Westbound Austin Bluffs Parkway closures to take place this weekend in Colorado Springs

KRDO on September 24, 2026

Abby Smith

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) — Colorado Springs Utilities (CSU) alerts drivers to upcoming traffic impacts along a mile of Austin Bluffs Parkway as work continues on the Central Bluffs Substation project.

CSU says starting at 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, through Monday, Sept. 28, at 6 p.m., all westbound lanes of Austin Bluffs Parkway between Meadowland Boulevard and Union Boulevard will be closed.

Courtesy of Colorado Springs Utilities

Lee Pelton, CSU’s project manager, says the four-day closure is necessary because of challenges crews face while installing underground infrastructure for the new substation.

“Power lines and fiber optic cables,” he explained. “Because of sandy soil and vibrations from constant heavy traffic, some of the trenches for that infrastructure are collapsing before we can install the lines and cables. The contractor has to dig them over and over again.”

Pelton says the easiest and safest solution is to temporarily close the entire affected parkway segment, rather than lane by lane, as has happened with most closures during construction.

Officials say that eastbound traffic will remain open throughout the closure, and all lanes are expected to reopen Monday evening.

However, Pelton also says that similar work is also happening on the east side of the parkway in that area, with the right lane closed there.

The only business that stands to be directly affected is a storage rental business; the property manager said that she wasn’t aware of the closure, and worries about the impact on customers.

CSU advises the following detour route:

Turn right onto Meadowland Boulevard, left onto North Academy Boulevard, left onto North Union Boulevard, then right onto Austin Bluffs Parkway.

The substation project will combine two existing substations and a switch station into one modern facility, improving the electric grid. For more information, click here.

CSU expects to finish most of the substation construction by the end of the year, but some traffic impacts will continue into next year.

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Ed Sheeran ticket refunds available for Gillette concerts after Massachusetts attorney general steps in

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Neal Riley

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    BOSTON (WBZ) — Anyone with tickets for Ed Sheeran’s Gillette Stadium concerts can get a refund after Macklemore and other opening acts were dropped from the “Loop Tour,” the Massachusetts attorney general said Thursday, but they have to act fast.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell said dozens of people reached out to her office to complain that they couldn’t get a refund for Friday and Saturday’s shows, which won’t be as long now due to the lack of openers.

“After hearing from nearly 200 consumers who were struggling to obtain refunds from Ticketmaster for Ed Sheeran’s shows at Gillette Stadium this weekend, my office jumped into action to demand that consumers be provided a clear path to get their money back if they no longer want to attend due to significant changes to the lineup,” Campbell said in a statement.

The attorney general said she sent a letter to Ticketmaster “demanding” that the company make an exception to its policy that usually allows artists to cancel or change their opening acts without having to provide a refund to concertgoers.

Campbell said she told Ticketmaster that “unfair or deceptive acts and practices in commercial activities violate the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act.”

“In this case, changing nearly all of the acts and performers at the same time constitutes such a dramatic change in the service that Ticketmaster’s reliance on the purchase policy appears unfair,” the letter stated.

Campbell said anyone who wants a refund can call Ticketmaster customer service at 1-800-653-8000 or follow instructions on their website. Refunds have to be requested at least 24 hours before the show starts, according to Ticketmaster. Ticket prices for the Sheeran concerts have “fallen way off” amid the Macklemore controversy, one reseller said. Floor seats are selling for under $150, according to Ticketmaster.

Macklemore was dropped from the tour after saying “Free Palestine” onstage at a New Jersey concert earlier this month. Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft called Sheeran and said Macklemore wouldn’t be allowed to perform, saying that he has a “broader history of antisemitic rhetoric.” The other two opening acts for Gillette and Sheeran’s backing band also pulled out of the tour after Macklemore was dropped.

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.

16 hurt after stolen vehicle collides with MTA bus in East Baltimore, authorities say

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Renee Anderson

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    BALTIMORE (WJZ) — More than a dozen people are being treated for injuries following an MTA bus crash involving a stolen vehicle in East Baltimore, according to authorities on the scene.

The crash was reported around 12:45 p.m. Thursday at the intersection of East Oliver and N. Wolfe streets. Photos from the scene, which is located in a school zone near Collington Square Park, showed the MTA Gold Route bus off the roadway in a grassy area and a red Hyundai Elentra with extensive damage.

Baltimore Fire Chief James Wallace said 16 people were hurt, including 12 people on board the bus. He said the majority of the injuries were minor, but several people suffered critical and serious injuries.

Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley confirmed the other vehicle involved had been reported stolen, and there were four juveniles inside.

