Month: September 2025

By Kelby Wingert

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    DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Popeyes’ corporate office has filed a federal lawsuit against Asif Poonja and Jam Equities, the owner of five Popeyes restaurants in Iowa, including one on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, for using its trademarks and operating systems without authorization.

Court documents state that prior agreements with Popeyes have been terminated, but the restaurants continue to operate under the Popeyes brand.

The lawsuit aims to have Poonja and the equity firm discontinue the use of the brand and not operate any Popeyes restaurants within a 10-mile radius of the current locations for a two-year period.

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By Charlie De Mar

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A longtime South Side homeowner said she’s had it with cargo thieves trespassing through her property to steal from the train tracks near her house.

The criminals are getting so bold that her family is now worried for her safety.

“They don’t interfere with any other homes but mine,” Darlene Lewis said.

The 79-year-old should be enjoying her retirement, but instead, she worries about a group of train cargo thieves who have been trampling through her Auburn Gresham yard for years.

Lewis said organized crews have trespassed to access the train tracks that sit behind her home. In some cases, leaving boxes behind only to come back hours or days later to retrieve the stolen goods.

“When they came this last time, they were so bold they parked in my driveway and loaded stuff,” she said.

It’s become such a problem that Lewis’s son Richard said they recently installed a nearly $3,000 fence only to have it broken into weeks later.

“We thought that would be a deterrence,” Richard said. “I’m fearful, angry, scared all at the same time.”

Last fall, CBS Skywatch was overhead as thieves pulled big screen TVs off a freight train on Chicago’s West Side. Cargo theft is expensive, costing rail companies over $100 million in 2024, according to the Association of American Railroads.

“When there’s no deterrent from the prosecution side, it does nothing to keep people from coming back,” said Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “They are going to get bolder and bolder and bolder.”

“I see empty crates on the tracks that they might have taken merchandise and left the crates,” Richard said.

Back on the South Side, the family said the problem hasn’t improved even after contacting Chicago police, railroad operators, and 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis.

“Nobody is listening at all, everybody is blaming everyone else,” Richard said. “I don’t know where the responsibility lies, but it has to lie somewhere.”

A spokesperson for Norfolk Southern wouldn’t comment on any specific investigations or incidents, but said in a statement:

“Norfolk Southern is committed to protecting customer freight and ensuring the safety of the communities we serve. While we are unable to comment on active investigations… generally speaking, in Chicago and across our network, our Norfolk Southern Police Department takes a multi-layered approach to cargo security—combining proactive policing, advanced technology, and close collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. This includes sharing intelligence on investigations and theft trends, supporting joint task forces, and deploying surveillance tools and real-time tracking systems to detect and deter unauthorized access. Community safety and cargo security are always top of mind. It is a shared responsibility, and we remain focused on protecting communities and safeguarding high-value freight through prevention, partnership, and innovation. If you’re hearing specific details from neighbors affected by recent events, we would stress that they also share their experience and document the concerns with law enforcement.”

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By Randy Wimbley

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    SOUTHFIELD, Michigan (WXYZ) — A gun shop set to open next door to two day care centers in Southfield has sparked concerns from parents.

Red Zone Firearms is preparing to open at 12 Mile near Greenfield roads, directly next to the IXL Learning Center and Baby Genius day care centers.

Mikal Brewer, who has a child at IXL, expressed his concerns about the location.

“I was in disbelief when I first saw it. Clearly, guns and children do not mix,” Brewer said.

“It could be someone handling a firearm and there’s an accident. It could be someone who’s mentally unstable and they’re purchasing a gun right next to a school.”

Shomari Hudson owns Red Zone Firearms and is a federal firearms licensed dealer who previously operated out of an office building before getting his first brick-and-mortar location.

“There are definitely gun safety rules that have to be followed for anyone that is legally operating a firearm. There are state gun laws that have to be followed and best believe over here at Red Zone Firearms, we are following all those laws,” Hudson said.

Hudson said the city approved his business without raising concerns about the location.

“They did everything they’re supposed to do and trust me, if I wasn’t supposed to be here, that sign would not be up,” Hudson said.

Tessa Castillo from the IXL Learning Center said the city gave them no notice that Red Zone was opening nearby.

“Yes, he is doing everything that he is supposed to be doing appropriately, although we don’t agree that the city of Southfield should be allowing this so close to a place of children and a state-funded schooling program,” Castillo said.

Hudson, a former law enforcement officer, says in addition to selling firearms, Red Zone will offer gun safety and training classes. The shop does not have a live fire shooting range. Hudson says his core demographic includes single mothers, some of whom are victims of domestic violence, and he also works with 3rd Circuit Court to help troubled teens.

