும் மத்திய மாகாணங்களிலும் காலி மற்றும் மாத்தறை மாவட்டங்களிலும் சில இடங்களில் அதிகாலை வேளையில் மூடுபனி நிலவக்கூடும்.

இடியுடன் கூடிய மழை பெய்யும் நேரங்களில் தற்காலிகமாக பலத்த காற்று வீசக்கூடும் என்பதோடு, மின்னல் தாக்கங்களினால் ஏற்படக்கூடிய விபத்துக்களை குறைப்பதற்குத் தேவையான பாதுகாப்பு நடவடிக்கைகளை மேற்கொள்ளுமாறு பொதுமக்கள் கேட்டுக்கொள்ளப்படுகிறார்கள்.

**மூலம்/ஆக்கம்:** இணையத்தள செய்தி
https://www.telonews.com/?p=146094

Why We Are Going to the Fastest-Melting Glacier

How Much Time Does the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica Have Left?

Our reporter Raymond Zhong and photographer Chang W. Lee are joining scientists and engineers on the front lines to measure how much sea levels could rise as a result of melting ice from the Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica.

This critical research aims to better understand the timeline and impact of the glacier’s melting, which could have profound effects on global sea levels and coastal communities worldwide. Stay tuned as we bring you in-depth coverage from the field.
https://www.nytimes.com/video/climate/100000010542247/why-we-are-going-to-the-fastest-melting-glacier.html

1955 Porsche 356 Pre-A Speedster

This 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster is a beautifully maintained classic, finished in elegant ivory over black leather. Under the hood, it is powered by a replacement 1.6-liter SC flat-four engine sourced from a 1964 356SC, paired with a four-speed manual transaxle that delivers power to the rear wheels.

The exterior features a removable black canvas soft top, removable side curtains, mesh headlight grilles, a single decklid grille, driving lights, and body-color bumpers for a cohesive and timeless look. The 15″ ventilated steel wheels are fitted with baby moon hubcaps and wrapped in Michelin XWX tires. Notably, a Reutter fender badge has been installed since the last auction, enhancing its authentic appearance.

Inside, the fixed-back bucket seats are upholstered in black leather with repaired seat bases, complemented by charcoal square-weave carpets and a passenger-side grab handle. The body-color painted dashboard is adorned with a Deutsche Sportwagen Meisterschaften dash badge. The two-spoke steering wheel frames a 120-mph speedometer, a 6,000-rpm tachometer, and an oil temperature gauge, combining classic style with essential functionality.

The five-digit odometer currently reads 551 miles, with approximately 500 miles added under the current ownership since 2021. However, the seller notes that the mileage is not accurate, and the total mileage is unknown.

Originally delivered to Porsche on February 12, 1955, the Karosserie Reutter Certificate of Production confirms factory paint and upholstery colors, with corresponding samples available in the documentation gallery.

Additional highlights include a spare flat-four engine accompanied with the vehicle, a complete tool kit, manufacturer’s literature, a clean California title, black California license plates, and side curtains. The car was factory equipped with drum brakes on all four corners, maintaining its period-correct specifications.

Purchased by the current owner in 2021, this Speedster was previously listed on Bring a Trailer in August 2025. Since then, work has included replacing the fender badge and hubcaps, as well as repairing the seat bases.

Offered now on dealer consignment by a trusted Local Partner, this 1955 Porsche 356 Speedster represents a wonderful opportunity to own a vintage sports car with classic styling and solid mechanical provenance.

For more details and to view compression test results, photos of the spare engine stamping, and factory documentation, please refer to the gallery.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1955-porsche-356-pre-a-speedster-9/

Column: Eaton fire disaster response was an outpouring of love to pets

I vividly remember the evening of January 7, 2025. We had closed the shelter early as warnings of life-threatening winds intensified and the Palisades fire began to burn. In my role as Chief Programs & Services Officer, I stayed behind to ensure the animals were safe and staff made it home.

