Author: CNN Newsource

By Jada Williams

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    TAMPA, Florida (WFTS) — A new mural planned North East Seminole Heights is being described as both a celebration of LGBTQ+ history in Tampa and a response to what community leaders call an ongoing erasure of LGBTQ+ visibility across the state.

The project, led by PFLAG Tampa and local artist Cam Parker, will be painted on the wall of the Corner Club, a local business offering what organizers describe as “a huge wall that is publicly facing along a major thoroughfare.”

“This is something we have been wanting to do for a very long time, but the cost can be quite prohibitive,” said Trevor Rosine, president of PFLAG Tampa and chair of Tampa’s Human Rights Board.

“Artists are absolutely worth their time, and so we would never engage into an opportunity with somebody without having the full wherewithal to produce the money to make it happen.”

Rosine said the partnership with the Corner Club is deeply personal for him.

“It’s just down the street from where I grew up, so it’s of significant, personal significance. They offered the wall and said, ‘Whatever you need, we’ll make it happen. You just bring the artist and bring the paint and it’s all yours.’”

But the project is about more than paint on brick. Rosine said it is a direct response to the removal of LGBTQ+ murals across Tampa Bay and the country.

“It comes at a time of erasure for our community. Murals that represent LGBTQ+ folks are under attack. They are being paved over. They’re being blacked out in the middle of the night,” he said.

To him, this wall is a statement.

“You can paint over that crosswalk, but you can’t paint over this wall on this business,” Rosine said. “It’s a big F-U to the folks in the governor’s mansion that are trying to erase us,” he said.

Organizers are asking the public to help shape the mural’s design through an online nomination form.

“The entire idea behind the mural is that it will represent iconic places, people and times throughout Tampa’s history that were led by queer people,” Rosine said. “Anybody in the community can go online and nominate an iconic queer Tampa place, person or thing that they want to see represented on that wall.”

The board at PFLAG Tampa will review submissions before making final selections, with artist direction guiding what ultimately makes it onto the mural.

For Parker, whose artwork is already spread throughout the city, including a Beyoncé mural that Tampa Bay 28 featured in 2023, this project is about more than art.

“I feel like this project doesn’t necessarily separate itself. I feel like it elevates things,” Parker said. “This project in particular is so inclusive, and it’s really interactive, when you really think about it, because we’re giving people a chance to say, what do you want to see? What are you feeling?”

He said seeing LGBTQ+ street murals covered up by authorities has added urgency to the work.

“It lights an extra fire under me,” Parker said. “When I make a public work, after I’ve unveiled it and essentially given it to the world, I have to relinquish a certain amount of control, because you never know what’s going to happen with that building or that town. But it was just such a specific coverage. I was like, that of all things is what we’re worried about? Cool. Not feeding kids? That was not at the top of the list for getting done.”

Instead of focusing on anger, Parker said he wants to be part of the solution.

“We are not going to be enraged and outraged, we are going to be inspired, and we’re going to elevate what we do to a place where it’s something you can’t cover, dissolve or make disappear.”

Rosine emphasized that fundraising remains critical.

“We are confident we will raise this money, but Cam will not put a paint brush up until that money is raised. We are adamant that he needs to be paid for his time,” he said.

If the full budget cannot be secured, he said the mural will still happen but on a smaller scale.

“We will have a mural up. It may not be a 500 square foot mural, maybe a little parsed down, but we will get this mural up.”

Organizers are also planning a day for the public to watch the mural come to life in real time. Parker envisions a celebratory atmosphere.

“I was just hearing like kids laughing and like people, you know, clanging glasses and just having a good time and being communal and being unified,” he said. “Come out and enjoy yourself. This is an enjoyable experience. You are seen, you are heard. We love you. We are leading with love.”

Both Rosine and Parker said the mural will pay homage to people and moments central to Tampa’s LGBTQ+ history, from drag performers to past protests.

“There are young queer folks every day crossing by where those murals used to be, and where they once would have felt pride,” Rosine said. “And they no longer see themselves represented in the world that they grew up in. This is my city too. I grew up here. And so this is absolutely a direct response to the attacks on our art.”

Parker hopes the final product is more than a wall of paint.

“I want it to be enjoyable for everybody that sees it and that is able to witness it, whether they’re from here or not,” he said. “Having that nostalgia of, oh my God, that takes me back. That’s what I want.”

Rosine added that the project is meant to inspire pride in Tampa itself.

“I hope people feel proud to live here. I really do. I hope that young queer boy in Seminole Heights, who goes for 6 a.m. runs before high school, passes by that wall on his way into the Corner Club to grab a coffee and says, I’m in a great place. I belong here.”

