Girls Only Construction Camp in Florida preps students for a growing industry

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Sean Daly

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    SEMINOLE, Florida (WFTS) — Addison Parapon wants to be a police officer when she grows up.

But the 11-year-old middle schooler at Madeira Beach Fundamental knows life can throw you curveballs.

“If I can’t be a police officer, this would be my Plan B,” she says.

“This” is construction.

In fact, Addison is one of dozens of students attending Girls Only Construction Camp this week, a 4-day experience hosted by Pinellas County Schools at Jacobson Technical High School in Seminole.

No boys here learning a thriving trade? Addison is fine with that.

“They’re always like, we’re so much better than girls,” she says with a shrug.

Instructor Christine Ferry, past president of the National Association of Women in Construction, says women have become a coveted hire in this field.

“This is something females should be flocking to,” she says. “There is money to be made. There is construction in Florida happening all over the place.”

Girls Only Construction Camp packs a lot of teaching in just a few days. The students will learn general construction techniques, build chairs for Habitat for Humanity and even make themselves a keepsake cutting board.

For more Pinellas County camps, including a Girls Only Automotive Camp, go here.

For more with Sean Daly, go here.

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.

“People want us dead.” Karmelo Anthony’s family and Austin Metcalf’s family talk about continued threats after trial

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Briauna Brown

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    Texas (KTVT) — The murder trial of Karmelo Anthony may be over, but the pain and grief for both his family and the family of the victim, Austin Metcalf, endures. Both families opened up to CBS News Texas on Wednesday, not only about the verdict but also about the continued death threats from the public following the national attention the case has garnered.

On Tuesday, Karmelo Anthony was found guilty by a Collin County jury in the 2025 fatal stabbing of Austin Metcalf. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison, and his family has filed an appeal.

Threats to safety Many across the nation, and those outside the courthouse after the verdict and sentence were revealed, had mixed emotions. Emotions that have spilled over into the lives of both the Anthony and Metcalf families.

Both families received death threats, doxing, and multiple swatting calls to their homes before the trial, and the threats haven’t stopped.

When CBS News Texas spoke to Austin Metcalf’s father in April 2025, he shared that Frisco police officers had been sent to his home and Austin’s mother’s home because of prank 911 calls. He was worried that someone would be killed.

Images and video showed SWAT officers with guns drawn responding to a 911 call that no one inside had made.

The same was true for Karmelo Anthony’s family in 2025. During a press conference with the family, Minister Dominique Alexander, president of NGAN, said the Anthony’s had heard false information, misinformation and experienced hateful attacks.

“The Anthony family has been subject to an unimaginable amount of hate, racism and threats to their safety,” Alexander said.

“Look in the mirror” In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, Austin Metcalf’s father said he’s still receiving threats from people trying to villainize his family.

“Yesterday, had a death threat. This morning, had multiple emails, texts threatening me, calling me all sorts of names,” Jeff Metcalf said. “I guess these people have no life, and I get to live rent-free in their head.”

He said now he tries to brush it off as he continues his journey of healing.

“… If you have children and if it was your child who was murdered, would you like people dragging his name through the mud, making memes, making jokes, and just really vile comments? …This is day one of a long healing process. Because honestly, it’s been impossible to start healing until this trial was complete,” Jeff Metcalf said.

“You can’t hurt me,” he said. “Good will always overcome evil. I believe that.”

“They want our family dead” In an interview, Karmelo Anthony’s mother and father opened up about the continued threats of violence that they’ve received since their son was sent to prison.

“People want us dead,” Andrew Anthony, Karmelo’s father, said. “After they still got what they wanted… they still want us dead. I go look at my phone, people want us dead. They want our family dead.”

The Anthony family believes their son’s trial was unfair from the start and says the court of public opinion had made up its mind about Karmelo Anthony long before this trial began. They filed for an appeal.

J.D. Miles and Ken Molestina contributed to this report.

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North Texas girl meets donor’s family in emotional first meeting

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Erin Jones

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    Texas (KTVT) — EDITOR’S NOTE: Recently, we introduced you to a North Texas girl whose transplant journey captured hearts across the country. Now, the nine-year-old is sharing an emotional meeting with the family of the donor who saved her life.

Penny Martin constantly inspires others, whether through her music or her remarkable journey.

