Propane tank explosin damages buildings, homes near railroad tracks

CNN Newsource on November 2, 2025

By Frederick Sutton Sinclair, Mike Spatocco, Ryan Hughes

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    Delaware (KYW) — A propane tank explosion on the Delmarva Central Railroad tracks in Bear, Delaware, damaged several buildings and homes Saturday afternoon, officials said.

Video obtained by CBS News Philadelphia shows thick black smoke before a large explosion sends bystanders running for cover.

“The ground shook like a bomb went off,” said Chris Coviello.

The blast shattered windows, left lights inside some businesses dangling, and knocked pieces of drywall and ceiling tiles to the floor.

“Believe me it was a big boom when it blew,” said Janet Davis.

Davis says she was just about to walk outside her home on Wrangle Hill Road because she saw a fire on the railroad tracks about 500 feet away. Then, all of a sudden there was an explosion and about six windows in her home shattered, and that wasn’t all.

“All the barn windows have blown out,” Davis said.

Investigators say crews were doing maintenance Saturday afternoon on the railroad tracks near Wrangle Hill Road just north of Red Lion Road.

The 500-pound propane tank was mounted on a railcar, and around 12:30 p.m. a malfunction occurred during the heating process of the tracks, which sparked a fire and then the tank exploded.

Fire crews found the maintenance railcar vehicle engulfed in flames, as well as multiple brush fires in the area.

“The explosion happened right beside the church here,” said John Grimsley, the pastor at Refuge Nation Church.

Several windows were blown out at the church, which sits right next to the train tracks. Part of the roof in the sanctuary and in the church’s recording studio came down.

“We’re probably not going to be having service here for a few Sundays, but thank God everybody is ok,” Grimsley said.

Fire officials say at least five homes were damaged, as well as multiple businesses.

Chris Coviello owns the business complex, and estimates cleanup and repairs could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.

“Thank God nobody was hurt. The amount of shrapnel that I pulled off the roof, off the secondary roof, out of the parking lot and under that car there, there’s just so much shrapnel we are picking up,” Coviello said.

The Delaware State Fire Marshal says the explosion has been ruled an accident.

CBS News Philadelphia learned an engineer will inspect the building and businesses on Monday to determine if there is any structural damage.

No injuries were reported. Wrangle Hill Road was closed between routes 40 and 71 for more than three hours as crews worked to contain the fires.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said there are no possible hazards from fluids in the destroyed rail machine.

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Puppy intentionally shot at homeless encampment sparks police investigation

CNN Newsource on November 2, 2025

By Jeremiah Estrada

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    KAPOLEI, Hawaii (KITV) — An animal cruelty investigation is underway after a puppy was shot at a homeless encampment in Kapolei on Wednesday leaving her in need of emergency surgery.

A puppy was shot on purpose at a homeless encampment in Kapolei on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 29, prompting a police investigation into the first-degree animal cruelty. Getting shot left her in urgent need of a neuro spinal surgery.

“She is so sweet and loving. She drags her body to come and sit close to people,” KAT Charities Executive Director Karen Tyson said in a Facebook post.

After getting rescued, the puppy was named Pretzel because “her little legs pretzel up and crisscross.”

Pretzel is now receiving treatment at the Veterinary Emergency + Referral Center (VERC) of Hawaii animal hospital. Tyson has begun a GoFundMe to support the puppy’s surgery.

Police are looking to charge the suspect with a felony animal cruelty charge. Anyone who witnessed this incident or has information is asked to call 911, CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300 or visit any police station.

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House party erupts in gunfire, home hit 14 times: police

CNN Newsource on November 2, 2025

By Ruby Annas

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    https://wlos.com/news/local/spindale-police-department-shooting-gunfire-physical-fight-house-party-officers-violent-crime-task-force-rutherford-county-sheriffs-office-foresit-city-rutherfordton (WLOS) — On Nov. 1, a house party ended with a shooting, according to a Spindale Police Department press release on Facebook.

Around 3:57 a.m., officers responded to a shots-fired call at 406 Oakland Road Apt. 1. When they arrived, people were leaving the home, and then shots were heard, Spindale Police said. Officers took cover, waiting for backup as more people left the building from vehicles parked in front of it.

The press release said there’s no evidence, at this time, that shots were fired at law enforcement.

Spindale Police Department investigators responded to the scene and then requested help from the Tri-City Violent Crimes Task Force, the Facebook post said.

The police department said a physical fight between several people started at a house party. While the fight was happening, someone got a gun and fired several times inside the building. It’s unclear if other people at the party shot back at the “initial gunman,” Spindale police said.

Within minutes, the “aggressors” went back to the residence and fired multiple times inside the building from the roadway with an “ARP” or AR style pistol, the press release said.

