Large amounts of fruit, vegetables dumped onto streets in downtown Los Angeles

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Amanda Starrantino, Chelsea Hylton

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — Large amounts of fruit and vegetables are being dumped on the streets of downtown Los Angeles and city officials are trying to identify who is responsible.

The aftermath looks less like a city sidewalk and more like a produce market gone wrong. For weeks, sanitation crews say they’ve been cleaning up tons of fruits and vegetables dumped onto the street.

City crews cleared a mess Tuesday morning, but by Wednesday night, new pallets of food waste were back, dumped again on corners like 15th Street and Hooper, Olympic and Naomi and Olympic and Hooper. Each time, sanitation has to haul away spoiled produce before it spreads or attracts pests.

Mayor Karen Bass’ office reached out to CBS Los Angeles, saying these are not victimless crimes. They said dumping large amounts of rotting food creates unsanitary conditions and blight and they’re urging residents to report illegal dumping by calling 311.

On Instagram, videos show toppled pallets of parsley and melons scattered across the road. One downtown resident told CBS Los Angeles off-camera that the food looks like rejected product, spoiled or unsellable, that workers simply toss out as a “free-for-all.” What makes it more puzzling is that it’s happening in areas not heavily traveled.

LA City Council District 14 says they’re working with sanitation to keep these blocks clean, but the source of all this food is still under investigation. For now, city crews will keep cleaning up the mess while neighbors keep asking who is doing the dumping.

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Pregnant and postpartum women in the state can now park in disabled spots for up to a year with pass

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Heather Leigh

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    TAMPA, Florida (WFTS) — If you’re pregnant and are struggling to get around in the Florida heat, a new law has changed where you can park.

“I think every woman is different, but I mean sometimes it’s your feet are swollen [or] you have a high risk. There’s so many different challenges,” said Tiffany Hubert, a mom in Tampa.

“Just in general, I know it’s harder to get around. You may have reduced energy; you may have other kids too,” said Julia Wolff. “I know a lot of pregnant moms have multiple children that they’re trying to get in somewhere safely too.”

Recovery after labor can be just as tough – ask any mom on her way to the newborn pediatrician appointment days after giving birth or running to the store for spur-of-the-moment baby supplies.

“Trekking through the parking lot with all your stuff it just makes it a little more challenging,” said Wolff.

It’s why State Representative Fiona McFarland from Sarasota decided to do something about it – the idea came from her own experience as a mom of four.

“There I was, nine months pregnant in August, and I just felt like I couldn’t leave the house because I felt like I couldn’t walk across the parking lot,” McFarland said. “I did some research to see if I could apply for a handicap decal, and I couldn’t in Florida, but I could in Illinois, and I wanted to bring that to Florida.”

It passed, and the law went into effect this Summer.

“In some cases, women have real mobility restrictions as they enter the end of pregnancy. Or in some cases even afterwards, right? If you’ve got a newborn and a toddler, those first couple months of life, it’s really difficult to lug two kids around, the gear,” McFarland said.

It’s why she felt the need to support all women in the state.

“They probably haven’t really been recognized as having that kind of a need,” said Wolff. “Making the pregnant lady walk the furthest is not really helping anybody out.”

To qualify, you and your doctor need to fill out this paperwork. It can be found easily online. Click here for the link. Then, drop it off at your nearby tax collector’s office.

The pass is good for up to a year. It’s up to your doctor to decide when it will expire.

“I’d say, it makes sense. It gets difficult. I couldn’t tell you if a year was good enough time or not but… I like it,” said Mike Casey. “Good for Tampa Bay, good for the people, good for the women!”

It’s important to note, your practice may charge a service fee for processing the paperwork, so be prepared to pay that on top of the $15 charge at the tax collector’s office for the pass itself.

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$1 million+ lawsuit filed after tree crushes SUV in East Dallas, paralyzing young mother

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By S.E. Jenkins

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    Texas (KTVT) — A lawsuit for more than $1 million has been filed after a young mother was left paralyzed from the neck down when a tree suddenly fell on top of her SUV last month in East Dallas.