Just after 6 p.m., while on the phone with our Chief Veterinarian, I saw flames erupt in the foothills and felt the weight of what was coming. As the animal disaster response agency in a fire-prone region, we had faced emergencies before, including the Bobcat fire in 2020. We thought we were prepared, but this fire would test us in new ways.

The shelter reopened that night for emergency intake. Around 10 p.m., a colleague called me: “You’d better come down here,” she said. A line of people and their pets stretched from our front doors all the way to Central Park. Dogs on leashes, cats in carriers, and other pets waited alongside their families. There was even a horse being walked down Raymond Avenue.

In that moment, I knew this day would change our lives forever. We made a defining decision right then and there: we would help anyone who needed it, human or animal, in the very best way we could.

The first 72 hours were a whirlwind. Hundreds of animals arrived in need of immediate care. Staff offices, our spay/neuter clinic, and training rooms became temporary housing, while adoptable animals were transferred to partner shelters across the state to create space.

Many animals were still trapped behind fire lines, including pets and livestock. With fire-trained search and rescue teams from LA County and national partners, we mobilized quickly to reach them.

Injured animals — pets, livestock, and wildlife — arrived in our ICU, many suffering from severe burns and smoke inhalation. Our veterinary team treated each pet as if it were their own, providing lifesaving care free of charge, for as long as needed.

I couldn’t be prouder of our amazing staff and volunteers who worked through exhaustion and heartbreak. There were tears, sleepless nights, and endless worry, but no one ever said, “I can’t do this.”

During this unprecedented time, our community showed up for us in ways for which we will forever be indebted. People came to the shelter ready to lend a hand wherever was needed. Thousands of calls and emails poured in with offers to adopt or foster pets. Monetary donations enabled us to continue our lifesaving work without pause.

The steady stream of people seeking safe shelter for their pets was replaced with a line of cars filled to the brim with donations of pet food, litter, and water. Local restaurants dropped off food to our staff and volunteers, helping us get through the incredibly long days.

Our work continued long after the flames were extinguished. Pets whose families lost everything in the fire stayed in our care for months, and some remain with us to this day. We found homes for dozens of fire-impacted animals who had no home to return to, provided veterinary vouchers to families in need of medical support for their pets, and connected displaced residents with pet-friendly housing resources.

A year later, I reflect with pride and gratitude. We saved countless lives and positively impacted thousands of people. We could only accomplish this by working together with our community.

The Eaton fire changed us forever. We emerged stronger, more united, and more committed than ever to helping animals and people in our community. Together, we continue to rebuild, celebrate the wins, and honor the courage, compassion, and resilience that carried us through that January night.

To learn more and support Pasadena Humane’s Eaton fire response efforts, please visit [pasadenahumane.org/firematch](https://pasadenahumane.org/firematch).
https://www.sgvtribune.com/2025/12/26/column-eaton-fire-disaster-response-was-an-outpouring-of-love-to-pets/

Jimmy Kimmel Delivers Fiery Anti-Trump Alternative Christmas Message on U.K.’s Channel 4

Jimmy Kimmel delivered a politically charged alternative Christmas message on the U.K.’s Channel 4 on Thursday, using the platform to rail against Donald Trump and warn that “tyranny is booming” in America under a president who “thinks he is our king.”

“My country’s president would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored,” Kimmel said during the address. “The American government made a threat against me and the company I work for. And all of a sudden, we were off the air. But then, you know what happened? A Christmas miracle happened.”

**A Brief Suspension and a Christmas Miracle**

*Jimmy Kimmel Live!* was swiftly brought back on the air after being briefly suspended by ABC parent company Disney in September. The show was pulled following comments Kimmel made in a monologue about the political firestorm that followed the shocking murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk over the summer.

The longtime late-night host was invited by Channel 4 to speak as part of its annual Alternative Christmas Message, now in its 32nd year. Since 1993, figures from across politics and popular culture — including former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and whistleblower Edward Snowden — have addressed the British public in the broadcast, which serves as a counterpoint to the monarch’s traditional Christmas Day address.

Kimmel “has found himself on the frontline of America’s battle over free speech,” a Channel 4 spokesperson said in a statement explaining the broadcaster’s choice this year.

