‘It’s a sign of hope’: Enid issues first rebuild permit five months after EF-4 tornado

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Patrick Talbot

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    ENID, Okla. (KOCO) — Five months after an EF-4 tornado destroyed homes and left Enid with a massive cleanup, the city has issued its first rebuild permit for the Gray Ridge neighborhood.

Angie Blevins, a general contractor for Blevins and Co., is helping rebuild a home for a family affected by the tornado.

“Part of what happened with the permit, why we made the post, is it’s a sign of hope. It’s a sign of, OK, here, this is going to be OK. It brought life back to the community in a positive way of we’re moving forward,” Blevins said.

She explained that the process to reach this point has taken five months, beginning with homeowners trying to figure out their next steps after losing almost everything.

“They’re like, where do we even go from here? What do we even do? A lot of it was just sitting and listening, you know, that was early on. You know, and we started building, you know what? What do you want in your home? What do you see? How do you see your home looking like and those type of things?” Blevins said.

The city of Enid has worked to help homeowners save their insurance money for rebuilding efforts.

“One of the reasons it took a while to actually get permits was the city went ahead and worked with one of our local businesses to actually take out all the concrete footings that were in there so that the people that own those properties didn’t have to use any of their insurance money towards that, and they could put it towards building,” Mayor David Mason said.

Mason added that more permits are expected to be issued soon.

“So, we’re excited. It’s starting to happen now, and we need the housing. We need places for people to go. So, we’re excited about it,” Mason said.

The tornado’s destruction prompted an outpouring of support from churches, businesses, Vance Air Force Base and people across the state. Mason said that 41 counties responded to calls for help in the aftermath.

“Now, five months later, that same community spirit is helping Enid move forward,” Mason said. “When you live out rural Oklahoma, you take care of your neighbors, and that’s what we did. That’s what we’ll do in the future.”

The goal is to transform the empty lots back into homes. Both Blevins and Mason said they were optimistic about the future of the area.

“This will be a wonderful place again, and not just because of the houses, but because of the families that want to live here,” Mason said.

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Ole Miss students react to deaths of two classmates

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Nicholas Brooks

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    UNIVERSITY, Miss. (WAPT) — Ole Miss students are mourning the deaths of two students who were found dead in separate locations in Oxford.

The students were 18 and 20 years old. One was found on campus, while the other was found off campus.

Lafayette County Metro Narcotics says packaged kratom sold at a retail store was found near both bodies. Investigators have not confirmed that kratom caused or contributed to either death.

For students, the deaths are hitting close to home.

Raven Tunstall, an Ole Miss student, said the news was especially shocking after a busy weekend on campus.

“So I think for us the big shock was that it was such a big weekend and everybody was celebrating and we didn’t think to come back to like such sad news of losing two classmates.”

Tunstall said the deaths are a reminder that students have their whole lives ahead of them.

“We have so much life ahead of us. You know, college is supposed to be where we grow and make new experiences. It’s not supposed to be where our lives end.”

What is kratom?

Kratom is a plant-based substance that can have stimulant and opioid-like effects. Its legal status and regulation vary by location.

Rankin County Sheriff’s Investigator Tyler Burrell said his agency has encountered kratom during searches of convenience stores.

Burrell warned that consumers may not know exactly what they are getting because kratom products are not FDA-approved.

“It’s a very, very dangerous drug, and if I can say so, it’s not being FDA regulated, then you really don’t know what you’re getting.”

Burrell said Rankin County has taken action because of concerns about the substance.

“We have banned it because of the fact that it poses great, great danger to our residents.”

Rankin County has an ordinance banning the possession, sale and distribution of kratom.

Meanwhile, investigators continue working to determine what happened in the deaths of the two Ole Miss students.

The identities of the students have not been released. Autopsies are being scheduled.

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Effingham County teen defies the odds and builds a legacy

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Frank Sulkowski

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    EFFINGHAM COUNTY, Ga. (WJCL) — Effingham County High School senior Sam Wimberly, born with a severe congenital heart defect, is leaving a lasting legacy by building benches for his school’s marching band as part of his Eagle Scout project.

With each stroke of paint, Wimberly is putting the finishing touches on his contribution to Effingham County High School.

“Feels great,” said Sam. “I get to leave part of me behind in a band that’s changed me forever.”

