School board member apologizes after dropping expletive during meeting

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Metia Carroll

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    Louisiana (WDSU) — The St. Tammany School Board member who used profanity during a meeting last week has issued an apology.

A special meeting was held on Wednesday afternoon to address his conduct.

The profanity, which was caught on video during a contentious discussion about the extension of the collective bargaining agreement, was later edited out of the online version of the meeting.

Tuesday night’s meeting was held to vote on a resolution to censure School Board member Brandon Harrell, but the resolution was pulled following his apology.

A motion to put the resolution back on the agenda for a vote failed, upsetting many parents and teachers in attendance.

The School Board member, Brandon Harrell, issued an apology for the language used:

“Students, parents, constituents, employees, board members, Superintendent Jabbia, and Mr. Osborn, I apologize for the language I used in our April board meeting. It was inappropriate and does not reflect the level of professionalism I strive to maintain. While I was frustrated after a long week and day, I take full responsibility for my words. My comments were not directed toward our employees, as I truly value and appreciate the work that they do. Rather, my frustration stemmed from the conflicting information surrounding the MOU and the fact that the MOU had been signed for weeks without being communicated to the board and the public. I should not have allowed my emotions to get the best of me and make the comment that I made. I am truly sorry, and I assure you that it will never happen again.”

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Police arrest 2 teens as alleged gunmen in homicide

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Ricardo Tovar

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    SALINAS, California (KSBW) — Salinas police have arrested two teens in connection with a homicide near a laundromat in East Salinas that occurred Monday morning.

Salinas Police Chief Carlos Acosta says a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old male were arrested as the alleged gunmen in the crime. The pair was arrested Monday afternoon, just hours after the shooting.

KSBW 8 was at the scene Monday morning and confirmed police are investigating a shooting that occurred near 912 North Sanborn at around 6:50 a.m., according to police.

Police added that they responded to a ShotSpotter activation in the area and received multiple calls about a shooting victim in the same location.

Police say a man in his late 30s was shot and killed, though further details remain unclear. He was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He had not been identified as of Tuesday.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and police are not ruling out any possibility.

Police could be seen Monday morning conducting their investigation near a blue truck in the parking lot. There were several evidence markers on the ground, police tape surrounding the area, and a body lying nearby outside the truck.

Police added that the victim was not inside the truck when he was shot and killed.

Police said multiple rounds were fired, and multiple shell casings were found.

Police say at this time it is unknown whether the suspects and the victim knew each other, or whether the case is gang-related.

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Dog survives 44 hours in rubble after EF-4 tornado levels homes in Enid

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Olivia Hickey

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    ENID, Oklahoma (KOCO) — An Oklahoma family is holding on to a miracle after their dog survived almost two days in the rubble caused by an EF-4 tornado that leveled dozens of homes in Enid.

Late Thursday, a large tornado ripped through a neighborhood just south of Vance Air Force Base. Daybreak on Friday morning gave the first images of a decimated neighborhood and debris thrown throughout the area.

Forty homes in Enid were damaged, including dozens that were leveled, and at least 10 people were injured. Authorities also said no deaths were reported.

In the middle of the chaos was a miracle for a family whose home was destroyed and faces the rebuilding process. Their dog, Pup, was found alive after 44 hours in the rubble.

“She spent 44 hours in the mudroom, in the rubble, and she is alive,” Kay Dragoun said.

KOCO 5 walked through the damage with the Dragoun family, and Pup was right there by their side.

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‘Go-to dog’: Police K-9 racks up major drug seizures across Des Moines area

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Jodi Long

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    CLIVE, Iowa (KCCI) — A 5-year-old Dutch shepherd named Dutch is helping Clive police sniff out drugs across the Des Moines metro, and his success could soon lead to another K-9 joining the force.

Dutch works overnight with Sgt. Brian Kempnich, the metro’s only K-9 team on the night shift. The pair have worked together for four years and are often called to assist other metro departments.

“Every day I come to work, he is with me,” Kempnich said.

Dutch is specially trained to detect drugs, and police say he is requested almost daily by agencies in West Des Moines, Urbandale, Waukee and Windsor Heights.