**An Escalating Feud**

Thursday’s address may further inflame an ongoing war of words between the president and the comic, which escalated after the Oscars in March 2024, when host Kimmel mocked Trump onstage over a social media post criticizing his performance as ceremony host.

Trump, then campaigning in what would become a successful 2024 reelection bid, responded by doubling down on his attacks. The feud continued as Kimmel mocked Trump’s policies, actions, and public statements, while the candidate and later president fired back online.

It ultimately culminated in Kimmel’s suspension, which was reversed quickly following a public outcry over Disney’s decision—a sequence of events Kimmel recounted in his address.

“Millions and millions of people stood up and said, ‘No, this is not acceptable,’” Kimmel said. “People who never watched my show, people who were on record saying they hate my show, spoke out. They marched. They did this all to support the right to freedom of expression. And because so many people spoke out, we came back. Our show came back stronger than ever. We won, the president lost, and now I’m back on the air every night giving the most powerful politician on Earth a right and richly deserved bollocking.”

**Reflecting on a Difficult Year**

On Dec. 19, the host grew tearful during his monologue at the top of his last show of 2025, reflecting on what he acknowledged was a difficult year.

“This has been a strange year. It’s been a hard year,” Kimmel said. “We’ve had some lows. We’ve had some highs. For me, maybe more than any year of my life.”

### Full Text of Jimmy Kimmel’s Channel 4 Alternative Christmas Message

Hi, I’m Jimmy Kimmel. I have no idea if you know who I am, but I was asked to deliver this year’s Alternative Christmas Message (which I’ve heard is a big deal), so I hope you do. But if not, I host what you call a chat show (we call it a talk show) in what you call the colonies, I think? I honestly have no idea what’s going on over there.

I do know what’s going on over here though, and I can tell you that, from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year. Tyranny is booming over here.

You may have read in your colourful newspapers my country’s president would like to shut me up because I don’t adore him in the way he likes to be adored. The American government made a threat against me and the company I work for, and all of a sudden we were off the air.

But then, you know what happened? A Christmas miracle happened. Well, it was September, it was a September miracle. But the holiday does seem to come earlier and earlier every year, doesn’t it?

Millions and millions of people stood up and said: ‘No, this is not acceptable.’ People who never watched my show, people who were on record saying they hate my show spoke out, they marched, they did this all to support the right to freedom of expression. And because so many people spoke out, we came back. Our show came back stronger than ever.

We won, the President lost, and now I’m back on the air every night givin’ the most powerful politician on earth a right and richly deserved bollocking. That’s a word, right? I used it properly?

And the reason I’m telling you this story is because maybe you’re thinking: ‘Oh, a government silencing its critics is something that happens in places like Russia, or North Korea, or LA, not the UK.’ Well, that’s what we thought — and now we’ve got King Donny the Eighth calling for executions.

It happens fast.

You know it’s funny, we Americans are very proud of not having a king. It’s kind of why we left. Earlier this year, tens of millions of us marched at protests called No Kings. You had some of those there.

And just for the record, we have nothing against your king. I mean, I don’t know if you know this, but his son lives here. We just — well, some of us just have a problem with the guy who thinks he is our king.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/jimmy-kimmel-alternative-christmas-message-donald-trump-1236458886/

Palm Beach girls golf first team, second team, honorable mention and coach of the year

FIRST TEAM

Kayla Bryant, FAU High senior: Placed seventh at 1A state championship (70-69); tied for fourth at districts (71); tied for third at regionals (73); placed first at Dustin Johnson World Junior Championship; Florida State University signee.

Reese McMillan, Benjamin freshman: Tied for 12th at 1A state championship (143 total); shot a 69 in the first round at states; tied for third at regionals (73); tied for first at Palm League Invitational (69); placed first at the AJGA Open at Chechessee (68-66-69); won the 41st Nicklaus Junior Championship with 69 in the final round; named member of 2026 Team FSGA.