She was born with complex heart defects and spent months waiting for a life-saving heart transplant.

Now, there’s a new chapter in her story.

“At first, I was nervous, but then I was… we’re going to be good friends,” she said.

Meeting the donor’s father She recently met the father of the donor whose heart now beats inside her.

“Emma was a great girl,” Ryan Ainsworth said. “She loved to draw. She played music.”

Like so many teens, Ainsworth says his daughter struggled with her mental health. And last year, she took her own life at just 15 years old.

“The night before, she came to me, and she sat at my shop, and we talked that night, and she got up that night on the pickup that we were sitting on and gave me a big hug,” he said.

Ryan never imagined that would be their last conversation.

Turning loss into purpose There have been a lot of dark days, but because Emma chose to be an organ donor, a part of her life on through multiple recipients, including Penny.

“The day of our transplant.. donation.. one of my mother’s friends lives in Weatherford and saw Penny on Facebook that had her sign up that said today is the day that I get my new heart,” Ainsworth said.

Ryan couldn’t believe it. This week, he is in town for a work trip and didn’t want to miss the opportunity to finally meet Penny and hear her heartbeat.

“It was awesome,” he said. “Awesome. It was pretty tough, but it was great. We walked out, and there were some pink skies, and that was one of the songs that we played at her funeral, and I was like, ‘Holy cow, there’s things all over this that Emma is saying.'”

A bond that feels like family “It feels like we’re already family,” Paula White, Penny’s mother, said. “Penny and him are already two peas in a pod. She has really met her match. They just really hit it off.”

Their video has now touched millions of people online, and they hope the attention helps save even more lives.

Ryan is raising money to install benches at schools with QR codes that link students to suicide prevention resources. He’s also hoping to one day meet the other recipients of his daughter’s organs.

“This isn’t about us,” he said. “This is about sharing with other people.”

Together, they want to turn heartbreak into hope.

Website: Nobodysitsalone.org

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Massive tree falls on van full of kids during strong storms

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Marissa Sulek

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A scary scene in Portage Park after a massive tree fell on top of a van full of kids as strong storms swept the area on Wednesday afternoon.

Michael McIntosh says he was driving a van with six kids. He pulled up on Henderson Street to drop off 11-year-old Ethan Duran when a giant tree crashed down on the van with the kids inside.

McIntosh says the roof caved in.

“It just bounced on my head and came back up, and I look back, and I just see the kids, and I am like, ‘let’s get the kids out of here,'” he said.

“Good thing the car did not smoosh or else Mr. Michael would be squished,” Ethan said.

“It was a loud boom, just boom,” said his mom, Soledad Galban.

Galban says her family grabbed all the kids, brought them inside their house, and called their parents.

“I started crying because I got so scared and my legs started shaking,” Ethan said.

“It’s crazy out here on Michigan Avenue. You got downed trees everywhere,” a city worker said.

In the Loop, severe weather knocked down branches near Grant Park. Crews were working to clear the debris shortly after. In Park Manor, the roof at a winery was blown off.

“They trusted me, they trusted my word when I told them to get out and everything,” McIntosh said.

He says parents came to pick up all the kids, but they did call 911.

“No ambulance showed up. The news showed up before the ambulance and the police,” he said.

Neighbors came together to remove some of the branches. A few cars and a lamppost were also damaged, but everyone is glad the tree did not break through the windshield or collapse on the van any more than it did.

“I’m just happy to be alive, I’m just happy to be alive,” McIntosh said.

No injuries were reported, and the tree along with the van has since been removed.

Forestry crews with the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation are clearing trees across the city. They say if you have a downed tree, first be cautious and report it to 311. The city reminds everyone to be patient as they work through requests.

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.

Small Changes, Big Difference: Legacy Community Health Urges Houston Men to Make Prevention a Priority

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

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    June 11, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — In Houston, men will change the oil before the engine light blinks, season the brisket before sunrise, and know exactly when kickoff starts. But ask when they last had a physical, checked their blood pressure, or talked honestly with a doctor, and suddenly the conversation gets quieter than a church pew after the benediction.

Legacy Community Health is meeting that silence with compassion, truth, and a message every man needs to hear: small changes can make a big difference in men’s health.

