Author: CNN Newsource

By Ja Nai Wright

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    ELKRIDGE, Maryland (WMAR) — Shaye Tillett of Elkridge has been waiting more than three years for a kidney transplant. Thursday, July 23rd, she gets one.

Tillett was diagnosed with Turner syndrome as a baby and, a few years ago, received a second diagnosis: polycystic kidney disease. Finding a donor proved difficult because of her rare blood type, O negative.

“I actually found out a few weeks ago that one of my medications was actually something that had affected my, my kidneys as well,” Tillett said.

In April, her family received the news they had been waiting for. A donor had been found, and Tillett’s surgery was scheduled for July 23.

The donor remains anonymous.

“The person is still anonymous. I do not know who they are. I am very excited, excited about all that’s coming up,” Tillett said.

Despite not knowing — and possibly never knowing — who is giving her a kidney, Tillett said she is deeply grateful.

“I really am. I’m grateful that they took the time to do this and they’re being able, they’re able to take, not just take the time to do it, but also changed my life,” Tillett said.

The months leading up to the surgery have brought a mix of emotions and preparation. Tillett has kept up with lab work and blood work related to her Turner syndrome diagnosis and has also focused on her mental health ahead of the procedure.

“With my mom, knowing that she’s been through the same thing, I’ve always, I’ve been asking her questions,” Tillett said.

She said the support she has received has meant everything.

“I was blessed, to be honest. I was very blessed to hear that people were not just keeping me in their prayers, but wanting to help and do anything they can to help me,” Tillett said.

Tillett said she hopes her story can encourage others who may be facing a similar situation.

“Never lose hope. Keep that faith, never lose hope and always always remember that you have people by your side,” Tillett said.

Tillett is expected to be released from the hospital four days after her surgery and will be on bed rest for two months.

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

By Conor McGill

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    LOOMIS, California (KOVR) — While many kids spend their summer vacation in front of a screen, 9-year-old Richard Andino is spending his days in the garden.

The young entrepreneur carefully checks what’s ready to harvest before preparing for another day of selling fresh vegetables to customers.

“These are ready to be picked,” Richard said while harvesting his latest crop.

What started as a simple school lesson about growing plants has blossomed into a successful small business.

Richard began with just two planter boxes, a handful of vegetables and plenty of curiosity.

“I always loved vegetables. Then I thought… I wanted to sell them,” he said.

Three years later, those two planter boxes have expanded into a garden nearly three times the original size.

“Every year the garden just got bigger,” Richard said.

Richard first sold his produce from a stand in front of his home. Today, he’s a regular vendor at the Loomis Farmers Market after his family formed an LLC and completed the county approval process required to sell there.

The money he earns helps pay for summer activities like Sky Zone and Sunsplash. Once he reaches his savings goal, he donates the rest of his harvest to members of the community.

For Richard, however, the biggest reward isn’t the money.

It’s spending time outdoors.

“Screens I’m not a big fan of. I’d rather just… I don’t know… play outside,” he said.

His mother, Kabryna Andino, says that preference developed after Richard experienced frequent migraines as a young child.

“In kindergarten he started having really bad migraines from being inside and watching too many screens,” she said.

Richard’s story comes as pediatricians continue to study how increased screen time affects children’s health.

Dr. Amanda Mitchell, a pediatrician with Kaiser Roseville, says excessive screen time can impact children’s sleep, mood and behavior.

“We’re finding that it changes children’s sleep quality, which then can change their mood and change their behaviors,” Mitchell said.

Still, she says technology doesn’t have to define today’s generation.

“Children have developed in this era, and they’re overcoming and becoming who they’re supposed to be. Technology is there, and it helps them, but it does not define them,” Mitchell said.

For Richard, that’s clear every day he spends tending his garden, talking with customers and growing something he built himself.

He also has advice for other young people who dream of starting a business.

“When you want to run a business, you’re going to have to go through challenges. Don’t give up on them. Just do them, and you’ll succeed,” Richard said.

