Police help find miniature donkey named Dolly Parton after farm escape

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Carli Petrus

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    HOLLY, Michigan (WXYZ) — A miniature donkey named Dolly Parton is back home safe after escaping from her Holly Township farm Tuesday night, sparking a community-wide search involving neighbors, animal rescues and Michigan State Police.

The escape happened around 8 p.m. when a high school student helping with farm chores accidentally left a gate open at Freeman Farm. Dolly escaped with her companion, Henry, another donkey.

“We knew time was not in our favor,” said Jason Freeman, Dolly’s owner.

Henry returned home around 9 p.m., but Dolly remained missing, prompting Freeman to call police for help.

The power of social media quickly mobilized the community. A Facebook post about the missing donkey brought neighbors and nearby animal rescues together to join the search.

“The immediate feeling was how do we help right now,” said Jay Reynolds, manager of Abraham Ranch, who organized a rescue group with harnesses and lead ropes to assist in the search.

A neighbor provided the first lead when surveillance cameras captured Dolly and Henry strolling through a driveway about half a mile from the farm at 8:37 p.m.

Michigan State Police troopers assigned to Holly Township began searching the rural area. Lt. Mike Shaw said lost farm animals aren’t uncommon in the northern Oakland County community.

“It happens quite a bit. For people that don’t know where Holly Twp. is, it’s up at the northern part of Oakland County, so it’s pretty rural so we’ve ended up chasing down cows up there before,” Shaw said.

A sergeant found Dolly wandering on a side road around 10:30 p.m. and coordinated with the search teams to safely return her home.

“We were able to contact those that were also looking for her and kind of lure her to a location and get her back where she belongs,” Shaw said.

Freeman said the incident serves as a reminder about farm safety protocols.

“You know, we just have to make sure when we go through a gate that we close the gate behind us. Just know that if they get an opportunity to wander, they’re going to wander,” Freeman said.

For those who might question the extensive search effort for farm animals, Shaw emphasized that helping all community members — including animals — is part of their job, especially given the cold temperatures that night.

Freeman considers his animals family members.

“These are just an extension of our family, they’re like our kids. We tuck them in every night. We take amazing care of them and we take pride in that and you know, we love them,” Freeman said.

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

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Oakland woman distributes meals to the homeless every week, alongside volunteers

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Sharon Chin

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — Every Wednesday night, an Oakland woman makes sure that hundreds of people don’t go hungry while living on the streets of her city.

Bopha Ul and her volunteers pack a lot of love into grocery bags that they load up for special deliveries.

“I always say I don’t have much, but I have some, and I want to share my some with people who don’t have anything,” Ul said.

The Oakland woman started cooking for the unsheltered in 2018.

“And then one day, it was really cold, and I said, ‘I’m going to make soup for the people who live near my house in West Oakland,’ when I lived down there. And it just became this thing where I did it several weeks, and people loved it,” she explained.

And soon, recipients grew from a couple of dozen to a couple of hundred. So now, she packs and distributes sandwiches to the unhoused in Oakland. Ul takes a half day off from her job as a law firm file clerk every Wednesday to serve others. When she started, she was intentional about selecting Wednesday for her program.

“People were not getting food in the middle of the week, so that’s why I picked it,” she said.

Volunteers give away meals donated by a local bakery, Love Bite Bakers, plus blankets, hand warmers, hygiene kits and provisions for pets. Her team goes to encampments in a dozen different locations.

Most recipients want to remain anonymous, like Stephanie, who says she’s grateful for more than the meals.

“The emotional support and strength that these people have provided to myself and others has been phenomenal,” Stephanie told volunteers.

“We see people, we find people, we’ve seen people with newborn babies, and we’ve brought them diapers,” Ul added.

Fiscally sponsored by the nonprofit, Safer DIY Spaces, Ul named her meal program, Rogers and Rosewater, after two people. Rogers comes from TV’s Mr. Rogers, who showed kindness. And Rosewater, Ul said, is from Kurt Vonnegut’s Book, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, about an imperfect creature who uses kindness as a tool for healing.

Her own desire to give back finds roots in her childhood.