For Parker, it is also about inspiring others to take that first step.

“Sometimes the act of taking that first step is bigger than the actual step,” he said. “I want this to be like a battery charge for people who need a battery charge, because we are tired out here. And I want for this to make us all see that we’re all on the same page, no matter what our situations are.”

The mural will also be done in conjunction with PFLAG Tampa’s 15th anniversary. They’re hosting an anniversary event on October 5th at 6 P.M. at Disco Pony in Ybor. Proceeds will benefit PFLAG Tampa’s mission.

If you would like to donate, you can find the link here.

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By Keely McCormick

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    PINELLAS COUNTY, Florida (WFTS) — A breakthrough medical device is helping stroke survivors regain control of their lives. It is called Vivistim. It is a small implanted device that helps restore movement in a patient’s arms and hands that had been lost after a stroke. It is used to make everyday tasks, like buttoning a shirt or holding a cup, possible again.

The device sends electrical signals to a nerve in the neck, helping the brain form new connections.

Ted Martin suffered a stroke in 2023 and then spent a year and a half in traditional therapy. His wife, Debbie, tells us it was hard on everyone.

“When he came home, he couldn’t walk. His right arm and hand were so swollen we had to put compression on them. I had to pick him up and help him into bed,” Debbie Martin, Ted’s wife, said.

After a year and a half of therapy, his doctor recommended the Vivistim. That is when everything started to change. He has made incredible progress after working closely with the physical and occupational therapists at Morton Plant Outpatient Rehab.

“He dresses himself, brushes his teeth. Now he clears the table for me, puts dishes in the dishwasher,” Debbie said.

From a wheelchair to a walker, even his own doctor was stunned.

Doctor Fox said, “I didn’t recognize him at first because I wasn’t expecting to see someone walking and with their hand reach out to me and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh! This is Mr. Marti.’”

Dr. Benjamin Fox from BayCare explained that the Vivistim device is implanted in the patient’s chest, and when activated during therapy, it helps strengthen the brain-body connection.

The therapist gently presses the remote as the patient works through the movements.

Ted’s story is not just about technology. It is also about love. Ted and his wife Debbie have been together for more than 60 years. They are high school sweethearts who never left each other’s side, even when life got tough.

“He was my biggest supporter while I was working, and we are a good team. So it is my turn to support him… there’s nobody I’d rather grow old with,” Debbie said.

Even with the challenges of recovery, these two are finding joy in every step.

The Vivistim device can help stroke patients even years after an event. Ted’s story is a powerful example of what is possible.

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By Kelby Wingert

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    DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) — Popeyes’ corporate office has filed a federal lawsuit against Asif Poonja and Jam Equities, the owner of five Popeyes restaurants in Iowa, including one on Merle Hay Road in Des Moines, for using its trademarks and operating systems without authorization.

Court documents state that prior agreements with Popeyes have been terminated, but the restaurants continue to operate under the Popeyes brand.

The lawsuit aims to have Poonja and the equity firm discontinue the use of the brand and not operate any Popeyes restaurants within a 10-mile radius of the current locations for a two-year period.

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By Charlie De Mar

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A longtime South Side homeowner said she’s had it with cargo thieves trespassing through her property to steal from the train tracks near her house.

The criminals are getting so bold that her family is now worried for her safety.

“They don’t interfere with any other homes but mine,” Darlene Lewis said.

The 79-year-old should be enjoying her retirement, but instead, she worries about a group of train cargo thieves who have been trampling through her Auburn Gresham yard for years.

Lewis said organized crews have trespassed to access the train tracks that sit behind her home. In some cases, leaving boxes behind only to come back hours or days later to retrieve the stolen goods.

“When they came this last time, they were so bold they parked in my driveway and loaded stuff,” she said.

It’s become such a problem that Lewis’s son Richard said they recently installed a nearly $3,000 fence only to have it broken into weeks later.

“We thought that would be a deterrence,” Richard said. “I’m fearful, angry, scared all at the same time.”

Last fall, CBS Skywatch was overhead as thieves pulled big screen TVs off a freight train on Chicago’s West Side. Cargo theft is expensive, costing rail companies over $100 million in 2024, according to the Association of American Railroads.

“When there’s no deterrent from the prosecution side, it does nothing to keep people from coming back,” said Ian Jefferies, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “They are going to get bolder and bolder and bolder.”

“I see empty crates on the tracks that they might have taken merchandise and left the crates,” Richard said.

Back on the South Side, the family said the problem hasn’t improved even after contacting Chicago police, railroad operators, and 18th Ward Alderman Derrick Curtis.