At just 9 years old, Richard’s biggest harvest isn’t just vegetables, it’s inspiration.

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.

By Julie Sharp

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    LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) — It’s been six years since construction at the downtown Los Angeles Oceanwide Plaza halted, leaving the sprawling, half-finished site a canvas for graffiti artists and earning it the name Graffiti Towers — an eyesore for many in the area.

Today, cleanup of the graffiti began as the new owners of the 1.5 million-square-foot complex on S Flower St. received final approval of a sale agreement from the bankruptcy court just 24 hours ago.

John Petty, KPC Group director of real estate and construction, said they promised to be out removing graffiti within 30 days, but are already on cleanup duty.

“So we’re trying to do our best to meet our obligations to the city of Los Angeles, and we think that within a very short period of time, we promised 90 days, but we think it’ll be sooner that the graffiti will be completely removed from Oceanwide Plaza,” Petty said.

He said the joint venture between KPC Group and Lendlease will complete the Oceanwide Plaza project as originally designed, with large residential units and retail space, since permits are already in place.

“We decided early on we’ll take it as it was originally designed and complete it as quickly as possible,” Petty said.

He said the ground floor includes 153,000 square feet of retail, half of which is new food and beverage.

“The average branded residence on top of Tower One is 2,200 square feet, and the average residential units in Towers Two and Three are 1,435 square feet, which is large for this marketplace,” Petty said. In all, there will be 504 condominiums and a 184-room hotel on the site.

Petty said the construction’s integrity is good, and the evaluation of the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems will now take place.

To keep the graffiti at bay, security at the site will be enhanced with 24/7 guards, barbed-wire fencing, and perimeter laser beams for intruder detection.

Petty estimated the occupation of Oceanwide Plaza is expected in late 2028. “We’re thinking by January of 2028, the average person looking across the street will basically see a substantially completed ground floor project,” Petty said.

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.

By Dean Fioresi

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    BIG BEAR, California (KCAL, KCBS) — Jackie, the matriarch of the beloved Big Bear bald eagle family, is still in critical condition and recovering after she was involved in a fight with two other eagles last week, according to wildlife officials and Friends of Big Bear Valley.

She’s currently being cared for at the Ojai Raptor Center, where experts on Tuesday said that recent bloodwork tests revealed she is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting her kidneys.

“Her condition remains critical, and this is still a very serious case,” Ojai Raptor Center said in a social media post. “While the eagle remains alert and is eating, it is still too early to predict the outcome.”

Jackie was rescued by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation’s San Dimas Raptor Rescue team over the weekend, shortly after she was involved in an altercation with two subadult eagles near Dana Point Park. After she was successfully located and given preliminary treatment, she was then transferred to the care of the Ojai Raptor Center.

At the time of rescue, San Dimas Raptor Rescue officials told CBS LA that Jackie was “very sick” and that she didn’t appear to have any physical injuries, but that she was skinny and underweight.

“I know that is difficult to hear, but they did say Jackie has a team of specialists working on her case. She has the best of the best and that is all we can hope for now,” Friends of Big Bear Valley, a nonprofit organization highlighting the wildlife in the region, said in a social media post on Wednesday, noting that there was no further update available on Jackie’s condition.

Before the altercation, Friends of Big Bear Valley noted that Jackie had not been seen in her nest for several days. She is not banded, so they were unable to determine her location until her rescue.

Since Jackie’s departure from the nest, FOBBV said that Shadow, the male half of the beloved bald eagle couple, has taken full control. He is often caught on camera as he feeds and protects their current eaglets, Sandy and Luna.

“He has also been protecting the nest area from the other subadult eagles in the area,” they said, also mentioning that the two eaglets have also helped chase some intruders away.

FOBBV officials said that a wildlife expert explained that Shadow’s next course of action is unclear if Jackie is unable to return home. They said that he likely wouldn’t look for a mate until his hormones kick in towards the end of the year.