The senior constructed more than a dozen benches, each featuring the Effingham County Rebel Regiment logo. These benches are a gift to the school and the band program that provided him with a sense of belonging.

“The fact that he loves this program that much and is willing to go through all that effort to give back, this says a ton about his character,” said Will Alford, ECHS Director of Bands. “I hope it’s inspiring for all those who are considering coming and joining this team.”

The project was inspired by a challenge Wimberly knows well. Born with a complex congenital heart defect, he essentially has only half a functioning heart. He has undergone two open-heart surgeries, and even routine physical activity can be exhausting.

Despite these challenges, Wimberly has marched with the band, carrying and playing the tuba. On difficult days, he had no place to recover except the grass beside the practice field.

“It’s been hard. I lose my breath easily, and having a place to rest will make it easier for me,” said Sam. “Should make it considerably easier for next generations to come.”

Now, future band members who need a break will have a place to sit.

“You know, when we found out we were pregnant with him, we were told he wouldn’t make it to the age of three,” said Kathy Wimberly, Sam’s mom. “We learned to appreciate, and be proud of the small things in life. So big things like marching in the band for four years, being an honor student, making these benches, and making Eagle Scout – we’re very, very proud of Sam.”

The benches are a testament to Wimberly’s determination and understanding of the importance of rest.

“He’s fought through everything the past four years when it’s 95 degrees outside and, you know, sweating his backside off, and he just works hard,” said Alford. “It’s hot out here in August and September, and having a cool place to sit goes a long way.”

Wimberly’s family said they have been supported by the community and organizations such as Make-A-Wish. In 2017, the foundation granted Wimberly’s wish for a family trip to Disney World. Since then, the Wimberly family has worked to give back to the organization that supported them.

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Baby bird stolen from Greenacres pet store, may not survive without proper care

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Ari Hait

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    GREENACRES, Fla. (WPBF) — A baby sun conure and a snake were stolen from Mark’s Ark Pet Store in Greenacres on Tuesday afternoon, and the store owner is concerned the bird may not survive without proper care.

Mark Bullock, the store’s owner, said the theft happened around 12:20 p.m. “He turned around right here, lifted this up, picked up one of my $700 birds,” Bullock said. “Carried it down this aisle, around, outside.”

Surveillance footage shows the man walking out of the store with the bird in a cage. Bullock said the man returned about a minute later.

“Picked up a reptile tank that had a snake in it and stole it too,” Bullock said.

The stolen bird and snake are valued at approximately $800.

“Just angry that someone, you know, would just come in and blatantly steal what I work hard for,” Bullock said.

But Bullock said the concern is about more than just money.

The sun conure, only 13 weeks old, requires specialized care and a specific diet to survive.

Bullock questions whether the man who stole the bird will know how to care for the bird.

“They can’t survive like they are right now without being hand-fed by someone who knows how to hand-feed them. So, this bird most likely will starve to death,” Bullock said.

Anyone with information about the stolen bird is urged to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.

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Jefferson County nears end of sexual assault kit backlog, bringing justice to survivors

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Michal Higdon

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    JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WVTM) — Jefferson County is nearing the completion of a years-long effort to test thousands of untested sexual assault kits, some dating back to 1985, providing survivors with answers and holding offenders accountable.

Inside the Jefferson County office are thousands of sexual assault cases that survivors feared had been forgotten. Investigators say each rape kit represents more than evidence—it represents a person still waiting for justice. It’s a reason the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) was created.

“Lots of times they say that they just thought they were forgotten about.” Mikayla Spruill, a criminal analyst and SAKI supervisor, said. “They’re shocked to hear from us.”

In 2016, Jefferson County inventoried more than 4,000 untested sexual assault kits. Since then, investigators, prosecutors, crime lab scientists, and victim advocates have worked to address the backlog. Today, about 90% of those kits have been submitted for testing, resulting in over 1,000 DNA matches in the national CODIS database.

“There are 448 hits to serial offenders, 264 serial offenders that we’ve identified,” Spruill said.

These DNA matches are the beginning of investigations, not the end. Investigators must track down victims decades later, locate suspects, find medical records, and rebuild cases many thought were lost forever.

