Massachusetts man accused of repeatedly punching man, 77, in face at Cape Cod ‘No Kings’ rally

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Veronica Haynes, Peter Eliopoulos

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    BARNSTABLE, Mass. (WCVB) — An Arlington, Massachusetts, man is facing assault and battery charges after an altercation with a 77-year-old man at a “No Kings” rally on Cape Cod on Saturday.

Peter Afouxenides, 61, was charged with assault and battery on a person older than 60 in connection with the incident that happened near the Airport Rotary in Hyannis as crowds left the rally, Barnstable police said.

According to police officers who were monitoring traffic and pedestrian flow on Route 28, they saw a blue Toyota SUV stop abruptly in the roadway and a man and woman quickly exit and walk to the rear of the vehicle.

When officers walked over to where the SUV stopped, they saw an injured man with a cardboard sign in the roadway. With the help of bystanders and a nurse, the man, later identified as Jeffrey Smith, 77, was moved out of traffic onto a grassy area.

Smith told NewsCenter 5 that he put his sign out and in an attempt to get Afouxenides to slow down after he said that he sped into the intersection.

“I’m completely defenseless,” Smith said. “The blows felt like I was getting hit by a baseball bat and I thought, this is it.”

Smith’s friend told officers the driver got out and confronted the man, saying the cardboard sign touched his vehicle. The driver, later identified as Afouxenides, then punched Smith several times in the face, according to the police report.

Cell phone video shows Afouxenides throw the sign at Smith and get back into his car.

Smith was taken to Cape Cod Hospital with facial lacerations and bruises. His glasses were also broken during the altercation, police said. When questioned by police at the hospital, Smith could recall few details about the altercation, according to the police report.

Afouxenides posted bail after his arrest and was released.

Smith said he had just one message for Afouxenides:

“I’d say shame on you. Shame on you,” Smith said.

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‘Know your normal’: NC woman diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at 28, her empowering message of survival

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Audrey Biesk

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    NORTH CAROLINA (WXII) — In 2025, more than 300,000 women will hear for the first time the words, “You have breast cancer,” according to the American Cancer Society.

A North Carolina woman received that diagnosis at the young age of 28, forever changing her life.

Lorelei Colbert is a military spouse and needed a health exam to move abroad. In that exam, a lump was found in her breast, and she was diagnosed with stage 2B triple-negative breast cancer.

“That was five years ago. I had eight rounds of chemo, bilateral mastectomy the day after my 29th b-day, and reconstruction,” Colbert said. “I had four rounds of Lupron, which are shots, hoping one day I could have a family. A few years later, I had my miracle baby post-cancer.”

Ever since, Colbert has been on a journey of hope.

“I feel very grateful to be celebrating five years since diagnosis as a mom, a survivor and as a woman,” she said. Colbert has learned what it means to advocate for her health. “Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate on age, especially when I was 28 and doctors didn’t want to believe it was breast cancer.”

She hopes to empower others to stand up for themselves, too. “Especially for young women to know your normal.”

Colbert said the words, ‘on to live,’ is a mantra she lives by.

“It’s not saying every day is perfect, it’s saying that you have the courage to take one step forward and try again,” she said.

That mantra has inspired her platform and business. With each purchase, she gives back to triple-negative breast cancer research and local organizations, including the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Colbert remembers her dear friend, Lynn, who was a top fundraiser she now calls her angel.

“Lynn was facing her third diagnosis. We weren’t sure what the future held, and I’ve learned through this journey what it means to be here, what it means to celebrate your people while they are here,” Colbert said. “I told Lynn, ‘What if we get a wheelchair and I push you around that loop at Country Park?’ And that’s exactly what we did.”

Colbert encourages the community to stand behind the survivors and thrivers, and support those who could one day receive a breast cancer diagnosis.

“I think these events help push our world forward. I think it helps push research and funds. It encourages me to keep going, it encourages me to embrace that ‘on to live’ mantra, because our efforts make a difference,” she said.

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Pittsburgh Zoo sued by animal-rights group, suit claims ‘grossly inadequate’ conditions

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Caitlyn Scott

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    PITTSBURGH (WTAE) — The operator and head of the Pittsburgh Zoo is facing a lawsuit filed by a Washington, D.C.-based animal rights nonprofit, which is asking for the release of the zoo’s elephants from captivity.