The police department said a physical fight between several people started at a house party. While the fight was happening, someone got a gun and fired several times inside the building. It’s unclear if other people at the party shot back at the “initial gunman,” Spindale police said.

Within minutes, the “aggressors” went back to the residence and fired multiple times inside the building from the roadway with an “ARP” or AR style pistol, the press release said.

The home was hit 14 times, with many bullets going into the neighboring unoccupied apartment, the Facebook post said. A total of 22 shell casings were recovered from 3 different calibers of guns.

No one was reported shot, the Spindale police said.

The investigation is ongoing. The police department asks anyone with information on this incident to call them at (828) 286-3464.

According to the press release, the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Forest City Police Department, and Rutherfordton Police Department responded to an officer’s initial request for assistance.

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Man accused of sexually assaulting woman: “She believed that she was going to die”

CNN Newsource on November 2, 2025

By Nick Lentz, Adam Duxter

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    Minnesota (WCCO) — A 21-year-old man has been charged with first-degree criminal sexual conduct in a sexual assault that happened in Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, on Tuesday evening, according to court records.

Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the assault 1000 block of Pond View Court around 7:56 p.m. They met with a 51-year-old woman who had cuts on her face and a bruise on her throat, according to charges. She also had leaves in her hair and told deputies at the time that it hurt “too much to sit down.”

The woman said she was walking on Centerville Road near Langer’s Tree Service and using headphones to speak with a friend when a man, later identified as Tristen Alan Leritz, covered her mouth with his hand and “told her that he tripped and fell into her,” court documents said. He allegedly then grabbed her and took her to the ground.

According to charges, the woman’s headphones and phone fell into nearby grass. She fought Leritz, yelled out to her friend to call 911 and yelled for help. He allegedly pinched the woman’s nose, covered her mouth and used his forearm to press down on her neck.

“She believed that she was going to die,” charges said.

Leritz then sexually assaulted the woman, according to court documents. The woman said the assault lasted between 15 and 30 minutes and that she could not breathe at times.

According to court documents, the woman separated herself from Leritz when the assault stopped and started to run into the middle of Centerville Road. He “casually” walked toward her on the sidewalk and said, “I have to leave this way too,” charges said.

Deputies found the woman’s shoes, headphones, glasses and Leritz’s glasses at the scene, according to court documents.

Officials said his missing glasses tipped off his family, who then notified the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office.

The woman went to the hospital where a nurse noticed several cuts and bruises around her body, charges said. The nurse also collected DNA that the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension then analyzed and matched to Leritz.

BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said the agency raced to get the DNA results in near-record time.

“This ended up being a team of five people that had to work on this, pretty much full-time, to be able to get to this result in less than 24 hours,” Evans said.

He admitted to assaulting the woman during an interview with investigators, according to charges, saying he saw her walking and then said, “F*** it, since I’m a virgin.”

Leritz told investigators later in the interview that he “fully raped her,” court documents said.

“You can’t find a case that rattles the community more than a criminal sexual conduct with a stranger,” Jeff Ramacher, undersheriff with the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, said.

According to charges, Leritz is 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 248 pounds.

“This utterly senseless attack shocked an entire community with its brazen nature,” Ramsey County Attorney John Choi said in a written statement on Friday.

Leritz’s first court appearance is scheduled for Monday morning, the attorney’s office said.

Sexual Assault Resources

(SOS – Ramsey County) Sexual Violence Center (SVC – Hennepin County) Aurora Center (U of MN) 360 Communities (Dakota County) Hope Center (Rice County) Canvas Health (Washington County) Alexandra House (Anoka County) General Sites for information related to sexual assault and resources throughout Minnesota:

Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault General Sexual Assault Websites:

Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN) National Sexual Violence Resource Center (NSVRC)

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate partner and does not contain original CNN reporting.

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Boy holds food drive, grocery giveaway for his 8th birthday

CNN Newsource on November 2, 2025

By Noel Brennan

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    Illinois (WBBM) — A seven-year-old boy in south suburban Tinley Park has some big plans for his eighth birthday. But they don’t involve a party; instead, he’ll be helping people in his community.

Alex Annin and his cousins Demetrius and Ezra young have worked together on a food drive that will culminate on Alex’s birthday.

His mom Kymbria Young said plans for a traditional party changed after Alex saw a man experiencing homelessness.

“The light turned green, so we had to drive off and we weren’t able to give him money, so Alex was really distraught,” she said. But the experience gave him a new birthday wish.

With support from his mom’s nonprofit, Season to Soar, Alex hopes to help more than 150 of his neighbors in need.

Alexander and his cousins are preparing for a food drive. On Saturday morning, they will give way free groceries at Carrie Jacobs Bond Elementary School in Englewood. He said he’s doing it because it’s good for the community and also it helps the Earth.

