Georgia farmers looking ahead to fall harvest after historic 11-month drought ends

CNN Newsource on August 14, 2026

By La’Tasha Givens

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    CHATTAHOOCHIE HILLS, Georgia (WUPA) — A good amount of summer rain has finally lifted Georgia out of a severe drought, bringing long-awaited relief to local agricultural workers.

For nearly a year, dry conditions heavily impacted farmers across the state, but the recent turn in the weather is giving growers in Chattahoochee Hills a reason to look forward to a promising fall harvest.

The National Weather Service recently announced that Georgia’s drought is officially over.

“During 2025 and 2026, we had an 11-month period we were under a drought here. We were in a severe drought,” CBS News meteorologist Troy Bridges said. “And there was a period of time during that time 100% of us were in a severe drought, and that has never happened. That’s the first time that’s happened in history, so that’s why this one was such a big deal.”

The prolonged dry spell hit local agriculture hard, forcing growers to cope with lost crops and mounting irrigation costs. Brandi Whitney, affectionately known as Farmer Brandi of Serenbe Farms, was among those who felt the daily burden of trying to save her fields.

“Oh, we had to irrigate almost all the way through until the nighttime,” Whitney said. “So I would leave it on during the daytime. I would go home and eat, and then I would come back in the evening time to turn everything off, so yeah, it was a long period of just rotational everyday irrigation.”

Even when relief first appeared on the horizon, it brought its own set of challenges. When the initial downpours arrived, the parched ground was too hard to absorb the moisture properly, leading to field flooding and additional crop loss.

“The soil was so compacted that when it rained it didn’t have anywhere to go, and erosion follows the path of least resistance so we had a lot of flooding in our field areas,” Whitney recalled. “There were a lot of crops that we lost.”

Despite the initial setbacks, the sustained rainfall has set the stage for a strong recovery as the seasons shift. Farmers are now preparing for what they hope will be a promising fall harvest.

“So we’re really excited,” Whitney said. “For us, the fall is the greatest time of the year. It’s the longest-producing on this farm, so we’re just hoping for a steady rain so that we don’t have to irrigate so much. Our plants are healthy and strong in the ground. They’re not having to be stressed by the heat or the lack of water from rain and that sort of thing.”

Bridges noted that the replenished moisture levels are vital for crop success heading into the autumn months.

“We have more water in the soil,” Bridges said. “That soil is gonna be much more healthy to grow that vegetation that we need, so all vegetables, those pumpkins, and all that kind of stuff.”

The benefits extend beyond produce. Farmers with livestock report that recent rains have revived fields into green pastures, which is expected to extend the grazing season. This boost in natural pasture growth will improve livestock nutrition while helping farmers reduce the high cost of winter feed.

While local agricultural communities remain deeply grateful for the moisture, they are keeping a close eye on the skies. Farmers emphasize that balance is key, noting that while rain is desperately needed, too much at once can be harmful. As fall approaches, Chattahoochee Hills growers are holding out hope for steady, moderate rainfall to keep their momentum going.

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.

Gwinnett County man recalls moment he saved his roommates from burning home

CNN Newsource on August 14, 2026

By Rashad Williams

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    GWINNETT COUNTY, Georgia (WUPA) — Six people are alive today thanks to the swift actions of one of the roommates from the group who saved the others during a Gwinnett County house fire.

Forty-six-year-old Christopher Hammond said he got off work around 3:15 a.m., made it to the gym, then returned home to the 700 block of Camp Perrin Road NE in Lawrenceville around 4:15 a.m., about an hour before investigators said firefighters were called about a house fire.

Investigators said they believe the fire was intentionally set.

“It’s a tragedy because we lost everything, so we’re just trying to figure out where to go from here, but just take it one day at a time, you know,” Hammond said. “Just the fact that someone tried deliberately to burn us out and it was six people inside. I’m cleaning my house. I was getting ready to cook. Getting ready to take a shower, and then the power just says pow, and it’s not like lightning struck. The power did something weird, and the lights kind of exploded almost.”

