Jessica Johnson
Little Rock
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wife & mom // Emmy-winning director of marketing @THV11 // photographer // positive thinker // designer
Articles by Jessica Johnson
Spirited back-to-school giveaway
My church in Columbus, Ohio, Vision of Breath with Life Ministries, hosts an annual back-to-school giveaway in August on the far east side of town, in the Leawood neighborhood. The need for assistance with school supplies, clothing and food in this area is great, as the poverty rate is just over 18%. Parents of school-age children living in this residential section are definitely feeling the economic pinch as school supply prices have risen.
Remember teachers need our support, too
For the past several years, I have enjoyed viewing friends' photos on Facebook of their children heading back to school. Many now have children in college, while some still have kids in high school. My friends often post their kindergarten or elementary school pictures next to the current photos to proudly show how much their children have grown.
A spirited back-to-school giveaway
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A spirited back-to-school giveaway
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A spirited back-to-school giveaway
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A spirited back-to-school giveaway
We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please visit my profile to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, disable notifications and hide this message.
A spirited back-to-school giveaway
Vision of Breath with Life Ministries, my church in Columbus, Ohio, hosts an annual back-to-school giveaway in August on the far east side of town, in the Leawood neighborhood. The need for assistance with school supplies, clothing and food in this area is great, as the poverty rate is just over 18%. kAm!2C6?ED @7 D49@@=\286 49:=5C6? =:G:?8 :? E9:D C6D:56?E:2= D64E:@? 2C6 567:?:E6=J 766=:?8 E96 64@?@>:4 A:?49 2D D49@@= DFAA=J AC:46D 92G6 C:D6?] tG6?
A spirited back-to-school giveaway
My church in Columbus, Ohio, Vision of Breath with Life Ministries, hosts an annual back-to-school giveaway in August on the far east side of town, in the Leawood neighborhood. The need for assistance with school supplies, clothing and food in this area is great, as the poverty rate is just over 18%. Parents of school-age children living in this residential section are definitely feeling the economic pinch as school supply prices have risen.
As our children head back to school, teachers need our support
For the past several years, I have enjoyed viewing friends' photos on Facebook of their children heading back to school. Many now have children in college, while some still have kids in high school. My friends often post their kindergarten or elementary school pictures next to the current photos to proudly show how much their children have grown.
7-year-old found dead in Yavapai County creek, sheriff's office says
Follow 7-year-old found dead in Yavapai County creek, sheriff's office says Fri, August 14, 2026 at 12:08 AM EDT Search teams located a missing 7-year-old child in a creek off Highway 89 on Aug. 13, 2026 in Yavapai County, Arizona. Investigators located the body of a 7-year-old child in a Yavapai County creek on Thursday night after a full-scale search operation. Rescuers found the child in the water shortly after 7 p.m. off Highway 89 near Granite Dells, but life-saving measures were unsuccessful.
FROM THE DESK OF DR. J: As our children head back to school, teachers need our support
For the past several years, I have enjoyed viewing friends’ photos on Facebook of their children heading back to school. Many now have children in college, while some still have kids in high school. My friends often post their kindergarten or elementary school pictures next to the current photos to proudly show how much their children have grown.
As children head back to school, teachers need our support
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Former fraternity member pleads guilty in deadly Flagstaff hazing case
Published August 10, 2026 7:20 PM CDT Carter Eslick entered a guilty plea to felony hazing, guaranteeing him probation with potential jail time for his role in an initiation drinking game death. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - A former fraternity member pleaded guilty on Aug. 10 to felony hazing following the fatal alcohol poisoning of an 18-year-old during a fraternity initiation game in Flagstaff.
Teachers need our support
For the past several years, I have enjoyed viewing friends’ photos on Facebook of their children heading back to school. Many now have children in college, while some still have kids in high school. My friends often post their kindergarten or elementary school pictures next to the current photos to proudly show how much their children have grown.
As our children head back to school, teachers need our support
For the past several years, I have enjoyed viewing friends' photos on Facebook of their children heading back to school. Many now have children in college, while some still have kids in high school. My friends often post their kindergarten or elementary school pictures next to the current photos to proudly show how much their children have grown.