“I grew up poor, so maybe that’s why. We also had weeks and weeks of pancakes, so I understand what it means to be hungry. I’ve never been unhoused,” she said.

Even as an adult, she knows life can be tough.

“I was working low-wage jobs, and there are times where I had to choose between taking the bus and buying a meal,” Ul said.

And twice a year, Rogers and Rosewater partner with West Oakland Punks with Lunch and other groups to offer “care villages” for the unhoused, free services all in one place, from food and toys to legal aid and medical equipment.

Volunteer Moss Luster said Ul inspires people to want to serve with her.

“It’s just the deep, genuine part of her as a person. She cares about her fellow people and doesn’t want to see people fall through the cracks or get left behind,” Luster said.

So, for serving meals to the unhoused in Oakland through Rogers and Rosewater, this week’s CBS News Bay Area ICON Award goes to Bopha Ul.

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Colorado man sentenced for hate crime, attempted to run over women he believed were lesbians

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Christa Swanson

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — A Colorado man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for trying to run over two women with his vehicle and then ramming their truck when they tried to flee.

Vitalie Oprea took his parents’ vehicle without permission on Feb. 19, 2023, and later spotted the two women at the corner of the intersection of E. Arapahoe Road and South Liverpool Street. Witnesses told authorities that he began yelling at them and making obscene gestures, then made a U-turn into oncoming traffic, heading towards them.

The women ran into a nearby grassy area by Grandview High School, and Oprea drove over the curb and across the grass toward them. When the women got inside a Ram pickup truck, Oprea rammed it with his vehicle. He got out of the car and kicked the passenger side of the truck before opening the door and attempting to pull one of the women out.

Oprea ran from the scene, and authorities arrested him later that day in Arvada. While the officer was placing him under arrest, Oprea said, “I drove at the women because I saw them kissing and they were lesbians and I wanted to kill them.”

He pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree murder after deliberation with a violent crime sentence enhancer.

Deputy District Attorney Lauren Agee said, “These women did nothing to provoke this violence. They were targeted, chased, and left fearing for their lives. Our office takes hate-motivated violence extremely seriously, and attacks rooted in hate will be met with accountability and significant consequences.”

On Wednesday, the 18th Judicial District announced that Oprea has been sentenced to 20 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

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Sacramento children remain missing since mother’s 2024 death, grandmother remains hopeful for return

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Tori Apodaca

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    SACRAMENTO (KOVR) — It has been a year and a half since Athena and Mateo Lee were last seen after their mother, Angelica Bravo, was found dead in a north Sacramento home.

Bravo’s family is still grieving her loss but believes that Athena and Mateo Lee are still out there somewhere.

“It’s been really hard,” said the children’s grandmother, Dawn Bodea. “There’s not a day that goes by where we don’t think about them and what they are doing.”

Athena is now five and Mateo is about to turn four years old. Bodea said she sees Angelica in both of them.

“Just being able to watch them grow up and knowing how much we are missing out on has been really hard,” said Bodea. “Athena was her mini-me, so much like her.”

Bodea said Athena is outgoing, and Mateo is athletic and sweet.

“It always used to surprise me at how high he would climb on jungle gyms. He had no fear,” Bodea said.

Investigators believe the children’s biological father, Camron Lee, took off with them on July 8, 2024. His car was seen crossing into Mexico the same day the children’s mother was found dead.

Investigators with the Sacramento Police Department said early tips showed that they may have been dropped off somewhere in Southern California.

A year and a half later, those children could now be anywhere.

“We believe every day until we know otherwise,” said Gina Swankie, with the Public Affairs Office of the FBI Sacramento Field Office.

The FBI is working with local and global law enforcement agencies, still offering a $25,000 reward for any information that leads them to the children, plus a $25,000 reward for information that helps them locate Camron.

They also shared photos of Camron Lee showing details of the tattoos he has.

“It feels like a failure to us every day that goes by that we haven’t been able to reunite them,” said Swankie.

Sacramento police spokesperson Anthony Gamble does not believe there were any mistakes made in the investigation, but there have been challenges.

“Law enforcement still has to act within the confines of the law,” said Gamble.