Hammond said he walked outside, noticed an orange glow and heard more noises before he realized that flames had engulfed the side of the house where the garage was. He said he initially thought one of two cars in the garage at the time caught fire.

“All you heard was pow pow pow pow pow pow pow pow, and everything was orange … So I knew I had to wake everybody up in the house,” he recalled.

Hammond ran inside and woke his five roommates up. He said everyone made it out and stood together while watching the house burn. The group was unable to pass the driveway due to the severity of the flames and the heat.

Ring camera video obtained by CBS News Atlanta shows a person light something, drag it toward the home, and throw it into the garage. Additional videos show the person return with what appears to be a water gun to spray a fluid onto the fire.

Hammond said he believes it may be a targeted attack on the homeowner and not the renters.

“No one in the house has any enemies or problems with anybody,” Hammond said. “There’s no one that I have any problems with, and I talked to the other roommates, and no one has any problem with anyone to where they would try to come and kill six people. That’s deep.”

Hammond said he’s thankful he was awake when the fire started, and plans to stay in a motel until he can find a more stable living situation.

Gwinnett County Fire & Emergency Services had several team members out Thursday canvassing the area around the burned house. Public Information Officer Capt. Ryan McGiboney said any time a house fire happens in the county, they go out to the area to ask neighbors if they can come in, check their smoke detectors and replace them if need be for free, they go over a fire escape plan, how to immediately act if a fire is detected, plus other fire safety measures.

“We know the conversation is already happening in the home: ‘How could this happen? How could this have happened to our neighbors? Are we safe?’ That’s prime time for us to come in, join you in that conversation so we can tell you how to get out safely,” McGiboney said. “We don’t want to see these tragedies happen where people lose everything they work for.”

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.

Squatters found in 27 NYCHA units since new inspection program launched in April, agency says

CNN Newsource on August 14, 2026

By Tim McNicholas, Walter Smith Randolph

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    NEW YORK, New York (WCBS) — NYCHA says it’s found squatters in just over two dozen units over the past few months as it’s launched a new monthly inspection program for vacant units.

The new inspections are the result of a New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) report from March that revealed squatters took over at least 548 vacant NYCHA units from 2022 through 2025.

In one instance in 2023, a squatter was arrested at an apartment at the Mitchel Houses and charged with child neglect.

That same year, police said they found a pistol and two alleged gang members in vacant units at the Surfside Gardens Houses, and the body of an alleged gang member who’d been shot to death was found in a vacant unit at the Castle Hill Houses.

“It’s a significant risk,” said Nadia Shihata, commissioner of the DOI.

She said she thinks NYCHA is improving, however.

“I think we’ve seen some good progress. They have implemented the recommendation of having a monthly inspection protocol, so they are now inspecting vacant apartments on a monthly basis,” she said.

Dan Greene, NYCHA’s executive vice president of property management operations, says those monthly inspections, which started in April, found and drove out squatters from 27 units so far.

“We have seen some activities … that need to be investigated, so I do think it’s a safety concern and we need to stay on top of it,” he said.

NYCHA says its staff moves right in when someone moves out of a unit to get the home ready for a new tenant ASAP.

But that same DOI report in March found the number of vacant NYCHA apartments more than doubled over the last few years to over 6,000.

“That number increased really due to our use of increased environmental work during the turnover period,” Greene said.

In other words, new requirements for lead and asbestos treatment are adding to the turnover time.

The mayor’s office announced earlier this year it’s dedicated hundreds of millions of dollars over the next few years to restoring more vacant NYCHA units.

There are currently 159,000 applicants on NYCHA’s waitlist, so in an affordable housing shortage, those turnovers become even more important.

Residents have also voiced concerns about unauthorized people in other parts of the building. The head of the tenants association at the Frederick Douglass Houses on the Upper West Side took photos and videos of individuals sitting on blankets in a stairwell and laying on cardboard in a hallway.

NYCHA says those are not apartment squatters, but loiterers, and they’re now looking into it. The agency says NYCHA staff and residents should call 911 or 311 to report loiterers.