“Officers received an alert for a stolen vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle fled from officers. Officers called for Foxtrot to assist,” Worley told reporters on the scene. “Shortly afterward, officers observed the vehicle collide with an MTA bus at this intersection.”

The fire chief said they believe 12 people were on board the bus at the time, including the driver who was alert and talking.

“All but one self-extricated from the bus, and they were actually sitting outside when we arrived here,” said Wallace.

The four juveniles were also among the 16 victims taken to area hospitals, including two in critical condition, Worley said.

Asked whether he was concerned the crash involved juveniles, the commissioner responded, “I’m always concerned when everything involves juveniles, but we keep locking them up, and they keep ending up getting out.”

Investigators are now working to review video from the scene, including from on board the bus.

Tara Lynch contributed to this report.

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CPS health science high school to open as soon as next school year

KMIZ on September 24, 2026

Jazsmin Halliburton

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Columbia Board of Education held a work session Thursday morning to discuss lottery school updates and the potential addition of a “health science high school.”

According to the meeting agenda, lottery schools are specialized schools that admit students through a random drawing. CPS lottery schools feature specialized instruction areas such as STEM, STEAM, multi-grade learning, health care, art and agriculture.

Ridgeway Elementary was the first CPS lottery school, introduced in 2012. CPS has since added Benton, Locust, Jefferson and Two Mile Prairie.

In Thursday’s Lottery School Update, the board discussed the health science high school that would collaborate with MU Health. Starting in ninth grade, students would work with MU Health, take classes in clinic settings, and focus on learning about health care experiences. Learning opportunities would also include an introduction to health care pathways, simulation labs, and hands-on learning, including internships in their junior and senior years.

The school could open as soon as the 2027-2028 school year.

CPS board member Dr. Helen Porter told ABC 17 News that there are classes at the Career Center, especially for Certified Nursing Assistants, but they are always full. we kind of recognized that we had an opportunity here to get more students in those classes. “[Students] were obviously wanting them,” said Porter. “There’s a waitlist to get in. And so what a great opportunity for us to a help our students find that very profitable career.”

Porter also said that MU Health can benefit from the partnership by recruiting students, giving them an employment opportunity.

“This isn’t necessarily for kids who want to be doctors or nurses,” Porter said. “Of course, we value those careers, but these are for very technical, skilled, and certified members who want to be phlebotomist or, pharmacy techs, or CNAs. And so it’s that level of employment that health care is really struggling to fill right now. And I think all hospitals are.”

The health science high school is in phase two of planning, using surveys and focus groups with eighth-grade students and parents. When surveys with parents, students and staff are complete, applications to the lottery school will be open.

The school’s location has not yet been announced.

West Middle School was announced as the next CPS lottery school to become a fine arts academy starting the 2027-2028 school year.

“They are really set up well to be a strong fine arts middle school,” Porter told ABC 17 News. “They’ll still have all of the regular curriculum, just like we have at Jefferson [Middle School]. But that opportunity for students and families to really embark in a fine arts journey or career is going to be there.”

CPS hopes to have applications for West Middle School available by the end of October.

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Allies in Hope CEO Jeffrey Campbell Carries Houston’s Voice to National Stage as HIV Funding Cuts Hit Home

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    September 24, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — ANAHEIM, Calif. — Houston’s voice traveled loudly and clearly to California during the 2026 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS, but for Allies in Hope CEO William “Jeffrey” Campbell, this year’s gathering carried an urgency extending far beyond speeches, workshops and celebration.

The September 17–20 conference, hosted by NMAC at the Hilton Anaheim, marked the 30th anniversary of USCHA and 45 years since the beginning of the recognized U.S. HIV/AIDS epidemic. Under the theme “United and Unbreakable: The HIV Movement at 45,” more than 2,000 health professionals, advocates, community leaders and people living with HIV gathered to examine the future of prevention, treatment, health equity and community-based care.

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Yet one subject followed Campbell through conversations across the conference: funding.

Allies in Hope is among 96 community-based organizations affected by the expiration of the CDC’s Comprehensive High-Impact HIV Prevention Programs for Community-Based Organizations grant program, PS21-2102. National analyses have found that the program has supported HIV testing, prevention education, PrEP navigation, linkage to care and other frontline prevention services.

For Houston, Campbell says the consequences are tangible.

“Our CDC funding will end Wednesday, September 30, 2026, reducing our prevention budget by $440,000,” Campbell said. “That loss negatively impacts the number of people we can provide HIV education, testing and other relevant services to.”

And Allies in Hope is not alone.