“He is the go-to dog, yeah,” Kempnich said. “He has a very good success rate; he’s gotten a lot of drugs off the street.”

Clive police say Dutch seized 62 pounds of methamphetamine in 2024 alone, along with dozens of pounds of cocaine and marijuana since.

The city sits at the junction of Interstate 80/35 where 140,000 drivers travel through the town’s 1-mile stretch daily.

Investigators say the drugs they pick up off the street are often in transit, found in mail packages and vehicles. Chief Mark Rehberg said the numbers are significant for a small department.

“Clive is not a huge community, but to have those numbers associated with our K-9 program, I think those are substantial amounts,” Rehberg said.

The department said Dutch’s performance has made the K-9 program one of the department’s most successful efforts in nearly three decades. The department hopes to add a second K-9 as soon as next year.

“It gives us twice the coverage, and we have twice the ability to intercept these drugs that are coming in through our community.”

Officials say the addition would cost about $120,000, which includes the cost of the dog, training and outfitting a squad car to transport the animal.

The K-9 pair will work together for a few years before Dutch is done working. He turns 6 years old this summer. Police dogs stop patrolling between the ages of 6 and 9.

“It will be pretty heartbreaking when he retires,” said Kempnich.

The K-9 program is not funded by the city.

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Tree slices through Arkansas woman’s home during storm

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Thomas Burnam, Chip Scarborough

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    SPRINGDALE, Arkansas (KHBS, KHOG) — A tree fell through a woman’s home Tuesday during a heavy rainstorm.

Wanda Tabar said the tree crashed through her ceiling around noon, nearly falling on top of her in her kitchen.

This isn’t the first time her life has been impacted by the weather.

Tabar said she lost her house in a tornado four years ago on the very same lot.

But unlike four years ago, she’ll be able to continue living in her house with a tree stretching across the middle of it.

She said it’s important to maintain a sense of humor in a time like this.

“I walk in and I just, well, I’ve got a tree,” Tabar said. “If people ask, I’m going to tell them remodeling. Everybody down here is remodeling, OK?”

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Wolf population at Isle Royale National Park reaches highest levels since the ’70s, researchers say

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Paula Wethington

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    Michigan (WWJ) — The wolf population on Isle Royale National Park in Michigan has reached its highest level seen since the 1970s, a scenario that is a stark improvement for the species in that Upper Peninsula wilderness.

But the number of wolves also appears to be cutting down the moose population in the region.

A recently published study by researchers from Michigan Technological University provided a look at the populations of both animal species and their behaviors during winter 2026.

“In short, the wolf population appears to be doing well; however, the moose population continues to decline,” the report said.

The wolf population during winter 2026 is estimated at 37 animals living among three packs, the researchers said. That’s an increase of 31 wolves believed to be living there during 2023, and there were only two wolves found during 2017. Additional wolves were brought to the island during 2018 and 2019.

In the meantime, the number of moose on the island living there during winter 2026 was estimated to be 524. That is a noticeable drop from the 840 moose estimated during 2024. Furthermore, the most recent moose population survey found no calves among those animals. That was the first time in 68 years for such an observation.

“In a typical year, about 13 percent of moose seen on survey plots are calves,” the researchers said.

They also calculated that during 41 days in winter 2026, the wolves fed on 28 moose.

During summer 2025, the researchers said, there were issues with at least two wolves spending a substantial amount of time near camp sites and other locations where park visitors and staff could be found, attempting to access human food. During one such encounter, a tent was ripped and damaged as a wolf attempted to access a visitor’s backpack.

Because of those issues, the National Park Service said one of the two wolves that repeatedly approached people was “lethally removed” in August 2025.

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Execution of James Broadnax to continue after Supreme Court denies petition, state parole board votes against commutation

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Matthew Ablon

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    Texas (KTVT) — The state of Texas is set to move forward with the execution of James Garfield Broadnax on Thursday, nearly two decades after a double murder unfolded in North Texas.

On Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court denied Broadnax’s petition for a stay of execution. A day later, all seven members of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted against both a commutation of his sentence and a 180-day reprieve of execution.