Meanwhile, last winter, a CBS News New York Investigation found that inspectors find about 60-70 cases per year of NYCHA tenants committing various types of housing fraud, including illegally subleasing their homes. NYCHA says they have a zero tolerance policy for that and they work with law enforcement to stop it.

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.

Fire kills 12 dogs at Hollywood home, with firefighters performing CPR to save the 1 survivor, owner says

CNN Newsource on August 14, 2026

By Ted Scouten

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    HOLLYWOOD, Florida (WFOR) — A South Florida homeowner is mourning the loss of 12 dogs after a fire tore through her home in Hollywood. Only one of her 13 dogs, a puppy named “Baby Judge,” survived the blaze.

Andrea Santos, who was at work when the fire started in the 1900 block of Rodman Street, said she first realized something was wrong after checking her Ring camera.

“I looked on my Ring camera. I’m like, ‘Oh my god, where’s that coming from?’ Then it just clicked, and I just ran out of work,” she said.

She arrived home to find smoke pouring from the house and first responders performing CPR on Baby Judge, successfully saving the puppy’s life.

“They were family, they were my children. It is very devastating because they were very young; we had a routine, we had fun and smiles, and it’s just very heartbreaking right now,” Santos said.

The family has launched an online fundraiser to help with expenses related to the fire.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

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.

Texas has held off a major screwworm outbreak, but ranchers urged to stay alert

CNN Newsource on August 13, 2026

By Alexa Conroyonroy

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    WACO, Texas (KXXV) — Texas has so far avoided a major New World screwworm outbreak, more than two months after the state confirmed its first case in decades.

Texas’ first case was confirmed June 3 in a three-week-old calf in Zavala County. Since then, state and federal officials have set up infested zones, restricted the movement of some animals, increased fly traps and wildlife surveillance, and released sterile flies to break the screwworm’s reproductive cycle.

That response has helped Texas avoid the rapid spread seen across Mexico, where nearly 28,000 cases have been detected since November 2024. As of early Tuesday morning, Texas had fewer than six active cases across South Texas.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension entomology specialist Dr. Sonja Swiger taught a screwworm lecture to local ranchers in West this summer. She said preventing the movement of infested animals was the most critical tool in containing the pest.

“Well, very important, uh, the most important thing we could do was prevent it, and that was to prevent the movement of animals that were infested. That was the easiest way to spread it,” Swiger said.

Cattle can move from ranches through auction barns and eventually to other parts of the state, making early detection important. Screwworm larvae feed on living tissue inside open wounds and can kill an animal quickly if left untreated.

West Livestock Auction owner Brian Uptmore said this is not Texas’ first experience dealing with the screwworm.

“It’s not an airborne virus or anything like that. You know, we controlled it back in the ’60s and ’70s, you know, wiped it out then. We could wipe it out again now. It was just gonna take maybe a little more hands-on management,” Uptmore said.

Ranchers are asked to continue monitoring their cattle carefully and to report any wounds or questions to the Texas AgriLife Extension in their county.

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.

Bear bites man walking dog in Cedar Crest as sightings spread across New Mexico

CNN Newsource on August 13, 2026

By Vincent Rodriguez

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    Cedar Crest (KOAT) — Five bear sightings have been reported in metro areas across New Mexico and southern Colorado within the past 24 hours, including incidents in Santa Fe, and Albuquerque.

In Cedar Crest, a man was bitten by a bear while walking his dog. Authorities said his injuries were non-life-threatening, and more details on the encounter are pending.

In Albuquerque’s Northeast Heights, officers tranquilized a bear cub found outside a woman’s home. According to protocol, bears found in urban New Mexico areas are released back into the wild, away from people.

Early Wednesday in the foothills, a security camera captured a bear in a backyard. The footage showed the bear jumping on patio furniture and looking into windows before running off.

In Santa Fe, park rangers found a bear at Ashbaugh Park. They tranquilized the animal and relocated it to a wilderness area in northern New Mexico. Video showed a team lifting the bear and loading it into a cage.

In Durango, Colorado, police drone footage captured a bear along Third Avenue. The bear walked across the street, lingered on a patio, and eventually returned to the wilderness. Durango police said the bear was searching for fruit from a tree.

