Veteran who spent years homeless finds hope at Atlanta Veterans Village

CNN Newsource on December 29, 2025

By Nakell Williams

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — For nearly four years, Etoyi Ford woke up every day unsure where she would sleep that night. She lived in her car. She bounced between shelters. She parked at the far end of the lot before job interviews so that no one would see the blankets and belongings packed in the back seat. At 49, after a painful divorce, losing her job of 15 years, and surviving domestic violence, she found herself without a home and without hope.

Three weeks after moving into her new apartment at the Tunnel to Towers Atlanta Veterans Village, she said she stood in the middle of her living room and breathed — really breathed peacefully — for the first time in years. “I stood in the middle of the floor and cried. I thanked God. I kept saying, ‘This can’t be real.’ I finally feel safe.”

Etoyi Ford’s story reflects a national crisis, one that persists even amid progress. According to the latest United States Department of Veterans Affairs and United States Department of Housing and Urban Development data as of January 2024, roughly 32,882 veterans were experiencing homelessness nationwide.

In Atlanta alone, approximately 252 veterans were without stable housing. While both national and local numbers represent a decrease from the previous year, they underscore a painful reality: thousands of men and women who served the country still lack a safe place to live.

Etoyi Ford was one of them for nearly four years. She told us she remembers the exhaustion vividly. “I was mentally exhausted. I lost all hope. I felt alone, unsafe. I just kept telling myself, ‘You got this, girl. Keep going.'” She used the gym at her workplace to shower. She slept in her car until a security guard finally told her she couldn’t. “I was embarrassed. I didn’t want anyone to know I was homeless. But every day I kept pushing.”

Her life shifted when she connected with a Veterans Affairs representative at Fort McPherson, who referred her to a transitional home for veterans and domestic violence survivors. From there, she learned about the new Atlanta Veterans Village, a first-of-its-kind supportive housing development for Georgia veterans experiencing homelessness. She applied, gathered her documents, and waited. When the acceptance email arrived, she thought it was a scam. “I cried tears of joy.”

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, with support from partners like the Home Depot Foundation, transformed a former hotel into 88 fully furnished apartment homes exclusively for homeless veterans. For Etoyi Ford, the moment she walked in, everything changed. “I don’t have to worry about noise outside. I don’t have to worry about someone knocking on my window. I cook every day. I sleep in my own bed.”

Her unit came fully furnished with bedding, cookware, and furniture allowing her to focus on healing, not survival. Ford served 10 years in the U.S. Army, including a tour in Korea. Her military experience helped shape her resilience. “If I can make it through basic training, I can make it through anything.” After years of instability, she now works supporting veterans, domestic violence survivors, seniors, and individuals navigating mental health challenges.

She has four adult children and eight grandchildren. During her homelessness, she protected them from her struggle. “My fight was my fight. I didn’t want to put that weight on my kids.” Now, with a home, she says her relationships are stronger than ever.

Ford said she hopes her story reaches other veterans living through the same hardships she endured. “Don’t give up. Get up every day and keep going. There is help out there. Move a muscle, change a thought you got this.”

Ford said she is learning to be still, to rest, and to enjoy the peace she fought so hard to reclaim. “I look around and say, ‘Girl, this is home.’ You are going to be okay.”

In August 2025, the Tunnel to Towers Atlanta Veterans Village officially opened. It has 88 fully furnished units for local veterans. They also provide case management and onsite support including mental health services, financial management education, etc.

The Home Depot Foundation contributed more than $500,000 along with over 100 volunteers who helped transform the building. For veterans like Etoyi Ford, the place is more than shelter it’s a fresh start.

For more information about the Tunnel to Towers Foundation visit t2t.org.

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Driver leads law enforcement on high-speed chase through Southeast Michigan

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By Julia Avant

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    Michigan (WWJ) — A truck driver led multiple police units on a high-speed chase Saturday in Michigan, a pursuit all caught on security cameras.

“I made a joke to my husband, I said, ‘Look, this guy is running,'” said witness Lauren Henry.

But what happened in front of witnesses like Henry on the east side of the state was no joke.

“When I realized this truck had gone through a red light and the police were still pursuing, I said, ‘Oh my gosh, he’s actually running,'” said Henry.

The chase was caught on multiple security cameras along Gratiot Avenue.

One homeowner told CBS News Detroit he checked his Nest footage when he heard about the chase and found a silver truck with multiple police cars behind it.

Henry says that’s the same truck that was swerving in and out of traffic at the intersection of 23 Mile Road and Gratiot Avenue.

“The fender molding was flapping. Really luckily, nobody was injured, or another vehicle wasn’t hit or a pedestrian wasn’t hit, because it’s dangerous as it is,” said Henry.

It wasn’t until nine miles later that the reckless driver would be stopped in front of Jet’s Pizza in Richmond, Michigan.