Court records say 32-year-old Maisie Marsau was pinned under the 30-foot-tall tree for over an hour and ultimately left with a severe spinal cord injury.

“She did not lose consciousness. Instead, she suffered alone and in excruciating pain and terror, believing that she would die and would never again be able to hold her baby or tell her family she loved them,” the lawsuit states.

She is now suing the property owner, David Patterson, who is also the chairman of the Texas Trees Foundation.

The lawsuit claims the homeowner failed to maintain the tree, which leaned heavily over the roadway and had long shown signs of decay.

“The hollow base and rotted interior were warning signs that any reasonably prudent landowner, and certainly the head of a tree foundation, had every reason to know about,” the lawsuit states.

The tree also struck a nearby power line, causing live electrical wires to continuously spark around Marsau’s SUV.

Homeowner says tree falling was “random thing” Patterson previously told CBS News Texas that the thousands of trees on his property are maintained by professionals.

“Every once in a while, one of them falls,” he said. “I wish it didn’t happen, but I don’t think there’s anything I can do about that because it’s a random thing. They were well tended to, I can tell you that, but I feel really bad if there was an injury.”

Patterson also said the tree appeared to be in good health.

The lawsuit claims the tree “posed an unreasonable risk of harm” to the frequently traveled road near Patterson’s property and alleges “multiple people” approached him over the years, “about the unsafe conditions of his trees.”

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Officers smash window to stop sleepy suspected drunk driver after patrol car struck, police say

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Doug Myers

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    WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas (KTVT) — Officers in White Settlement boxed in a suspected drunk driver found asleep at the wheel with his car still in drive – then smashed a window to stop the vehicle after it lurched forward and struck a patrol unit earlier this week, police said.

Andrew Moss-Dedmon, 22, is facing a charge of driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration greater than 0.15 in connection with the incident, which occurred just before 2:45 a.m. Monday.

9-1-1 caller reports wrong-way driver A 9-1-1 caller initially reported a wrong-way driver and warned the vehicle might veer off into a nearby field.

According to White Settlement police, Moss-Dedmon was found asleep at the wheel – with the vehicle still in drive – when officers located him in the 9300 block of Westpoint Boulevard near Loop 820.

Vehicle strikes patrol car on scene Officers positioned patrol cars in front and behind Moss-Dedmon’s vehicle. When they attempted to wake him, he accelerated and struck the front patrol car, prompting officers to break the driver’s side window to stop the vehicle, police said.

Despite refusing to unlock or open the doors, Moss-Dedmon was safely removed and taken into custody without further incident, according to police.

Case sent to DA No officers were injured, and Moss-Dedmon’s vehicle had pre-existing damage, possibly from a prior crash, authorities said.

The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office has accepted the case.

Chief urges responsible decisions White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook said the incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving, which continues to have tragic consequences across North Texas. He urged drivers to make responsible choices.

“This is a preventable offense and should never occur,” Cook said. “Make good decisions, designate a driver to get home safe, and use a ride share service so that you do not endanger yourself and others on the roadway.”

CBS News Texas will provide additional information should more details become available.

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Wife of man accused in deadly Minnesota lawmaker shootings files for divorce

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Stephen Swanson

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    Minnesota (WCCO) — The wife of the man charged in the deadly, politically motivated shootings of Minnesota lawmakers in June has filed for divorce, court documents show.

Vance Boelter, 58, faces federal and state murder and attempted murder charges in connection with the deaths of House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, and the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife Yvette on June 14 in their respective Twin Cities homes.

Jenny Lynne Boelter filed a petition for “dissolution with child” in Sibley County earlier this month, according to court documents. The official grounds of the divorce are unknown, as Judge Amber Donley granted her request to seal “all current and future documents filed in this matter,” which are to be treated as confidential.

Nearly two weeks after the fatal shootings, Jenny Boelter released a statement through her attorney, saying her husband’s actions were “a betrayal of everything we hold true as tenets of our Christian faith.”