Officials are reminding residents to take precautions, as bears are intelligent and can be dangerous. Residents are advised to secure their trash, remove bird feeders, and lock doors, as bears can open sliding glass doors.

If you encounter a bear, experts recommend backing away slowly without making sudden movements. They advise against approaching the animal and say, if attacked, to fight back.

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.

NAACP calls for independent investigation into Arkansas State Police use-of-force incident

CNN Newsource on August 13, 2026

By Brett Rains, Abner Sos, Adam Roberts

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    JONESBORO, Ark. (KHBS, KHOG) — The NAACP Arkansas Conference is calling for an independent investigation into an incident involving an Arkansas State Police trooper and an 18-year-old woman during a traffic stop east of Jonesboro.

Barry Jefferson, president of the NAACP Arkansas Conference, said the investigation should be conducted by someone outside the state police agency.

“We just believe there should be an independent investigation, and I think that’s what we need to do instead of rushing to judgment. Because I don’t think we’ll see what’s on the video unless we have someone independent, besides the Arkansas State Police, investigate this so people can understand that they can trust their law enforcement or their government and make sure we do things the proper way, in the right way,” Jefferson said.

The woman, Alisa Hackett, is suing Trooper Moisses Arellano in federal court in eastern Arkansas. The lawsuit alleges excessive force, violations of free speech and battery.

Hackett was initially cited for speeding and being a minor in possession of alcohol. The situation escalated after Arellano informed her that her license would be confiscated and she was asked to sign a temporary license.

Dashcam footage obtained by 40/29 News shows Arellano moving to arrest Hackett. While attempting to place her in handcuffs, Arellano throws Hackett to the ground and speaks into his radio, saying she was resisting.

Arellano then hits Hackett.

Later in the footage, Arellano is heard saying, “Turn around. I’ll punch you again if you don’t turn around.” Hackett was on the ground underneath Arellano at that time.

Jefferson said the footage raised additional concerns for the NAACP.

“We saw the way he was talked to her, we saw him throw her on the ground. We saw all those things and those are very concerning to us,” Jefferson said. “And if we have someone independent, besides the Arkansas State Police, to investigate this so people can understand that they do trust their law enforcement or their government and to make sure we do things the proper way and the right way.”

An Arkansas State Police spokesperson told 40/29 News that the agency reviews all use-of-force incidents and that Arellano has not been placed on leave.

Hackett and her attorney have not yet commented on the lawsuit, which does not specify a monetary amount in damages being sought. Members of the Arkansas Black Caucus are scheduled to meet with the Arkansas State Police commander at the end of the month to discuss policies and training for state troopers.

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Oklahoma executes man for 2003 murder of common-law wife in OKC

CNN Newsource on August 13, 2026

By Chantelle Navarro

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    MCALESTER, Okla. (KOCO) — The state of Oklahoma has carried out the execution of a man convicted of killing his common-law wife more than 20 years ago.

Carlos Cuesta-Rodriguez was convicted and sentenced to death for killing Olimpia Fisher at an Oklahoma City home in 2003. He was put to death by legal injection shortly after 10 a.m. Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

His last meal was a Cuban sandwich, Rocky Road ice cream, donuts, and a bottle of water.

“Justice has been served for Olimpia Fisher whose life was tragically cut short,” Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said in a news release, “I pray that her family finds some measure of peace after enduring 23 years of unimaginable grief.”

Police said Cuesta-Rodriguez shot Fisher in the eye in what they described as a gruesome and chaotic scene.

Fisher’s adult daughter reportedly heard gunfire, found her mother injured, and tried to fight Cuesta-Rodriguez with a bat before escaping to call 911 from a neighbor’s home.

Police believe Fisher survived the initial gunshot to her eye, but Cuesta-Rodriguez shot her again while police were outside the home. Officers later found Fisher’s body following a three-hour standoff.

In July, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board voted against recommending clemency for Cuesta-Rodriguez. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond applauded the decision.

