Real-time breaking news from the sky and the ground. This category features urgent events, aviation incidents, police activity, weather, and developing stories captured and reported as they happen.
Flames burn through rugged terrain during the Yarnell Hill Fire near Yarnell, Arizona in 2013.
I flew in Arizona for more than 12 years and attended Northern Arizona University, so news of the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) helicopter crash in Flagstaff hits especially close to home.
Northern Arizona airspace is familiar, challenging, and unforgiving at night — a place many of us in aviation know well.
According to DPS, the helicopter was assisting law enforcement during an active incident in Flagstaff when it went down late on February 4th, 2026.
Both crew members on board were killed. DPS confirmed the loss during a press conference and stated the helicopter was providing aerial support at the time.
The Bell 407, N56AZ, crashed west of the active shooter scene after entering a rapid climb with groundspeeds dropping to 4 knots.
Witnesses captured video of the helicopter in an apparent out-of-control spin. Weather at Flagstaff was clear with light winds, indicating conditions were likely not a factor.
Video shows aerial views of the crash aftermath and is from ABC15 Arizona — gives a sense of what happened on scene.
This remains an active investigation, and authorities have not released details on what caused the helicopter to go down. As someone who has flown these skies, I know how much experience, training, and professionalism these crews bring to every mission.
Flagstaff isn’t just a dot on a map — it’s a tight-knit aviation and mountain community. My thoughts are with the families, coworkers, and first responders affected by this tragic loss.
CSI and police investigate along a Houston bayou after a body discovered near the 610 bridge
Rising Number of Bodies Found in Houston Bayous. Are the Cases Connected?
Homicide investigators respond after a body was found in a Houston bayou, adding to rising public concern. HPD and CSI are on scene investigating , but authorities have not released the victim’s identity.
Where the Body Was Found
This is the latest in a series of Houston bayou body recoveries over the last several years according to HPD. The man was pulled from the Buffalo Bayou near 8300 High Level Rd, Monday morning near the Port of Houston.
The case adds to growing concern over the number of bodies recovered from Houston-area waterways in recent years. According to Harris County forensic records, nearly 200 bodies have been found in local bayous since 2017. In the past two years alone, recoveries reached some of the highest totals on record, with 35 bodies found in 2024 and 34 in 2025.
Officials say cases vary widely — including drownings, accidents, suicides, homicides, and undetermined deaths — and investigations are handled individually. Authorities have not said whether this latest homicide is connected to any other cases.
In 2019, Klaas and Dorothy Tadema, a retired math teacher and former nurse in Dickinson, Texas, faced a $100,000 HOA lien over their flower beds. I reported on their case, which quickly gained national attention and ultimately forced the HOA to drop the lien.
Since then, we learned that Dorothy “Dotty” Tadema, the homeowner at the heart of this story, passed away on June 13, 2021, at age 77. She is remembered by her family and community for her faith, kindness, and service. Her obituary can be viewed here: Crowder Funeral Home obituary.
This update honors her memory and adds new context to a story that resonated with readers nationwide.
Elderly Couple HOA Lien Over Flower Beds Sparks National Outrage
Following widespread media coverage and public pressure, the HOA released the lien, allowing the couple to sell their home and move forward with their lives. But months later, tragedy struck when Dorothy passed away after ongoing health complications.
This is the full story — and the update few people know.
National Attention Forces the HOA to Back Down
Update: Despite dozens of landscapers offering to help elderly couple following a $100,000 lawsuit filed by Land Tejas over flower beds, the property developer refuses to back down.
After weathering many storms over their 52 years of marriage including losing a home during Hurricane Harvey, Klaas & Dorothy Tadema never imagined flower beds could force them to potentially lose everything again including their health. Click on link below to view full story.
This story is long overdue. I am speaking publicly because I was a key witness in the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing. My decision to come forward helped expose misconduct that ultimately ended his career as a prosecutor.
