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The Morning News Brief on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. (Getty Images; MCSO; KSAZ-TV)
From rumors swirling of another round of IRS stimulus checks to a man accused of shooting and killing his stepfather at a Valley home, here’s a look at some of your top headlines for the morning of October 14.
1. Another round of stimulus checks on the way? 
What we know:
Rumors are circulating online about an IRS direct deposit stimulus payment hitting bank accounts in October or before year’s end.
Dig deeper:
Earlier this month, viral posts claimed a $1,702 stimulus payment was on the way.
2. Deadly shooting in Phoenix backyard 
What we know:
A man who allegedly shot and killed his stepfather during an argument at a Phoenix home has been arrested.
Dig deeper:
Police say 31-year-old Brandon Alvarez called 911 to report that he shot his 57-year-old stepfather, Jaunarius Moreno, during an argument at a home near 39th and Maryland Avenues.
3. Arrest made in deadly Peoria shooting 
What we know:
Peoria Police say officers responded to reports of gunshots near 95th and Peoria Avenues. When they got to the scene, officers found James Durham, a 33-year-old Surprise man, lying in the street with an apparent gunshot wound.
What they’re saying:
“Responding officers located a vehicle matching the description and conducted a traffic stop,” police said. “The occupants of the vehicle were detained for further investigation. One of them was identified as the suspect, Henry Juarez-Garcia, a 46-year-old male from Peoria, Arizona.”
4. Lawmaker accused of child sex charges 
What we know:
A Democratic lawmaker in North Carolina is behind bars this week after being charged with felonies tied to alleged sexual conduct with a minor.
Dig deeper:
State Rep. Cecil Brockman, who represents Guilford County, is facing two counts of statutory rape of a child between the ages of 13 and 15 and two counts of indecent liberties with a child, according to court records.
5. Trump to honor Charlie Kirk 
This photo taken on December 22, 2024, shows right-wing activist Charlie Kirk (R) shaking hands with U.S. President Donald Trump as he speaks on stage at America Fest 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)
What we know:
President Donald Trump will posthumously award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The backstory:
Kirk was killed by a single shot in an apparent targeted attack during an outdoor event last month at Utah Valley University.
A look at today’s weather 