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Signs of extensive storm damage still visible as tens of thousands remain without power

CNN Newsource on August 13, 2026

By Megan Mitchell

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    CINCINNATI (WLWT) — Power remains out for tens of thousands of homes and businesses more than 36 hours after a derecho hit Greater Cincinnati.

As of 6:45 a.m. Thursday, more than 49,800 Duke Energy customers remain in the dark. Even more are without power who get their power through services like Owen Electric.

With rain on the way Thursday afternoon and evening, restoration efforts could be slowed. Some outages have not yet been assigned crews.

In Green Township, a power pole is still blocking Boomer Road, along with trees and branch debris.

Similar scenes can be seen across Cincinnati’s West Side, like on Epworth Avenue in Westwood, where downed power lines and trees were seen overnight.

For many places, it could be a while before power is back on. Neighbors aren’t expecting a quick fix.

“I don’t see it happening any time soon,” said Green Township resident Steve Calardo. “In fact, if and when Duke Energy gets here, we won’t have it right away because the line to our home has been taken down by the trees, if you see the power line down there. So we’ll have to be very careful when they do turn the power back on.”

“Fortunately, we were able to take the food to my stepson’s house and kind of left everything there for now, so we’re fortunate to have that ability,” Dan Evans, who also lives in Green Township, said. “But some people are losing hundreds or more in food just in their freezers and fridges.”

If you are still without power, experts say you should throw away any perishable food still in your refrigerator or freezer.

SNAP benefit recipients might be eligible for replacements, but you have less than 10 days to file an application with Ohio Jobs and Family Services. See Ohio’s JFS website for more details.

For those using generators to keep the lights on, keep them outside, dry and away from windows.

The Hartwell Recreation Center will be providing food and shelter to those who are in need while the power remains out.

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.

Nine-year-old Zoey Jones recovering after successful brain surgery for Moyamoya disease

CNN Newsource on August 13, 2026

By Michal Higdon

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    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WVTM) — Zoey Jones, a 9-year-old girl with sickle cell anemia, underwent brain surgery Wednesday to address complications from Moyamoya disease, a rare condition caused by sickle cell that limits blood flow to the brain.

Her mother, Erin, said the five-hour surgery went well.

“The doctors were able to implant a posterior artery in the area affected in her brain,” Erin said.

Zoey will spend the next couple of days in the pediatric intensive care unit for observation, Erin said. The doctor’s only concern is with some of the interior vessels down the middle, which he’ll be watching very closely over the next few months.

“Now we begin the road to recovery,” Erin said.

Zoey was diagnosed with the most severe form of sickle cell anemia at just three months old. When Zoey was six months old, her family moved from Mobile to Birmingham so she could receive specialized care at Children’s of Alabama. Over the years, her life has revolved around hospital visits, blood transfusions, and efforts to provide her with as normal a childhood as possible.

Despite these efforts, the disease has taken a toll. Zoey had to give up soccer, suffered a stroke at school, and was later diagnosed with Moyamoya disease. Moyamoya disease is a rare brain disorder in which the main arteries supplying blood to the brain narrow over time. To compensate, the brain grows a tangled network of tiny, fragile blood vessels that look like a “puff of smoke” on scans. It can cause strokes, seizures, and headaches in both children and adults.

Erin also expressed gratitude to those who have supported Zoey during this time.

“I can’t even put into words how thankful we are,” Erin said. “I was so nervous all day BUT GOD heard every prayer, and our girl made it through. Thank you for loving, praying for, and supporting our Zoey.”

Erin explained the mounting medical bills from Zoey’s ongoing treatments, surgeries and specialized care have been overwhelming for the family. She has set up a GoFundMe that will go directly toward Zoey’s medical bills and care. Zoey also has an Amazon Wishlist.

Zoey will now spend several months recovering, during which she will be homeschooled before gradually returning to her normal routine. Her family remains hopeful that this next step will bring fewer hospital visits and less pain.

Erin also said Make-A-Wish, a nonprofit organization working to help wishes come true for children with critical illnesses, reached out to them right after Zoey’s surgery and they’ll be working on granting Zoey a wish of her choosing.

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