Gamble said the challenge was that Camron is the children’s father, so they could not initially call it a kidnapping, and they were also waiting on the coroner’s determination for Angelica’s cause of death. It took months before they could call it homicide.

“I do have a lot of hope,” said Bodea.

She is hopeful there will someday be a reunion with Athena and Mateo, and she said her faith in God is what is carrying her through. “My face is the one out there, but also there are so many people, family, that misses them so much,” Bodea said.

The Sacramento Police Department is still the lead investigator and urges anyone with information to contact them and speak up.

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Deputies help 70-year-old blind, homeless veteran

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Joyce Ogirri

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    LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — In the aftermath of a winter storm, Louisville has seen more than icy roads and bitter cold—it’s seen quiet acts of compassion unfolding downtown.

Gregory Chest is a familiar face to many who work or pass through the area. An Army veteran, he’s often seen pushing carts filled with everything he owns, moving carefully from block to block. What many don’t see are the people making sure he’s not forgotten.

For years, Gregory has been part of the downtown landscape. Those who know him describe him as proud, quiet, and respectful. He’s blind and pushes three carts, a difficult task even in good weather.

“He’s 70 years old. He’s blind. He’s got three carts that he struggles to move from block to block,” said Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chad Murrell.

Murrell says Gregory takes pride in his service, often draping an American flag towel over his carts.

“He’s very proud of this country and very proud of his service,” Murrell said.

Murrell checks on Gregory regularly, sometimes daily, not as part of enforcement, but simply to make sure he’s okay.

“I think we’re friends. Being blind, he may not recognize faces, but he recognizes voices,” Murrell said.

Independently, Madonna Barnes, a civilian employee with the sheriff’s office, felt compelled to help as well.

“I just felt the need to help him,” Barnes said.

Barnes and her mother began buying Gregory groceries and bringing them to him a couple of times each month, small gestures that made a difference.

Only later did Barnes and Murrell realize they had been helping the same man.

Murrell says Gregory’s story reflects something bigger happening downtown, people quietly looking out for one another.

“In my experience with Gregory, business owners, police officers, deputies, people try to look out for him and others when they see someone needing help,” Murrell said.

For Barnes, it’s about simple humanity.

“If I can help one person have a better day, that’s all I can do,” she said.

As Gregory pushes his carts through downtown streets, the sound echoes a reminder that, behind the harsh winter conditions, compassion is still moving through the city.

“There are still human beings out here, especially in weather like this,” he said. “It’s important that everybody tries to offer a helping hand. It’s the right thing to do,” Murrell said.

With dangerous conditions lingering, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says deputies have been checking on people experiencing homelessness and working to connect them with shelters and resources.

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Man arrested in ‘screw bandit’ case after months-long probe in South Carolina

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Stephanie Moore

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    ELGIN, South Carolina (WYFF) — Officials in a small South Carolina city say they have arrested a suspect known as the “screw bandit”, a man accused of placing screws and nails on roadways in the city.

The Kershaw County Sheriff’s Office said Michael David Branham, 38, of Columbia, was arrested Tuesday morning while he was working at a job site.

Authorities said Branham is accused of multiple incidents in and around Elgin Estates where he put screws and nails on roadways.

This investigation spanned nearly three months and involved extensive surveillance, camera monitoring, and the use of advanced investigative tools and tactics.

Authorities said critical progress was made following a community meeting held on Jan. 20 at the Elgin Community Center, where residents provided key information that helped investigators consolidate and confirm existing evidence.

“We are better when we work together,” Sheriff Lee Boan said. “This was a major case that placed significant stress on our community and our deputies. Engaging our citizens proved absolutely beneficial. This case is a perfect example of how crimes can be solved through community involvement.”

Branham is charged with stalking, breach of peace of a high and aggravated nature, and malicious injury to property.

He is currently being held at the Kershaw County Detention Center.

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Memorial honoring victims of DC midair collision to be held in Boston 1 year after deadly crash

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Jennifer Eagan

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    BOSTON (WCVB) — One year ago Thursday, 67 people, including six affiliated with the Skating Club of Boston, were killed when American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed into an Army helicopter on approach to Ronald Reagan National Airport and fell into the icy Potomac River.