Campbell said at least two other Houston-area organizations will also see funding end September 30, while another local agency faces a similar impact in March 2027.

“This loss was one of the main conversations that floated into so many conversations at USCHA,” Campbell said.

That concern reflects a larger national transition. The direct CDC funding program supported 96 organizations, while federal HIV-prevention resources are instead being directed through state and local health departments, which can partner or subcontract with community organizations. KFF has cautioned that the new funding structure may not fully replace the resources previously reaching CBOs directly.

For Allies in Hope, the stakes can be measured in people.

The organization — founded in 1982 as AIDS Foundation Houston and recognized as Texas’ first AIDS service organization — now reports serving more than 6,000 community members. Its work includes HIV and STI testing, PrEP, rapid-start treatment, prevention education, housing assistance, food support and community outreach.

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Against that backdrop, Campbell’s words at USCHA carried additional weight: “Solidarity fosters justice.” “Authenticity is a healer.”

Those are more than conference-ready phrases. They speak to why community organizations matter. HIV prevention succeeds not simply because services exist, but because people trust the organizations delivering them.

For Houston Style Magazine, a proud partner of Allies in Hope, Campbell’s presence on the national stage demonstrated both Houston’s leadership and the challenge ahead.

USCHA’s message was United and Unbreakable. For Allies in Hope, that message now becomes a mission: preserve access, protect trusted community connections and continue ensuring that prevention, education and hope remain within reach for Houstonians who need them. Official 2026 Conference on HIV/AIDS: 2026 U.S. Conference on HIV/AIDS — NMAC.

Learn more about Allies In Hope: Allies in Hope.

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Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
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World War II landing ship brings living history to Tennessee through Sept. 29

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Kim Rafferty

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    HENDERSONVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) — A World War II-era landing ship is docked at Sanders Ferry Park on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, giving visitors a rare chance to walk the same decks used by troops and tanks more than 80 years ago.

LST-325 is not a replica. The ship was built during World War II to carry troops, vehicles and tanks directly onto the battlefield. It is open to visitors through Sept. 29.

One of the ship’s most striking features is its front ramp, which once deployed 20 Sherman tanks onto beaches during the war.

Ken Rupp, the ship’s cruise director, says the ship is over eighty years old.

“And you’re literally walking up the same ramp those 20 Sherman tanks came down. It takes you right back to the beaches of Normandy,” said Rupp.

For veterans and their families, the experience carries a deeper meaning.

“Oh, it’s a terrific experience. The veterans get the chance to re-experience some of the things that they did, but they also get the chance to share it with their family and friends,” said Rupp. The crew that operates the ship said the public’s response has been rewarding.

LST-325 spent decades in military service before a group of former sailors worked to bring it back to the United States and turn it into a floating museum. Getting the ship back required negotiating with the Greek government and an act of Congress.

“They got with the Greek government. Yeah, come and get one. It’s all yours. So that’s great. Oh, but we had to talk to Congress first. So it literally took an act of Congress to allow this navy ship to come back to the US,” Rupp said.

Perhaps the most sobering reminder of the ship’s history is found below deck.

“And the real awe moment is when you walk down to troop berthing and you just see the rows of bunks that would have been filled with either Marines, Army.”

LST-325 is docked at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville through Sept. 29.

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Fire breaks out at Jungle Exotic Pets on Highway 49

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Tiara Leflore

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    FLORENCE, Miss. (WAPT) — A fire broke out around midnight Thursday at Jungle Exotic Pets on Highway 49 South.

The store described itself as the largest pet store in Mississippi. It offers freshwater fish, reptiles, small animals, birds and other exotic animals.

It was not immediately known whether any animals were inside the building when the fire started, or whether anyone was hurt.

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.

Stockton teacher accused of having more than 65K images of child sexual abuse material, CHP says

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Jonathan Ayestas, Peyton Headlee

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    STOCKTON, Calif. (KCRA) — A Stockton high school culinary arts teacher is accused of having more than 65,000 images of child sexual abuse material, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Nickolas Turpen-Arends, 40, was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on charges related to possession of child sexual abuse material, CHP said. He has since been released on $20,000 bail with a promise to appear in court.

“Our computer crimes investigators are essential to protecting innocent victims and ensuring offenders are held accountable,” CHP Capt. Melissa Kittell said in a news release. “I am proud of the tireless effort and dedication invested in this investigation, which ultimately resulted in the suspect’s identification and arrest.”

The agency said it had been investigating an IP address for months before arresting Turpen-Arends at his Stockton home. A photo shared by CHP shows part of the response in taking Turpen-Arends into custody involved CHP’s Special Weapons and Tactics team.