For many men, especially those balancing work, family, faith, finances, and community responsibilities, healthcare often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. The thinking is familiar: “I’m fine.” “I’ll go later.” “It will pass.” But delayed care can turn small, manageable issues into serious medical challenges.

“Fear and pride are among the top reasons that men avoid scheduling a physician visit,” said Dr. Vandana Shrikanth, Adult Medicine Physician at Legacy Community Health.

That pride may feel like strength, but prevention is the stronger choice. Annual check-ups, blood pressure screenings, cholesterol checks, diabetes testing, cancer screenings, and honest conversations about stress, sleep, nutrition, and sexual health can help identify risks before they become emergencies.

“Men often delay seeking medical care, whether due to busy schedules, cultural expectations, or the belief that symptoms will resolve on their own,” said Dr. Rocco Richards, Adult Medicine Physician at Legacy Community Health.

The problem is that many health conditions do not announce themselves loudly. High blood pressure can quietly damage the heart, kidneys, and brain. High cholesterol can build danger in the arteries without obvious warning. By the time symptoms appear, the path to recovery may be much harder.

Diabetes is another clear example. It is common among men, particularly in communities already facing higher health risks, and it can affect the body for years before a man feels “sick.” Elevated blood sugar gradually damages vital systems, increasing the risk of heart disease, vision problems, nerve damage, and kidney failure.

The encouraging news is that diabetes is manageable, especially when caught early. Just like keeping the car running or getting the grill just right, it comes down to small, consistent habits. Cutting back on sugary drinks, staying active, managing portions, and following a care plan can make a meaningful difference. With regular check-ups and the right support, men can take control of their health and protect what matters most.

“Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol can go unnoticed for years — but by the time symptoms appear, the opportunity for easier treatment may already be gone,” Dr. Richards said

Legacy Community Health’s message is not about fear. It is about opportunity. A check-up gives men a baseline, a roadmap, and a relationship with a healthcare provider who can help guide long-term wellness.

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“Regular check-ups are vital, not just for catching problems early, but for building a baseline of health that can guide better long-term decisions,” Dr. Richards said.

Early action saves lives, protects families, and preserves futures. It also reduces the burden of chronic illness, especially in communities where access, culture, cost, and hesitation can keep men from getting timely care.

“Early detection of conditions like heart disease, diabetes, chronic infections, or cancer can dramatically improve outcomes and reduce the burden of chronic illness,” Dr. Richards said.

Too often, physicians meet men after a crisis has already happened.

“Too often I meet a male patient for the first time after a hospitalization for a heart attack or stroke — and I wonder if we could have prevented that outcome with earlier care,” Dr. Richards said.

Men’s health is also more than lab results. Stress, grief, anxiety, mood changes, hormones, fatigue, and family pressure can all affect the body. Many men normalize stress until it shows up as headaches, sleeplessness, irritability, high blood pressure, or burnout.

The road to better health does not require perfection. It begins with small, realistic steps. Drink more water. Walk after dinner. Take medication as prescribed. Sleep better. Manage portions. Schedule the appointment. Invite a brother, father, son, uncle, or friend to do the same.

“You don’t have to give up the foods you love — small, smart changes can make meals both enjoyable and nourishing,” said Sean Michael Barrett, Director of Nutrition & Fitness at Legacy Community Health.

That is a message Houston families can embrace. Wellness does not have to cancel celebration. It can strengthen it.

“Even simple steps like balancing your plate and managing portions can support long-term health without taking away from celebrations,” Barrett said. “When families practice these habits together, they create a foundation for lifelong wellness.”

For Houston men, prevention is not weakness. It is leadership. It is love. It is legacy.

“Prioritizing preventive care isn’t a sign of weakness,” Dr. Richards said. “It’s a proactive step toward staying strong and healthy for the long haul.”

Small changes make a big difference — and the first change may be making the appointment today.

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.

Kierra Lee
KIELEESTYLE@GMAIL.COM
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Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Score Big for Business, Culture, and Community

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Francis Page Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    June 11, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — In Houston, soccer is never just a game. It is a family gathering, a business opportunity, a cultural parade, and sometimes, depending on the score, a full-volume neighborhood sermon. Now, Houston Dynamo FC and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are expanding a partnership that celebrates all of the above—with style, strategy, and serious economic purpose.