Workers there gave CBS News Detroit the security footage, which shows the driver swerving into a Wendy’s to go back into traffic where he is hit and stopped by a police unit, and spun into a delivery truck. It was at that moment police had the truck surrounded and the pursuit appeared to be over.

Clinton Township is investigating the situation.

Police have yet to release information about the pursuit.

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Hospital security guard attacked by a patient on Christmas has died from her injuries, officials say

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By WCCO Staff

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    Minnesota (WCCO) — Police in Wyoming, Minnesota, said on Saturday that a hospital security guard, Andrea Merrell, who was involved in a confrontation on Christmas, has died due to injuries sustained from the incident.

Her death has shaken the first responder community. She was attacked, police say, by a patient while on duty at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center. According to the White Bear Lake Police Department, she was a reserve officer and a former member of the city’s fire department.

David Velasquez knew her as a dedicated state corrections officer and a dear friend.

“There wasn’t really anybody that couldn’t get along with Andrea,” Velasquez said.

He first met her around 20 years ago, he said, when she was dating his partner. Velasquez was a Minneapolis police officer at the time, a job he performed for about 17 years, maintaining his friendship with Merrell even when she and his partner went their separate ways.

He said he understands the call to perform a public service; it was a call that Merrell answered.

“She was passionate about the things that she wanted to achieve the things in life,” Velasquez said, “to have it cut short because she was giving herself to a greater cause is just kind of a true testament to her.”

Fairview said in a statement:

“We are heartbroken to confirm that our colleague, Andrea Merrell, has died as a result of injuries sustained when she was attacked while responding to a patient elopement in the parking lot at M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center. Andrea was a valued member of our security team, and our hearts are with her loved ones and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time. We are focused on supporting our teams and ensuring they have the resources they need. We continue to work with law enforcement as they investigate. Questions regarding the investigation should be directed to the Wyoming Police Department.”

An ER patient is accused of attacking Merrell inside the medical center on Christmas Day, leading to a confrontation with a police officer outside the facility.

Wyoming city officials say police were called to M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center just before 5:30 p.m. Thursday on a report of a patient who fled the emergency room after “being placed on hold.”

The patient, a 35-year-old man, is said to have assaulted a guard before fleeing. Merrell was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, about 30 miles south of Wyoming, before she ultimately died on Saturday.

“The suspect was non-compliant and physically resisted the officer during a prolonged engagement before being detained,” officials said in a news release. “No deadly force was used during this incident.”

The 35-year-old man is currently being held at the Chisago County jail. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is assisting police with their investigation.

Velasquez said that he will always remember Merrell as a “textbook” friend. In fact, he said that Merrell is to thank for a beloved member of his household, a cat named Steve that she rescued from the woods as a kitten.

“We have a constant reminder of her at home,” Velasquez said.

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Police officer’s gun discharges while arresting teen

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By Jessica Popowcer

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — The Civilian Office of Police Accountability was investigating Sunday after a shot was fired as a teenager struggled with a Chicago police officer who was trying to arrest him on the city’s Southwest Side.

Police said at 3:35 p.m. Saturday, a woman called 911 and said a man in a Chevrolet sport-utility vehicle pointed a gun at her during a quarrel.

Officers found a car that matched the woman’s description near 71st Street and Lawndale Avenue in the West Lawn neighborhood.

Police arrested the 17-year-old driver, one of multiple males in the car. Officers recovered a gun from the teen, police said.

During the arrest, a second 17-year-old boy, who was a passenger in the vehicle, ran off, police said. As officers tried to take the second teen into custody, a struggle ensued and the officer’s gun discharged while concealed in the officer’s clothing, police said.

No one was struck by the gunfire, and no injuries were reported, police said.

The second teen was arrested and taken to an area hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries, police said.

Charges were pending against the teens.

COPA and the police Investigative Response Team were investigating, as an officer’s gun discharged.

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.

1 man killed, 3 wounded in mass shooting in Chicago’s River North district

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By Asal Rezaei

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Chicago police on Sunday morning were investigating a deadly mass shooting in the city’s River North district.

The shooting happened at 2:35 a.m. in the 400 block of North LaSalle Drive, near Hubbard Street.

Police said the victims were getting into a car when four unidentified suspects approached them on foot, pulled out guns, and opened fire.

A 34-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds to his body and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where he died.

A 36-year-old man was shot in the chest, a 43-year-old man was shot in the back, and a 35-year-old man suffered multiple gunshot wounds throughout his body. All were taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition.

Police said the armed suspects then got into a car and drove away from the scene.

For most of the morning, police focused on a green Porsche, which was surrounded by evidence markers. No one was in custody.

Cook County Crime Stoppers announced Sunday that it is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the ass shooting.