Broadnax is one of two confessed suspects in the June 2008 killing of Matt Butler and Steve Swan in front of a recording studio in Garland. However, Demarius Cummings – who is Broadnax’s cousin and a co-defendant in the case – said the idea to rob both Swan and Butler was his and that he obtained the gun used that evening in a declaration shared earlier this year.

“I persuaded James to take the blame for shooting the two victims. In fact, I was the one who shot the two victims, not James,” Cummings submitted.

Both Broadnax and Cummings were 19 years old when the shooting happened.

In an interview with CBS News Texas anchor and reporter Steve Pickett, Cummings admitted to conspiring with his cousin to rob someone. Cummings was convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence with no possibility for parole.

Separately, Broadnax confessed to killing the men during a separate profanity-laced interview with Pickett, detailing how he shot both men multiple times.

“I don’t think I got a conscience,” he said.

Broadnax was sentenced to death after his murder conviction. He’s been on death row since 2009 and declined an interview request. He has also not made any statement regarding the new confession from his cousin as of March 2026.

At the beginning of Cummings’ trial in 2011, Jean and Craig Swan spoke up about their son.

“He was a brilliant young man” Jean Swan said. “He was an engineer and he was a musician. “It’s hard to say how good he was.”

The Swans said at the time they were disappointed that the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office didn’t seek the death penalty for Cummings.

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Mother of 3 rescued from rushing flood waters in North Texas; Rescue caught on video

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Matthew Ablon

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    Texas (KTVT) — As severe storms rolled through North Texas this past weekend, officers with the White Settlement Police Department found themselves rescuing a mother from rushing flood waters.

A video shared by the department to YouTube provides several angles from different dashboard and body-worn cameras. On Saturday, April 25, the department said officers were positioned around the city to respond to storm damage and emergencies. A supervisor, identified as Sergeant John Banner, saw rising flood waters along Western Hills Boulevard around 11 p.m. and also spotted a car that was driving become stranded.

After calling for help, the department said Banner saw the car become high-centered on a curb, with the front part of the car trapped in the flood water of a channel that runs toward a creek. Three children were able to get out of the car, and the department said Banner had them get inside his patrol vehicle to ensure their safety. However, the children’s mother was still inside the driver’s seat and unable to make it to high ground.

White Settlement Police said Banner was able to plan with arriving officers to help secure the woman after developing rapport with her. They had to improvise, getting her a jumper cable to secure herself with until the fire department could arrive. The department said Banner kept her calm until more help was able to get there.

After firefighters arrived, White Settlement Police said crews were able to hook a cable to the car, safely pulling it to the roadway and reuniting the mother with her children. The family was checked out by the fire department and found to be unharmed.

“I am grateful for the proactive response of Sergeant John Banner, his team of officers, our WEST COMM Dispatch Center, partner agencies and Fire Department during this dangerous situation of heavy rainfall that fell within a short period of time that caused rapid flooding in the area,” said Chief of Police Christopher Cook in a statement. “Law enforcement officers put the highest priority on the preservation of life and this was evident based upon getting creative and using a pair of jumper cables to serve as an additional safety tool until the car was pulled from danger.”

“What I saw during this rescue was brave police officers doing what they could to save lives,” added City Manager Jeffrey J. James. “I am equally proud of our entire public safety team who pulled together to provide the highest level of service to this family which led to a positive outcome.”

White Settlement Police said Chief Cook has ordered for each patrol care to be outfitted with a water rescue throw bag after reviewing the incident.

In addition to Banner, the department offered praise to Corporal Gasper Martinez, Officer Christopher Wiseman, Officer Brian Leal, Dispatcher Shyanne Hoffman, Dispatcher Gunnar Tomlinson, the Westworth Village Police Department, the Fort Worth Police Department’s West Division and the White Settlement Fire Department.

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Savannah Police release statement on video that captured Forsyth Park acid attack

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Tia Maggio

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    SAVANNAH, Georgia (WJCL) — Tuesday update: Savannah city officials confirmed to WJCL News Investigates that there is video of the attack, but it is “extremely poor quality and does not provide identifiable details that would assist the public in recognizing any individuals or generating meaningful leads.”

