Mother sues developers of video games Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Terry Stackhouse

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    PORTLAND, Maine (WMTW) — A Maine mother is suing the developer behind some of the most popular video games for kids.

The 83-page lawsuit was filed this week in U.S. District Court.

The legal documents claim makers of the games added features they knew would be addictive, without implementing safety features.

“The most important thing is to hold these manufacturers accountable for their actions,” said attorney Brett Dwight Baber.

He is representing Casey Henderson, a mother from Somerset County.

She is suing Microsoft and the makers of popular video games, including Roblox, Fortnite and Minecraft.

The lawsuit claims they’re marketed to young children with features they knew would be addictive to maximize time spent and improve the odds of in-game purchases.

The lawsuit claims these games have caused her 9-year-old “diminished social interactions, lack of interest in other hobbies, and withdrawal symptoms such as rage, anger, and physical outbursts.”

“Any attempt to remove [the child] from their games is met with severe withdrawal symptoms, including anger, and refusal to maintain proper hygiene or sleep,” the lawsuit also claims.

None of the defendants named immediately responded to requests for comment.

“They’ve intentionally built these psychological devices into their games to get kids to play constantly. The more the better. And they profit off it, and this is a billion-dollar industry with a capital B,” Baber said.

The lawsuit seeks monetary relief and claims the plaintiff has suffered and continues to suffer injuries and damages exceeding $75,000.

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Harvard Business School grad accused of targeting other alums in Ponzi scheme

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Phil Tenser

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    BOSTON (WCVB) — Federal prosecutors accuse a Harvard Business School graduate of targeting other alums in a Ponzi scheme that lasted more than two years.

Vladimir Artamonov, 46, of Maryland, is accused of defrauding investors who participated in an investment opportunity he called “Project Information Arbitrage.” According to the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, Artamonov told investors he would put their money into investments ahead of public announcements of moves by Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Federal prosecutors said Artamonov raised more than $4 million from investors, but actually used the money for “risky short-term” investments that did not implement the strategy he promised and led to millions of dollars in losses. Other money from investors was used for personal expenses.

Prosecutors said he concealed major losses while continuing to solicit new investments and promised customers that profits were coming.

“When investors eventually demanded the return of their funds, Artamonov repaid old investors with new investors’ funds, or declined to repay investors altogether. Ultimately, Artamonov returned less than $400,000 to investors,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton’s office said in a statement.

Artamonov faces one count of securities fraud and one count of investment adviser fraud.

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Aliquippa High School student dies after being shot by ATF agent, officials say

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Jordan Cioppa, Ava Rash

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    ALIQUIPPA, Pennsylvania (WTAE) — The 18-year-old Aliquippa High School student who was shot by a federal agent has died.

The Allegheny County medical examiner said Kendric Curtis, 18, died just after 3 a.m. at Allegheny General Hospital.

Emergency dispatchers said the shooting happened shortly after 6:20 p.m. on Waugaman Street at the Linmar Terrace apartment complex.

Curtis was flown to a Pittsburgh hospital where he later died.

A statement from Pennsylvania State Police, who are investigating, said that “ATF and FBI agents working in a joint investigation were involved in a shooting incident.”

ATF confirmed the same information. At this time, it is unclear what agents were investigating prior to the shooting or why the shooting occurred.

“We don’t know the whole situation and what caused this or what happened. It wasn’t an officer of Aliquippa-involved shooting. It was an ATF-involved shooting. An agent from ATF was involved in this, but it wasn’t local,” Mayor Dwan Walker said.

“This is a fluid and active investigation. When we get all the facts that we need, we know justice will be brought forth,” Walker said.

“Everything is being brought to bear for this moment, from the state troopers’ office to local, federal,” the mayor said. “Everybody’s involved in this to make sure we get questions answered.”

In addition to the ATF and PSP, officers from Beaver Valley Regional Police, Aliquippa Police and Beaver County Sheriff’s Office were on scene.

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 spoke to a Linmar Terrace resident who watched the scene unfold from her window after she heard multiple gunshots ring out on Waugaman Street.

“And then there’s a barrage of kids came running out and they were cursing and they were pointing, and they pointed at a police officer and they said, ‘that’s the one that shot him,'” said Sandra Pope.

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Students talk about being pepper sprayed during fight at Lake Worth High School

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Ari Hait

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    LAKE WORTH BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — More than 40 students and staff at Lake Worth High School were injured during a fight on campus that led to a school resource officer spraying pepper spray.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue said 32 of the injured had to be hospitalized.

All of the injuries are considered to be minor.

Video obtained by WPBF 25 News shows two girls fighting in the cafeteria as a large crowd gathers around them, cheering and screaming.

Another video shows the school resource officer stepping in and spraying pepper spray all over the cafeteria to break up the fight.

“It went in my eye, my nose, in my throat,” said Madelin Lopez, a sophomore. “And it kept burning.”