How I Discovered the Misconduct
Journalist Tammy Rose
Covering the Jodi Arias Sentencing Retrial
I was covering the Jodi Arias case when I noticed troubling behavior by then‑prosecutor Juan Martinez. It crossed ethical lines.
One of the most disturbing revelations was the leak of Juror 17’s identity to the public. The information did not come from the court; it came from within the prosecution itself, passed via a media intermediary.
When a juror’s identity becomes public, it puts them at serious risk. In this case, that juror later received threats to their safety.
That moment marked a turning point for me. What began as reporting became a matter of public responsibility. I realized I needed to document and report what I had uncovered.
I provided investigators with records and testimony about how the leak happened, knowing it could affect my career and reputation. Still, I chose to act ethically and tell the truth.
The investigation confirmed that protected information had been improperly shared and that this conduct was part of a broader pattern of ethical violations.
My Role in the Disciplinary Hearing
I gave testimony and submitted evidence detailing the leaks and unethical conduct. My goal was never to attack individuals unnecessarily, but to ensure accountability and integrity in the justice system.
I acted independently and ethically, aware that speaking out could impact my professional life. But truth and public safety were my priority.
Journalist Tammy Rose traveling to court for the Jodi Arias resentencing trial, connected to the Juan Martinez disciplinary hearing
What Happened After the Investigation
After reviewing the evidence, the investigation confirmed a pattern of ethical violations, including:
• Improper communications with media members
• Leaks of protected juror information
• Conduct prejudicial to justice
As a result, Juan Martinez was terminated and later disbarred. His ability to practice law was permanently revoked.
Why This Story Still Matters
Prosecutors hold immense power. When that power is abused, the entire justice system is at risk. I came forward because journalists are not above the law — and neither are prosecutors.
This story reminds us that accountability matters.
A prescribed burn following a grass fire at Addicks Reservoir sent heavy smoke across west Houston Sunday, prompting air quality concerns.
Meanwhile, Houston firefighters are asking the public to not call 911. Crews are already on scene and actively managing the situation.
Aerial and ground coverage of the controlled burn near the reservoir
What began as a fast-moving grass fire near Addicks Reservoir is now a controlled prescribed burn to reduce future fire risk in the area.
This type of prescribed burn helps eliminate years of built-up vegetation and dry brush that can fuel dangerous wildfires in the future.
According to the Houston Fire Department, the burn was conducted under controlled conditions to reduce future wildfire risk.
Aerial and ground coverage of the controlled burn near the reservoir
From the air, the scale of the operation becomes clear. Fire lines, engines, and burn patterns are visible across a wide area surrounding Addicks Reservoir. Meanwhile on the ground, heavy smoke drifts across nearby roadways.
Authorities say there is no immediate threat to nearby homes or businesses, and no evacuations have been ordered.
Vietnam War helicopter pilot Kim Page flew some of the most dangerous combat missions of the war. He survived multiple helicopter crashes while saving countless lives. As a senior warrant officer, Kim Page faced enemy fire, mechanical failures, and impossible odds in active war zones across Southeast Asia. His story is one of courage, resilience, and service under fire.
🎥 Watch: The Extraordinary Life of Vietnam War Helicopter Pilot Kim Page
This documentary was written, filmed, produced, and edited by me, Tammy Rose. As a longtime helicopter reporter, I have covered countless aviation stories — but Kim Page’s journey stands among the most extraordinary I have ever documented. Watch below to experience his remarkable true story of courage, survival, and service.
Watch More Stories from Life on Film
If Kim Page’s story inspired you, explore more incredible journeys captured on film. From extraordinary aviation adventures to life-changing personal stories, check out other Life on Film stories here.
Many helicopter pilots use iPads mounted in the cockpit to monitor nearby aircraft and terrain in real time.
What the NTSB Hearing on the Mid-Air Collision Is About
The NTSB mid air collision hearing will examine the deadly January 2025 crash between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet near Washington, D.C.
