Woman loses $23,000 after scammer impersonates her pastor via email

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2026

By Kenny Graves

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    GRIMES COUNTY, Texas (KXXV) — A Grimes County woman lost $23,000 after scammers impersonated her pastor in an email, asking her to purchase gift cards for church volunteers.

Kathy Adamo said the scam began with what appeared to be a message from her pastor.

“Well, I got an email supposedly from my pastor. I want you to help me with this project. I want to get some gift cards for the volunteers at the church to thank them.”

The scammer kept Adamo from asking questions by urging secrecy.

“The only thing he said was, you know, well, don’t tell anybody. I want this to be a surprise.”

Adamo said she believes the scammer studied her pastor’s online presence to make the deception more convincing.

“I think they might have studied his YouTube videos to see how he responded and how he talked and, you know, I would swear it was him on the email.”

She realized she had been scammed after receiving a fraudulent reimbursement check.

“And a couple of hours later, Wells Fargo calls me and tells me it was a scam check.”

Adamo said the experience changed how she approaches trust.

“I’m, I’ve been too trustworthy, but not anymore.”

Mac Vaughn, chaplain for the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office, said scams like this cause damage beyond the individual victim.

“You know, it damages not only the community but it also damages the church, it kind of impinges on the confidence that people have of their own churches.”

Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell said he wishes people would reach out before acting on suspicious communications.

“Wish she’d have called me or somebody. Take it a notch down here, take it, take a break here, let’s think about this. Have em call me, they never call me. I wish they would.”

Sowell said he hopes the case raises awareness.

“Maybe this additional awareness will waken some others to not be falling victims to similar type crimes.”

If you receive any communication that does not seem legitimate, hang up or close your computer and contact your local law enforcement.

There is a GoFundMe account set up for Kathy Adamo: gofundme.com/f/help-kathy-recover-from-a-scam?utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp30-treatment-3&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_US

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

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

25 Years Later: Reflecting on 9/11 in Southeast Idaho

KIFI on September 11, 2026

Dylan Carder

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Twenty-five years ago today, the United States changed forever.

September 11, 2001, remains ingrained in the memory of millions who watched the tragedy unfold in real time. Among the first broadcasts was a radio transmission from an anonymous firefighter in New York: “The World Trade Center, Tower Number One, is on fire.”

As flags flew at half-staff across the nation, news anchors Jay Hildebrandt and Karole Honas delivered the painful reality to local viewers in Southeast Idaho. “Good evening, everyone,” Hildebrandt said. “The immediate shock is now starting to wear off, but now an incredible sadness is settling in America.”

In the years that followed, the public learned more about the victims and their final moments. Among the most poignant was a voicemail left by Brian David Sweeney, a 38-year-old former U.S. Navy pilot, to his wife:

“Jules, this is Brian. Listen, I’m on an airplane that’s been hijacked. If things don’t go well… it’s not looking good. I just want you to know I absolutely love you. I want you to do good, go have good times. Bye, babe.” – Brian Sweeney, National September 11 Memorial & Museum

Unity in Uncertainty: How Southeast Idaho Reacted

With sadness, the country and Eastern Idaho community turned to each other for comfort. Across Eastern Idaho, residents and civic organizations mobilized to support relief efforts and find solace together. Local groups organized blood drives, heightened security protocols, and hosted community gatherings across the region.

At First Methodist Church in Pocatello, Pastor Tom Tate led an evening service as community members sought comfort in numbers.

 “I think that it is a natural response in times of natural and national duress, to want to be together. And the church seemed a good place to do that,” one woman told then Newswatch 3.

Red Cross offices across the region saw an overwhelming surge of volunteers. The Pocatello Red Cross office received up to three times its typical number of blood donors, forcing the agency to extend operating hours and reschedule some donations for later in the week.

Public agencies responded swiftly. The Idaho National Engineering Laboratory—now the Idaho National Laboratory—placed its facilities on high alert and instructed personnel to report any suspicious activity.

Meanwhile, federal aviation authorities grounded air traffic nationwide, forcing unexpected landings at regional hubs. A commercial flight from Calgary, Canada, bound for Salt Lake City, was diverted to Idaho Falls Regional Airport.

“I think we’re all in shock right now and you just kind of don’t know what’s going to happen,” one traveler told Local News 8 that day.

In local schools, routine instruction gave way to historic reality. As events unfolded on the TV in front of them, students sat staring at the screen, left to reflect on the nightmare happening on the other side of the country. 