“I have a program called The Winning Mindset and in this program, they learn conflict resolution, they learn how to set goals and how to become a better person,” Hudson said. “So like I said, that’s what this is mostly about. Yes, I am a federal firearms dealer, yes, I sell firearms, but that’s not the main agenda over here.”

Hudson says he is open to having a conversation with day care parents and staffers about their concerns and his commitment to safety. Those interviewed say they’re interested in taking him up on that offer.

In the meantime, some day care parents plan to voice their concerns at the next planning commission and city council meetings.

The city of Southfield provided a statement saying:

“The retail sale of firearms and accessories by the Red Zone Firearms Gun Store is a permitted use in the B-3, General Business district zoning classification. The City of Southfield will continue to investigate state and federal laws and regulations regarding the issues raised by community concerns in this matter and is evaluating available options.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WXYZ’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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By Jeffrey Lindblom

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    ROYAL OAK, Michigan (WXYZ) — Experts say the cost of dating is on the rise, with some studies suggesting single Americans are spending upwards of $2,000 a year searching for love.

Right now, it’s a very popular time to look for a romantic partner. It’s the beginning of “cuffing season” in the dating world – when one hopes to find a special someone to get through the lonelier, colder months. But will the cost of going out prevent the possibility of finding a match?

Although the digital world offers lots of options, dating apps have some singles feeling exhausted in their search for romance.

“So, for me the apps are out,” one woman said.

Logging out presents an opportunity for finding a match in a real-world scenario. Dating experts recommend leaving yourself open and available while going about your day.

“I call it happy feet on the street,” said Kurt Kazanowski.

Kazanowski has been in the dating business for 12 years through his dating agency, Dolce Vita, and admits it can be tricky to date while balancing a budget.

“It’s two fold… money and time,” Kazanowski said.

Jeanie Mundy, who has been working at a flower shop since she was a girl, believes growing a bond goes beyond the bank.

“You never want to show up on a date empty-handed. You walk in with something flowers… it says I want to get to know you and spend time with you,” Mundy said.

Mundy says knowing your flowers really counts for something, because what you pick can be a reflection of what it is you’re trying to say.

“If you really want to show a person you like them, show up with a dozen or two roses,” Mundy said.

If you’re lucky enough to find a potential love match to give flowers to – whether online or in person – if you’re paying for the date, it could set you back.

According to a 2025 study by BMO Real Financial Progress Index, the “all in” price of a date – from the pre-date grooming to the gas money – is nearly $168.

On average, a single American spends $2,279 on dates in a year.

If you find that special loved one, a couple married for over 40 years has this advice.

“Whatever she says, I just say ‘I understand,'” said Ed and Marie Newcomb.

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“This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WXYZ’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.”

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By Austin Turner, Hunter Sowards, Luzdelia Caballero, Dean Fioresi

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    ORANGE COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A wild multi-county pursuit came to a sudden end in Orange County on Wednesday afternoon when a BearCat slammed into an allegedly stolen big rig out of the Inland Empire.

The Fontana Police Department said the pursuit started at about 9:30 a.m. after officers determined that the driver was allegedly using “cold plates,” which means the license plates attached to the truck were deemed to be fake or from another vehicle.

The driver was identified as 54-year-old Bill Fayed of Buena Park.

A man, later identified as 42-year-old Carlos Mesta, a resident of Rancho Cucamonga, was in the passenger seat. According to Fontana police, he called his daughter at one point to tell her that the driver won’t let him out of the vehicle. Fayed then took the phone.

The relationship between Fayed and Mesta is not clear.

While the pursuit began in the center of Fontana, Fayed drove to Orange County by 10:19 a.m. He took the 57 Freeway from Brea to Fullerton and was in Anaheim by 10:30 a.m.

At one point in Anaheim, Fayed came to a stop, threw what appeared to be a water bottle outside of the truck, and continued driving.

At 10:58 a.m. in Buena Park, Mesta reached out of the vehicle and appeared to grab onto a nearby vehicle. Immediately after, an armored North County SWAT BearCat vehicle rammed into the side of the big rig.

The big rig appeared to sustain some damage to its driver’s side, but the driver continued on the streets of Buena Park.

At 11:04 a.m., Fayed stopped the vehicle in the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Franklin Street in Buena Park. Soon after, he surrendered to officers, with Mesta safely giving himself up to the police, who had surrounded the semi truck.

According to Fontana PD, both men had outstanding warrants, including a grand theft auto warrant for Fayed, who they said was armed and dangerous during the pursuit, authorities said.

It’s not yet clear if there will be kidnapping charges, but Mesta was taken to a nearby hospital by paramedics for undisclosed reasons.