The expanded alliance builds on years of successful collaboration between the Dynamo and HHCC, entering a new chapter designed to unite Greater Houston around the global game while helping local businesses step confidently into the spotlight. With Houston preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, this partnership arrives like a perfect pass into open space.

At the center of the collaboration is the Houston Dynamo Soccer Celebration, presented by Kroger, a series of events at Shell Energy Stadium designed to showcase Houston’s rich cultural diversity and growing soccer energy. The celebration includes Mexico National Team live viewings and international friendlies featuring Houston Dynamo FCagainst Club Olimpia Deportivo on Saturday, July 11, 2026 and Colombian powerhouse América de Cali on July 15.

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For Houston’s soccer fans, that is a summer lineup with rhythm, pride, and plenty of goal-worthy excitement.

Jessica O’Neill, President of Business Operations for Houston Dynamo FC, described the expansion as more than a sports partnership. She praised the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the visionary leadership of Dr. Laura Murillo, emphasizing that the relationship has always been rooted in community impact.

“Soccer’s true power lies in how it reflects and honors our local communities,” O’Neill said. “This partnership has always been about more than just sports—it’s about lifting up local businesses and bringing Houstonians together.”

That message lands powerfully in Houston, where diversity is not a slogan—it is the city’s operating system.

Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, also framed the partnership as a timely opportunity to connect culture, commerce, and global visibility. As Houston prepares to welcome the world in 2026, Murillo said the collaboration will help unite top CEOs, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to drive economic growth, strengthen international partnerships, and showcase Houston as a premier global destination.

Murillo’s leadership gives this partnership added weight. A native Houstonian and daughter of Mexican immigrants, she has spent nearly two decades helping transform the HHCC into one of the nation’s most influential business organizations. Her honors include recognition as a Houston Business Journal “Most Admired CEO,” being named among Latino Leaders Magazine’s “Most Influential Women in America,” and receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award. She is also the bestselling author of “Lead in Life: People, Passion, and Persistence.”

In many ways, that title captures the spirit of this partnership.

The expanded alliance will provide hospitality, visibility, and amplification for HHCC member businesses, with select Chamber members integrated into Soccer Celebration events. That means entrepreneurs will not simply be cheering from the stands; they will be part of the action, building relationships, expanding brand awareness, and connecting with new audiences.

For Houston’s Hispanic-owned businesses, this is more than a marketing moment. It is a chance to turn global soccer excitement into local economic momentum. From restaurants and construction firms to professional services, media, finance, technology, and logistics, Hispanic entrepreneurs are central to Houston’s growth story.

By linking HHCC’s business network with Houston Dynamo FC’s community platform, this partnership creates a winning formula: sports plus culture plus opportunity.

As the world’s game grows louder in Houston, this collaboration reminds us that the best victories are shared. Fans will cheer. Businesses will connect. Communities will rise. And Houston, once again, will show the world how to turn a match into a movement.

That is not just a goal.

That is Houston-style victory.

More information, go to: houstonhispanicchamber.com

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.

Kierra Lee
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4096658446

FBI serves search warrant at GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove following chemical crisis

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Chelsea Hylton, Dean Fioresi

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    GARDEN GROVE, California (KCAL, KCBS) — The FBI served a search warrant at the GKN Aerospace facility in Garden Grove on Wednesday morning following the chemical crisis that forced more than 50,000 Orange County residents to evacuate in April.

Aerial footage of the scene showed agents from the FBI and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency at the facility in the 12000 block of Western Avenue.

The FBI Los Angeles office confirmed agents were executing a warrant at the location. A copy of the search warrant obtained by CBS News said officials were seeking to seize documents, records and devices related to methyl methacrylate and other hazardous substances.

Last month, a tank holding 6,500 gallons of methyl methacrylate, also known as MMA, at the GKN Aerospace facility was involved in a chemical crisis that forced thousands of residents to evacuate their homes in six Orange County cities.

The tank carrying the highly flammable, toxic substance became compromised and at risk of a “catastrophic explosion” or leaking as the contents continued to self-heat, according to Orange County Fire Authority officials. The ordeal spanned over five days as local first responders worked to mitigate the incident and reduce the risk to residents.

Soon after the incident began, California Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency in Orange County. While the mitigation process was still ongoing and thousands remained evacuated, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced that he was launching a probe into GKN Aerospace, asking anyone who knows more about the compromised tank or who works at the company and wants to whistleblow on illegal practices or negligence to come forward.