Alex and his mom say they were inspired by a six-year-old Chicago girl who did something similar in 2017. The food drive in Englewood runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Alex turns eight on Sunday.

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Delaware woman heads to first Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind

CNN Newsource on November 2, 2025

By Stephanie Stahl

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    DELAWARE (KYW) — A Delaware woman is making history as part of the blind U.S. team competing in the first-ever Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup for the Blind.

Shannon Britt, who’s legally blind, is practicing cricket, and instead of seeing the ball, she’s listening.

Britt, who lives in Smyrna, is getting ready to compete in the first-ever Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup.

“I didn’t think I was going to make the team,” Britt said. “I was just going to try something new, and I wound up being decent at it.”

Britt was born with a rare eye cancer. A series of operations and interventions left her with very limited vision.

“Everything’s really blurry and just foggy,” Britt said.

But that doesn’t stop Britt. She’s spent a lifetime learning to adapt.

Britt’s mother, Donna Britt, helps with practice and is thrilled her daughter will be competing internationally.

“We never treated her any different when she was young,” Donna Britt said, “and she grew up being just like everybody else. She’s done a lot of amazing things in her life, and this is just the cherry on top.”

Shannon Britt says that because her team is for people who are totally blind and she can see a little, she has to wear special shades.

“On the team, I’m what’s known as like an all-arounder,” she said. “I can bowl. I can bat. I can field. Because they want to keep it fair, all B1s have to wear B1 shades, which will totally black out my vision.”

Britt and her U.S. teammates will compete against five countries in the World Cup that’s happening in India and Sri Lanka. She leaves Friday for India. The first match happens next week.

“I’m 44 years old,” she said, “and never thought I would be an international sports person.”

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Wagging tails steal the show at Old Mill District’s Halloween Pet Costume Contest

KTVZ on November 2, 2025

Tracee Tuesday

BEND, Ore. {KTVZ} — The Old Mill District was buzzing with Halloween excitement Friday evening as pets of all shapes, sizes, and species took center stage for the annual Halloween Pet Costume Contest. Hosted by the Humane Society of Central Oregon, the event turned Center Plaza by the walking bridge into a festive parade of paws and creativity.

From 4 to 7 PM, families, friends, and their furry companions showed off their Halloween spirit with costumes that ranged from spooky to downright silly. Cats, dogs, and even a few more unusual pets strutted the plaza runway, drawing laughs and cheers from the crowd.

The contest’s top prize went to a family of four and their enthusiastic dog for their themed group entry titled “The Wagon Train.” Their clever collaboration rolled into first place, earning them Old Mill District Gift Cards and plenty of applause from spectators.

While the costume contest was the highlight of the evening, it was part of a larger district-wide celebration. Trick-or-treating at local shops, Halloween-themed art projects, and the popular “witches’ paddle” on the Deschutes River added even more magic to the night.

With costumes, candy, and a whole lot of wagging tails, the Old Mill District once again proved that Halloween fun in Bend isn’t just for humans.

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Gauchos earn a share of Big West men’s soccer crown

KEYT on November 2, 2025

Mike Klan

NORTHRIDGE, Calif. (KEYT). -Zac Siebenlist has played hero for the UC Santa Barbara Men’s Soccer team before. As a freshman, he scored the equalizer with 13 seconds left in the Gauchos’ NCAA Tournament match at Stanford, but Saturday night’s clutch score may be even more meaningful, as it secured Santa Barbara’s 14th Big West Championship. Siebenlist’s 54th minute goal rescued a 1-1 draw for the Gauchos, who had been down a goal and a man since the 41st minute, against CSUN, a result which proved enough to give Santa Barbara a share of The Big West Regular Season Championship and the no. 1 seed for the conference tournament.

HOW IT HAPPENEDTrips to Northridge have long been battles for the Gauchos, and Saturday’s visit to Matador Soccer Field was no different. The first opportunity of the game came from a first-minute free kick, the result of one of 24 first-half fouls. Calle Mollerberg got a wide-open header at the back post, but tried to nod it back to a teammate rather than put an attempt on frame, and the opportunity passed.

Other than Mollerberg’s nod, most of the early action came from the hosting Matadors, as the Gauchos had to weather an early storm. The home team’s best chance came in the 12th minute as a deflection put a CSUN forward in on goal, but Owen Beninga got just enough on the arcing shot to slow it down, and the freshman phenom chased down the loose ball before it could cross the goal line. Almost immediately after that attempt, an injured Matador led to an extended break in the action, and after the stoppage, the Gauchos were able to find more of a foothold.