“People were coughing,” said Ashley Lucas, a junior. “They were trying to cover their mouth.”

“People were having asthma attacks and stuff,” said Jazzy Simon, a freshman.

“It was really burning my face,” said Angie Dejuan, a sophomore. “I couldn’t breathe at all.”

Dejuan said she has asthma and was one of the students who had to be hospitalized and given oxygen.

She said she wasn’t sure what was going on until she got hit in the face with the pepper spray.

“I was like nothing is going to happen, so I wiped my eyes off,” she said. “And then I opened my eyes. That’s when I started feeling the burning. I just needed water, something thrown in my face.”

Lopez tells a similar story.

“I couldn’t even see,” she said. “I was coughing a lot.”

Lopez said she saw the officer spraying, but didn’t know what it was until her eyes, nose, and throat started to burn.

She needed someone else to call her mom.

“I had told my friend to call her for me, because I couldn’t speak, because my throat was burning a lot,” she said.

Lopez said there’s no way she’s going back to school Friday.

Dejuan said the same thing.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but I’m definitely not going to school tomorrow,” she said.

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‘One of a kind’: How family plans to honor man who died after riding thrill coaster at Epic Universe

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Christina Watkins

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    ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — The family of a 32-year-old man who was found unresponsive on an Epic Universe ride on Wednesday shared their plans to honor his life.

Kevin Rodriguez Zavala died from multiple blunt impact injuries after riding the Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe, according to the medical examiner.

Rodriguez Zavala, who was a wheelchair user, is remembered by his family as a beloved brother, son, uncle and friend.

They described him as “truly one of a kind” with an “old soul” and a heart full of compassion, love and understanding.

His family said he was the kind of person who always made time to listen, offer thoughtful advice and lift others up, even when facing his own challenges.

“As a son, he brought warmth and pride to our parents’ hearts. As a brother and uncle, he was a source of laughter, guidance, and unconditional love. As a friend, he was loyal, thoughtful, and always present,” his family said.

To honor Rodriguez Zavala’s life, his family has started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral and memorial expenses.

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James Willingham
470-603-1211

QUESTION OF THE DAY: Should people face consequences at work for social media posts about Charlie Kirk?

KMIZ on September 19, 2025

Matthew Sanders

Charlie Kirk’s death has led to a new climate of scrutiny.

Since the shooting death of the conservative activist, statements made by figures both public and private have been examined for evidence of callous disregard for Kirk’s death or even celebration of it.

First Amendment experts say employers have latitude over some statements by employees, especially on a public stage such as the one Jimmy Kimmel had. But some argue that a concentrated effort is on to chill speech that is critical of conservative politics and politicians.

The issue is felt locally, too. In the Hallsville School District, two employees remain on leave for sharing a social media statement critical of Kirk after his death.

What do you think? Should people face consequences at their jobs for social media posts about Charlie Kirk? Let us know by voting in the poll.

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Elementary first-grade student found with handgun

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By WRAL Staff

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    North Carolina (WRAL) — A Pembroke Elementary School student faces a year-long suspension after a staff member found him on Thursday with a handgun in his waistband.

A staff member pulled the first-grade student aside after seeing an unusual object on the student’s side, according to a release from the Public Schools of Robeson County.

The student was immediately separated from his class and contained after the staff member discovered he had the handgun. No one was injured, the district said.

“We commend the swift action of the staff member and administration this morning at Pembroke Elementary School,” said PSRC Chief Communications Officer Jessica Sealey. “As always, we encourage all students and staff to speak up or report any activity that seems suspicious.

“We are grateful that the staff member trusted their instincts and acted quickly and professionally to ensure a safe environment for our students and staff.”

The district is not releasing the student’s name because of his age.

Local law enforcement investigated the incident and the school day continued to operate on a normal schedule.

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Major mudslide prompts road closures, downed power lines

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Leticia Juarez and Michelle Fisher

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    OAK GLEN, California (KABC) — A major mudslide in Oak Glen prompted several road closures, trapped cars and downed power lines Thursday afternoon.

Video shared with ABC7 shows the massive mudslide come rushing down a hillside, sweeping up anything in its path.

Oak Glen resident Denise Romo, who captured the video, said her husband had gone to pick up their daughter from school when the storm hit. Fifteen minutes later she heard a loud rumble.

“It kind of sounded like an earthquake was coming,” she said. “When I opened my kitchen window I just see the first wave of mud, and it already had trees, mailboxes, a bunch of debris.”

The incident happened on Potato Canyon Road where emergency efforts were underway as homes became surrounded by mud.

A tidal wave of mud and debris swept through the communities of Forest Falls and Oak Glen after a heavy downpour. The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings due to the likelihood of mudslides in the San Bernardino Mountains.

Cal Fire urged people in both communities to stay out of the area or shelter in place after the surge of mud and debris covered roadways and compromised power lines.