As of Wednesday night, the substance inside the tanks still has not been removed. Cleanup work was still underway, but the process to remove the MMA was delayed due to unavailable resources, including sealed trucks that would be able to safely transport the material.

Members of the community have been vocal about their frustrations with GKN and local officials, demanding transparency and answers about the incident.

“We cannot sleep at night with the GKN monster under our beds,” one woman said at a special city council meeting on Tuesday night, just hours before the search warrant was served.

GKN’s Garden Grove location Senior Vice President Steve Carlin was in attendance at the meeting, where he heard concerns directly from residents and city council members. While they had already announced community support initiatives and a $3 million donation to the Orange County United Way’s OC Community Resilience Fund, many are still wondering how they’ll be reimbursed for the money they spent to find shelter for their families and pets, or missed work.

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.

8 tied to University of Michigan indicted for conspiracy to threaten campus leaders, Jewish Federation

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Paula Wethington

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    Michigan (WWJ) — A federal grand jury indicted eight people associated with the University of Michigan for allegedly being involved in conspiracies to threaten university leaders, law enforcement officials and businesses.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said the actions under investigation included threats against the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. The investigation involved authorities in Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin.

“These alleged threats and attempts to terrorize government officials, businesses, and the Jewish Federation are anti-American,” said U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. in a statement.

Those named in the indictment are Zainab Aliasgar Hakim, 23, of Canton, Michigan; Amatullah Aliasgar Hakim, 21, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Paige Elizabeth Feyock, 26, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Ahmet Kerem Korkaya, 28, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Jonathan Hongru Zou, 22, of Ann Arbor, Michigan; Alexander Matthew Sepulveda, 23, of Chicago, Illinois; Mariam Muhammed Odeh, 24, of Dearborn, Michigan; and Colin Hunter Weger, 24, of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that six of the people requested a court-appointed counsel. Additionally, five of the defendants are scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Friday.

Federal authorities said that after the Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, multiple people were involved in what officials described as a series of coordinated actions threatening U-M leadership, law enforcement and businesses.

“In the dead of night, masked and hooded defendants allegedly threw noxious chemicals through the windows of families’ homes and taped demand letters to their front doors. At every step they attempted to cover their tracks and delete evidence of their crimes,” said Jennifer Runyan, special agent in charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Detroit Field Office.

On Oct. 20, 2023, a list of demands directed at university leadership was made on social media.

“Among the demands, they required the University to make a ‘full and complete divestment’ from Israel and any businesses supporting Israel. Unsatisfied by the University’s response, the defendants ‘prepared to take action’ against the leadership by what they called ‘autonomous actions,’ which included forcibly entering and occupying University of Michigan buildings, defacing buildings, and blocking and disrupting events on campus. They also posted threats on the internet that included photos of their ‘autonomous actions,'” the district attorney’s office said.

“As part of the conspiracy, the defendants are alleged to have traveled at night to the targeted homes and businesses. They damaged and defaced homes and businesses with spray-painted messages, threats, and symbols,” the district attorney’s office continued. “The defendants also left demand notes containing additional threats, caulked doors shut, bike-locked entryways, broke windows, and threw glass jars filled with butyric acid and dye into the homes.”

CBS News Detroit reached out to U of M for comment and was referred to the Department of Justice.

The Jewish Federation of Detroit released the following statement:

The Jewish Federation of Detroit applauds the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, the FBI, and state and local law enforcement for the investigation leading to the indictment and arrest of eight defendants alleged to have conspired to threaten and intimidate Jewish leaders, businesses, and community institutions as well as law enforcement in our community.

The indictment details a deliberate campaign of intimidation and terror: attacks on private homes, threats to “get” the “kids” of victims, witness intimidation, and the targeting of Jewish institutions, including our own. Many of the alleged threats directly reference the Hamas-led terror attack on October 7, 2023.We are grateful to law enforcement for pursuing this investigation with the seriousness it demands, and we look forward to seeing justice served, sending a clear message that hate, intimidation and antisemitic violence have no place in our community or in our country.

The district attorney’s office highlighted that the Jewish Federation Building was vandalized on Oct. 7, 2024, one year after the Hamas attack.