“This was a brazen and violent act that took one life and left three others fighting for their lives,” Paul Rutherford, executive director of Cook County Crime Stoppers, said in a news release. “Someone knows who is responsible. Your information, no matter how small it may seem, could be the key to bringing justice to the victims and their families. We want the public to know that you can provide information anonymously and be eligible for a significant cash reward by calling 1-800-535-STOP or going online at CPDTIP.com.”

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Pilot, passenger escape unscathed after small plane crash

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By Christa Swanson

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    Colorado (KCNC) — Two people in Northern Colorado made a lucky escape after their small plane crashed into a field on Saturday morning.

According to the Hudson Fire Protection District, crews were called to the scene of the crash around 9:22 a.m. The small prop plane took off from Platte Valley Airpark, about three miles northwest of Hudson, and crash landed upside down in a field.

Surprisingly, both occupants were uninjured in the crash and managed to extricate themselves before firefighters arrived. In a social media post, HFPD expressed their relief, stating, “We are grateful for the positive outcome and thankful everyone involved is okay.”

The department said the crash is under further investigation by the Weld County Sheriff’s Office.

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Sideshow turns destructive in San Francisco’s Sunset District, leaving neighbors shaken

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By Da Lin

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — A predawn sideshow in San Francisco’s typically quiet Sunset District spiraled into chaos Saturday morning, leaving a rented U-Haul truck burned, a nearby vehicle damaged and neighbors angry over what they described as a delayed police response.

The sideshow erupted around 4:30 a.m. at two intersections just one block apart — Kirkham Street and the Lower Great Highway, and Kirkham Street and 48th Avenue — according to witnesses. Neighbors reported cars spinning donuts, fireworks being set off and gunfire echoing through the neighborhood.

The U-Haul moving truck was set on fire near the intersection of Kirkham Street and 48th Avenue. Todd Brown, who had rented the U-Haul, said the noise of the loud sideshow woke him from sleep and sounded more like a racetrack than a residential street. “They were revving up their motors,” Brown said.

The situation escalated when some spectators vandalized Brown’s truck, breaking the front windshield and opening the door. From inside his home, Brown watched as people set the vehicle on fire.

“They were actually setting off Roman candles inside the car,” Brown said. “Here’s one of the Roman candles, right here.”

Brown said some people in the crowd appeared to be armed, prompting him to stay inside and focus on keeping the flames from spreading to his house. “There were too many people, I didn’t even want them to know that it was mine,” he said. “I was afraid the house was going to catch on fire. It was bad.”

Frightened neighbors said they repeatedly called police as the scene grew more dangerous. Witnesses estimated there were at least 100 participants and spectators.

Perry Jackson said he heard gunshots during the chaos. “[One guy] just reached into his waistband and ‘pop, pop,’ started popping off shots,” Jackson said. “That’s when we went ahead and called the cops and, ‘hey, not only do we have a sideshow, but they’re popping off shots’.”

Neighbors also reported spectators jumping on top of a parked work van, damaging its roof and windshield.

Many residents expressed frustration that it took police at least 20 minutes to respond. Jackson said officers told neighbors they were overwhelmed. “They were outnumbered,” he said. “I asked [an officer]. And he said there was only two squad cars, and so they had to wait for backup.”

Newly appointed District 4 Supervisor Alan Wong met with neighbors Saturday afternoon to address concerns and discuss possible solutions. “There had been suggestions from some of the neighbors about a potential roundabout or different rubber speed bumps to provide some environmental preventions from this happening again,” Wong said. “Then there’s the response side of things, being able to encourage and ensure that we’re fully staffed up in the police department.”

The incident comes as the city steps up penalties for sideshows. Mayor Daniel Lurie recently signed legislation cosponsored by Wong that doubles fines for participating in sideshows from $500 to $1,000.

Some neighbors say tougher penalties alone won’t be enough.

“They need to hire more police like they’re keep saying they’re hiring more police, but it’s not happening quick enough,” said Tony Villa.

As for Brown, he said he was able to salvage only a few kitchen cabinets from the U-Haul, losing most of the cabinets and furniture inside. Jackson summed up the mood of many neighbors: “I’m bumped out. It’s a drag.”

San Francisco police said one person was detained in connection with setting the U-Haul on fire, and that person’s car was impounded. Officers said they are continuing to investigate and are working to identify additional participants involved in the sideshow.

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.

5 injured after boulder crashes onto Highway 18 near Big Bear Lake

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By Dean Fioresi

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    California (KCAL, KCBS) — Five people, including two children, were injured in a two-car crash that happened after a large boulder fell onto Highway 18 near Big Bear Lake on Friday night.

It happened at around 5:45 p.m. near mile marker 44, just west of the lake, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Firefighters said that the boulder triggered the two-car crash after it “cleaved from the mountainside and rolled onto the road.”