Court documents obtained by Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 on Tuesday said the lawsuit was filed by the Nonhuman Rights Project in Allegheny County Common Pleas Court on Tuesday.

The lawsuit alleges that the elephants’ space at the Pittsburgh Zoo is “grossly inadequate.” It urges the court to release the animals to a sanctuary or consider them as a candidate for rewilding.

“It is simply not possible to meet an elephant’s physical, social, and emotional needs with a few acres; without adequate space, no zoo can suitably manage and care for elephants,” the lawsuit said. “The Pittsburgh Zoo specifically is a grossly inadequate space that cannot satisfy (elephants) Angeline, Savannah, Tasha, Victoria, and Zuri’s needs in any vital areas.”

Pittsburgh Zoo is currently the home to five elephants; Angeline, Victoria, and Zuri were all born into captivity at the zoo, and Savanna and Tasha, who were wild African Savannah elephants removed from their herds, according to the lawsuit.

This past week, the zoo announced plans to improve herd dynamics and care for its elephants, saying sisters Victoria and Zuri will soon be heading to the zoo’s Conservation Center in Somerset County.

“Every decision at the zoo is centered around the well-being of our resident animals,” President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Dr. Jeremy Goodman, said in a release last week about the new changes. “The plan for our elephants strengthens our ability to continue to provide world-class care while advancing our conservation mission.”

Goodman is named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed Tuesday.

The Nonhuman Rights Project, which portrays itself as an organization dedicated to securing legal rights for animals, also issued the following announcement on its website about the lawsuit, saying:

“The Nonhuman Rights Project has submitted a habeas corpus petition demanding the right to liberty for five elephants held captive in the Pittsburgh Zoo. Leading experts in elephant cognition and behavior support this lawsuit. The elephants are suffering and need to be freed.”

Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 has reached out to the zoo for comment, which said, “We will follow up once the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has additional information to share on this matter.”

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Florida father arrested after son with autism found naked, running on I-4 ramp, police say

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Allison Petro

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    ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. (WESH) — A father is facing several charges after his son, who has autism, was discovered naked on an I-4 ramp, according to the Altamonte Springs Police Department.

Officers reported witnessing a child running naked down the ramp and attempted to communicate with the child, but realized he was autistic and non-verbal.

Shortly after, officers received a 911 call about a missing child who matched the same description. Altamonte Springs police officers met up with the callers at a nearby Walgreens.

Upon arriving, the mother immediately checked the child and placed him into her vehicle.

The mother told the police officer that she fell asleep in the passenger seat while the child’s father delivered food for Uber Eats.

After she woke up, she noticed it was very quiet and turned around to check up on the child. However, she soon realized he was missing from his seat.

The father was also shocked and claimed he thought the child was in the back seat while he picked up orders.

After realizing the child was missing, they traced their steps back to every delivery spot. That’s when they saw a heavy law enforcement presence near the I-4 ramp and made the 911 call.

The father, 35-year-old Jeremy Rouse, decided to come clean to officers and admitted he knew the child was missing from the back seat. However, he continued making deliveries because he didn’t want his Uber Eats rating to drop.

As a result, Rouse was arrested and charged with cruelty toward a child without great bodily harm and perjury for making a false affidavit in official proceedings, according to the Altamonte Springs Police Department.

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Green sea turtles no longer endangered, IUCN says

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Carson Zorn

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    FORT MYERS, Fla. (WBBH) — Following a record-breaking sea turtle nesting season in Florida, green sea turtles are no longer considered endangered.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, green sea turtles had the second-highest nesting season on record for Florida, with 61,708 nests as of the August update.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature said that green sea turtles have improved in status from “Endangered” to “Least Concern.”

The IUCN credits decades of sustained conservation action for the rebound in numbers. The green sea turtle population has increased by approximately 28% since the 1970s, the IUCN said.

Conservation efforts have focused on protecting nesting female turtles and their eggs on beaches.

“The ongoing global recovery of the green turtle is a powerful example of what coordinated global conservation over decades can achieve to stabilize and even restore populations of long-lived marine species,” said Roderic Mast, Co-Chair of IUCN’s Species Survival Commission Marine Turtle Specialist Group.