“I think it’s scary because you never know—we could be next,” one student told Local News 8 shortly after the attacks. “And if there’s a war, I turn 18 pretty soon, so that’s pretty scary for me.”

Never Forget: Remember how you felt the day after?

As the decades pass, local leaders emphasize the importance of preserving these memories. A permanent 9/11 memorial monument now stands at the downtown Idaho Falls Fire Station to honor those lost and educate future generations.

“We’re getting generations that are young enough to not remember 9/11,” said Kayla Fielder of Idaho State University. “It’s important to keep the memory alive so that we maintain that strength, unity, and resilience.”

In many ways, we will never be the same as we were before. 9/11 reshaped American life, from airport security procedures to Real ID requirements on driver’s licenses. But the hope of many is that the spirit of unity that followed the attacks endures.

“Remember how you felt on September 12th? Remember the spirit of September 12th,” said former Ammon Mayor Sean Coletti. “Are you living up to that spirit? We all helped each other a little bit more. We all loved a little more. We need to do that again.”

Editor’s Note: This story was adapted from an original on-air broadcast report with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.

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Colorado Springs 91-year-old still paints for daughter killed on 9/11

KRDO on September 11, 2026

Josh Helmuth

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — No matter how many years pass, to Gene Yancey, 9/11 feels like yesterday. It was a day that would forever change him. And it’s a day he’s been turning into something beautiful ever since.

Yancey’s daughter, Kathy Yancey LaBorie, was killed on United Airlines Flight 175 twenty-five years ago Friday. She was the lead flight attendant on the plane, the second to strike the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Watching the horror unfold on live television, Yancey’s wife knew right away.

“She said to me, ‘That’s Kathy’s plane,'” he recalled. “And I said, ‘How do you know?’ Because she told me she would call me from L.A., and so I know it’s her.”

“That hit me like a ton of bricks,” said Yancey.

LaBorie was a Mitchell High School graduate who had a tremendously successful aviation career. On 9/11, she was steps away from the terrorists who would take her plane.

“She was feisty,” said Yancey. “She was only five-one, and she would have done everything she could to keep those guys, those terrorists, from taking over the plane,” he said.

The walls of his home are covered in her memory. Photos of a woman he calls the light of his life. A runner-up for Miss Colorado Springs. A woman he loved and still misses every single day.

“Very fresh still,” he said when asked if the loss still feels recent.

His salvation?

Painting.

At 91 years young, Yancey still paints for his daughter. And he does so out of a storage closet he converted into a makeshift studio, with every canvas carrying the same subtle dedication.

“Every time I start painting, I know what it’s going for,” he said. “It’s going for a tribute to her.”

In each painting, Yancey includes an eagle, his symbol for Kathy.

“She was a wonder,” he said. “The light of my life. I miss her terribly.”

Yancey sells each painting. All proceeds to the Kathryn Yancey Scholarship Fund, which benefits Mitchell High School’s Junior ROTC program. This is the scholarship’s 25th year. It has raised roughly $50,000, with Wings Credit Union among those who have donated.

If you’d like to donate, you can send contributions to:

Charles Zimkas, Chairman

Kathryn Yancey Scholarship Fund

8085 De Anza Peak Trail

Colorado Springs, CO 80924

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Making a Difference: Every Child Central Oregon joins NeighborImpact to expand support for Central Oregon families

KTVZ on September 11, 2026

Kelsey Merison

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A Central Oregon organization that has spent years providing essential items and support to families involved in child welfare is joining forces with NeighborImpact.

Every Child Central Oregon, also known as Marked for Love, is now part of NeighborImpact’s supportive services department. The partnership is intended to provide the program with additional resources and infrastructure as demand for its services continues to grow.

Every Child Central Oregon is one of KTVZ’s six incredible 21 Cares for Kids partners.

Melissa Lovemark, the supportive services director for NeighborImpact and founder of Every Child, said conversations between the organizations began in October 2025. At the time, Every Child Central Oregon was already partnering with NeighborImpact through its Diaper Bank program.

“We began conversations with NeighborImpact in October of 2025,” Lovemark said. “We were already partnering with them on Diaper Bank. And we just started talking about what else we could partner on. And it made really good sense.”

The partnership became official in May 2026.

Lovemark said Every Child Central Oregon began as a grassroots effort that operated out of her garage before growing substantially over nearly eight years.

As the organization expanded, more time and resources were being devoted to administrative and structural work needed to keep it running.

Lovemark said joining NeighborImpact will allow the program to focus more resources on serving families.