“We are a victim-centered program,” said Talena Phelps, an investigator with the District Attorney’s Office. “If they don’t want to move forward, we let them know that’s okay. There’s no statute of limitations. If you ever decide you’re ready, we’ll reopen the case.”

Not every survivor chooses to revisit their trauma. Some have never told their families what happened, others are elderly, and some simply want to move on. But for those who are ready, DNA evidence is giving them another chance.

One investigation exposed serial rapist Demetrius Rome, who preyed on women in Birmingham and metro Atlanta. Using DNA evidence, authorities linked him to approximately 14 victims. He later pleaded guilty and received decades-long prison sentences in both Alabama and Georgia.

“DNA doesn’t lie,” Phelps said.

Jefferson County District Attorney Danny Carr said these cases send a powerful message: time does not erase the possibility of justice.

“There is no statute of limitations,” Carr said. “We may not get you in year one. We may not get you in year ten. But we may get you in 20 or 30.”

Carr called SAKI a game changer, not only for survivors but also for public safety. Every DNA match that links a serial offender to another crime may prevent someone else from becoming a victim.

“When someone’s DNA shows up in several rape kits and you’re still out there, getting those people off the streets is important—not only to that survivor, but to everyone they may come across,” Carr said.

As the backlog nears completion, the focus is shifting to prevention.

“We’re almost done with the backlog,” Jess Tomlinson, SAKI Site Coordinator, said. “How do we prevent that from reoccurring? We hope to help with legislative advocacy.”

Tomlinson is pushing for Alabama to strengthen sexual assault laws and victim protections, including extending the current 72-hour window for collecting rape kits, a measure many other states have already adopted.

End the Backlog is tracking the progress of all 50 states in enacting laws and policies embracing six legislative pillars of comprehensive rape kit reform. These are criteria experts have determined are critical elements in eliminating the untested rape kit backlog once and for all.

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19 cars removed from Empire Towers garage in Glen Burnie after two months trapped

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Kim Dacey

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    GLEN BURNIE, Md. (WBAL) — Lawyers for Empire Towers confirmed that vehicles trapped in the parking garage since July are being removed, with 19 cars already moved out as of Tuesday afternoon.

“I’m hopeful that means there is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Emily Kneebone said.

Kneebone, who worked in the building, watched online as cars were removed Monday from the garage two months after they became trapped.

She was inside the building when it was evacuated in July after crews determined it had become structurally unsound during construction work. Since then, no one has been allowed back inside, and vehicles have remained inaccessible as crews work to stabilize the structure.

“It’s been extremely frustrating not having access to a vehicle regularly,” Kneebone said. “We’re a two-car household. We both commute to work, my husband and I both, so to borrow cars from other people or just being stranded and stuck has been extremely frustrating.”

Kneebone has been driving her parents’ car for months and expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the county and Empire Towers’ owners.

She said email updates have been infrequent, and her car remains blocked by shoring posts, meaning it won’t be removed anytime soon.

“I’d love to be able to get my vehicle back,” Kneebone said. “If there are any issues because it sat for so long, I hope they would cover that. Then I’d love to get all our stuff back from our office.”

The Maryland Insurance Administration recently announced a virtual information session Thursday for those affected, but Kneebone said her insurance company won’t cover any costs because her car isn’t damaged.

“I think the building’s insurance should be responsible,” Kneebone said. “Normally, when you’re in an auto accident—we do those at my work—if you’re in an auto accident, it’s the at-fault party that’s in charge of covering any type of thing.”

Lawyers for Empire Towers stated in their latest email to tenants that this phase of construction is expected to be completed in four weeks.

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Deaths of rescued belugas at Chicago Shedd Aquarium raise questions about Marineland conditions

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Sara Machi

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — The death of a fourth beluga whale, the third rescued from Marineland in Canada, at the Shedd Aquarium over the weekend has raised questions about just how medically fragile they were when they arrived in Chicago.

Of the four beluga whales that have died in the past month, three were rescued from Marineland and one was a longtime member of the Shedd beluga pod.

Visitors leaving the Shedd said they didn’t hear about the latest death, but animal advocates have.

“So the tragedy begins with the whole premise that these animals can survive and thrive in concrete tanks,” said Dr. Lori Marino, president of the Whale Sanctuary Project. “That’s really where we have to begin our conversation.