“Such approaches must focus not only on the turtles, but on keeping their habitats healthy, and their ecological functions intact. Sea turtles cannot survive without healthy oceans and coasts, and humans can’t either. Sustained conservation efforts are key to assuring that this recovery lasts.”

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‘Just holding a Doritos bag’: Student handcuffed after AI system mistook bag of chips for weapon

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Khiree Stewart

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    BALTIMORE (WBAL) — An artificial intelligence detector led police to believe a person was armed with a weapon at a Baltimore County school — when it turns out, they had a bag of chips.

Taki Allen was sitting with friends Monday night outside Kenwood High School, eating a bag of chips after football practice. About 20 minutes later, police officers showed up with guns, walking toward Allen.

“It was like eight cop cars that came pulling up for us. At first, I didn’t know where they were going until they started walking toward me with guns, talking about, ‘Get on the ground,’ and I was like, ‘What?'” Allen told WBAL-TV 11 News.

Allen said police told him an AI detector thought his bag of chips — which he crumpled and placed in his pocket when he was finished — was a weapon.

“They made me get on my knees, put my hands behind my back, and cuffed me. Then, they searched me and they figured out I had nothing,” Allen told WBAL-TV 11 News. “Then, they went over to where I was standing and found a bag of chips on the floor.”

Police showed Allen the picture that triggered the AI detector.

“I was just holding a Doritos bag — it was two hands and one finger out, and they said it looked like a gun,” Allen told WBAL-TV 11 News.

County police sent a statement Tuesday afternoon to WBAL-TV 11 News, saying: “On Monday evening, at approximately 7:20 p.m., officers assigned to Precinct 11-Essex responded to Kenwood High School following a report of a suspicious person with a weapon. Once on scene, the person was searched and it was determined the subject was not in possession of any weapons. I would refer you to BCPS regarding questions pertaining to Omnilert.”

Last year, Baltimore County high schools began using a gun detection system that employs AI to detect potential weapons by utilizing existing school cameras. The system can identify a possible weapon and send an alert to the school safety team and law enforcement.

“Nobody wants this to happen to their child. No one wants this to happen,” said Lamont Davis, Allen’s grandfather.

In a letter to parents after the incident, the school’s principal said:

“I am writing to provide information on an incident that occurred last night on school property. At approximately 7 p.m., school administration received an alert that an individual on school grounds may have been in possession of a weapon. The Department of School Safety and Security quickly reviewed and canceled the initial alert after confirming there was no weapon. I contacted our school resource officer (SRO) and reported the matter to him, and he contacted the local precinct for additional support. Police officers responded to the school, searched the individual and quickly confirmed that they were not in possession of any weapons. We understand how upsetting this was for the individual that was searched as well as the other students who witnessed the incident. Our counselors will provide direct support to the students who were involved in this incident and are also available to speak with any student who may need support. “Please know that ensuring the safety of our students and school community is one of our highest priorities. We work closely with Baltimore County police to ensure that we can promptly respond to any potential safety concerns, and it is essential that we all work together to maintain a safe and welcoming environment for all Kenwood High School students and staff.” WBAL-TV 11 News reached out to Omnilert, the AI gun detection software company used by Baltimore County Public Schools, but the company said it doesn’t comment on internal school procedures.

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17-year-old boy dies of self-inflicted gunshot wound after taking Tulsa officer’s gun from holster

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Jonathan Greco

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    TULSA COUNTY, Okla. (KOCO) — Authorities say a 17-year-old boy died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound after taking a police officer’s holstered firearm Tuesday at the Tulsa Boys Home.

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office said deputies received a 911 call shortly before 9:25 p.m. Tuesday saying a 17-year-old boy had been shot. The shooting happened during an archery class taught by two off-duty Tulsa police officers in the gym.

During the class, the teenager approached one of the officers from behind and grabbed a gun from the officer’s holster. The 17-year-old boy then took his own life.

Two other students were in the gym when the shooting happened.

The Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into the 17-year-old boy’s death. Information about the teenager has not been released.

“Our hearts and prayers are with everyone affected by today’s tragedy,” the sheriff’s office posted on Facebook.