Over the next 15 minutes, the defining theme of the game was, more than anything else, physicality and cards. It perhaps should come as little surprise that two of The Big West’s three most-cautioned teams racked up 13 yellow cards on the night, but two of those cautions looked like they were going to make the difference in the game. During a five-minute stretch that saw the referee hand out four yellow cards, Jack Middleton picked up his first caution of the game and, 10 minutes later, he was handed a second for a late tackle just 19 yards from goal. While the Gauchos had dodged the bullet of surrendering a penalty kick, they could not avoid losing a man, as Middleton’s second caution came with his marching orders. And then that first bullet came back and hit Santa Barbara anyway, as the Matadors scored the go-ahead goal from the resulting free kick.

The Gauchos nearly surrendered a second in the final minute of the half, but Beninga made a strong one-on-one stop to keep them within one at halftime. After the break, Santa Barbara came out and looked just as strong as they had been at even strength, if not stronger. They had the better of the opportunities, and Siebenlist cashed in just nine minutes after the game had resumed. It was a flowing team move from one end of the pitch to the other, Drew Kamienski linking up with Dominick Phanco, who moved the ball on to Kaden Standish to dribble at some Matadors. After a couple of step-overs, Standish got hacked down, but he had already released a pass forward to Ramses Martinez, who needed just three touches to turn and play a perfectly timed ball ahead for Siebenlist racing into the penalty area. The sophomore kept his cool to chip the onrushing Matador goalkeeper and level the scores.

Even after scoring, the undermanned Gauchos had little trouble keeping with the Matadors. Ethan Senter made a great heads-up play in the 64th minute to prevent a CSUN forward from running onto a goal kick that had been played over the top of Santa Barbara’s defense, and the Gauchos got lucky in the 70th minute when a Matador shot flew over the crossbar from just six yards out after a rare drop from Beninga, but otherwise they did not have much defending to do until the final 10 minutes of the match.

By those final 10 minutes, results elsewhere in the conference had confirmed a draw would be enough for Santa Barbara to finish as regular season champions, and the Gauchos were tucking in to maintain the result. Despite their defensive prowess this season, it was not the simplest of asks, having conceded three goals in the last 10 minutes of matches this season. But on Saturday night, Santa Barbara’s back line played to its full potential, allowing the Matadors just two shots at goal, neither of which required saving.

BY THE NUMBERSWith the result, the Gauchos completed their first unbeaten conference slate since 2013 and just their third under Coach Tim Vom Steeg.Santa Barbara finishes with 17 points in Big West play, tied with UC Irvine and Cal Poly atop the conference table, but the Gauchos earned the no. 1 seed for The Big West Championship due to their combined record against the Anteaters and Mustangs. Santa Barbara’s 1-0 win at Cal Poly in October made the difference, giving them a 1-0-1 record against their two foes, leaving UC Irvine second and Cal Poly third.The regular season crown is the Gauchos’ 14th Big West Championship and their first since 2021, when they did the double by winning both the regular season and tournament titles.

UP NEXTAs the top seed in The Big West Championship, Santa Barbara receives a first-round bye and heads straight to the semifinals, which they will host on Nov. 8 against either UC Davis or Cal State Fullerton.

(Article courtesy of UCSB Athletics)

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Cal Poly upset at home by Portland St. as former St. Bonaventure star Delon Thompson scores 4 tds

KEYT on November 2, 2025

Mike Klan

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT). – Delon Thompson rushed for 169 yards with three touchdowns and he also caught a 30-yard touchdown pass as Portland State upset Cal Poly 40-35.

The Vikings had lost their first eight games of the season before stunning the Mustangs who fell to 3-6 this year including 1-4 in the Big Sky.

The 2023 St. Bonaventure High School graduate Thompson scored the first three touchdowns for the Vikings giving them a 21-7 lead early in the second quarter.

His 77-yard touchdown run right after halftime put Portland State up 31-14.

The Mustangs piled up 450 yards of total offense and got two touchdowns in the third quarter from former Bishop Diego High School star Misa Paiau who is listed as a linebacker.

He scored on a 1-yard touchdown run and his 1-yard td catch with 4:58 in the third quarter pulled the Mustangs within 31-28 but they would get no closer.

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CIF-Central Section first round football playoff match-ups

KEYT on November 2, 2025

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT).

First round football games scheduled for Friday, November 7 at 7pm.

Division 1AA: (6) St. Joseph at (3) Clovis West

Division 2: (13) Sunnyside at (4) Arroyo Grande; (10) Lompoc at (7) Central Valley Christian; (11) San Luis Obispo at (6) Lemoore

Division 3: (16) Mission Prep at (1) Shafter; (12) Paso Robles at (5) Kennedy; (15) Righetti at (2) Wasco

Division 4: (1) Templeton has a bye; (11) Dos Palos at (6) Santa Ynez; (10) Atascadero at (7) Nipomo

Division 5: (12) Hoover at (5) Cabrillo; (9) Morro Bay at (8) Delano

8-Player Division: (8) Orcutt Academy at (1) Fresno Christian

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