“This coming together with NeighborImpact really gives us the ability to run and to serve more people, to give infrastructure and staff to things that my tiny team was piecing out and trying to do,” she said.

Every Child Central Oregon will continue operating under its existing name and providing its community tangible support program, My Neighbor, to families involved in child welfare.

“We have more requests than ever. We have more items going out than ever,” Lovemark said.

Lovemark said even with the support of a larger organization, community support is still critical.

“I’d say at this moment, right now on our Every Child Central Oregon website, we have quite a few tangible needs items that kids and families are needing. So please go there,” she said. “Also, our Amazon Wishlist is up to date so you can buy things there. And those go directly to families and items that have been requested and continue to support us financially.”

The organization’s warehouse has also moved to the NeighborImpact campus in Redmond, bringing the operations under one roof.

Lovemark said the new structure will allow the program to grow while reducing some of the barriers the organization faced as a smaller nonprofit.

The partnership will also allow Lovemark to work within NeighborImpact’s supportive services department to explore additional ways to support families involved in child welfare.

Community support remains an important part of the program, Lovemark said. People can help by providing items requested by families through the Every Child Central Oregon website and its Amazon wish list. Financial contributions are also needed as demand for services continues to increase.

“Just because we joined a bigger hood doesn’t mean that the work doesn’t need support still,” Lovemark said. “It is, like I said, growing, and we still need the community in the same way we did before.”

The partnership is also bringing the organization back to its roots.

Lovemark said Every Child Central Oregon originally started under NeighborImpact, which served as its fiscal sponsor before the organization eventually became independent.

“And then we went out on our own and then kind of just came home,” Lovemark said.

Click here to learn more about Every Child Central Oregon.

Click here for the Tangible Needs list.

Click here for the Amazon Wishlist.

Click here to learn more about KTVZ’s 21 Cares for Kids partners.

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Ohio father charged in 3-week-old daughter’s death: ‘horrific facts’

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2026

By Emily Sanderson

Click here for updates on this story

    CINCINNATI, Ohio (WLWT) — A Cincinnati man has been charged with murder in the death of his 24-day-old baby. A case prosecutors say shares “shocking similarities” to previous abuse charges he was convicted of in 2015.

Cincinnati police were called on Sept. 5 around 8:45 p.m. to the 6000 block of Red Bank Road for a report of an unresponsive child.

The child was taken to Cincinnati Children’s where she succumbed to her injuries the following day. She has been identified as Naomi Evans.

On Thursday, police said they arrested 34-year-old Christopher Evans and charged him with murder, felonious assault and child endangerment in the child’s death.

Evans was previously sentenced to prison on child abuse charges, pleading guilty in 2017 to assault and child endangering in Warren County. Investigators said he admitted to throwing his three-week-old son on to a changing table.

In that case, the boy had serious injuries and Evans spent most of his three-year sentence on house arrest.

In court Friday, prosecutors pointed to the 2015 case in court, saying it’s the “exact same injuries.”

“Horrific facts that seem to be repeating themselves,” the prosecutor said. “Please do not let him be around any more children.”

Detectives in court spoke in court saying the case bears “shocking similarities” to the previous case.

“Due to the significant nature of the injuries, the age of the victim, the nature of this case we request a high bond,” one detective said.

In court Friday, Evans’ attorney asked the judge to consider “scientific literature” with diagnosing child abuse and documented bias

“In any kind of case involving a shaken baby, I just ask the court also to remember the nature of these charges. That there is significant scientific literature that suggests that there is some foundational reliability problems with the whole science of diagnosing child abuse, versus just taking a look at this as an injury. There’s also well-documented bias in the medical community with an innocent injury with a white family is treated as an innocent family, with a minority family it’s treated as child abuse”

The judge set Evans’ bond at $2 million total: $1 million on the murder charge, $500,000 on the felonious assault charge and $500,000 on the child endangerment charge.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 513-352-3542.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Ford to invest $1 billion in Kentucky truck plant, building new paint shop

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2026

By WLKY Digial Team

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    LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WLKY) — Ford is revving up investment in Louisville again.

The automaker says it will spend $1 billion to build a new paint shop at the Kentucky Truck Plant on Chamberlain Lane.

The new facility will replace the existing one. Ford says it will improve quality and make the process more efficient.

“For more than a century, Ford and Kentucky have grown together, and we’re investing to ensure that relationship remains strong for generations to come,” said Jim Farley, Ford President and CEO. “These investments demonstrate our confidence in Kentucky’s workforce, our commitment to American manufacturing and our belief that the future of mobility and energy will be built right here in the United States.”