Alexandra Phung, FAU High sophomore: Placed first at districts (65); placed second at regionals (70); tied for ninth at 1A state championship (141 total); shot a 65 in the final round at states; placed first at AJGA Super Lychee Junior Open with 68 in final round; two-time champion of the Drive, Chip, and Putt National Championship at Augusta National.

Staci Pla, Berean Christian senior: Placed first at districts (72); shot a 70 in the final round at 1A state championship (147 total); Cincinnati signee; co-medalist at U.S.

Catherine Andino, West Boca junior: Placed first at districts (67); placed second at regionals (71); tied for fourth at 3A state championship (74-71); University of Miami commit; Junior Amateur Match Play champion; tied for fifth at Women’s Western Junior Championship.

Leah Gram, Dwyer sophomore: Tied for fourth at 3A state championship (75-70); placed second at districts (70); tied for sixth at regionals (71); placed first at AJGA Preview at Oakwing (73-72-70); tied for second at AJGA Dominican Junior Open with a 65 in the final round; placed third at FJT Tour Championship; qualified for Florida Women’s Amateur Championship.

SECOND TEAM

  • Sophia Christy, King’s Academy sophomore
  • Sarah Earle, Jupiter sophomore
  • Kaitlyn Hummers, Benjamin senior
  • Keala Richichi, Jupiter senior
  • Gaelle Summers, Spanish River senior
  • Kai Trump, Benjamin senior
  • Alyna Yensabai, FAU High seventh grader

HONORABLE MENTION

American Heritage-Delray: Emily Jim, Leilani Kellerman, Micaela Ruidias

Benjamin: Soleil Demers, Corinne de Nigris, Alexa Tobias

Dwyer: Emma Centore, Sophie Centore, Kaia Panico

FAU High: Keira Ly

Jupiter: Madyson Barone, Emilia Edgar, Olivia Hartman

King’s Academy: Callie Nelson, Lilly Kaye-Vance

Park Vista: Sofia Clay, Julia Clay

SLAM Boca: Valentina Aristy

Spanish River: Emma Andrews, Alexa Kyriacou, Jayden Loyacona

COACH OF THE YEAR

[Information on Coach of the Year to be added]

https://www.sun-sentinel.com/2025/12/25/palm-beach-girls-golf-first-team-second-team-and-coach-of-the-year/

Bianca Belair makes massive WWE appearance amid injury hiatus

Bianca Belair is currently absent from WWE due to an injury. Despite her time away from the ring, she recently made a massive appearance that caught the attention of fans and commentators alike.

Stay tuned for more updates on Bianca Belair’s recovery and her anticipated return to WWE action.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/news-bianca-belair-makes-massive-wwe-appearance-amid-injury-hiatus

After missing deadline, DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish releasing Epstein files

WASHINGTON — The administration’s historic hostility to releasing the files, politicization of the Epstein case more broadly, and failure to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act have raised serious concerns.

In a statement, senators emphasized that a neutral assessment of the administration’s compliance with the statutory disclosure requirements is essential.

They stressed that full transparency “is essential in identifying members of our society who enabled and participated in Epstein’s crimes.”

___

Sisak reported from Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
https://whdh.com/news/after-missing-deadline-doj-says-it-may-need-a-few-more-weeks-to-finish-releasing-epstein-files/

Netflix’s Addictive Western Series Doubles As the Perfect Cozy Winter Binge

From Dallas to Yellowstone, soapy Western shows make for some of the best binge-watches. They are messy and entertaining, with intense plotlines that range from land disputes to tangled love triangles. These shows offer the perfect escape, easy to follow and packed with nonstop drama.

The newest addition to this subgenre is Netflix’s *Ransom Canyon,* based on the book series by Jodi Thomas. This show is ideal for TV fans who enjoy small-town dramas, swoonworthy romances, and shocking plot twists. For those searching for their next binge-watch, *Ransom Canyon* is the perfect choice. Now is the best time to catch up on the show’s ten episodes before it returns next year for its already-confirmed second season.