“We are absolutely shocked, heartbroken and completely blindsided. This violence does not at all align with our beliefs as a family,” Jenny Boelter wrote. “We are appalled and horrified by what occurred and our hearts are incredibly heavy for the victims of this unfathomable tragedy.”

Vance Boelter was captured more than 40 hours after the killings near the home he shared with Jenny Boelter and their children in Green Isle, located about 50 miles southwest of the metro. State officials called the manhunt the largest in Minnesota history.

According to federal court documents, Jenny Boelter and some of her children left Green Isle by vehicle just hours after the shooting. Law enforcement contacted her by phone and arranged to meet her at a gas station close to her location at that time, which was about 150 miles away from Green Isle near Lake Mille Lacs.

An FBI special agent noted in an affidavit that Jenny Boelter had two guns, passports and about $10,000 in cash in her vehicle. They noted she was “cooperative” with law enforcement, but initially “was not forthcoming with knowledge of her husband being involved in something serious” after revealing Vance Boelter messaged her earlier that day to “take the kids and go to her parent’s house and that there may be people with guns coming to the house.”

Jenny Boelter also told law enforcement in that meeting she and her husband were “preppers,” meaning they “prepare for major or catastrophic incidents.”

Soon after the shootings, investigators found more than 50 firearms and a tub of ammunition in their Green Isle home.

Jenny Boelter has not been charged with any crimes, and noted in her statement on June 27 she “fully cooperated with investigators and responded to their every request.”

“We are grateful for the diligent and professional efforts of the authorities to fully investigate these crimes,” Jenny Boelter wrote. “We thank law enforcement for apprehending Vance and protecting others from further harm.”

Vance Boelter could face the death penalty if convicted on federal murder charges.

No hearings have been scheduled in Jenny Boelter’s divorce case. Her attorney declined WCCO’s request for comment.

NOTE: The original airdate of the video attached to this article is Aug. 15, 2025.

Caroline Cummings, Riley Moser and Ubah Ali contributed to this report.

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Chicago volunteers pack 500,000 meals for day of service on 9/11

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Lauren Victory, Jackie Kostek, Adam Harrington

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Volunteers gathered Thursday to pack 500,000 meals for the Greater Chicago Food Depository, in the spirit of unity in which Americans everywhere engaged after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

A total of 1,800 volunteers turned out at Union Station beginning at 9 a.m. for the event.

“It means everything,” said Camerin Mattson, communications director for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. “I mean, those of us who have memories of 9/11 and remember what a shocking and horrifying day it was — how inspiring is it that there’s going to be 1,800 volunteers here today making a difference and turning this into a day that is something that’s positive, that’s giving back?”

Mattson emphasized that food insecurity is a serious problem right now — affecting one in five U.S. households, and one in four with children.

“We’re not OK with that. We can do better,” Mattson said. “And so it’s a big problem, and it’s going to take all of us working together, and today goes a long way in helping make a difference.”

Jacob Jenkins, volunteer program manager for Serve Illinois, worked well ahead of time on recruiting support staff for the event.

“We’re really excited. We’re pumped up, fired up, and ready to go,” Jenkins said ahead of the event Thursday. “We’re ready to remember the good, and in doing that, we carry out the express wishes of the families who put this whole thing together.”

Ahead of the meal packing, a total of 29,000 pounds of oatmeal alone were delivered to Union Station on pallets — along with 10,000 pounds of sugar, about 1,500 pounds of dehydrated apples, and another 1,500 pounds of cinnamon fortified with 21 vitamins and minerals.

The apple cinnamon oatmeal ingredients arrived at the train depot on forklifts in the middle of the night.

Each visitor will receive a bag with six meals. Volunteers will pack 83,000 bags.

Similar meal pack events are held across the country for 9/11 Day, which was created shortly after the 2001 attacks. Cofounders David Paine and Jay Winuk wanted something good to come out of the horrific losses in the attack — which took the life of Kay’s younger brother, Glenn, an attorney and firefighter who was killed at the World Trade Center.