Initial report: New developments in the shocking acid attack at Forsyth Park — as the victim, Ashley Wasielewski, met face-to-face with investigators in what she describes as a “highly charged” conversation.

The meeting took place at Savannah Police Department headquarters and lasted just over an hour.

WJCL 22 News Investigates observed Wasielewski arriving with a family member around 10:55 a.m. and leaving shortly after noon.

While she declined an on-camera interview, Wasielewski spoke briefly with WJCL 22 News after the meeting, calling it “highly charged” but not providing further details.

Four months after the brutal attack, authorities have not announced any arrests, identified a suspect, or released a motive. The case dates back to December 10, when investigators say Wasielewski was walking through Forsyth Park when an unknown person randomly poured acid on her.

Her son, Westley Wasielewski, spoke weeks after the attack about the lack of answers.

“It’s definitely been difficult,” he said. “Savannah’s such a special place to my mother, and I don’t know if it will feel the same if he is not caught.”

A close friend who heard Wasielewski’s screams during the attack described the moment as “horrific.”

Investigators later confirmed the substance used was a sulfuric acid compound, leaving Wasielewski with third- and fourth-degree burns across much of her body. Medical experts say injuries of that scale can take years to treat and may cost hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

A source tells WJCL 22 News the meeting included multiple Savannah Police officials — including a captain, lieutenant, and detective — along with two FBI agents.

In a statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed its agents attended, calling the meeting a routine update for the victim. The agency added that the Savannah Police Department remains the lead in the investigation.

Wasielewski did not discuss her recovery but said she is “doing well.” Savannah Police also confirmed the meeting but declined to release additional information.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Parents of Loyola student Sheridan Gorman, killed in Chicago shooting, vow “we will get justice” after not guilty plea

CNN Newsource on April 29, 2026

By Sara Tenenbaum

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — The family of Sheridan Gorman, the Loyola University freshman killed in a shooting in Rogers Park in March, attended Wednesday’s court hearing for the man charged with her murder.

Jose Medina, 25, is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated assault, aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon and a federal gun possession charge for the shooting that killed Gorman on Rogers Park pier on March 19.

In the brief arraignment hearing, Medina pled not guilty to all charges. His formal arraignment has been delayed multiple times as he was treated in custody for tuberculosis and other medical problems.

Medina has been detained in the Department of Corrections since his first court hearing on March 27, at the request of both the defense and prosecution. Medina’s attorney said he was one of the Venezuelan migrants bused to Chicago from Texas by Gov. Greg Abbot starting in 2022. He had been in the U.S. with his mother on asylum, his attorney said.

Gorman’s parents arrived with a large group of supporters to attend the hearing, then spoke briefly afterwards.

“Today is a step forward,” her father, Thomas Gorman, said. “But let’s not pretend it’s anything more than that. An arraignment is not justice, it’s the beginning of a long process and our family will be here every step of the way until there is accountability for what was done to our daughter Sheridan.”

Thomas Gorman thanked prosecutors and law enforcement, but said “gratitude does not erase what happened.”

“She is gone because systems that are supposed to protect the public did not do their job,” he said.

He denounced the use of his daughter’s death by politicians and for political purposes, declaring, “This is not about politics for us, this is about responsibility.”

“We are not interested in slogans, we are not interested in political spin, we are interested in one thing: that this does not happen to another family,” Thomas Gorman said.

He described the void left in their lives after his daughter’s death – “it’s an empty seat the table, it’s silence instead of laughter” – and said they want accountability both in the courtroom and “from those responsible for enforcing the laws that already exist.”

He also said the family wants “real, meaningful change that puts policy over politics.”

Sheridan Gorman’s mother Jessica spoke very briefly, thanking the entire country for their thoughts and prayers and telling the gathered media in a shaking voice, “Our daughter was beautiful on the inside and out. She really mattered. We’re going to get justice for her.”

Medina was returned to state custody after the hearing. His next court date was not immediately known.

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