Pilots often rely on portable ADS-B receivers like the Garmin GDL 50 to monitor nearby traffic.
On January 27, 2026, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is scheduled to hold a major investigative hearing. The goal is to determine what caused the crash and what changes may be needed to prevent another tragedy.
Why This Hearing Matters for Houston Flyers
For anyone who flies regularly, this hearing matters. That includes people using Houston’s Hobby and Bush Intercontinental airports.
The outcome could shape how U.S. airspace is managed for years. Even though the crash happened near Washington, the safety changes that follow will affect flights nationwide.
Houston is one of the busiest aviation regions in the country. Passenger jets, helicopters, military aircraft, and offshore energy flights all share the same crowded skies. That makes safety rules especially important here.
For pilots who want to improve their situational awareness in busy airspace, portable ADS-B receivers like the Garmin GDL 50 or Sentry Mini allow you to see nearby aircraft in real time on an iPad.
Helicopter navigation display showing crowded airspace as the NTSB reviews a mid-air collision
The NTSB hearing is not about assigning criminal blame. It is about understanding how a highly controlled aviation system still allowed two aircraft to collide.
Investigators will review air traffic control procedures, cockpit communications, radar and tracking data, aircraft equipment, and decision-making by both flight crews and controllers. Officials from the FAA and the U.S. Army are expected to testify about training, policies, and safety systems.
After the hearing, the NTSB will issue a probable cause determination along with safety recommendations. These could lead to new rules, new technology, or new procedures across the U.S. aviation system.
Key Safety Issues Under Review
A Houston helicopter cockpit – the kind of airspace that could be affected by changes from the NTSB mid-air collision hearing
One issue involves altitude differences. Early findings suggest the helicopter may have been flying higher than its assigned altitude, placing it directly in the jet’s path.
Another issue is communication. Reports indicate that air traffic control instructions may not have been clearly received by the helicopter crew due to overlapping radio traffic.
In high-traffic airspace, clear audio matters. Noise-canceling aviation headsets help pilots hear ATC instructions when frequencies get busy.
Airspace congestion is also being examined. The area around Reagan National Airport is one of the busiest in the country. Commercial jets, military aircraft, and helicopters all operate in tight corridors. Investigators are questioning whether the system relies too heavily on controllers to manage unsafe levels of traffic.
There is also a focus on safety technology. Early reports suggest the helicopter may not have been broadcasting its exact position through ADS-B at the time. ADS-B is a modern tracking system that allows aircraft and controllers to see each other more accurately. Investigators will be examining whether this played any role in the collision.
Why This Matters to Everyday Flyers in Houston
Houston faces similar airspace congestion
Even though the crash happened in Washington, the changes that follow could affect how airspace is managed nationwide, including in Texas.
If ADS-B and similar safety systems become mandatory for more aircraft, that could mean safer skies but also new equipment requirements for helicopters and government aircraft.
If changes are made to air traffic control staffing, training, or workload limits, that could directly affect how efficiently and safely flights move in and out of Houston’s airports.
This is not just a Washington story. It is a nationwide aviation safety issue.
What Flyers Should Know Right Now
Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel. Accidents like this are extremely rare. When they do happen, they often expose weaknesses that can be fixed.
The NTSB process takes time. Major rule changes can take months or even years. But history shows that these investigations often lead to real improvements in safety.
If you fly out of Houston regularly, you may not notice immediate changes. Over time, however, new procedures, better technology, and stronger safety rules could quietly make your flights even safer.
Final Thought
The January 27 NTSB hearing is about more than one tragic night in Washington. It is about making sure a disaster like this does not happen again anywhere in the country.
From crowded East Coast airspace to busy hubs like Houston, what the NTSB decides could shape how we all fly for the next generation.
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The memorial also honors other women whose cases connect to the wider Texas Killing Fields. These include Audrey Lee Cook and Donna Prudhomme. Although they were not found in the Calder Road field, their tragedies are part of the same heartbreaking history.