“Nobody is listening at all, everybody is blaming everyone else,” Richard said. “I don’t know where the responsibility lies, but it has to lie somewhere.”

A spokesperson for Norfolk Southern wouldn’t comment on any specific investigations or incidents, but said in a statement:

“Norfolk Southern is committed to protecting customer freight and ensuring the safety of the communities we serve. While we are unable to comment on active investigations… generally speaking, in Chicago and across our network, our Norfolk Southern Police Department takes a multi-layered approach to cargo security—combining proactive policing, advanced technology, and close collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. This includes sharing intelligence on investigations and theft trends, supporting joint task forces, and deploying surveillance tools and real-time tracking systems to detect and deter unauthorized access. Community safety and cargo security are always top of mind. It is a shared responsibility, and we remain focused on protecting communities and safeguarding high-value freight through prevention, partnership, and innovation. If you’re hearing specific details from neighbors affected by recent events, we would stress that they also share their experience and document the concerns with law enforcement.”

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By Randy Wimbley

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    SOUTHFIELD, Michigan (WXYZ) — A gun shop set to open next door to two day care centers in Southfield has sparked concerns from parents.

Red Zone Firearms is preparing to open at 12 Mile near Greenfield roads, directly next to the IXL Learning Center and Baby Genius day care centers.

Mikal Brewer, who has a child at IXL, expressed his concerns about the location.

“I was in disbelief when I first saw it. Clearly, guns and children do not mix,” Brewer said.

“It could be someone handling a firearm and there’s an accident. It could be someone who’s mentally unstable and they’re purchasing a gun right next to a school.”

Shomari Hudson owns Red Zone Firearms and is a federal firearms licensed dealer who previously operated out of an office building before getting his first brick-and-mortar location.

“There are definitely gun safety rules that have to be followed for anyone that is legally operating a firearm. There are state gun laws that have to be followed and best believe over here at Red Zone Firearms, we are following all those laws,” Hudson said.

Hudson said the city approved his business without raising concerns about the location.

“They did everything they’re supposed to do and trust me, if I wasn’t supposed to be here, that sign would not be up,” Hudson said.

Tessa Castillo from the IXL Learning Center said the city gave them no notice that Red Zone was opening nearby.

“Yes, he is doing everything that he is supposed to be doing appropriately, although we don’t agree that the city of Southfield should be allowing this so close to a place of children and a state-funded schooling program,” Castillo said.

Hudson, a former law enforcement officer, says in addition to selling firearms, Red Zone will offer gun safety and training classes. The shop does not have a live fire shooting range. Hudson says his core demographic includes single mothers, some of whom are victims of domestic violence, and he also works with 3rd Circuit Court to help troubled teens.

“I have a program called The Winning Mindset and in this program, they learn conflict resolution, they learn how to set goals and how to become a better person,” Hudson said. “So like I said, that’s what this is mostly about. Yes, I am a federal firearms dealer, yes, I sell firearms, but that’s not the main agenda over here.”

Hudson says he is open to having a conversation with day care parents and staffers about their concerns and his commitment to safety. Those interviewed say they’re interested in taking him up on that offer.

In the meantime, some day care parents plan to voice their concerns at the next planning commission and city council meetings.

The city of Southfield provided a statement saying:

“The retail sale of firearms and accessories by the Red Zone Firearms Gun Store is a permitted use in the B-3, General Business district zoning classification. The City of Southfield will continue to investigate state and federal laws and regulations regarding the issues raised by community concerns in this matter and is evaluating available options.”

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

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By Jeffrey Lindblom

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    ROYAL OAK, Michigan (WXYZ) — Experts say the cost of dating is on the rise, with some studies suggesting single Americans are spending upwards of $2,000 a year searching for love.

Right now, it’s a very popular time to look for a romantic partner. It’s the beginning of “cuffing season” in the dating world – when one hopes to find a special someone to get through the lonelier, colder months. But will the cost of going out prevent the possibility of finding a match?

Although the digital world offers lots of options, dating apps have some singles feeling exhausted in their search for romance.

“So, for me the apps are out,” one woman said.

Logging out presents an opportunity for finding a match in a real-world scenario. Dating experts recommend leaving yourself open and available while going about your day.

“I call it happy feet on the street,” said Kurt Kazanowski.

Kazanowski has been in the dating business for 12 years through his dating agency, Dolce Vita, and admits it can be tricky to date while balancing a budget.

“It’s two fold… money and time,” Kazanowski said.

Jeanie Mundy, who has been working at a flower shop since she was a girl, believes growing a bond goes beyond the bank.

“You never want to show up on a date empty-handed. You walk in with something flowers… it says I want to get to know you and spend time with you,” Mundy said.

