An Alabama couple lost custody of their two children for over nine months after they were accused of driving while intoxicated — but there was no evidence that the one behind the wheel was ever intoxicated.

In a lawsuit filed on Feb. 25, Nicholas and Elizabeth Frye stated that they took a vacation with their two small children in Tennessee in February 2024. While at the resort where they were staying, Elizabeth Frye slipped and sustained a minor injury, and Nicholas Frye took the family to a nearby Walmart store for medical supplies. Upon completing their Walmart run and driving back, Nicholas Frye was pulled over by an officer “without reasonable suspicion or probable cause” and accused of DUI. Elizabeth Frye was also arrested, and both were charged with “DUI, public intoxication, child abuse and neglect, and aggravated child abuse and neglect.”

But there was no immediate evidence that either parent was under the influence — and Nicholas Frye’s blood tests later showed an “absence of drugs and alcohol at the time of the arrest.”

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The Bureau of Land Management has acquired the Lost Coast Redwoods property from Save the Redwoods League ensuring lasting protections of approximately 4,500 acres along eight miles of California coastline. Conservation of the Lost Coast Redwoods benefits coastal wildlife and future public access. Funded by the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund, Save the Redwoods League, and the State of California’s Wildlife Conservation Board and Coastal Conservancy, the acquisition includes a diverse ecosystem of old- and second-growth redwoods in northern Mendocino County and builds on decades of work that has now protected over 53 miles of the coastline. 

“Putting eight miles of gorgeous coastline and redwood forests into public ownership is a remarkable gift to the public and future generations,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. ”Thanks to our partnership with Save the Redwoods League and the State of California, the Lost Coast Redwoods will now be managed in cooperation with Tribes and protected. We’re grateful to everyone who worked so hard on making this acquisition possible.”   

The future management of the Lost Coast Redwoods is supported by the Lost Coast Redwoods Sustainable Stewardship Endowment established through a $2 million donation from Save the Redwoods League, made possible through the Foundation for America’s Public Lands, the official charitable partner of the BLM. The endowment establishes a sustained source of funding available to the BLM for stewardship, public access, tribal engagement and in support of long-term conservation for Lost Coast Redwoods. 

Much of the region was in active timber production since the 1880s. Save the Redwoods League started to purchase portions of the property in 2008 and completed the entire acquisition in December 2021. The League has been actively working on restoration and public access projects on the property for over a decade.  The Bureau looks forward to continuing stewardship of the property with Tribal partners. 

The Land and Water Conservation Fund was permanently authorized in 2019. In 2020, Congress passed the Great American Outdoors Act, providing $900 million in Land and Water Conservation Fund funding annually. Congress allocates this funding to the BLM, the National Park Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and state and local governments. 

The Foundation for America’s Public Lands was chartered by Congress in 2017 and officially formed in 2022. The Foundation operates and raises private funds to help raise awareness, increase access, and inspire stewardship of more than 245 million acres of U.S. public lands and waters. 

ARCATA, Calif.  — The Bureau of Land Management is advising Lost Coast Trail hikers in the King Range National Conservation Area to be vigilant near three active landslide areas north of the Black Sands Beach Trailhead in Shelter Cove, and to consider postponing their hike.

Mud, rock and woody debris have been falling onto the trail in areas between Sea Lion Gulch and Randall Creek, and between Shipman Creek and Gitchell Creek. The slides are most active during and after rainstorms, and beach stretches can be impassable. The largest of these slides spans the entire beach about a half-mile north of the Black Sands Beach trailhead in an area popular for day hikes.

“In some areas the slides can block narrow stretches of beach,” said BLM Arcata Field Manager Collin Ewing.  “Hikers should consider whether to proceed with their trip. If proceeding, they should assess conditions in slide areas and avoid the temptation to cross the landslides.”

Ewing stressed the importance of contacting the King Range Visitor Center, 707-986-5400, for information on trail conditions, tides, and creek levels before heading out.

The Lost Coast Trail is one of the few coastal hiking trails in the nation. There are no fees or permits required for day hiking, but overnight trips require permits available through www.recreation.gov.

The King Range also offers 80 miles of upland trails. Most are strenuous hikes due to the rugged nature of the King Range. Descriptions and conditions are available in the roads and trails report.

Illinois authorities have accused a Florida visitor of fatally shooting his half-brother while the victim was upset over a lost phone.

Kendall Yarborough, 28, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in DuPage County.

According to a news release, authorities responded at approximately 3:06 p.m. on Monday regarding a call of a person shot at a home in unincorporated Naperville on the 25W0-100 block of Wood Court.

They found James Javonne Watson in the home, suffering a gunshot wound in the abdomen. Medical staff pronounced him dead at a hospital.