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Florida crocodile found speared and shot in the Keys recovering after rescue by Zoo Miami

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Briauna Brown, Sergio Candido

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — An American crocodile that was discovered swimming with a spear stuck in the back of its head this past weekend in the Florida Keys is now recovering after having it removed, Zoo Miami announced Tuesday.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said officers were first notified about the wounded reptile around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18.

The about 8-foot American crocodile was found by officers near mile marker 101 in Key Largo, and wildlife professionals from Zoo Miami were called to help capture the reptile for treatment.

Once it was captured, the crocodile was transported to Zoo Miami, where head veterinarian, Dr. Gwen Myers, removed the spear from its skull on Tuesday morning. The zoo said the crocodile was also shot and had a lodged bullet between its eyes.

The crocodile has been given fluids, antibiotics and pain medication, according to the zoo, and is resting away from the public.

Zoo Miami said the hope is to return the crocodile to the wild once it has made progress in recovery.

Florida wildlife officials investigating the incident The American crocodile is listed as a federally threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It is illegal to kill or harass American crocodiles under state and federal law.

The FWC has launched an investigation into the incident, and is asking anyone with photos, videos or information about the incident to call the Wildlife Alert Hotline.

Reports can be made anonymously, and tips that lead to an arrest or citation may qualify for a reward of up to $1,000, according to the agency.

Once endangered, Florida’s American crocodiles are making a strong comeback According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the American crocodile is native to South Florida. Unlike the larger and more aggressive saltwater or Nile crocodiles, this species typically grows up to about 15 feet and is known for its shy, solitary nature, favoring warm coastal habitats such as canals and mangrove swamps.

After decades of overhunting and habitat destruction, the species was listed as endangered in 1975, when only around 300 individuals remained in the state. Thanks to years of conservation work and habitat protection, their population has surged to more than 2,000, prompting federal officials to downgrade their status to “threatened” in 2007.

As the population rebounds, crocodiles are increasingly venturing into residential areas. Sightings near docks, swimming pools and neighborhood canals have become more frequent in South Florida, leading to more encounters between people and wildlife. The FWC, working alongside the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, says its focus now is on reducing conflicts and encouraging coexistence with this recovering species.

Spotting the difference: How to tell Florida’s crocodiles and alligators apart While American crocodiles and American alligators may look similar at first glance, several distinct traits make it easy to tell them apart once you know what to look for.

Build and snout: Crocodiles are leaner and more streamlined, whereas alligators have a bulkier, heavier frame. The most obvious clue is in the snout. Crocodiles have a long, pointed snout, while alligators’ are wider and rounded at the end. Teeth: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission notes that a crocodile’s fourth tooth on each side of the lower jaw stays visible even when its mouth is shut. In alligators, that same tooth disappears when the mouth is closed. Color: Crocodiles tend to have a lighter gray or olive tone, while alligators are darker, almost black, which helps them blend into murkier freshwater environments. Habitat: Crocodiles favor South Florida’s coastal zones and brackish waterways such as mangroves, canals and estuaries. Alligators, by contrast, are freshwater dwellers that populate lakes, ponds and marshes across the state. As a result, crocodiles are rarely spotted far from saltwater, while alligators are common well inland.

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Christian Menefee Aims to Bring Experience and Leadership to Congress

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Lisa Valadez

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    October 22, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee is running for Texas’ 18th Congressional District—one of Houston’s most historic seats, previously held by the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and briefly by former Mayor Sylvester Turner. With a proven record in public service, Menefee brings his legal expertise and deep commitment to justice to this new chapter. During our conversation, Menefee was both relaxed and energized, speaking passionately about his grassroots campaign and the many voters who support him—even those reluctant to see him leave the County Attorney’s Office. There, he built a reputation for protecting voting rights, combating environmental injustice, and standing up for Harris County families. He credits his capable staff for sustaining that mission as he transitions toward national service.

Bipartisan Problem-Solving and Public Health Menefee’s leadership has often crossed party lines. Working alongside Republican Commissioner Tom Ramsey, he fought to block the expansion of the Hawthorn Park Recycling & Disposal Facility in Houston’s Carverdale community, a predominantly Black neighborhood, prioritizing health and environmental justice over politics. He also led Harris County’s case against e-cigarette maker JUUL, resulting in one of the nation’s largest local settlements for deceptive youth marketing.

