Pa. mother heads to court after 5-month-old drowns in hotel spa tub, DA says

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Rachael Lardani

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    INTERCOURSE, Pa. (WGAL) — A Philadelphia woman charged in connection with the drowning death of her 5-month-old daughter at a Lancaster County hotel will proceed to court, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities said Diontee Beckett, 25, waived her preliminary hearing on Aug. 26 on charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children.

Diontee was released after posting $100,000 bail, according to police.

Infant placed in hotel spa tub, DA says According to the district attorney’s office, Diontee is accused of recklessly causing the death of her daughter, A’zara Beckett, after placing her in a spa tub while intoxicated on the evening of May 11.

It happened at the Best Western Plus Intercourse Village Inn & Suites on East Newport Road in Leacock Township.

The coroner ruled A’zara’s cause of death to be freshwater drowning.

Authorities noted that surveillance footage from inside the hotel showed Diontee entering the lobby, carrying the infant, who appeared “lifeless in her arms.” Several hotel guests called 911 and attempted life-saving measures before responders arrived.

Mother was intoxicated during the incident, DA says During an interview with investigators, Diontee said she consumed alcohol throughout the day and had taken her swimming earlier that afternoon before returning to their room, according to police.

Investigators said Diontee denied placing A’zara in the tub; however, police found a photo and video on Diontee’s phone of her daughter in the tub. Diontee told police that she did not remember taking A’zara into the tub, according to the district attorney.

Investigators said a chemical breath test indicated that Diontee had a blood alcohol content of 0.149% at the time.

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How a metro Atlanta nonprofit hopes to help repeat felony offenders through dog training

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Emily McLeod

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — A metro Atlanta nonprofit is giving men who are repeat felony offenders a second chance.

Canine Cellmates’ Beyond the Bars program is an alternative sentencing and diversion program. It allows men to stay out of jail if they commit to the program for one year.

During their time in the program, participants will train adoptable dogs from Fulton County Animal Services.

“Working with dogs that’ve kind of been in the same situation that I’ve been in, and being able to just — like, you know, I know how it is to be caged or locked up,” said Beyond the Bars participant Brandon.

Brandon is in the program and has been working with a 3-year-old Shih Tzu named Belle.

“I had a warrant for when I got caught with the gun. You know, I was speeding, they pulled me over, I didn’t want to run from the police because I’m tired of trying to do that,” Brandon said.

At first, Brandon wasn’t too sure of his assignment to work with Belle. However, the unlikely duo became an inseparable pair.

“I wasn’t really ecstatic about it, but she truly grew on me,” Brandon said. “Like I love Belle. Even when I’m at home, I think about her.”

Brandon wants to complete his GED, attend trade school, and become an electrician.

“These programs are actually helping me become a better man so that I can be a great man to show my daughter,” Brandon said.

Canine Cellmates Executive Director Susan Jacobs-Meadows said there aren’t many programs out there for repeat felony offenders. Once she learned about the need, she wanted to help.

“I think dogs are magical beings who have far greater capacity for facilitating positive change than humans do,” Jacobs-Meadows said.

While the program is working for Brandon, Jacobs-Meadows said up to 40% of people end up not finishing. She said some people are not ready.

“I have one young man in the program now, that — we call him ‘Jamari 3.0’ because this is his third time,” Jacobs-Meadows said. “But he’s doing so much better this time with complying and engaging.”

Jacobs-Meadows interviews each candidate and listens to feedback from the district attorney’s office. She said they’ll consider the charges and the circumstances.

“For me, it is more about intent than it is what happened,” Jacobs-Meadows said.

For Brandon, it’s an opportunity to start over.

“I love this program,” Brandon said. “Thanks to Miss Susan, Miss Susan gets a hug from me every day just because I really appreciate her and the program.”

In addition to the dog training sessions, the men also take classes where they learn more about topics including financial literacy and conflict resolution.