CHP said a preliminary forensic examination of a desktop computer led investigators to find child sexual abuse material.

Turpen-Arends was a culinary arts teacher for Lincoln High School, CHP said. School administrators are aware and cooperating with the investigation.

The Lincoln Unified School District confirmed Turpen-Arends is on leave and was in his second year of employment at the high school.

“To date, the District is not aware of any allegation and has no information suggesting that any District student is involved,” Lincoln Unified said. “Since this is a confidential personnel matter and the investigation is ongoing, the District is unable to comment further at this time.”

KCRA 3 spoke with a Lincoln High School graduate who said she used to go to Turpen-Arends’ classroom every day for lunch with her girlfriend and other students. She said everyone referred to him as ‘Chef T.’

She said she was shocked to hear about the arrest.

“He was always really friendly. I feel like this just kind of came out of left field,” Ava Koster said. “A lot of students were very drawn to him, I feel, and he was very open to talking with them. I don’t know how much that tells you about him or what it doesn’t, but it’s really alarming that he was able to get into the school, you know?”

CHP said investigators are now conducting a more thorough search through the computer. The agency is asking anyone with information related to this case to call 1-800-835-5247.

KCRA 3 also confirmed that Turpen-Arends served in the U.S. Navy from 2005 through his retirement on Jan. 3, 2022. He was a chief culinary specialist, records showed.

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Residents forced to vacate Milwaukee apartment buildings after electrical systems tampered with

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Taylor Lang, Maddie Augustine

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    MILWAUKEE (WISN) — Residents of two apartment buildings in Milwaukee are being forced to leave after city officials determined their interiors were in disrepair.

Residents told 12 News they were given 30 minutes to vacate the buildings at 2319 W. Michigan St. and 2327 W. Michigan St. because of fire hazards.

On Wednesday, Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services said the buildings have “life safety issues” and a placard had been issued for both, meaning both are now temporarily shut down.

DNS told 12 News on Wednesday the electrical system in both buildings had been tampered with, both buildings’ fire systems are defective and fire doors were blocked inside the building.

“In situations where there is a placard, there will be an emergency order, but with the severity of this issue and a clear and present danger it presents to life safety, we had to escalate,” Jeremy McGovern, with DNS, said. “In a situation like this, it could ignite, there could be a fire. And also with the way this building is structured, the way they blocked some of the fire doors, you know, what we want to prevent are fatalities or people being injured.”

City records also describe the issue as “Interior of Building in Disrepair.”

The open residential enforcement case states that water enters the building when it rains and that the floors are rotting. The complaint also alleges problems with roaches and rats.

A resident sent a message they received from Smart Asset Management to 12 News.

“Attention Tenants, the DNS is currently at the property investigating and collecting information; it appears that they have made the decision to shut down the building. We do not have any further information at the moment, however we will be reaching out this afternoon hopefully on when you can return to gather belongings. We understand the difficulty of the situation, please utilize community resources and family members for placement. We will be in touch.”

The buildings are owned by Sam Stair, according to information provided by city officials. Smart Assett Realty, a third party property manager, is overseeing the property.

DNS told 12 News the property owner is responsible for fixing the issues, so there is no exact timeline for when residents could potentially be back in their homes.

DNS said 40 units were occupied and evacuated. Community advocates were on site Wednesday to help displaced residents, but many told 12 News they are still unsure where they will be able to go.

“It’s in a rough area, but this was my home. My house where I paid the bills. I could come home, relax. Wind down now. Just nowhere to go. Have to find somewhere in such a short notice. Might have to stay at a shelter hotel tonight,” Zakira, a displaced resident said.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

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Kansas City mother sentenced to 13 years in prison in death of 1-month-old daughter

CNN Newsource on September 24, 2026

By Nick Sloan

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    KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KMBC) — A Kansas City mother will spend 13 years in prison after pleading guilty in the 2024 death of her 1-month-old daughter.

Mariah Thomas pleaded guilty Tuesday to first-degree endangering the welfare of a child resulting in death.

A Jackson County judge sentenced her to 13 years in prison, with credit for time she has already served.

The case goes back to February 2024.

Kansas City police were called to a home near 41st Street and Forest Avenue after getting a report of a baby who wasn’t breathing.

Emergency crews tried to save the 1-month-old girl, but she died at the scene.

Court documents filed at the time said Thomas told family members she was putting her daughter down for a nap and accidentally put the baby in the oven instead of her crib.

As part of Tuesday’s plea agreement, the murder charged against her was dropped.

Thomas will now be transferred to the Missouri Department of Corrections to serve her sentence.

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.