Author: CNN Newsource

By Rachael Perry

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    PALM BEACH COUNTY, Florida (WPBF) — A Florida woman accused of co-owning a multi-million-dollar THC operation is being held on a $20 million bond, according to investigators.

Authorities say the business operated warehouses in Florida, Oklahoma, and Texas, including one in Delray Beach, to package and ship THC products to customers across the country. Casey Smith, named by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office as the co-owner and former managing member of Not Your Bakery LLC, appeared in court Friday with her attorney.

Palm Beach County deputies arrest alleged shooter and getaway driver in Belle Glade homicide “Based on reading this, it seems to me that the other co-defendants were essentially running everything,” Smith’s attorney said.

Smith is facing charges including money laundering and organized fraud. Investigators allege the company was used to process money from illegal drug sales and sold highly concentrated THC products, generating more than $31 million in 2024 and 2025 while reporting only a fraction of that amount to the state.

Court records show that a 1,100-pound shipment of THC hemp products intercepted in Oklahoma helped bring the operation under scrutiny.

“She had no involvement at all with the manufacturing or distribution of drugs. She essentially paid the vendors and paid out the money to wherever it needed to be distributed,” Smith’s attorney said.

Three individuals, including Smith, are named in the 77-page court filing. Prosecutors pushed for a $20 million bond, while Smith’s attorney argued for a significantly lower amount.

“My understanding was 200k, which frankly I still think is too high,” Smith’s attorney said.

The judge ultimately ordered Smith to be held on a $20 million bond.

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 Kathryn Merck

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    PORTLAND, Oregon (WDJT) — In baseball, the most important things make it home. That couldn’t be more true for Steve Froemming’s 1982 Brewers bat boy jacket he wore during the World Series 44 years ago.

Mark Trader from Portland, Oregon reached out to CBS 58’s Kathryn Merck on Instagram to say he made a recent discovery that linked his vintage Brewers jacket and the 1982 team. Trader said he found the jacket at a bar in 2008 when he was a student at UW-Madison.

“There was someone who left a beautiful Brewers jacket on a barstool, and I kind of swiped that thing,” Trader said. “I’ve had it for 15 years now.”

Over the years, the jacket labeled with the name ‘Steve’ on the front of it had become a bit at parties for Trader and his friends while the real ‘Steve’ remained a mystery. While shopping at a vintage shop in Green Bay last month, he found a photo of the 1982 team, with Steve Froemming.

“It gave me the clue that I needed to unlock the mystery,” Trader said.

Trader looked online to find out more about Froemming and found two CBS 58 articles. One with his father, legendary MLB umpire Bruce Froemming, during the 2025 postseason run for the Brew Crew. The other, when CBS 58 first reported that Bruce had died in February.

CBS 58 connected the two men who currently live over 2,500 miles apart through a Zoom call.

“I learned a little bit about your family, Steve,” Trader said on the Zoom. “It just became very clear that it was time for your jacket to go back.”

Trader shipped the jacket to Froemming, who currently lives in Tennessee. Froemming said he gave the jacket away at some point after the 1982 World Series.

“I truly do not remember who I gave it to,” Froemming said. “This was the jacket I wore in 1982, during the World Series.”

Thankful for the return, Froemming offered Trader the chance to sit with him at the 50-yard line at a Packers game this season.

“This was one of the most generous gifts, if not the most generous gift, that was provided to me. With the legacy and the history of not only the Brewers, but the family being in baseball,” Froemming said. “It’s something I had the entire season, of course, and it is very special to me.”

Froemming attended Game 1 of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field and says he wore the jacket. He plans to fly to Tampa and wear it there, too.

“It’s all like a dream right now. It’s like, pinch me, is it really happening? And it is,” Froemming 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 Savannah Lee

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    WINDSOR HEIGHTS, Iowa (KCCI) — October marks Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to recognize the estimated half-million Americans living with Down syndrome and highlight the importance of inclusion.

In the Des Moines area, two mothers are working to change the way people view the diagnosis, one conversation at a time.

Amber Robinson and Patty Sneddon-Kisting are the mothers of 9-year-olds Addie and Pierce, who share more than their age and the experience of growing up with two siblings. Both children have Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21.

But their diagnosis is only one part of who they are.

“They are amazing, resilient, wonderful pains in the butts,” Sneddon-Kisting said.

For Robinson and Sneddon-Kisting, a Down syndrome diagnosis introduced them to a community they had not previously known existed.

The two met at GiGi’s Playhouse in Windsor Heights, a nonprofit organization that provides free educational and therapeutic programs for individuals with Down syndrome and their families.

The nonprofit is a place where families can find support, share challenges and connect with others navigating similar experiences.

“It’s really a place for us just to come and share the hard that comes with it,” Robinson said. “It’s just really been a safety net for us and our family to know that we’re not alone in this.”

That sense of community inspired the two mothers to expand their support system beyond the walls of GiGi’s Playhouse.