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Atlanta accepts Fulton County’s $68 million offer to buy the downtown jail, Dickens says

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Dan Raby, Daniel Wilkerson

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Mayor Andre Dickens says Atlanta has agreed to sell the Atlanta City Detention Center to Fulton County for $68 million, a deal officials say could ease overcrowding at the county jail and expand care for detainees with mental health and substance use needs.

The agreement could give Fulton County about 1,300 additional detention beds at the downtown facility. County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said the county is also planning a separate 1,800-bed medical facility for people with mental health or substance use issues.

“This is a wonderful day for Fulton County. It’s a wonderful day for the city of Atlanta. It’s a wonderful day for the detainees, but it’s also a great, great day for the taxpaying citizens of Fulton County,” Pitts said.

Negotiations between the two governments have been underway for months. In a letter obtained by CBS News Atlanta, Dickens said the city accepted Fulton County’s latest offer.

Dickens proposed the $68 million price in an Aug. 31 counteroffer after Fulton County offered approximately $56.5 million for the downtown detention center.

“The City of Atlanta accepts Fulton County’s offer to purchase the Atlanta City Detention Center for $68 million,” Dickens wrote in Tuesday’s letter.

Dickens said the deal is expected to save Fulton County taxpayers money by using the existing detention center instead of building the same amount of new space elsewhere. He also said it would protect city employees and allow diversion programs to continue.

The additional space could change Fulton County’s plans for the Rice Street jail. Pitts said previously planned renovations there may no longer be needed.

“There’s a possibility — I want to underscore this possibility — that the renovations that we have planned for Rice Street may not even be necessary,” Pitts said. “But that’s a story that will be unfolding.”

Angel Mapp, whose son was being held at the Rice Street facility, described crowded and unsanitary conditions inside.

“They were laying down like sardines in a can,” Mapp said. “Really bad. Bedbugs. And no room to even move, you know, like shoulder to shoulder with the other inmates.”

When told about the proposed purchase, Mapp said, “I think it’s great.” She also said she believes many detainees need treatment for mental health conditions.

Women detained by Fulton County are already being housed at the Atlanta City Detention Center and may remain there after the sale. Pitts also said most people held in the county jail are Atlanta residents, which is one reason he believes the purchase benefits both governments.

The city and county must still settle the remaining terms of the agreement. A working group that includes Atlanta Chief Operating Officer Dick Anderson, financial and legal officials, and the Fulton County sheriff is scheduled to meet Wednesday.

Officials are working against a Dec. 8 deadline, when Fulton County’s current lease for space at the city detention center expires.

Pitts has described the purchase as a goal nearly 20 years in the making. Previous attempts to reach an agreement stalled during the administrations of former Atlanta mayors Shirley Franklin, Kasim Reed and Keisha Lance Bottoms.

In the city’s earlier counteroffer, Dickens asked Fulton County to preserve enough space for people arrested on municipal charges, maintain intake and administrative operations and give Atlanta the first opportunity to buy the property if the county later sells it. Pitts said the county would discuss those conditions, with some limitations.

Atlanta initially sought $80 million for the facility, citing an independent appraisal that valued the property at approximately $144.6 million.

The sale still requires final agreements and government approval before it can close.

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Colorado judge orders bond increased to $10 million for Barry Morphew after arrest

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Jennifer McRae

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    BOULDER COUNTY, Colorado (KCNC) — A Colorado judge ordered an increase in bond for murder suspect Barry Morphew on Tuesday after he was arrested by Boulder County Sheriff’s deputies last week. Morphew’s bond was increased from $3 million to $10 million cash only.

In court, the judge said that she decided to modify Morphew’s bond because of his “capacity to commit new offenses while on bond.”

She said that Morphew’s actions made it clear that he didn’t have any “respect for the court” and that “he isn’t going to comply with it if it is inconvenient to the lifestyle he wishes to live while out on bond.”

Morphew was arrested Sept. 3 in unincorporated Boulder County on an Alamosa County warrant for failure to comply. The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office said deputies located and arrested him at approximately 9:11 p.m. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Boulder County Jail.