Animal advocates have been closely watching the transfer and outcomes of the whales that arrived from Marineland at all the facilities around the world, including the Shedd. They said it’s hard to know what kind of shape they were in ahead of the cross-country travel.

“We know very, very little. We… there was no transparency when it came to the health status of those beluga whales at Marineland.” Marino said.

In the June 25 letter to the American aquariums receiving the Marineland mammals, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration acknowledged, “the whales are health-compromised” and without relocation Marineland would cease medical care “and instead will euthanize these animals,”

Osiris was one of the first four belugas transferred from Marineland to the Shedd on July 21. Another four followed on Aug. 13.

Shedd staff announced Peekachu, a whale from the second group, had died less than two weeks later on Aug. 26.

More belugas would arrive just one day before staff announced Rain, also from the second transfer group, had died. So had long-time resident beluga Beethoven.

Concerns grew for Osiris as the Shedd announced she was receiving special treatment for dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance on Aug. 14.

On Aug. 16, authorities in Spain announced one of their own rescued belugas, Jelly Bean, had died.

Then Shedd announced Osiris had died one week after her health concerns had been announced.

The staff have indicated there is more cause for concern, as they are closely monitoring another of the transferred whales. In a blog post, Shedd staff wrote, “Like Osiris last week, Secord has not yet been consistently taking in the amount of food teams would like to see” and added they are offering different feeding approaches, different types of herring, and different habitats.

The Shedd’s veterinary and animal care teams also said they are performing necropsies, blood tests, and other medical exams on the deceased whales to determine cause of death. CBS News Chicago has asked for more information about those records.

In a statement sent to us after this story first aired, the Shedd wrote in part, “These losses do not get any easier, we are holding space to allow our teams to grieve and focus on the continued, constant care and careful monitoring of the rest of the beluga pod.”

They said they will continue to share updates on the pod on their blog, and said there have been no changes for Secord’s condition since their last update.

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Art Institute of Chicago to return painting taken from Jewish art collector during World War II

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By John Odenthal

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — The Art Institute of Chicago is returning a painting that was forcibly taken from a Jewish art collector during World War II.

The museum said new research confirmed that Jean Metzinger’s “Woman with a Fan” was part of a forced sale in Amsterdam after the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands.

The museum acquired the painting in 1959. Following a collaborative investigation with Mondex Corporation, the Art Institute determined the painting had belonged to Emanuel Lewenstein, a Jewish collector who died in 1930.

The museum said it will now return the painting to the Lewenstein family heirs.

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.

NW Indiana man jailed in Japan despite overturned sexual assault conviction breaks silence

CNN Newsource on September 23, 2026

By Megan De Mar

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A Northwest Indiana native trapped in a Japanese prison, caught in the cruelty of a judicial system that refuses to let him go, even after overturning his conviction, is breaking his silence.

Chris Payne, in his own handwriting, sent a letter to CBS News Chicago from his prison cell in Chiba, east of Tokyo.

“I am Japan’s best-kept dirty secret,” he wrote.

The Crown Point native, who moved to Japan more than a decade ago, has been held in solitary confinement for nearly five years. He was arrested for the 2018 sexual assault of a woman, which he has adamantly claimed from the beginning that he had nothing to do with.

Payne didn’t even fit the suspect description, but police claimed they had DNA evidence that tied him to the crime.

That evidence was heavily edited, manipulated and tested repeatedly, according to forensic DNA consultant Simon Ford with Lexigen Science and Law Consultants.

“What he did was he tested it over and over again, trying to hit the right value,” he said.

He said the DNA evidence would not have met admissibility standards here in the United States.

“I think that this evidence really should just be disregarded,” he said.

Chris’ conviction was overturned, but the court in Japan wouldn’t let him out of isolation while waiting for a new trial, which probably won’t come until sometime next spring.

Chris, in a letter to CBS News Chicago, wrote, “I have been fighting for my life in solitary confinement for almost five years because the implications of my innocence could shame a nation averse to shame.”

Chris’ mom, Ronda Payne, says she’s been in more torment than anyone and is fighting for answers from her home in Northwest Indiana.

“These people do not care and my concern is that America is just as quiet as Japan is,” she said.

And since Chris’ story was first covered, it has gained more traction.