No officers were injured during the pursuit. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted.

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By Leo Stallworth

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    LOS ANGELES, California (KABC) — A young boy from Southern California is being called a hero after he donated stem cells to save his father’s life.

Dr. Nick Mondek was at death’s door until his son, Stephen, stepped in.

“This past April of this year I relapsed with leukemia,” said Mondek, an anesthesiologist who works in the Los Angeles area.

Mondek had a stem cell transplant before. Now he desperately needed another one – yet he could not find a match.

“It came back very aggressive,” Mondek said. “I was immediately hospitalized.”

Mondek was running out of time.

“I’m thinking about my family, and I’m thinking about how I’m not ready to go yet,” he told Eyewitness News.

In his darkest hour, sitting in his doctor’s office, Mondek had a thought.

“As soon as my doctor came in the room I said, ‘Could a 9-year-old who’s 70 pounds give us enough stem cells?’ And he just looked at me and smirked and said, ‘He just might be able to,'” Mondek recalled.

His son was a match.

“He really was a brave young man who wanted to help his dad in any way he could,” said Dr. Nicole Baca with Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.

The procedure was more difficult due to Stephen’s age. He was 9 years old at the time – one of the youngest ever to undergo a stem cell transplant. Yet, he didn’t hesitate.

The transplant was performed at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s in Los Angeles. It was a smashing success.

“Very grateful. He’s my hero,” Mondek said about his son.

“It feels good to do that because all my friends are proud of me,” Stephen said.

Mondek sees his son as a superhero who saves the day. In this case, he saved his dad.

“They got a cape on and they’re flying to someone in need who is in a critical point in their life,” Mondek said. “And to see that unfold in front of you, not just any person, but your 9 year old, is incredible.”

Because of the actions of his son, Mondek will no doubt have many more years to share in cherished memories.

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KYW

By Chandler Lutz

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Philadelphia is consistently ranked among the poorest large cities in America, and is home to thousands of families struggling to meet even the most basic needs. But tucked away in East Falls, a nonprofit called Cradles to Crayons is rewriting that narrative —one warm coat, one backpack, one outfit at a time.

“We’ve got families in the city and in pockets all over the region who don’t have a pair of shoes that fit,” Michal Smith, executive director of Cradles to Crayons Philadelphia, said. “You don’t want a 14-year-old boy wearing his aunt’s coat.”

That’s where Cradles to Crayons steps in. Serving children from birth to age 18, the organization provides essentials like winter coats, boots, school supplies, diapers, hygiene items and more — everything a child needs to feel safe, confident and ready to learn.

“We make sure they have age-appropriate clothes, clothes they feel proud about wearing,” Smith said.

At the heart of the operation is the Giving Factory, a bustling warehouse powered by volunteers. At the Giving Factory, items are donated, sorted, inspected and packaged into personalized outfit bags.

Elaine Kittredge, a volunteer, shows an outfit bag she put together.

“This is for a girl, size 3T,” Kittredge said. “With two pairs of pants, four shirts, a sweatshirt, and a dress.”

Kittredge and fellow volunteer Carolyn Cummings have been coming twice a week for three years.

“I’m a shopaholic,” Kittredge said with a laugh. “Putting together little outfits just makes my heart melt. I know some little girl is going to look so sweet in that outfit.”

Each bag contains a week’s worth of clothing, carefully curated to mix and match.

“We rely on the entire Greater Philadelphia community to help us do this work,” Smith said. “We are powered by volunteers.”

Once packed, the items are distributed through Cradles to Crayons’ network of over 170 service partners, including the School District of Philadelphia, Project Home and Mom Mobile.

Amika Miller, social service manager at The Family Practice & Counseling Network, picks up orders monthly for families facing clothing insecurity.

“The families are really, really just grateful and happy,” Miller said.

Miller says she sees the emotional difference in a child who is able to receive a new piece of clothing.

And the turnaround is fast.

“Within three to five days, that clothing will be sorted here in our Giving Factory and going out to a kid in need,” Smith said.

Cradles to Crayons is one of the few places in the region where kids can volunteer alongside their families. Children as young as five can help sort and pack donations at the Giving Factory.

Cradles to Crayons hosting winter clothing drive

That extra jacket in your closet? It could become a lifeline for a child in need.

This Saturday, Cradles to Crayons is hosting its biggest event of the year: The Big Give 2025. With 27 collection sites across the region, they’re gathering winter essentials like coats, boots and gloves for families who need them most.

Some locations have been collecting since Sept. 1, and others will only collect on Sept. 27.

Last year, they distributed 25,000 winter coats. This year, they’re aiming even higher. For more information, including where you can send your donations, visit CradlestoCrayons.org.

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