The arrest came just hours after prosecutors filed a verified application asking the court to issue a warrant and modify Morphew’s bond.

In an order signed Sept. 3, the judge granted that request, writing that a bench warrant should issue and setting bond at $3 million cash only with nationwide extradition. The order also set a bond hearing for Sept. 8 where Morphew appeared in person, in chains and wearing a white and orange striped shirt and pants. The judge increased his bond to $10 million cash only.

After the hearing, Morphew was escorted out of the courtroom by deputies.

In their filing, prosecutors said GPS monitoring data showed Morphew left his home under a work exception to his bond conditions on Aug. 26. Instead, prosecutors said the data showed Morphew drove to Denver International Airport. According to the filing, Morphew’s attorneys told prosecutors he does not work at the airport and said it was possible he had gone there to pick up his daughter. Prosecutors argued that regardless of the reason, the trip violated the terms of his release because he had only been authorized to leave home for work.

The filing described the airport trip as evidence of what prosecutors called an “extreme flight risk.”

Prosecutors also said video and GPS information provided by Morphew’s monitoring company showed him driving from his home to the airport around 10 a.m., arriving around 11:45 a.m. and then leaving the airport.

During Tuesday’s court hearing, it was announced that Morphew also visited a steakhouse, a Whole Foods and a liquor store while he was in Denver, according to his GPS data.

Prosecutors said he was later tracked near hotels and a mall before traveling to the area of East 8th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard in Denver.

That same area is where Morphew was involved in a hit-and-run incident first reported by CBS Colorado.

Video obtained by CBS Colorado showed a man later identified by the judge as Morphew after a collision near 8th and Colorado. The video showed the driver refusing to provide identification or insurance information, offering one of the drivers cash and later leaving the scene.

The newly filed court records now show prosecutors were reviewing his GPS data from that same day as they investigated whether he had violated the conditions of his release.

Morphew is awaiting trial on a charge of first-degree murder after deliberation in the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew. He has pleaded not guilty and has denied killing her.

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Girls Volleyball roundup: Santa Barbara sweeps DP again

KEYT on September 9, 2026

Mike Klan

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) –

Santa Barbara 3, Dos Pueblos 0: For the second time in less than two weeks the Dons sweep DP 25-11, 25-15, 25-23. Blake Saunders led the way with 12 kills and Lola Heckman added 11 kills as Santa Barbara improves to 8-6 on the season. Allie Bear had 6 kills for the 2-7 Chargers.

Bishop Diego 3, Nordhoff 2: Karina Urzua had 23 kills and 25 digs as the Cardinals pulled out the 5-set win over the Rangers 25-19, 20-25, 20-25, 25-16, 15-12. Bishop Diego is 10-3 on the year.

Laguna Blanca 3, Foothill Tech 1: Lauren Kenny led the way for the Owls with 14 kills and 15 digs in a four-set win 25-13, 21-25, 25-17, 25-17.

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U.S. Senator Jim Risch honors Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce for its 125th anniversary

KIFI on September 9, 2026

David Pace

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce is celebrating 125 years of supporting business and economic growth in southeast Idaho.

U.S. Senator Jim Risch, (R)-Idaho, visited Pocatello on September 8 to recognize the Chamber’s long history. 

“Chambers of Commerce around Idaho really do amazing things, and this Chamber is particularly well-known for its continuity and for the kind of service that it gives to the people who are members,” Risch said.

Risch met with Pocatello Mayor Mark Dahlquist, Chamber President Matt Hunter, leaders from the United Way of Southeastern Idaho and business representatives to congratulate the Chamber on its impactful work and historic anniversary.

The Chamber started as the Pocatello Commercial Club in 1893, and officially organized on December 10, 1901, to promote Pocatello as the “Gateway to the Northwest.”

“This Chamber really goes back to the beginning of this community when Idaho State University was created,” Hunter said.