As a result of this investigation, Hakim and Feyock are charged with witness intimidation during the summer of 2024 toward another University of Michigan student “whom they believed may have been cooperating with federal authorities,” the district attorney’s office said.

And Sepulveda is charged with destruction of property to prevent seizure. The indictment alleges that he and Zou were involved with a so-called “autonomous action” at the home of the university provost. During that incident, federal authorities said, two glass jars filled with a blue substance and food compost were thrown through the window at the provost’s home.

Before law enforcement could serve a search warrant at Sepulveda’s home, the district attorney’s office said, an unindicted conspirator warned others about the pending warrant.

“In response, Sepulveda is alleged to have cleared the contents of his phone and laptop,” the district attorney’s office said.

Those who are charged with conspiracy to transmit a threat face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to tamper with a witness has a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of destruction of property to prevent seizure has a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

Agencies that were involved in the investigation included FBI Chicago, FBI Milwaukee, University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, Michigan State Police, Michigan Intelligence Operations Center and multiple local police departments.

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.

‘I did not provide alcohol,’ former school official shares her side

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By TJ Eckert

Click here for updates on this story

    BIXBY, Oklahoma (KJRH) — Former Glenpool Assistant Superintendent Kim Coody, now Bixby Assistant City Manager, addressed the 2024 party involving underage drinking at her house that led to her resignation.

It’s a story we broke in 2024. A graduation party at Coody’s house where another parent complained about underage drinking.

The Oklahoma State Department of Education investigated, witnesses told investigators the house had a stocked mini fridge of alcohol.

Coody addressed the incident in a Facebook post for the first time on June 9, and on that allegation said, “Before guests arrived, I checked our refrigerators to ensure there was no alcohol on the property.

Coody later added, “To be clear, I did not provide alcohol, nor did I give anyone permission to drink on my property.”

Coody resigned her position as assistant superintendent at Glenpool and eventually had her teacher’s license suspended by OSDE. Later, it was reinstated.

2 News Oklahoma obtained this 911 call from the night of that party after a student didn’t make it home.

911 operator: “911, what’s your emergency?”

Caller: “I’m looking for a kid that I haven’t seen since 6:00 yesterday.”

Coody, in her statement, addressed that as well, saying she took what she believed to be the students’ keys, but that “he had given me the wrong set.” She goes on to say, “I immediately notified the parent I had been in contact with that he had driven away while intoxicated.”

2 News talked with Coody on the phone after she posted on Facebook, and asked if she wanted to do an on-camera interview. She said she’d rather stick with that post as her official statement.

We asked the city of Bixby about this incident the day before.

The city said in their statement that Coody’s administrative leave is due to “events surrounding Joey Wiedel that took place several weeks ago in a prior incident.”

2 News anchor TJ Eckert asked the city about that statement.

TJ: “Can you explain what that means just so I can understand?”

Bobby Schultz, acting mayor of Bixby: “Well not really. We’re to the point that that’s the statement we can…that’s the only statement we can use at this point.”

Coody closed her post by saying “I understand there will be criticism, but if you choose to criticize me, please do so based on the facts.

Here is Coody’s full Facebook statement:

“For the last week, I have seen many comments about me based on inaccurate information. I want to share the facts.

In May 2024, my daughter invited 12 graduates to our home to swim after their graduation celebration. The graduates arrived after midnight. My expectation was that everyone would stay the night because we live on dark rural roads approximately 25 miles from Glenpool. I LOCKED the gate AS I did not want teenagers driving in the early morning hours.

Before guests arrived, I checked our refrigerators to ensure there was no alcohol on the property. My daughter knew our family rules and has acknowledged that she broke them by allowing friends to bring alcohol. The photos currently being circulated were taken by guests. From where I was in the house, I could not see the tables shown in those photos.

I take full responsibility for what happens on my property. I trusted my daughter, and like many teenagers, she made a poor decision.

After 3:00am, three boys arrived after being invited by another guest. One entered my home carrying a beer. When I asked where it came from, he told me it was from his truck. I immediately POURED the beer OUT. When he told me he had driven there, I asked for his keys and he handed me a set. The boys had been drinking at one of their graduation parties hosted by his parents prior to arriving at my house.