Environmental Justice, Infrastructure, and Energy From holding polluters accountable to pushing for stronger federal oversight of industrial sites in Black and Brown neighborhoods, Menefee has been a consistent advocate for clean air and safe communities. He plans to secure federal funding to improve water systems, reduce illegal dumping, and enhance flood protection and sidewalks across underserved areas. A Houston native, Menefee embraces a balanced energy strategy—supporting both traditional oil and gas jobs and the growing renewable sector. He pledges to protect workers while preparing the region for a cleaner, more competitive energy future.

Healthcare, Housing, and Equity Motivated by personal family experiences, Menefee supports Medicare for All and policies that close the wealth gap, including a surtax on billionaires to strengthen social safety nets. His housing priorities include expanding affordable options, easing construction barriers, and bolstering the National Flood Insurance Program so Houston families can remain in their neighborhoods safely and affordably.

A Commitment to the People Menefee’s campaign centers on accountability, integrity, and results—not partisanship. “My first obligation is to the people of the 18th District,” he said. “I’ll continue listening, solving problems, and delivering for our communities.”

Menefee’s Key Priorities for the 18th District • Advocating for working families and small businesses. • Advancing environmental justice and public health. • Supporting Medicare for All and universal healthcare. • Expanding affordable housing and flood protection. • Protecting youth from predatory marketing practices. • Encouraging bipartisan collaboration on community issues. • Empowering minority-, women-, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses. • Bringing proven Harris County leadership to Washington.

Learn more at ChristianMenefee.com

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Global Leaders Unite at the Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM Luncheon: A Celebration of Innovation, Fashion, and Global Sisterhood

CNN Newsource on October 22, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    October 22, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) once again placed Houston at the forefront of global innovation and empowerment with its annual Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM Luncheon, Style Show & Shopping Experience. The highly anticipated event blended intellect, style, and international collaboration into a dazzling display of women shaping the future across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM).

A Global Gathering of Power and Purpose This year’s luncheon carried an extra sparkle as it welcomed international leaders from Paris, including Soumia Malinbaum, Chair of the International Women’s Chamber of Commerce (IWCoC) France Chapter. Their historic visit marked the first time IWCoC France leaders joined their Houston counterparts in person — an inspiring milestone in expanding the Chamber’s global mission. Excitement buzzed through the room as plans were discussed to bring the Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM experience to Paris next year — a powerful next step in connecting women entrepreneurs, executives, and innovators worldwide.

When Style Meets Substance Fashion took center stage, literally, as Malinbaum made her runway debut in a stunning Christian Dior Couture gown designed by Johnathan Alexander — a symbol of confidence, creativity, and cultural unity. The fashion show captivated guests with collections from Houston’s elite boutiques and designers, including Elizabeth Anthony, Frances Valentine, French Cuff Boutique, Lele Sadoughi, and M PENNER. Each ensemble reflected the strength and sophistication of women leading the way in business, science, and art. Adding a touch of hometown pride, Dynamo Diesel surprised attendees with an appearance — a nod to Houston’s global status as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Empowering the Next Generation of Women in STEAM Beyond the glitz and glamour, the event carried a heartfelt mission. Proceeds supported GHWCC programs that open doors for young women pursuing careers in STEAM through mentorship, scholarships, and leadership initiatives. Students from HISD’s Owen Elementary — proudly representing “STEAM Town USA” — joined the celebration, embodying the bright future this event helps create. “Every year, Women in the Fast Lane of STEAM reminds me how powerful women can be when we come together to lift one another up,” said Suzan Deison, Founder/President & CEO of the GHWCC and Founder of the IWCoC. “Having our IWCoC France leaders join us in Houston made this year especially meaningful — and the possibility of taking this event to Paris makes the future even brighter.”

A Star-Studded Celebration The event also drew a few famous faces, including Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, who joined Deison in support of Houston’s growing community of leaders and changemakers. From business icons to rising innovators, the luncheon was a testament to collaboration across borders, industries, and generations.

About the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce The Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) is a powerhouse of progress, committed to advancing women through leadership, education, and advocacy. As the founding organization of the International Women’s Chamber of Commerce (IWCoC), GHWCC continues to expand its mission beyond borders — connecting women who lead, inspire, and transform their industries across the globe. For more information, visit ghwcc.org

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