Lawsuit targets Arizona mountain lion hunts
The Brief The Center for Biological Diversity filed a lawsuit against the Arizona Game and Fish Department to pause mountain lion sport hunting until the population becomes sustainable. Department data shows sport hunters killed 1,937 mountain lions from 2018 to 2024, with 54% being kittens or juveniles and 41% being females. The lawsuit claims state officials are violating their legal duty to protect wildlife, as the upcoming hunting season quota is set at 340 mountain lions.
Boater finds missing Arizona man's body in Roosevelt Lake
The Brief A 37-year-old Tucson man, Ruperto Cervantes, drowned in Roosevelt Lake on Aug. 2 after jumping off a boat to cool down. Cervantes began struggling shortly after entering the water, went underwater, and did not resurface near the north side of the lake across from Cholla Bay. Rescue crews from several agencies searched for days until a boater discovered his body on Aug. 6. GILA COUNTY, Ariz. A 37-year-old Tucson man's body was found in Roosevelt Lake after he went missing in the water on Aug.
Remembering an injustice and forgiveness
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Dead cats found at a home as Maricopa County Sheriff's Office investigates
The Brief The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is investigating after several dead cats were found at a home in Morristown on the night of Wednesday, Aug. 5. Authorities discovered the animals at a residence located near Highway 60 and London Road during what officials called a "difficult situation." Key details remain unknown, including the total number of cats found, how detectives learned about them, and whether anyone faces charges. MARICOPA COUNTY, Ariz.
Salad and Go files for bankruptcy and will close all locations on Aug. 5
The Brief Salad and Go has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in federal court and will permanently close all locations following final guest service on Aug. 5, 2026. Founded in Gilbert in 2013, the drive-thru salad chain served more than 60 million meals across its 70 locations over a 13-year span. Company officials cited sustained pressure on consumer demand, strategic growth challenges, rising costs, and industry-wide fallout from a July Cyclospora outbreak for the decision.
Victims, suspect identified in 'tragic' Gilbert stabbing
The Brief The Gilbert Police Department identified two people killed in an Aug. 1 stabbing as Delaney Bristow, 32, and Caleb Worley, 30. A 29-year-old female victim survived the attack, and police have not released her name. Officers shot and killed the 28-year-old suspect, Brett Eschliman, after responding to the scene. GILBERT, Ariz. The Gilbert Police Department identified two people killed in an Aug. 1 stabbing , as well as the suspect.
Remembering Emmett Till and the forgiveness of Mamie Till-Mobley
Last month, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker officially designated July 25, Emmett Till's birthday, as a day of remembrance for him and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. The statewide observance on this day will continually honor Till's life and the civil rights activism of Till-Mobley, who worked tirelessly to bring awareness to racial injustice after her son was viciously killed near Glendora, Mississippi, in 1955 at the age of 14. kAm%:==VD DE@CJ :D H6== 5@4F>6?E65 :? E96 52C<6DE 2??2=D @7 p>6C:42?
Salad and Go files for bankruptcy and will close all locations on Aug. 5
The Brief Salad and Go has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in federal court and will permanently close all locations following final guest service on Aug. 5, 2026. Founded in Gilbert in 2013, the drive-thru salad chain served more than 60 million meals across its 70 locations over a 13-year span. Company officials cited sustained pressure on consumer demand, strategic growth challenges, rising costs, and industry-wide fallout from a July Cyclospora outbreak for the decision.
Remembering Emmett Till and the forgiveness of Mamie Till-Mobley
Last month, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker officially designated July 25, Emmett Till's birthday, as a day of remembrance for him and his mother, Mamie Till-Mobley. The statewide observance on this day will continually honor Till's life and the civil rights activism of Till-Mobley, who worked tirelessly to bring awareness to racial injustice after her son was viciously killed near Glendora, Mississippi, in 1955 at the age of 14.
Harry Mitchell, former Tempe mayor and Arizona congressman, passes away
The Brief Former Arizona Congressman, State Senator, and Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell has died, his family announced on July 29. Mitchell's son shared that his father recently underwent surgery after suffering a brain bleed from a fall, though an official cause of death was not released. Political leaders across Arizona paid tribute to Mitchell, highlighting his decades of dedication as a teacher, mayor and state senator.