I contacted the parent of one of the intoxicated boys and informed her that her son was at my home intoxicated and needed to be picked up. I stayed with him until his father arrived. He was was not unconscious, he was extremely drunk, he would respond. Neither I nor his father believed he was experiencing a medical emergency, and his father did not seek medical treatment after picking him up.

The boy who later received a DUI had parked outside my locked gate. When I took what I believed were his keys, he had given me the wrong set. After he left, I immediately notified the parent I had been in contact with that he had driven away while intoxicated.

The father who picked up his son declined to take the third boy with him and instructed him to wait in a ditch along a dark two-lane road until his ride arrived. I believed that was unsafe and brought him inside the gate to wait where he would be safer.

To be clear: I did not provide alcohol, nor did I give anyone permission to drink on my property. As soon as I became aware alcohol was present, I poured it out, took keys, contacted parents, and worked to keep everyone safe.

For 27 years, I have dedicated my life to caring for children, and that night was no different. I accept responsibility for trusting that the rules of our home would be followed, and our family has taken steps to ensure nothing like this can happen again. I take responsibility that I was not more diligent in monitoring the activities outside.

My teaching certificate was suspended by Ryan Walters, I never surrendered it. My certificate was later reinstated by the Oklahoma Department of Education and I hold a valid certificate.

For two years, I remained silent because I believed that those who know me know my character, and those who do not know me may never be convinced otherwise. That silence ends today.

Once I became aware of the situation, I took immediate action to stop the underage drinking, contact parents, remove alcohol, take keys, and protect the safety of the young people involved.

I understand there will be criticism, but if you choose to criticize me, please do so based on the facts.”

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.

Neighbors come together to restore Goat Island

CNN Newsource on June 11, 2026

By Stef Manchen

Click here for updates on this story

    JAY, Oklahoma (KJRH) — Bob Kuningas’s life on the lake only started two years ago, but as soon as he moved in, he heard about the goats.

Legend says that there was a drought in the 1950s, and the goats walked over to the island. When the water returned, the 15-acre island became their home.

“When we bought the house two years ago, some of the people asked if we’d seen the goats, and at that time, there were only two of them left,” said Kuningas.

Kuningas’s home is only 300 feet across the lake from the island. He’s learned Goat Island is a beloved part of Grand Lake culture.

“I’ve had grandparents say that they remember when they were kids, they’ve seen goats on Goat Island. People, I was a kid, and my parents or my grandparents took me there to play with the goats.”

The final two goats died from old age about a year after the Kuningas’s moved in.

When he let the community know, Kuningas said it was overwhelming, everyone saying they needed to get goats back on the island.

“I was just like ‘hey, the goats passed away,’ and people said ‘let’s get them back,’ so my wife and I said, ‘okay lets do it,'” he said. “I was contacted by Steve Roads, who owns the Tow Boat USA here on Grand Lake, and he donated the first money to buy the first goats. After that, Facebook did Facebook.”

Two goats became a herd of seven on the island. All of the goats were donated by members of the community.

Since getting the goats back, Kuningas said he has people stop him all the time, asking how they can help and sharing childhood memories about the island.

“I’ve had grandparents say that they remember when they were kids, they’ve seen goats on Goat Island,” he said. “It’s just something extra on the lake. It’s something free that everyone can be part of, and ‘hey, those are my goats too.’”

While he and his grandson Titus go over and feed the goats every other day, there’s no shortage of support to keep the island going. Kuningas said businesses and neighbors all over are reaching out for ways to help.

“I asked if somebody wanted to help, I’d appreciate a little help, especially in the winter with feeding and stuff,” he said. “I didn’t expect the whole community saying hey yeah, let’s do it.”

As someone with a passion for animals and a background working with wildlife, this was about preserving something special on the lake for Kuningas.

The lake’s reaction was just a bonus.

“I didn’t know I was touching them in this manner, and it feels good that I’ve actually found something to really give back to the community,” he said. “I didn’t know it was going to mean so much to so many different people.”

It is a public island on GRDA property that anyone can visit and spend time with the goats.

While they’re starting with seven right now, there could be new additions come next year.

“When they kid, we’ll watch, we’ll keep an eye on them,” he said. “If we get more than we think the island can hold, we can move them, we can find them new homes. GRDA has already told us that maybe we can move to another island with some of them. So we’ve got plans.”

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.