Several vehicles were also caught up in the flood waters with people having to shelter along the roadside as they waited for help to arrive.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department said several roads were blocked and multiple homes were impacted.

About 10 people in six or seven vehicles were stranded on Highway 38 in the area of Jenks Lake, near Angelus Oaks, but the group is “safe and their needs are being evaluated by emergency crews,” the fire department said.

A damage assessment team will survey the extent of property loss Friday. There have been no reports of missing people.

“San Bernardino County Fire is planning for a full operational period tomorrow, with priorities focused on completing damage assessments, supporting affected residents, and addressing critical infrastructure needs in partnership with CAL FIRE, Caltrans, and other allied agencies,” the fire department said.

Cal Fire has not said when roadways will reopen. Crews were making their way to Oak Glen and Forest Falls as they attempt rescues. The agency said they rescued a dirt biker who broke a leg while exploring the debris flow.

AIR7 captured several aerials of the mudslide at an Oak Glen restaurant and a nearby home inundated with mud.

Oak Glen Road from Fawn Way to Potato Canyon was closed. In Forest Halls, Highway 38 was also closed to traffic.

This is not the first time Oak Glen and Forest Falls has experienced this type of flooding.

Three years ago, heavy storms also caused mudslides that impacted homes and roads. According to Cal Fire, that incident and Thursday’s mudslide are linked to debris runoff from the 2020 El Dorado burn scar.

The National Weather Service issued flash flood warning for parts of San Bernardino County amid the thunderstorms and heavy rain in the area, including in Oak Glen.

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SF pilot program is 1st in the nation to provide surgical care for the unhoused

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Lyanne Melendez

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Lonnie Pool has been in and out of homelessness since he was 14 years old. He’s 65.

“I’ve been on the streets most of my life,” said Lonie.

Once a heavy meth user, Lonnie has lived with HIV for the past 37 years.

For those like Lonnie who live on the streets, being exposed to the elements and a lack of proper care tend to catch up with them.

“I had it for two or three years, a hernia but it never hurt. It started hurting,”

“People will actually feel pain or bulging in their groin and it affects their ability to walk and stand up for a long period of time,” explained Dr. Sandhya Kumar from San Francisco General Hospital.

The scheduled surgery was performed through a pilot program called Project REACH at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital.

People with medical conditions who are unhoused are offered procedures early on, before landing in the emergency room.

Dr. Marissa Boeck is one of the people who started the surgical program.

“If we let it advance too much where they do need to come to the ER, sometimes it’s a much bigger operation, they have to stay admitted in the hospital and as you say it cost the health system more,” said Dr. Boeck.

Outreach teams operating during the day and night are the ones in direct contact with those who need this care.

One of the challenges they face is convincing them to come to clinic for an assessment.

“As we really create this team approach to address those needs as well as the housing, food, safe place to stay after surgery, pain management,” added Dr. Boeck.

“But people can walk and go about their lives. We just tell them to avoid lifting very heavy things. So the ones that are willing and need a little bit more help, we have a lot of social services…sometimes they are able to get temporary housing or a medical respite-type housing,” said Dr. Kumar.

Lonnie told us the surgery was wonderful.

Shortly after the procedure, Lonnie was offered supportive housing.

The program started a year ago funded by the Health Department and a $100,000 grant from the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation .

“This particular program, the Reach Program, this is the only place in the country where this program is being tested. We are optimistic that it will be tested, piloted and then scaled across the country,” explained Kim Meredith, CEO of the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation.

This new model of care has improved the lives of eight people so far.

The intention is to reach more of those living on the streets who are vulnerable.

Still, for Lonnie, who has been living on the streets for so long, being surrounded by four walls has been difficult.

“That’s what I’m going through right now, I’m going through that right now, really. Living in a room is driving me crazy,” he explained.

Right now, time is all he has.

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Urgent search underway for 2-year-old boy swept away by flood waters

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By KABC Staff

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    BARSTOW, California (KABC) — A search was underway for a 2-year-old boy who was swept away by flood waters in the Barstow area.

The boy’s family says Xavier Padilla was swept away around 6:30 p.m. Thursday along Main Street while in the car with his father.

We’re told the father tried to get the toddler to safety but the current was too strong and he lost him in the river.

The boy’s father was rescued and taken to the hospital, and has since been released.

Xavier’s aunt, Leanna, told Eyewitness News police suspended the official search until daylight Friday.

“We have a bunch of volunteers out here who are still looking,” she said. “If you guys can, if you live in the area, if you have bright lights… anything that can help us look through the dirt, the mud – anything to help us look for him and find him, we greatly appreciate it.”

Xavier was last seen with black pants and shirt, as well as black and white Nike shoes.

He is about 46 inches tall, weighs about 28 pounds with light brown curly hair. He also has autism and is nonverbal.

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