Author: CNN Newsource

By Kelsey Jones

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    RICHMOND, Virginia (WTVR) — A unique summer program in Richmond is helping visually impaired students discover what is possible in the world of technology.

Twenty-one students from across Virginia are participating in the 10th annual Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired’s Cyber Space Program. Students are building websites from scratch, learning cybersecurity fundamentals, and exploring AI. For many, it is their first introduction to coding.

Kaleb Calhoun, 19, has albinism — a genetic condition that affects pigmentation and can cause low vision. He attended the Cyber Space Program three years ago as a student. Now a student at William and Mary, he has competed in AI competitions and helped develop AI imaging technology. This year, he returned to the program as an instructor and mentor, helping other visually impaired students discover opportunities he never knew existed.

“Without this program I would have not gone the steps I’ve taken now towards this cybersecurity career and pathway,” Calhoun said.

Calhoun said his visual impairment has never defined what he can accomplish.

“No matter what condition you have, no matter what disability, if you try hard and with determination and with opportunities and connections, you can get almost anywhere you want to go,” Calhoun said.

Micah Davis, 18, is a first-time attendee putting those technology lessons into practice.

“It’s been fun learning how to make websites, learning how AI works, learning about the future,” Davis said.

Davis said the program has given him a new appreciation for the technology people use every day and the work that goes into creating it.

“I didn’t know it was such a process,” Davis said.

Program leaders say the goal goes beyond technology. They hope the opportunity breaks down barriers and exposes students to career paths they may have never considered possible.

“We’re big on empowerment and letting them realize that they are capable of, you know, going into these fields and doing it well,” said Kathy Malone, deputy commissioner of services for the blind and vision impaired.

On Friday, students will showcase their work to family members, mentors, and community leaders.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVR’s editorial team 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 Melissa Hipolit

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    RICHMOND, Virginia (WTVR) — April Chang will never forget saying goodbye to her son Mitchell when she and her husband left him and his older brother at their swim school in Texas at a date night event in February 2018.

“Every second of it, I do. Every, every look, glance, everything,” Chang said.

Twenty minutes into her meal, her phone rang.

“I got a call on my phone, and the gentleman said that he was from the fire department and that I needed to go to the hospital because my son was injured,” Chang said. “I’m like, okay, well, what type of injury, and he goes, he, he goes, he wasn’t, he wasn’t responsive, he, he wasn’t responsive when he left to go to the hospital.”

Her son died from complications of a near drowning. He was 3 years old.

“When Mitchell drowned, the ratio in this in the pool room was 16 to one. We were told the ratio would be five to one,” Chang said.

“There was a class change out, I guess you could say, like he actually drowned right at the end of his swim group, and the last few minutes the new group came in, they were not trained to do a head count.”

Mitchell’s death devastated his parents and his older brother, who witnessed what happened. But when they learned how unregulated the swim school and swim camp industry is, they decided to take action and push for change — at the very least in Texas.

“We found out this is a very largely unregulated industry, it’s one that few left, actually, that has basically like no safety regulations going on out there, which really surprised us, because in the shopping center, where his swim school was, it was the only business that basically had no regulations,” Chang said.

Chang has been working to get legislation passed in Texas to set some sort of standards, but it has not yet passed.

“It was not a priority on some of the lawmakers,” Chang said.

After the death of 9-year-old King Overton at a swim camp at SwimRVA-North in Henrico County on June 15, CBS 6 asked various state agencies about what type of oversight and regulations exist for swim camps and swim schools in Virginia.

VDOE told us Virginia does not have specific requirements for child-to-adult ratios and swimming instructor certification for summer swim camps. Unless a program that offers swimming is licensed, it does not have to follow any state-mandated ratios or staff qualification standards, according to VDOE.

The Virginia Department of Education said SwimRVA is not licensed.

“When this happens more… wish our story was further. I wish others had heard, so that they more families could be educated to know. I wish that lawmakers, even if it was even national, would take this seriously, because this happens in near drownings. Near drownings happen a whole lot, actually, and it’s going to just because the environment, I wish that this would be taken seriously, because our children are everything,” Chang said.

Investigators are still working to determine exactly what happened that led King Overton to accidentally drown.

A page on SwimRVA’s website showcasing their frequently asked questions about their summer camps does not load. The Wayback Machine, an internet archive, showed their FAQ page from 2021, which indicated they had a staff-to-student ratio at that time of 1 to 10.

Chang believes the ratio should be close to one to four or five. Even so, she says she will never again feel comfortable leaving her child at a swim camp or school without her.

Her message to other parents: stay there and watch them.

“I shouldn’t have left Mitchell. I shouldn’t have done it. I’m his mommy. I was the last one, and I knew he couldn’t swim. Geez, that’s so hard to say, but it’s the truth,” Chang said.

CBS 6 is still trying to get more information from the Virginia Department of Education about why some swim schools and swim camps don’t have to be licensed or follow state requirements, and what exactly the state rules are for swim camps and swim schools.

The Virginia Department of Health said new legislation enacted this year that takes effect July 1 will have requirements related to facility staffing and incident response at public aquatic facilities, but those are still being developed.