He spoke of the Chamber’s ongoing contributions – including supporting new housing developments in Pocatello and Chubbuck, to address the critical need for residences in the area.

“We got a lot more housing being built in this community than we’ve had for a long time.” Hunter said. “… I have six kids that live here. Two of them own homes. The other four don’t, and they would like to. I want to keep my children here. So affordable housing is an important thing, not just to me, but to this whole community.”

The Chamber is also looking for a new tenant for the L.A. Semiconductor property andsupports the proposed A.I. data center project in town.

“We think we need it,” Hunter said. “We think it’s a good economic project, especially for where they’re planning to put it.”

Senator Risch presented the Chamber with a joint Congressional Record Statement he signed alongside U.S. Sen. Mike Crapo and U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson.

The Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce also honored Sam Nettinga as its first-ever Hall of Fame recipient in a separate ceremony Tuesday night.

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Long Beach FD evacuates 20 coastal homes amid high surf and powerful waves

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Matthew Rodriguez

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    LONG BEACH, California (KCAL, KCBS) — The Long Beach Fire Department issued evacuation orders for about 20 coastal homes after powerful waves compromised the seawall and damaged the boardwalk on Monday.

Firefighters said the mandatory orders apply to residents in the Seaside Walk community between 63rd and 67th Place. Firefighters said they’ve received reports of damaged and cracked concrete around several of the homes.

“These evacuation orders are in an abundance of caution while the building department evaluates the structural integrity and condition of these homes,” Long Beach FD wrote in a statement.

The powerful waves from Hurricane Marie battered Long Beach’s coastal communities throughout the weekend, with sand and water spilling into streets on Labor Day.

“I’ve never seen anything like it,” Long Beach resident Heidi Buehler said.

Buehler said the high surf continuously chipped away at the seawall next to her neighborhood, pushing sand and water into the street.

“It flooded pretty bad. The sand came in through our street and just kept coming and coming and coming,” Buehler said. “The water came up this high last night. And so, we put sandbags here. I sandbagged my neighbor’s garage as well.

The Long Beach FD said it is still filling and distributing sandbags to residents. Other city crews are working on storm mitigation efforts to protect homes and businesses, according to firefighters.

Evacuees can receive assistance from the Long Beach Health Department, and city buses will help residents connect to immediate shelters.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson’s office said the Peninsula is closed to non-residents until further notice.

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Evacuations ordered, oceanfront homes in Malibu red-tagged after driveways collapse due to coastal erosion

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Chelsea Hylton, Dean Fioresi

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    MALIBU, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Evacuation orders have been issued for more than 30 beachfront homes in Malibu after driveways collapsed due to coastal erosion Monday, leading to five homes being red-tagged.

SoCal Gas officials said around 5:57 a.m., crews were notified about damage to natural gas infrastructure on a private road in the 31600 block of Sea Level Drive, near Point Lechuza, due to a sinkhole.

Crews arrived on scene and discovered damage to a half-inch natural gas line. They safely stopped the flow of gas and are working on repairs. SoCal Gas said that residents and businesses in the area may notice a natural gas odor while repair work is ongoing.

City officials red-tagged the homes, which means that entry is prohibited. Officials added that the driveways collapsed “due to coastal erosion from the high tides and high surf.”

“The City is actively monitoring and responding to coastal erosion issues in areas including Pacific Coast Highway in the Palisades Fire burn area and at Westward Beach due to strong waves and high tides, in close collaboration with partner agencies,” Malibu officials said in a statement.

On Tuesday night, city leaders announced a local emergency due to the sinkhole and ordered that more than 31 properties along Sea Level Drive be evacuated. All residents living in the impacted area were advised to evacuate by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department officials.

“Authorities warn that these conditions are likely to worsen with forecasted high tides and rain caused by Hurricane Marie,” Malibu’s updated statement said.

A temporary American Red Cross shelter was established for evacuees at Malibu High School, located at 30215 Morning View Drive.