Payne shared a statement from the Polish Institute of Human Rights and Media calling on Japan’s legal system to complete a “prompt, fair and transparent retrial” and to explain the massive DNA issues in this case.

Chris writes that prosecutors are reluctant to let him go because doing so could raise questions about other DNA cases handled by the forensic specialist involved in his case — a highly decorated scientist who has worked on more than 1,000 other cases.

“If you’re reading this, please, help me. I’m not sure how much I have left in me. Don’t let them keep me a secret,” he wrote.

Chris has been plagued with health problems in prison. In his letter, he wrote about unexplained chronic bleeding from his nose and mouth. His family has raised questions about whether he is getting proper medical treatment while he awaits trial.

The U.S. Department of State confirmed with CBS News Chicago that they are aware of Payne’s detention, has visited him several times and is providing consular assistance to him. They had no further comment.

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Neighborhood feud in Colorado takes an unusual turn as tank rolls into cul-de-sac during filming of HBO show

CNN on September 23, 2026

KCNC

By Jasmine Arenas

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — An armored vehicle rolled through a neighborhood in the Denver metro area during filming for an HBO reality show last week and at one point a neighbor came outside with a rifle. The incident happened on Friday in Arvada, and it led to a police response.

No one was hurt and no arrests have been made, according to Arvada police. The police department said it remains under investigation as officers work to determine what happened and whether anyone may be at fault.

The incident happened while crews were filming for the HBO show “Neighbors,” which is centered on real-life disputes between people who live close to one another. Police said the production or media company did not have a permit to film in the neighborhood, which is located on Lamar Drive near the intersection of 88th Avenue and Sheridan Boulevard.

Video from a landscaper with Refine Custom Landscaping captured the armored vehicle on video, and that video has been seen by many people on social media since.

Donald Larson lives in the neighborhood and said crews had been there for about a week before the tank-like vehicle rolled down the street. He knew filming was taking place but said he did not know an armored vehicle would be involved.

“When I seen a military tank coming around the corner, it gets your attention,” Larson said.

Mark Dias, who was riding on top of the armored vehicle with a megaphone, gave a different account.

“Everybody in that cul-de-sac knew that that tank was coming down the road,” Dias said. “It wasn’t a surprise to anybody.”

Dias said the production crew prepared people in the neighborhood before the vehicle arrived. He claims they even signed media releases, something police are working to confirm.

“They got everybody out on the porch. They got everybody miked up,” Dias said. “Then they called action and had us roll down the road.”

Dias said he did not arrange for the armored vehicle, rent it or drive it.

“I did not organize the tank. I did not rent the tank. I did not drive the tank,” Dias said.

Larson said Dias was using a bullhorn and making derogatory comments toward people in the neighborhood. Dias acknowledged using the megaphone and said at least some of his comments were part of the production.

“I’m over here cussing them out with a megaphone and they’re laughing, and they were laughing and I couldn’t even hold a straight face,” Dias said.

Both accounts describe the situation escalating when another neighbor came outside with a rifle.

Larson said the person felt threatened and retrieved the weapon while warning Dias not to come onto his property. Larson said the rifle was never pointed at anyone.

Dias described the appearance of the gun as the moment the situation became dangerous.

“There was no anger, there was no aggression, nobody’s life was in danger until that guy pulled a gun,” Dias said.

The confrontation came amid a years-long dispute involving Dias and other neighbors. That group includes his next-door neighbor Chris Hunnel and the neighborhood’s homeowners association, which is named after nearby Lake Arbor. Both Larson and Dias described tensions stretching back about a decade, though they offered sharply different accounts of what caused the conflict and who is responsible.

Hunnel told CBS Colorado he agreed to allow the production to film on his property but did not sign a media release. He said crews had been filming in the neighborhood before Friday’s confrontation, but that he was not told an armored vehicle would be brought into the cul-de-sac.

Dias disputes that account.

Hunnel said he had previously declined to participate in the show because of concerns about the existing tensions between the households. He believes the production ultimately made an already volatile situation worse.

Larson said some neighbors remain concerned and unsafe even after the production crews and armored vehicle left.

“We’re like, ‘What’s next?'” Larson said.

“Neighbors” is an A24-produced documentary series and there has been one season so far. HBO renewed it for a second season.

The city of Arvada’s website has a special section with instructions on how to apply for a film permit in the city.

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