Four of the five victims were taken to the hospital for treatment, firefighters said. All injuries were considered to be minor.

The road was reopened a few hours after the crash happened when CalTrans crews helped push the boulder out of the way, firefighters said.

Big Bear Lake and Arrowbear Lake fire department assisted with the operation, SBCoFD reported.

The incident was just the latest weather-related event to occur in Southern California as a powerful winter storm finally moved out of the area on Friday after battering the region over the Christmas holiday. Earlier Friday afternoon an EF0 tornado touched down in Boyle Heights near downtown Los Angeles, while in Ventura County the backyard of a home was severely damaged when a storm drain gave way due to storm runoff.

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.

Suspect arrested nearly 20 years after homicide

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By KCAL/KCBS Web Staff

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    California (KCAL, KCBS) — Nearly 20 years after a deadly shooting in Riverside County, authorities have made an arrest in their decades-old cold case investigation.

The incident happened back on June 18, 2006, at around 1:30 a.m., when Riverside County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a home in the 1000 block of Citrus Street in the Highgrove neighborhood, said a news release from the department.

Upon arrival, they found 21-year-old Riverside man Raymond Cardenas suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.

“During the investigation, it was determined Cardenas had been shot a short distance away and ran to a nearby residence for assistance,” the release said.

Despite extensive investigation and identifying a person of interest in the case, no arrests were made. They had identified Anthony Miera, now 51, as a suspect, but due to insufficient evidence to charge him, the case went cold.

Years later, while being reviewed by cold case investigators, sufficient evidence was discovered that would allow authorities to charge Miera.

He was arrested on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, with help from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Gang Impact Team, the release said. He was taken into custody without incident in Spring Valley, located in San Diego County.

Miera has been booked for murder, according to the RSO release.

The case was reopened in August 2025 as part of an ongoing effort to review cold case homicides, the release said.

“This investigation is currently ongoing, and no further information will be released at this time,” deputies said. Anyone who knows more was asked to contact RSO’s Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.

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.

Kansas nonprofit helps family of 13-year-old missing boy found dead in Bates County

CNN Newsource on December 28, 2025

By Braden Bates

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    Kansas (KSHB) — The family of 13-year-old Airen Andula, whose body was found in a Missouri ravine days before Christmas, is getting help from a Kansas nonprofit as they deal with their devastating loss.

Airen was first reported missing after going to a neighbors house to feed their dogs while they were out of town.

Police later said they found Andula’s body in Bates County, Missouri.

“It makes you angry with god, because you don’t know why such an angel like that had to go that way, would be found that way, so disrespectfully,” said Anita Gunn, Airen’s mother. “I don’t wish that on anyone.”

The weight of their son’s death continues to burden the family as they grapple with their loss.

“He had so much life he didn’t get to live that he was ready for,” Gunn said.

The family’s story caught the attention of Sammie’s Toy Drive, a nonprofit organization that helps families in need. Sammie Magee the founder of the organization, said this story particularly stuck with her.

“I saw a story and the two little sisters were in one of the photos and I looked at my mom and said, ‘Yeah, I’m not sleeping on it and we’re doing it,'” Magee said. “You know, because they lost their big brother and that’s heartbreaking. They need that space to heal.”

She created the nonprofit after the Uvalde school shooting at Robb Elementary in Texas and focuses on giving back to families during their darkest moments.

While she hosts an annual toy drive in Uvalde, she’s recently brought her nonprofit’s work to communities near her.

“The big thing we do is we saw we’re honoring the 21 one toy at a time,” Magee said. “S,o the 21 victims from Robb, so we try to spread their kindness nationwide and now we’re spreading it in Kansas.”

The organization’s mission became even more personal when she thought about the time of year.

“It really hit me like, his Christmas gifts are going to be sitting under the tree and he’s not there to open them,” Magee said. “A couple days later, I saw his mom posted on Facebook saying the girls just finished opening their presents and his were still sitting there. And it’s so unfair, you know, it just broke my heart.”

The family said those presents will remain unopened.

“You can’t give that stuff away, you can’t throw it away. He meant too much to us,” Gunn said.

The family continues searching for answers about what happened to their son.

“Not knowing for sure what really happened and the anger I have for who did this to my son. I mean, nobody in the world deserves to be treated like a bag of trash and thrown out,” Charles Andula, Airen’s dad, said.

Damon Leonard, 47, was charged with abandonment of a corpse in connection with the case.

Andula said Leonard is their neighbor.

According to charging documents, Leonard told police he knew Airen was dead and where to find his body while multiple agencies were searching for the missing teenager.

KSHB 41 reached out to the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department by phone and email during the week and weekend. We’ll continue reaching out until we hear back.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSHB’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.