This announcement comes more than a year after Ford detailed its $2 billion investment into the Louisville Assembly Plant, which aims to transform the space and make it the home of Ford’s Universal EV Platform. That includes producing the Ford Fathom, a midsize electric pickup truck set to launch in 2027.

Officials say this investment into the assembly plant will create around 2,200 jobs in Louisville.

Ford is also investing around $2 billion into the former BlueOval SK facility in Hardin County. The Glendale facilities will manufacture energy storage systems.

This facility is expected to create at least 2,200 jobs in Hardin County, with production starting in late 2027.

“From our past to our present and our future, Ford is a central part of Kentucky’s story, which continues to show the world that American manufacturing remains strong,” said Gov. Beshear. “Today’s announcement highlights Ford’s longstanding commitment to our state and to our workforce, and I am grateful to Bill Ford, Jim Farley and the entire Ford team for this investment. With announcements like this and the help of the dedicated Kentuckians who make the Kentucky Truck Plant a success, I know our future is bright.”

Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2026.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Cornstalks sprout along Virginia canal after CSX train derailment

CNN Newsource on September 11, 2026

By Kelsey Jones

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    RICHMOND, Virginia (WTVR) — Cornstalks have sprouted along the bank of the canal on the Capital Trail, a visible reminder of a CSX train derailment that sent grain spilling into the water in July.

The derailment involved three CSX cars carrying grain that left the tracks above the Capital Trail. No one was injured, but cleanup crews spent the following days removing the cars from the canal.

On Wednesday, a CSX spokesperson said the derailment was caused by a heat-induced track misalignment and that the rail has since been adjusted to correct the condition.

Penelope Gorman, the Executive Director of Friends of the James River Park, said the cornstalk growth does not pose much of a threat.

“The corn stalks that we’re seeing along the canal, corn is not a recognized invasive species anywhere in the United States, and our best guess is that it’ll just die off.”

However, Gorman said the grain spill itself has already had consequences for the waterway.

“The spill into the canal directly has already resulted in a fish die-off. In terms of whether it’s herding the geese, the geese are kind of hurting the ecosystem. So, it’s a, it’s not great, but it’s not the end of the world.”

Some people along the trail have noticed more geese flocking to the area, drawn by the unexpected food source left behind by the spill.

Gorman said a large amount of organic material entering the canal can trigger a process known as eutrophication, which throws the water’s chemistry out of balance. She said elevated nutrients can lead to low oxygen conditions, creating what is known as a dead zone for fish and other wildlife.

When it comes to the geese, Gorman recommends staying away from them and advises people not to feed them.

CBS 6 Kelsey Jones reached out to the city to learn whether officials plan to remove the cornstalks or leave them in place. The city has not yet responded. She also reached out to the James River Association who shared this statement.

Many, including the James River Association, are thankful that the July train derailment did not result in loss of life or serious injury. The spilled grain corn payload, combined with the summer heat, led to rapid natural decomposition in the canal that depleted dissolved oxygen and placed additional stress on aquatic life. Low oxygen levels can harm fish and other wildlife, and fish kills were reported in the days immediately following the derailment.

JRA hopes the follow-up and reporting process identifies the cause and produces prevention strategies that will keep our communities and rivers safe from similar accidents in the future.

Although recovery efforts appear to have largely ceased, and the most immediate impacts may have passed, unrecovered grain corn is evident, visible sprouting on the bank. This unrecovered product, which otherwise wouldn’t be present, is drawing in waterfowl to the canal to feed.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Palm Springs Fire Department holds 9/11 remembrance ceremony

KESQ on September 11, 2026

Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Fire Department held its annual Never Forget 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony to honor the lives lost in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and remember the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The ceremony began at 8:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, at Palm Springs Fire Station 2, located at 300 North El Cielo Road.

The department welcomed community members to attend the ceremony and reflect on the legacy of those who lost their lives and the bravery of the first responders who ran toward danger that day.

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered for coffee and donuts.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming communities mark 25 years since 9/11 with memorial events

KIFI on September 11, 2026

Danielle Mullenix

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Communities across Eastern Idaho are coming together Thursday to mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks with memorial ceremonies, stair climbs, tributes and opportunities for service.

Several events are planned throughout the day to honor the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, as well as the first responders, military members, and ordinary Americans who stepped up in the aftermath of the attacks.

Idaho Falls 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb

The Idaho Falls Police Department is partnering with Anheuser-Busch for the fourth annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb.