The website for 9/11 Day notes that Sept. 11 has become the largest day of service in America, with more than 30 million people participating around the country.

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Man charged in shooting following what victim’s family said was social media dispute

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Adam Harrington

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A suspect was arrested and charged this week in a shooting that left a man wounded in Chicago’s West Woodlawn neighborhood last month.

The family of the victim said a social media dispute preceded the shooting.

Nicholas Killingsworth, 23, was charged with one count each of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery involving the discharge of a firearm.

Police said Killingsworth was arrested Wednesday at 1:08 p.m. in south suburban Calumet City.

Police said at 4:40 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, the 23-year-old victim was in the 6000 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. when two men came up, and one of them took out a handgun and shot him.

The victim was struck in the groin area and suffered a graze wound to the leg, police said.

Crime scene tape was seen a short distance away at a convenience store at 61st Street and Eberhart Avenue. The family member said the victim ran into the convenience store after being shot.

He was taken to the University of Chicago Medical Center in good condition.

Killingsworth was set to appear for a detention hearing on Thursday.

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LSU AgCenter urges public to help control invasive apple snails

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Johnette Magner

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    SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (KTBS) — The LSU AgCenter is calling on residents to help curb the spread of apple snails, an invasive species increasingly found in area lakes and ponds.

Apple snails pose environmental and health risks. The large freshwater snails lay clusters of bright red eggs on trees, walls and other structures near the water. Experts warn that the eggs contain a neurotoxin that can cause illness if touched, making it important to avoid direct contact.

The AgCenter asks the public to take action by scraping the eggs into the water with a stick or other implement, which prevents them from hatching. Officials stress that hands should never be used to handle the eggs.

In addition, LSU scientists caution against consuming apple snails.

“If not thoroughly cooked, the snail can have a parasite that is very dangerous to humans. It gets in your brains and can cause meningitis,” said Blake Wilson, an entomologist with the LSU AgCenter. “Don’t eat any raw snails if you can avoid it, but especially not apple snails.”

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Man injured; trapped under lawn mower

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By KTBS Web Staff

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    CAMPTI, Louisiana (KTBS) — A Campti man was injured Wednesday afternoon after being trapped underneath his zero-turn lawn mower, according to the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office.

A neighbor was able to pull the man to safety before deputies and first responders arrived in the 100 block of Jim Bell Road north of Campti.

A medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene to take the 60-year-old man to a regional trauma center, where he’s being treated for moderate but non-life threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

Witnesses told deputies the man was changing the battery on his lawn mower when it suddenly engaged after both cables were connected. The mower spun, lifted from the front and pinned the man to the ground.

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Invasive mongoose captured at Lihue harbor

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2025

By Jeremiah Estrada

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    LIHUE, Hawaii (KITV) — A live mongoose was captured in Lihue on Friday morning, as the animal is an invasive species on Kauai.

The Kauai Invasive Species Committee (KISC) received reports of a possible mongoose along the jetty of Nawailiwili Small Boar Harbor. In an attempt to capture it, 12 traps with fresh coconuts as bait were set up along the jetty wall on Thursday, Sept. 4.

A young female mongoose was found in one of the traps the following morning, Sept. 5. KISC handed the mongoose over to the Hawai‘i Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity and the agency is completing an analysis with the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Wildlife Services.

Mongoose are not an established animal population on the Garden Isle, however they are known to hitchhike to the island from infested areas. Mongoose are established on Oahu, Maui, Molokai and the Big Island and they are a threat to native ground-nesting birds.

The last mongoose that was caught on Kauai was a pregnant female mongoose captured at Nawiliwili Harbor in 2023. Response efforts were strengthened in 2012 resulting in five mongoose being caught since then.

Any suspected mongoose sightings should be reported to KISC at 808-821-1490, the state’s pest hotline at 808-643-PEST(7378) or online at: 643pest.org.

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