Laura Miller’s case is widely known because of her tragic death and the work her father did afterward.
Laura Lynn Miller,16
Laura Miller and a Father’s Search for Justice
Laura Miller disappeared on September 10, 1984, after calling her boyfriend from a payphone in League City, Texas. Police initially treated her disappearance as a runaway case, but her father, Tim Miller, refused to accept that explanation.
Seventeen months later, investigators located Laura’s remains along Calder Road. The loss of his daughter changed Tim Miller’s life. Rather than give up, he turned his grief into action and founded Texas EquuSearch, a volunteer organization that helps locate missing people across the country.
Laura’s killer has never been arrested. Tim Miller has spent decades searching for answers not only about Laura’s death but also for every victim connected to the Texas Killing Fields.
The Name That Will Not Go Away: Clyde Edwin Hedrick
One man has remained at the center of suspicion: Clyde Edwin Hedrick.
Hedrick lived in the area when Laura disappeared, and investigators and families have long considered him a person of interest in the Calder Road murders.
He was later convicted of a separate killing — the 1984 murder of Ellen Beason — a brutal crime in which the victim was bludgeoned and hidden.
Hedrick served years in prison for that murder and was released under Texas parole laws.
Because there was not enough physical evidence for a criminal charge in Laura Miller’s death, Tim Miller filed a civil wrongful-death lawsuit. A jury found Hedrick liable and awarded Miller millions of dollars in damages.
However, that ruling did not result in a criminal conviction, and Hedrick has consistently denied involvement in the Calder Road cases.
In recent years, Hedrick has lived under state parole supervision, including time in a halfway house near Houston. His supervision status has become a renewed source of fear as the parole system periodically considers loosening restrictions.
For the victims’ families, this is deeply unsettling. They believe the man they hold responsible for Laura Miller’s death could one day face fewer restrictions — even though the case was never criminally resolved.
For people who live near the Killing Fields, it raises a frightening question:
Site were 4 victims were found
Will the Texas Killing Fields Ever Be Solved?
Advances in DNA technology have helped identify some previously unknown victims, giving grieving families long-overdue answers. Yet the Calder Road murders remain officially unsolved.
Clyde Hedrick is no longer in prison. Since his release in 2021, he has been under strict supervised release with GPS monitoring. The parole board is reviewing whether to ease those conditions, a move strongly opposed by victims’ families.
From my home in Santa Fe, Calder Road is never distant — just a quiet stretch of land with terrible secrets. Until someone is held fully accountable, those secrets continue to haunt this community.
The Texas Killing Fields may be silent — but the questions are not.
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The Yarnell Hill Fire remains one of the deadliest wildfires in Arizona history, and this is a firsthand look back at the moments surrounding the 2013 tragedy.
▶️ Watch the video: See firsthand aerial coverage and reporting from the Yarnell Hill Fire as the tragedy unfolded in 2013.
More than a decade has passed since the Yarnell Hill Fire near Yarnell, Arizona.
Ignited by lightning on June 28, 2013, the fast-moving blaze became one of the deadliest wildfires in U.S. history.
Nineteen members of the Granite Mountain Hotshots lost their lives.
Only one crew member survived after being assigned to a lookout position, away from the fire’s final path.
The tragedy remains the deadliest wildfire incident for firefighters since 9/11.
▶ Video reported, produced, and edited by Tammy Rose
More than a decade after the Jodi Arias murder trial, the case continues to captivate true-crime audiences.
From obsessive behavior to explosive courtroom moments, the trial exposed a disturbing mix of power, sex, and control. A secret witness and the tragic death of a police officer’s son added to the emotional weight of the proceedings.
Reported, produced, and edited by journalist Tammy Rose, this story takes viewers inside the courtroom for a firsthand look at one of the most notorious legal sagas in modern history.
Read more true crime and courtroom coverage at ChopperRose.com