“We do have to realize he is a wild and free eagle, and it is up to Shadow what direction he goes,” the post said. “The expert stated that due to the incredible bond Jackie and Shadow have, it would be unlikely for him to move on now.”

FOBBV operates the world famous Big Bear Eagle Nest Cam, which offers a 24/7 look at the nest shared by Jackie and Shadow, drawing the attention of millions over the years. The duo has parented several eaglets, and each year their nesting season draws excitement as their newest family members hatch and eventually grow to pledge from the nest and begin their own adventures.

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.

By Erika Stanish

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    FAYETTE COUNTY, Pennsylvania (KDKA) — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Fayette County Fairgrounds Wednesday to celebrate the opening of a new small species barn.

Dozens of donations were made by the community, businesses and community stakeholders in support of the new building that cost nearly $1 million.

“It’s a big, big endeavor that the fair took on for the kids, for the future, because this barn here will last through my lifetime, her lifetime and hopefully her kids will be able to one day show here,” CJ Diamond said.

Diamond’s 9-year-old daughter, Harper Diamond, also made a donation to the barn last August. During a live auction last year, Harper decided to donate all the proceeds awarded from selling her pig to the barn.

“The people in the crowd asked what was going on. I was like, ‘Well, I guess my daughter decided to put the money towards the funds for the barn,’ so it was really surprising and a proud moment,” CJ Diamond said.

CJ Diamond told KDKA-TV in August that a pig would typically bring in around $1,200. He said Harper’s pig ended up generating around $13,000, but it didn’t stop there.

“Once the pig sold, people heard what it was going towards and started saying, ‘Hey, I’ll donate $1, $2, $3 a pound,'” Diamond said.

In the end, Harper raised $27,000 toward the new barn.

“It’s really exciting,” Harper Diamond said. “I’m excited to see how people react to the new barn.”

The new barn, measuring 100 feet by 150 feet, will hold 300 small species including pigs, sheep and goats.

“With her stepping up and making a big donation along with everyone else, this is going to be here for future generations to come. As we all know, 4-H is a great thing for kids to be involved with,” CJ Diamond said.

Harper Diamond said she is excited to show at the fair for her third year in 4-H this year.

“I’m bringing a steer and a pig. My steer’s name is Stitch, and my pig’s name is Rip [Ripple]. I’m also bringing two horses,” Harper Diamond said.

The 9-year-old girl thanked ZRM Enterprises and all of those who pitched in to donate toward the cause. Other donors included B&B Energy Services, the Fayette County Cattlemen’s Association, the Fayette County Livestock Sale, in memory of D.J. Show, Chris & Linda Diamond Family, the Fayette 4-H Market Goat Club, the Fayette County Premier Jackpot Show and Keith and Linda Rooker.

If you would like to see the new barn, you can do so during the Fayette County Fair, which begins July 30.

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.

By Ryan Hughes

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    MEDFORD, New Jersey (KYW) — Machines are running at full speed, circulating clean air through the worship center at Fellowship Alliance Chapel in Medford, New Jersey. The roof is tarped and burn marks are still visible after flames spread across the top of the building.

Church officials believe the fire was sparked by a lightning strike.

“There was a lot of water damage, a lot of smoke damage, a lot of soot damage from just trying to extinguish a fire of this magnitude,” Erik Jarvis, a pastor at the church, said.

The fire happened on July 3 during a strong storm. The smoke has now cleared, and restoration work is underway to remove drywall, carpets and furniture. Scaffolding is spread across the sanctuary, but despite this setback, Jarvis says he is thankful.

“It’s a reminder to us that the church is not the building, the church is the people,” Jarvis said.

Ever since the fire, Jarvis says the church has received an outpouring of encouragement and support from the congregation and members of the Medford community.

“A lot of people have reached out saying, ‘How can we help, what can we do, you helped us in the past, you’ve been there for the community, how can we as the community be here for you during this time of trial?'” Jarvis said.

Fellowship Alliance Chapel has been in the community for more than 40 years. Church leaders have been scrambling to move services and make alternate plans for Trinity Prep School, which is located on the property.