Mundy says knowing your flowers really counts for something, because what you pick can be a reflection of what it is you’re trying to say.

“If you really want to show a person you like them, show up with a dozen or two roses,” Mundy said.

If you’re lucky enough to find a potential love match to give flowers to – whether online or in person – if you’re paying for the date, it could set you back.

According to a 2025 study by BMO Real Financial Progress Index, the “all in” price of a date – from the pre-date grooming to the gas money – is nearly $168.

On average, a single American spends $2,279 on dates in a year.

If you find that special loved one, a couple married for over 40 years has this advice.

“Whatever she says, I just say ‘I understand,'” said Ed and Marie Newcomb.

——————

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

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By Austin Turner, Hunter Sowards, Luzdelia Caballero, Dean Fioresi

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    ORANGE COUNTY, California (KCAL, KCBS) — A wild multi-county pursuit came to a sudden end in Orange County on Wednesday afternoon when a BearCat slammed into an allegedly stolen big rig out of the Inland Empire.

The Fontana Police Department said the pursuit started at about 9:30 a.m. after officers determined that the driver was allegedly using “cold plates,” which means the license plates attached to the truck were deemed to be fake or from another vehicle.

The driver was identified as 54-year-old Bill Fayed of Buena Park.

A man, later identified as 42-year-old Carlos Mesta, a resident of Rancho Cucamonga, was in the passenger seat. According to Fontana police, he called his daughter at one point to tell her that the driver won’t let him out of the vehicle. Fayed then took the phone.

The relationship between Fayed and Mesta is not clear.

While the pursuit began in the center of Fontana, Fayed drove to Orange County by 10:19 a.m. He took the 57 Freeway from Brea to Fullerton and was in Anaheim by 10:30 a.m.

At one point in Anaheim, Fayed came to a stop, threw what appeared to be a water bottle outside of the truck, and continued driving.

At 10:58 a.m. in Buena Park, Mesta reached out of the vehicle and appeared to grab onto a nearby vehicle. Immediately after, an armored North County SWAT BearCat vehicle rammed into the side of the big rig.

The big rig appeared to sustain some damage to its driver’s side, but the driver continued on the streets of Buena Park.

At 11:04 a.m., Fayed stopped the vehicle in the intersection of Beach Boulevard and Franklin Street in Buena Park. Soon after, he surrendered to officers, with Mesta safely giving himself up to the police, who had surrounded the semi truck.

According to Fontana PD, both men had outstanding warrants, including a grand theft auto warrant for Fayed, who they said was armed and dangerous during the pursuit, authorities said.

It’s not yet clear if there will be kidnapping charges, but Mesta was taken to a nearby hospital by paramedics for undisclosed reasons.

No officers were injured during the pursuit. Multiple law enforcement agencies assisted.

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By Leo Stallworth

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    LOS ANGELES, California (KABC) — A young boy from Southern California is being called a hero after he donated stem cells to save his father’s life.

Dr. Nick Mondek was at death’s door until his son, Stephen, stepped in.

“This past April of this year I relapsed with leukemia,” said Mondek, an anesthesiologist who works in the Los Angeles area.

Mondek had a stem cell transplant before. Now he desperately needed another one – yet he could not find a match.

“It came back very aggressive,” Mondek said. “I was immediately hospitalized.”

Mondek was running out of time.

“I’m thinking about my family, and I’m thinking about how I’m not ready to go yet,” he told Eyewitness News.

In his darkest hour, sitting in his doctor’s office, Mondek had a thought.

“As soon as my doctor came in the room I said, ‘Could a 9-year-old who’s 70 pounds give us enough stem cells?’ And he just looked at me and smirked and said, ‘He just might be able to,'” Mondek recalled.

His son was a match.

“He really was a brave young man who wanted to help his dad in any way he could,” said Dr. Nicole Baca with Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s.

The procedure was more difficult due to Stephen’s age. He was 9 years old at the time – one of the youngest ever to undergo a stem cell transplant. Yet, he didn’t hesitate.

The transplant was performed at Cedars-Sinai Guerin Children’s in Los Angeles. It was a smashing success.

“Very grateful. He’s my hero,” Mondek said about his son.

“It feels good to do that because all my friends are proud of me,” Stephen said.

Mondek sees his son as a superhero who saves the day. In this case, he saved his dad.

“They got a cape on and they’re flying to someone in need who is in a critical point in their life,” Mondek said. “And to see that unfold in front of you, not just any person, but your 9 year old, is incredible.”

Because of the actions of his son, Mondek will no doubt have many more years to share in cherished memories.

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