Several memorials are being held to honor the victims. There will be a moment of reflection as the names of 28 members of the skating community are read. Six of those victims had ties to the Skating Club of Boston.

Jinna Han, 13, and her mother, Jin Hee Han; 16-year-old Spencer Lane and his mother, Christine Lane, and coaches Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov were returning from a development camp when their plane crashed into an Army helicopter.

Last night, music and memories filled Constitution Hall where hundreds of family members, first responders and policymakers gathered to remember the lives lost.

“We completed our year-long investigation,” National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy said. “That was just the first step. Now the important work, the hard work, begins — that means relentlessly, vigorously pursuing safety change.”

The memorial comes days after the NTSB released new findings, which said failures at multiple levels led to the crash, including congestion of the airspace around Reagan National Airport.

The NTSB is expected to publish its final report in the coming weeks.

The memorial honoring members of the skating community begins at 5 p.m.

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Kansas City mother asks for answers after 15-year-old son is shot and killed

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Alan Shope

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — A grieving Kansas City mother is asking for answers and urging the public to come forward after her 15-year-old son was shot and killed while walking home from school earlier this month.

“When you have a kid like Lucas, how loving he is,” Qusha Barbee said, describing the pain she says will never go away.

Barbee’s son, Lucas Long, was shot on Jan. 8 while walking home just before 3 p.m. in the 6600 block of Monroe Avenue in Kansas City. Police have not said what led up to the shooting, and no arrests have been made.

“You never think that you’re going to have to deal with this,” Barbee said.

Barbee said her son often walked home with friends.

“He had a lot of friends, and they would walk in groups,” she said.

More than two weeks later, Barbee said the lack of information has been frustrating.

“The information is very limited,” she said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Barbee joined the group Mothers in Charge at a press conference, asking anyone with information to come forward.

“If they’ve seen anything, reach out,” she said.

Family members described Lucas as fun-loving, kind and outgoing, with a love for sports and making people laugh.

“He joked, he was kind. I never had to open a door or carry a bag,” Barbee said.

The family said the route Lucas took home was one he walked every day. They say the hardest part has been living without answers.

“No one is saying anything. It could be anybody,” Barbee said.

Barbee said she hopes speaking publicly will encourage others to step forward.

“It’s time for us to stop being quiet. Every single person loved him,” she said.

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Oldest living Iowan celebrates 110th birthday

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By SIGOURNEY, Iowa

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    SIGOURNEY, Iowa (KCCI) — An Iowan is marking a major milestone in her life.

Alice Hootman celebrated her 110th birthday on Monday. She is the oldest living person in Iowa.

Hootman now lives at Manor House in Sigourney. Family members told KCCI she has three kids, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandkids.

She use to work at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in Vinton. She loves the outdoors and bird-watching.

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Beloved woman hit and killed during winter storm remembered for her passion to help cancer patients

CNN Newsource on January 29, 2026

By Christian Petersen

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    LEXINGTON, North Carolina (WXII) — Davidson County is mourning a Lexington woman killed during the winter storm, the first storm-related fatality in the Triad.

Barbara Hartwell touched many lives through her countless hours raising money for Cancer Services of Davidson County and on Tuesday, those folks said they are shocked and saddened that she’s gone.

According to Lexington Police, Barbara Hartwell was walking on the sidewalk along South Main Street when she was struck by a vehicle that lost control during the first wave of the weekend’s winter storm.

The vehicle ended up at the bottom of an embankment. Due to the hazardous weather conditions, the vehicle was left there overnight. The next morning, Lexington Police were called back to the scene where Hartwell’s body was discovered.

Ray Howell is the Executive Director of Cancer Services of Davidson County. He said Hartwell was passionate about raising money for cancer patients.

“A lot of folks uptown knew her because she and her cart would be a presence. She would take that cart up and down and, a lot of folks knew her. She would sometimes sell things that she had handmade, whether it be knitting or crocheting. But every year, two of our events, she loved to go around and get people to sponsor her. And, and she might have bothered some of those people until they wrote her a check to make her go away,” Howell said.

The Lexington Police are still talking to the district attorney’s office about possible charges, but investigators said they don’t believe anyone in the vehicle realized they had hit a pedestrian.

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