The road to recovery remains long, but officials say the fire has brought this congregation even closer.

“I think given what could be considered adversity, it’s turned into just a blessing and actually a lot of blessings in terms of renewed friendships,” Jay Appleton said. “And just a unity of moving forward together in our mission.”

Sunday services have been moved into the old building for the foreseeable future. Officials say there’s no timeline on when the restoration work will be completed.

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.

By Renee Anderson

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    FALLSTON, Maryland (WJZ) — A Maryland woman’s social media video prompted a surprise response from none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Katy Napier, of Fallston, was shopping at a Target earlier this month when she came across a display for Johnson’s men’s care brand, Papatui.

“Don’t give up on your dreams. The Rock is selling shampoo and conditioner, and he’s bald,” Napier said in the 6-second video, which has since gained more than 100 million views.

Johnson responded to the video and sent a box truck carrying about 20 crates of free products to her house, along with a handwritten note. He also gifted the family a trip to Hollywood to attend the premiere of “Moana.”

Johnson, known for his wrestling and acting roles, plays Maui in the live-action adaptation of the 2016 animated movie. He’s also one of the film’s producers.

“My expectations were exceeded,” said Napier. “He was just such a humble man and spent time with me, even though he was late, and he did a reel with me. He remembered it was my son’s first flight to LA, he signed a deodorant for me, took pictures. It was amazing.”

The 45-year-old content creator said the viral video gained her thousands of new followers, and she plans to keep the momentum going by continuing to post authentic, fun and kind content.

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.

By Matt Schooley

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    LYNN, Massachusetts (WBZ) — Tymond Tran, who was named one of Amazon’s teachers of the year in 2022 for his work in Lynn, Massachusetts, has been charged with raping a child.

The Essex District Attorney’s office said Wednesday that a grand jury indicted Tran on July 15, charging him aggravated rape of a child with a 10-year age difference, indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or over, posing or exhibiting a child in the nude, and providing obscene matter to a minor.

According to the DA, the allegations were made by a student who was 14 years old at the time. The alleged crimes took place during the 2022-2023 school year in Lynn, prosecutors said.

Tran was most recently a teacher at Lowell Community Charter Public School.

“Mr. Tran’s employment with the school was immediately terminated last month after the DA’s Office informed us of the details of the criminal charges,” the school said in a statement.

Tran pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Wednesday morning in Essex County Superior Court in Salem. He was released into home confinement with a GPS monitoring device. He’s due back in court on August 26.

“Like all employees, this individual underwent all required state and federal criminal background checks prior to employment. Because the charges were not filed until June 2026, those required background checks did not identify any criminal charges or convictions at the time of hire,” Lowell Community Charter Public School said in a statement. “The school has cooperated with law enforcement and will continue to closely monitor the situation. Because this matter involves an ongoing criminal proceeding, we are unable to provide additional details or comment further at this time.”

In 2022, Tran was teaching eighth grade at Thurgood Marshall Middle School in Lynn. He worked there from 2021 to 2024 and left on his own before achieving professional status, according to officials in Lynn.

Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson and Superintendent of Schools Molly Cohen issued a joint statement after Tran’s arraignment.

“We are shocked and disturbed by this news. Our primary concern is for the well-being of the former LPS student. Our hope for that student is healing and justice,” they said. “We also recognize that this news will be deeply upsetting for students, families, staff, and the broader school community, and we will be making support available as needed. We will continue to fully cooperate with law enforcement and are also conducting our own independent investigation.”

Amazon named Tran a Future Engineer Teacher of the Year in 2022. He was awarded $5,000 and the school received $25,000.

“I was incredibly surprised. I had no idea it was coming, and it turned out to be really wonderful because it just so happened to be the week that our superintendent of the district was in,” Tran told CBS News Boston in May 2022.

Tran was one of 10 teachers in the country to receive the award.

While leaving the courthouse on Wednesday, Tran declined to answer several questions from WBZ-TV.

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.