First responders are climbing the stairs at the Idaho Falls Malting Facility, recreating the 110-floor climb of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers.

The climb represents more than 2,000 steps for each tower.

The stairs will remain open around the clock through September 11, allowing first responders to participate when their schedules allow.

The stair climb is not open to the public. However, community members can support the cause by donating to one of five local charities that assist first responders.

Rexburg Pipe Brigade holds final 9/11 performance

In Rexburg, the day begins at 7 a.m. at Station One with a flag raising and bell tolling.

The Rexburg Pipe Brigade will also hold a Patriot Day memorial ceremony at 6 p.m. at Porter Park, featuring bagpipe music and a tribute to September 11.

This year’s performance carries additional significance as the Pipe Brigade prepares to retire following its final performance.

The brigade says it is grateful for 17 years of community support.

Snow King Hill Climb in Jackson

In Jackson, participants will take part in the annual Snow King Hill Climb, beginning at 4 p.m.

Participants will climb 1,500 feet — representing the equivalent of the 110 stories of the World Trade Center.

Each participant will carry an Idaho badge honoring a first responder who served on September 11, 2001.

A community barbecue will also be held at the base of Snow King, with free water and T-shirts available while supplies last.

New this year, participants can listen to actual NYFD radio communications from the day of the attacks.

Jackson Hole memorial ceremony

The community’s 9/11 memorial ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. at Town Square in Idaho Falls.

The ceremony will provide an opportunity for members of the community to gather and remember those who lost their lives on September 11, as well as honor those who responded.

Bannock County Patriot Day commemoration

The annual 9/11 Patriot Day Commemoration begins at 5:30 p.m. on the front steps of the Bannock County Courthouse.

This year’s ceremony will include a flag-raising ceremony and a chronological recounting of the events of September 11 by Sixth District Judge Rick Carnaroli.

Organizers say the ceremony will honor the lives lost, as well as the first responders and ordinary Americans who stepped up that day.

Following the ceremony, local veterans groups will host a community dinner at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building.

The event is open to everyone.

America-250 Freedom Festival

Also Thursday evening, the America-250 Idaho Freedom Festival begins at 6 p.m. at the Bonneville County Fairgrounds, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.

Family-friendly activities begin at 5 p.m. and will include a look at the Idaho Liberty Bell, children’s activities, and other events.

The evening will feature a veterans tribute, flag ceremony, and history trivia competition, along with live music from Jay Osmond and Eagle Rock Pipes and Drums.

Organizers are also encouraging residents to participate in the America-250 Act of Service Challenge by completing an act of kindness or service in their community.

For many communities across Eastern Idaho, the events offer different ways to pause and remember 25 years after September 11 — from honoring first responders through physical challenges and ceremonies to finding ways to serve others in their own communities.

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First responders climb Manitou Incline at exact moment first plane hit 25 years ago today

KRDO on September 11, 2026

Bradley Davis

MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Over 250 first responders locally and across the country climbed the Manitou Incline in their full gear at 6:46 a.m. Friday morning, the exact time locally that American Flight 11 crashed into the North Tower on 9/11.

At 2,011 feet of climbing, the Manitou Incline is almost the exact height first responders had to climb in both towers on 9/11. It’s become one of the most well-known traditions nationwide while honoring 9/11.

“It’s really sobering because we get to the top, we get to take our gear off,” said Manitou Springs assistant Fire Chief Andrew Winchell. “The crews that were climbing, they knew when they got to that floor they were going to fight the hardest high-rise fire of their lives, and unfortunately they didn’t get the chance to actually do that.”

Thousands enlisted in the military after the 9/11 attacks, and thousands more already signed up, like Travis Kaufman, felt inspired to renew their service.

“I was just going to do my four-year enlistment and get out of the army,” Kaufman said. 25 years later, 8 combat deployments. Yeah, I think it changed for a lot of us.

In previous years, the hike started at 8:46 a.m., the time the first plane hit in New York. For the 25th anniversary, organizers instead made the choice to start at the time American Flight 11 hit locally, 25 years ago today.

“The day after 9/11, people were so close, and to see where we are now is kind of hard, but it’s nice to see all these people gather and remember the things that make us great,” said veteran of the War on Terror, Jeremy Cook.

The group paused at five significant timestamps during the climb for a moment of silence.

7:03 AM – United Flight 175 hits the South Tower7:37 AM – American Flight 77 hits the Pentagon7:59 AM – The South Tower collapses8:03 AM – United Flight 93 crashes into a field in Pennsylvania8:28 AM – The North Tower collapses

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