Aerial footage of the driveways showed beachfront homes that were affected by the damage. A large hole could be seen in place of where the driveways would be located.

Customers should call 1-800-427-2200 if they experience a service disruption or suspect there is a natural gas leak.

This incident comes after several homes in Long Beach were evacuated after high surf and power waves compromised the seawall and damaged the boardwalk.

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Kansas City-area firefighters climb 110 stories to honor 343 FDNY members lost on 9/11

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Alan Shope

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    KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KMBC) — Firefighters from Kansas City and across the nation climbed 110 stories on Sunday in full gear to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who lost their lives in the September 11 attacks.

“It’s unbelievable, it’s an honor,” said Lenexa firefighter Kevin Sellers. “To be able to finish what they started, to be able to persevere even though you’re tired, to remember what they did and how they were tired yet they just continued to do what they were called to do.”

The event, now in its 16th year, brought together 343 Kansas City area firefighters to climb the equivalent of 110 floors, the height of the World Trade Center towers.

Participants carried more than 80 pounds of gear as they ascended the hot stairwells, step after step.

“It weighs heavy on our firefighters who are climbing,” said Kevin Joles, public information officer for the Kansas City Stair Climb. “Obviously, they know why they’re climbing. As you’ll see in the stairwell, there are pictures of the fallen that are hung up on every story, so they have motivation as they climb.”

The climb involved walking 34 floors three consecutive times, followed by an additional eight floors to reach the symbolic 110 stories.

At the top, participants had the opportunity to ring a bell in remembrance.

“That was the most intense physical workout you’ll ever experience,” said Capt. David Little of the Lenexa Fire Department.

Joles highlighted the significance of the event.

“Our motto is to never forget, and the only way to never forget is to continue to come back every year,” he said.

The climb also served as a fundraiser for the Spouses and Family Endowment Fund, which supports the families of fallen firefighters.

Family and friends were encouraged to attend and cheer on the participants as they completed the tribute.

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First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines marks 175 years of history and faith

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Todd Magel

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    JOHNSTON, Iowa (KCCI) — The First Baptist Church of Greater Des Moines is celebrating 175 years, marking its historic journey since its founding in 1851 by early settlers at Fort Des Moines.

“To celebrate 175 years is to celebrate God’s faithfulness to us,” Pastor Paul Scaringi said.

The church was established just a few years after Iowa became a state, growing alongside the city of Des Moines.

“We really grew up with the state of Iowa, and certainly with the city of Des Moines. Des Moines became the capital shortly after we began worship,” said Patty Trump, a member of the church council.

“We’ve been walking with God all these years and staying faithful to him,” said Mary Kaye Smith, a longtime church member.

Smith and Trump, who have attended First Baptist since they were babies, are proud to celebrate the milestone. They credit the church’s first pastor, John Nash, for his dedication to the congregation and its mission.

“John Nash was our first pastor. What it must have been like for him. And if we could somehow transport him to this moment and to see his life, the life he gave to Christ and to minister here, to come to the territories and where we are today, it’s an amazing, it’s a humbling thing to be able to be a part of that,” Scaringi said.

Over the years, the church has moved several times, starting downtown at 8th and Mulberry, then 8th and Locust, and later two churches at 8th and High. In 2002, the congregation built its current location in Johnston, featuring a distinctive spire.

“We want it to look like a church that is a beacon to the whole community. And you can see it as you approach the church from all directions,” Trump said.

Members emphasize that First Baptist is more than just a building—it’s the people who make it special.

“It’s like family having this church and, you know, like our own family, and having that support and that love and having the same values as others in our church. I just feel that’s so important. And to know each other, have that history together,” Smith said.

Like many churches in Iowa, First Baptist has faced challenges with shrinking membership in the 21st century. However, members remain focused on their faith and the present.

“It’s painful to think that someday this church might not be here. But that’s not for us. For us, it’s focusing on God with us here and now. And if that’s the case, and if we are attentive to that, I believe we have a bright future,” Scaringi said.

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