They launched the podcast “Chromosomes & Chaos” to give families and listeners a place to find relatability in the unknown and realize they are not alone in their experiences.

The podcast explores the realities of family life and raising children with Down syndrome, embracing both the challenges and the moments worth celebrating.

“We want to be open and let people feel their feelings and have a resource where they can come to share the good that comes with Down syndrome and not always the bad,” Robinson said.

“Everybody has something to navigate,” Sneddon-Kisting said. “I think that’s the beauty of bringing something like our podcast to social media, is that people can say, ‘Oh, I’m not weird.’”

After just one year, “Chromosomes & Chaos” has accumulated thousands of downloads, reaching listeners through honest conversations about parenting, relationships and the craziness of everyday life.

“We encourage people to just live in the moment and give a lot of grace and keep going,” Sneddon-Kisting said.

They also hope to change how people respond when a family receives a Down syndrome diagnosis.

“When somebody says they got a diagnosis, say congratulations,” Sneddon-Kisting said. “Feel the feelings, navigate those feelings; feelings are valid, but say congratulations.”

For Addie, Pierce and their families, Down syndrome is part of their story, but it does not define the whole picture.

Through GiGi’s Playhouse and “Chromosomes & Chaos,” Robinson and Sneddon-Kisting are helping build a community that recognizes the challenges while celebrating the people, personalities and love that make up everyday life.

Listeners can find “Chromosomes & Chaos” on podcast platforms. More information about programs and opportunities to get involved with GiGi’s Playhouse Des Moines is available at gigisplayhouse.org/desmoines.

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 Stephanie Moore

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    NORTH CHARLESTON, South Carolina (WYFF) — A South Carolina woman who led authorities on a chase in a school bus is accused of using her young son as a shield when she eventually stopped for authorities.

The North Charleston Police Department said just before 3:30 p.m. on Thursday it got an alert that a school bus was traveling along Palmetto Commerce Parkway in an erratic manner.

The bus had reportedly nearly struck another vehicle, and the driver, later identified as Shakira Jones, was suspected of being impaired.

Officers found the bus and saw it traveling at approximately 65 mph in a posted 45 mph zone.

Police also reported that Jones made an improper turn onto Ashley Phosphate Road, followed by four improper and multiple erratic lane changes.

Officers activated their emergency lights and sirens on Ashley Phosphate Road.

However, after turning onto Peppermill Parkway, police said Jones accelerated rapidly and failed to stop as officers pursued it with emergency lights and sirens activated.

The bus stopped briefly before Mill Ridge Lane, prompting officers to attempt a high-risk traffic stop and issue commands over a public-address system. They said Jones then made an erratic right turn toward Stall High School.

Police said the bus stopped a second time, and officers again issued verbal commands.

Although Jones initially placed the bus in park, she then shifted back into drive moments later and accelerated into a parking lot where school staff were present, police said. Staff members reportedly had to take evasive action to avoid the bus and pursuing officers.

After the bus came to a final stop, officers continued issuing commands, but Jones refused to exit, according to police. Assisting officers were eventually able to see Jones.

Police said Jones placed a child in front of her in an apparent attempt to shield herself from officers. Officers safely removed the child and tried to take Jones into custody. After a brief struggle, she was arrested, authorities said.

Investigators later determined that the child aboard the bus was Jones’ son. He was eventually turned over to a relative.

During the investigation, officers reportedly found a bottle of prescribed amphetamines among Jones’ personal belongings within arm’s reach of the driver’s seat.

Police said Jones consented to standardized field sobriety tests, and the officer who administered them concluded that there was probable cause that she had been driving while impaired.

Jones was transported to the Al Cannon Detention Center and charged with Failure to Stop for Blue Lights and Sirens, Driving Under the Influence, and Child Endangerment.

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 Denzen Cortez

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    LOOMIS, California (KCRA) — A family-owned pumpkin patch in Loomis is hoping to recover a giant inflatable jack-o’-lantern stolen just days before Halloween.

Archer and Annie Lombardi, owners of Solstice Farm along Horseshoe Bar Road, said the decoration, affectionately named “Jackie O,” was stolen Sunday, Oct. 18, about 30 minutes after the farm closed.

Surveillance video from a neighboring home shows a vehicle parked near the farm around 9:36 p.m. for approximately five minutes before driving away. The footage helped neighbors pinpoint when the theft occurred.

Archer Lombardi said whoever took the inflatable cut its securing ropes before making off with it.

The pumpkin, estimated to stand about 10 feet tall, was one of two giant jack-o’-lanterns at the farm. Jackie O served as a roadside landmark, helping visitors locate the small pumpkin patch.

“People know where we are located so they can come by and be like, ‘Oh, you know, it’s just turn right after the big pumpkin,'” Annie Lombardi said.

The family said the inflatable was custom-made and imported for approximately $1,500. Replacing it would take at least 45 days, according to Archer Lombardi.

Neighbors have since rallied around the family, sharing the theft on community social media pages and calling for “Justice for Jackie.”