Harry Mitchell, former Tempe Mayor and Arizona Congressman, passes away
Former Arizona Congressman, State Senator, and Tempe Mayor Harry Mitchell has died, his family announced on July 29. Mitchell's son shared that his father recently underwent surgery after suffering a brain bleed from a fall, though an official cause of death was not released. Political leaders across Arizona paid tribute to Mitchell, highlighting his decades of dedication as a teacher, mayor and state senator.
In a tech heavy world, encouraging children to read is crucial
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Arizona's top summer nostalgia spots ranked by new survey
Castles N' Coasters topped a survey of more than 3,000 adults aged 45 and older as Arizona's ultimate summer nostalgia spot. • Scottsdale's Sugar Bowl and Seligman's Delgadillo's Snow Cap claimed the second and third spots in the statewide rankings. PHOENIX - Castles N' Coasters is Arizona's No. 1 spot for summer nostalgia, a new survey says.
In a tech-heavy world, encouraging children to read is crucial
As we approach the forthcoming college fall semester, much discussion has centered on the difficulties a lot of Gen Z students are having with reading and critical thinking. One Chronicle of Higher Education article that many of my colleagues at Ohio State University’s Lima campus recently read delves into students’ struggles with literacy. This review essay, simply titled “My Students Can’t Read,” was written by Tyler Jagt, an adjunct professor of liberal studies at Mercer University.
How one boy overcame loneliness and brought a neighborhood together
Many people across the nation were touched by the heartwarming story of Roman Butzlaff, a 4-year-old boy in Concord, North Carolina, who befriended several of his elderly neighbors and became their adopted grandson. When the CBS Evening News aired its July 10 "On the Road" feature on Roman, I was amazed at his genuine desire to connect with individuals decades older.
Pedestrian killed in early morning Phoenix crash
Follow Pedestrian killed in early morning Phoenix crash Sat, July 25, 2026 at 4:30 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Phoenix Police responded after a man was struck and killed by a car near 16th Street and McDowell Road on July 24, 2026. A man died early Friday morning after being struck by a vehicle near 16th Street and McDowell Road in Phoenix.
One boy overcame loneliness and brought a neighborhood together
Many people across the nation were touched by the heartwarming story of Roman Butzlaff, a 4-year-old boy in Concord, North Carolina, who befriended several of his elderly neighbors and became their adopted grandson. When the CBS Evening News aired its July 10 "On the Road" feature on Roman, I was amazed at his genuine desire to connect with individuals decades older.
Apache Junction house fire spreads to nearby brush
Follow Apache Junction house fire spreads to nearby brush Thu, July 23, 2026 at 4:52 AM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Apache Junction house fire spreads to nearby brush A house fire broke out on Wednesday night near Canyon Street and Warner Drive in Apache Junction. Flames from the residence spread to nearby brush and small structures on the property.
FROM THE DESK OF DR. J: How one boy overcame loneliness and brought a neighborhood together
Many people across the nation were touched by the heartwarming story of Roman Butzlaff, a 4-year-old boy in Concord, North Carolina, who befriended several of his elderly neighbors and became their adopted grandson. When the CBS Evening News aired its July 10 “On the Road” feature on Roman, I was amazed at his genuine desire to connect with individuals decades older.
One boy brings neighborhood together
Many people across the nation were touched by the heartwarming story of Roman Butzlaff, a 4-year-old boy in Concord, North Carolina, who befriended several of his elderly neighbors and became their adopted grandson. When the CBS Evening News aired its July 10 “On the Road” feature on Roman, I was amazed at his genuine desire to connect with individuals decades older.
How one boy overcame loneliness and brought a neighborhood together
Many people across the nation were touched by the heartwarming story of Roman Butzlaff, a 4-year-old boy in Concord, North Carolina, who befriended several of his elderly neighbors and became their adopted grandson. When the CBS Evening News aired its July 10 "On the Road" feature on Roman, I was amazed at his genuine desire to connect with individuals decades older.
We need honesty, not judgement
As the tragedy of Nolan Wells' death continues to dominate the news, there are so many unanswered questions. Perhaps the most significant one is what his grieving parents shared in a recent interview with "Good Morning America's" Michael Strahan. Why did their 18-year-old son separate from his friends during their July 4 trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
Following a tragedy, we need honesty, not judgment
As the tragedy of Nolan Wells’ death continues to dominate the news, there are so many unanswered questions. Perhaps the most significant one is what his grieving parents shared in a recent interview with “Good Morning America’s” Michael Strahan. Why did their 18-year-old son separate from his friends during their July 4 trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
FROM THE DESK OF DR. J: Following a tragedy, we need honesty, not judgment
As the tragedy of Nolan Wells’ death continues to dominate the news, there are so many unanswered questions. Perhaps the most significant one is what his grieving parents shared in a recent interview with “Good Morning America’s” Michael Strahan. Why did their 18-year-old son separate from his friends during their July 4 trip to Horn Island, a barrier island off the Mississippi Gulf Coast?