### What Is Netflix’s Soapy Western *Ransom Canyon* About?

*Ransom Canyon* follows the residents of the small town of Ransom Canyon, Texas, most of whom have lived there their entire lives. At the center is Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), a wealthy ranch owner struggling to move forward after two major personal tragedies.

Two years after the death of his wife, Staten faced the sudden loss of his teenage son, Randall (Hubert Smielecki), in a car accident. Now, a year later, Staten tries to rebuild his life despite pressure from his late wife’s brother, Davis Collins (Eoin Macken), to sell some of his land for a new pipeline project.

Adding to the tension, Staten finds himself tangled in a messy love triangle. Just as his feelings for his old friend, Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), start to resurface, Davis pursues a romance with her as well.

But the drama in *Ransom Canyon* extends beyond Staten’s feud with Davis. Newcomer Yancy Grey (Jack Schumacher) arrives in town to work for Cap Fuller (James Brolin), another ranch owner whose land Davis is eyeing for the pipeline. At first glance, Yancy appears to be a hard worker with genuine feelings for Quinn’s employee and friend, Ellie Estevez (Marianly Tejada). Yet, Yancy harbors many secrets, and his true motivations and connections to Ransom’s longtime residents are far more complex than they seem.

Ellie quickly senses that Yancy’s presence isn’t coincidental. She must reconcile her growing feelings for him with the mounting secrets he keeps hidden.

Meanwhile, Randall’s cousin and Davis’ son, Reid (Andrew Liner), is spiraling after the tragic loss. Unbeknownst to him, his ex-girlfriend Lauren (Lizzy Greene) is secretly dating his best friend Lucas (Garrett Wareing). To complicate matters further, Reid faces immense pressure from Davis to succeed, especially now that the family ranch’s future is on the line.

Davis’s drive for the pipeline deal stems from his need to save the ranch that has been in his family for generations—jeopardized by his own father’s financial recklessness. Everyone in Ransom Canyon stands to either gain or lose a lot from the pipeline, adding high stakes to this already tense storyline.

### *Ransom Canyon* Blends Romance and Mystery

*Ransom Canyon* is an addictive watch, and once you start the first episode, binge-watching all ten quickly becomes inevitable.

Beyond romantic drama and business rivalries, the series incorporates a compelling murder mystery. Staten’s wife died of illness, but Randall’s death remains shrouded in suspicion. Initially, it was believed that Randall’s car accident was a tragic but random event. However, Staten begins finding clues suggesting someone else may have caused the accident, whether intentionally or not.

He urges the town sheriff, Lauren’s father Dan Brigman (Philip Winchester), to investigate. At first, the sheriff attributes Staten’s suspicions to grief, forcing Staten to pursue the truth on his own.

Set against the cozy backdrop of a small town, *Ransom Canyon* offers a soapy mix of romantic entanglements, business drama, and mystery. It’s packed with compelling conflicts, primarily revolving around the pipeline, as well as surprising twists about the characters and their intertwined histories.

### Staten and Quinn’s Emotional Journeys

At its core, the series centers on the emotional journeys of Staten and Quinn. After losing both his wife and son, Staten is isolated and angry, grappling with grief. The first season follows his slow path to opening up and caring for others again.

Quinn, meanwhile, has lived a life of feeling overlooked with distant dreams—especially after returning home from a break focused on her music career. Now, she has the opportunity to transform the dance hall she owns into something truly special. However, securing financial backing could mean supporting the controversial pipeline and everything it entails.

Adding depth, Staten and Quinn have long-held unresolved feelings for each other—even after Staten married Quinn’s best friend. Those feelings resurface as they both try to bury them, creating further emotional complexity.

### Why You Should Watch *Ransom Canyon*

*Ransom Canyon* is entertaining, emotional, and intense. Its blend of romance, mystery, and small-town dynamics makes it a perfect binge-watch for viewers seeking a mental vacation.

The series is currently available to stream on Netflix. Catch up on all ten episodes now and get ready for the drama-filled second season coming next year!
https://collider.com/ransom-canyon-netflix-western-romance-perfect-cozy-winter-binge/