Despite the financial loss, the Lombardis said they would prefer to have the decoration returned rather than involve law enforcement.

“Just bring Jackie O home, and there’ll be no questions asked,” Archer Lombardi 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 Madison Weil, Tim Pulliam

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    MONTCLAIR, California (KABC) — A suspected drunk driver struck a group of bicyclists during a Halloween ride in Montclair Saturday night, killing two people and dragging one victim before fleeing, according to witnesses.

The incident unfolded just before 11 p.m. Saturday at the intersection of Kingsley Street and Tudor Avenue, according to the Montclair Police Department.

About 30 people were riding bicycles when a suspected drunk driver struck several of the riders and took off. Witnesses say the group was participating in a self-coordinated Halloween ride.

The driver kept going after hitting the bicyclists, dragging the second victim for at least a mile, according to witnesses. The suspect then ditched his blood-stained car and ran away.

One bicyclist died at the scene. Two others were taken to the hospital, where one of them later succumbed to her injuries, police said. The other rider suffered major injuries but is in stable condition.

Just hours after the deadly collision, police found the driver at his home near the scene. Valentin Alberto Rodriguez, 38, was arrested on suspicion of several charges, including driving under the influence.

Rodriguez now faces several felonies, including hit-and-run and gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated.

As the sun set Sunday, balloons and candles continued to accumulate at the crash site, marking the spot where a festive Halloween bike ride ended in tragedy. Neighbors and loved ones gathered to mourn the victims and support their families.

Winni Mercado lives nearby and said she heard the aftermath of the crash; loved ones crying and wailing over a victim’s body on the pavement.

“It was just awful. It was just awful. I know that I will never get that sound out of my head. Just feeling that pain,” she said.

Neighbors and loved ones are left grieving.

“My heart breaks for you. I can’t fathom or imagine what they’re going through right now…on something that was so innocent. Just kids having fun. My prayers are with them,” Mercado said.

Anyone with further information about the collision is urged to contact the Montclair Police Department at (909) 621-4771.

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 Jacqueline Policastro | Quincy News Correspondent

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    Washington (Quincy News) — Market Recap: U.S. stocks finished lower Friday as rising oil prices and concerns about artificial intelligence spending weighed on markets. The Dow dropped 653 points, or 1.2%, while the S&P 500 fell 0.5% and the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.2%.

Oil prices slipped early Monday after last week’s jump, with Brent crude down about 1.6% to near $115 a barrel as of 6 a.m. ET amid hopes of easing U.S.-Iran tensions. U.S. stock futures edged higher as investors looked ahead to a busy week of Big Tech earnings, the Fed’s decision Wednesday and new inflation data Thursday.

Today’s Focus: The Federal Reserve meets Tuesday and Wednesday, with its interest-rate decision due Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET and Chair Kevin Warsh’s press conference at 2:30 p.m. The meeting follows September’s quarter-point increase, which brought the benchmark rate to a range of 3.75% to 4%.

For households carrying credit-card balances, the stakes include borrowing costs. Many cards have variable interest rates tied to the prime rate, which banks set partly in response to Fed policy. Higher rates can increase the interest charged on unpaid balances.

Thursday brings the government’s first estimate of third-quarter economic growth and September’s personal income and spending report, including the Personal Consumption Expenditures price index. The inflation figures will show how prices changed across the goods and services consumers buy.

Major technology earnings are also on the calendar. Microsoft and Alphabet report Wednesday, followed by Amazon on Thursday, offering another look at corporate performance during the industry’s costly AI expansion.

ON THE SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK OF MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2026

-Tuesday – Federal Reserve begins its two-day policy meeting

-Tuesday, 8:30 a.m. ET – September durable-goods orders

-Tuesday, 10 a.m. ET – October consumer confidence and September new-home sales

-Wednesday, 2 p.m. ET – Federal Reserve interest-rate decision

-Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. ET – Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s press conference

-Wednesday, after the market closes – Microsoft and Alphabet earnings

-Thursday, 8:30 a.m. ET – Third-quarter GDP advance estimate; September personal income and spending, including PCE inflation; and weekly initial jobless claims

-Thursday, after the market closes – Amazon and Intel earnings

-Friday, 8:30 a.m. ET – Third-quarter Employment Cost Index

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 Coleman Petit

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    VACAVILLE, California (KOVR) — A Vacaville man was arrested Friday after accidentally firing a gun inside of a vehicle in the 400 block of Berryessa Drive, injuring a person, police said Sunday.

Officers and fire personnel responded just after 1:00 a.m. for reports of a possible shooting, finding multiple people outside of a residence, including a person who had been shot. A firearm was also located under a boat stored in the driveway of the home, police said.

The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where they underwent surgery, police said.

Police said the investigation indicates that multiple people were sitting inside a vehicle when the suspect accidentally discharged a firearm, shooting and injuring the victim.

The suspect, identified as Robert Costa, 18, was arrested on a charge of negligent discharge of a firearm and other firearm-related charges, according to officials.

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.