Nolan Wells was the 'only Black kid.' His death being used to separate kids | Opinion
Jessica A. Johnson writes for Creators Syndicate and is a senior lecturer in Ohio State Lima's English department. smojc.jj@gmail.com; @JjSmojc As the tragedy of Nolan Wells' death continues to dominate the news, there are so many unanswered questions. Perhaps the most significant one is what his grieving parents shared in a recent interview with "Good Morning America's" Michael Strahan.
Following a tragedy, we need honesty
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New state law requires background checks for youth sports coaches
Beginning July 1, 2026, a new Florida law (F.S. 943.0438) requires many private youth sports organizations to ensure that coaches, assistant coaches, managers, referees, and other adults with direct contact with minors complete a Level 2 fingerprint-based background screening before working with youth athletes. This doesn’t just affect football.
America's momentous birthday
Jessica A. Johnson I consider it an incredible blessing to have witnessed two of America's great milestone birthdays: the 200th celebration in 1976, when I was a rising second grader, and now the 250th anniversary as an older, seasoned adult. Looking back to 1976, as a kid, I enjoyed the fireworks and the parades I watched on television, and for me, this was a time of innocence when I began to learn about our country's principal ideals of freedom, individual liberty, opportunity and democracy.
Investigation underway after a body was found in a Phoenix yard
Follow Investigation underway after a body was found in a Phoenix yard Tue, July 7, 2026 at 11:46 PM UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Investigation underway after a body was found in a Phoenix yard A man was found dead in a Phoenix yard on Monday morning, prompting an active police investigation. Officers responded to the area of Southern Avenue and 7th Street around 9:45 a.m. after a resident discovered the body.
Investigation underway after a body was found in a Phoenix yard
Tue, July 7, 2026 at 11:46 PM UTC Investigation underway after a body was found in a Phoenix yard The Brief A man was found dead in a Phoenix yard on Monday morning, prompting an active police investigation. Officers responded to the area of Southern Avenue and 7th Street around 9:45 a.m. after a resident discovered the body. The man's identity, age, and cause of death remain unknown as authorities continue to investigate.
America's momentous birthday
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Bluapple Helps Households Cut Food Waste as Grocery Prices Keep Climbing
Founded in 2009, we've been keeping produce fresh for 17 years. This little Bluapple absorbs ethylene gas, which causes produce to ripen faster. This will help extend the life of your produce 2-3x longer, enabling you to enjoy it before you have to throw it out. Place it in your crisper drawer and the Bluapple will keep produce fresh up to 2-3x longer.
Emilie Kiser announces pregnancy after her son's tragic Chandler pool drowning
article Arizona-based influencer, Emilie Kiser. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Poppi) The July 3 announcement on Instagram shows a photo of Kiser's baby bump draped in a floral dress with a caption reading, in part, "This news feels very surreal and has already been such a bright light to us during some of our darkest days." She says she's not sure how much she'll be sharing about this pregnancy, and thanks supporters for understanding.
Emilie Kiser announces pregnancy after her son's tragic Chandler pool drowning
Published July 3, 2026 6:33 PM CDT Arizona-based influencer, Emilie Kiser. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images for Poppi) PHOENIX - Arizona-based influencer Emilie Kiser announced she is pregnant with her third child, more than a year after her toddler died in a drowning incident.
Southern Arizona mountain rescue ends in tragedy after hiker dies from heat exhaustion
Follow Southern Arizona mountain rescue ends in tragedy after hiker dies from heat exhaustion A 75-year-old woman died after she was airlifted off a Tucson-area mountain on June 23, 2026. Rescue crews responded to an elderly woman experiencing exhaustion and heat-related illness on a southern Arizona hiking trail. The hiker was airlifted to a hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. Authorities found no suspicious or criminal circumstances surrounding the woman's death. PIMA COUNTY, Ariz.
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