This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. WTVR’s editorial team 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 Joi Fultz

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    RICHMOND, Virginia (WTVR) — Jerrod Buford first picked up a paintbrush as a kid, never imagining that same creative outlet would carry him through his darkest days in prison.

Buford, who grew up in Williamsburg, was convicted and arrested as a young man and spent almost a decade behind bars. During that time, he struggled deeply.

“Turning to drugs and alcohol to kind of shadow over emotions,” Buford said. “Looking for acceptance, approval. Not just from my parents, but from friends, from, you name it. I mean, I tried to commit suicide, I don’t even know how many times,” Buford said.

It was inside prison walls that art became more than a hobby.

“Throughout my prison time, I learned, the freedom that I desired, I’ve always had it. I got, I found it, in a box,” Buford said.

More than three years after his release, Buford continues to advocate for art as a tool for healing. He describes his work as a gift he feels called to share.

“I received a blessing from God that just allowed me to display what he’s given me,” Buford said.

For Buford, creating art is also a way of processing his past.

“That’s what art has done for me. It’s given me the ability to look at parts of my life, all parts of my life, and find the good and the negative, learn from the negative,” Buford said.

He shares his story and artwork with a wide audience through social media, including live sessions on TikTok, and holds art classes with new communities.

Buford said his mission is to help others find their own path toward healing — whatever form that takes.

“What I strive to do is guide this person to just create, man. Don’t care what people think about your creation, you just need to get it out,” Buford said. “Whether it’s with art, addressing your mental health, getting your life right — just do it.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Aliyah Chavez

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    LOS LUNAS, N.M. (KOAT) — A possible landspout tornado swept through Los Lunas on Thursday afternoon, leaving behind damaged homes, shattered cars, and debris scattered across the village.

Dashcam footage captured it near Interstate 25 around 3:30 p.m., showing its size and sparks erupting as it hit power lines twice.

“Well, everything was going smooth, and all of a sudden, the lights went out. And then we heard, like, a very loud noise,” Maria Gutierrez said, who works nearby.

Gutierrez said pieces of sheet metal flew from an unknown direction and landed on top of a truck in the Del Taco drive-thru. The people inside were trapped and needed to be freed by the Los Lunas firefighters. They were unharmed inside.

Crews were seen across the village cleaning up broken tree limbs, cottonwood branches, and debris scattered in every direction on Thursday evening.

At Los Lunas High School, batting cage nets were twisted high into light poles, showcasing the strength of the winds.

One car was left wrapped in plastic after its windows were blown out, with shattered glass strewn throughout the interior.

“If you guys do see a big storm like this, take shelter. Be safe. Stay in your cars. Run into a building,” one resident said.

Officials with the village of Los Lunas said they have not received any further reports of injuries.

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 Sasha Lenninger

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    New Mexico (KOAT) — Anthony Schmidt, an 18-year-old photographer with autism, is traveling Route 66 with his mom, capturing the centennial celebration through forced perspective photography of model cars.

At first glance, Schmidt’s photos appear to feature life-sized classic cars. But upon closer inspection, the vehicles are actually model cars, photographed to create the illusion of full-sized vehicles.

“It’s pretty easy, anyone can do it,” Schmidt said.

Using his iPhone, Schmidt began experimenting with photography when he was just six years old.

“I just figured it out on my own,” Schmidt said.

Diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at age seven, Schmidt has combined his passions for cars and photography, growing his collection to more than 3,500 model cars.

“I also got a ’46 Chrysler and a couple ’20s like an Auburn and Model T. They all have six volts,” Schmidt said.

He has published two books, created calendars, and built a following online. Now, Schmidt is embarking on his biggest project yet.

“It looks good with this Monterey Motel, built in 1946,” Schmidt said.

To celebrate the centennial year, Schmidt is traveling Route 66 with his mom in a 1957 Ford Custom, photographing his model cars at iconic spots along the way.

“It’s got 270 A/C, two windows down at 70 miles an hour,” Schmidt said.

“I always wanted to do it. We’re gonna stop at all historic landmarks,” he added.

From Oklahoma’s Sandhill Curiosity Shop to California’s Wigwam Motel, Schmidt is documenting the journey one photo at a time.

“Really good ones, there’s a couple that I missed. The Blue Swallow was probably our best,” Schmidt said.

During a stop in Albuquerque at the Monterey Motel, Schmidt walked through his process, carefully adjusting angles, shadows, and details to ensure the perfect shot.

“Well, we’re gonna move it back a little bit, open the door, let’s move the car back here,” Schmidt said.

“Here’s how the shot came out,” he said, showcasing the final picture.

Schmidt’s work is more than photography—it’s shifting perspectives on model cars and autism, inspiring others to see possibilities where they may have once seen limitations.

“Always chase your dreams, and if you want to do it, do it. Don’t wait. Life is too short to hesitate and not do things,” Schmidt said.

Through his lens, Schmidt is offering the world a glimpse of Route 66—and his unique perspective.

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 Cameron Bopp

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    HUMBOLDT COUNTY, California (KGO) — Investigators spent a third day, Thursday, excavating the property of a Northern California animal rescue as part of an expanding investigation into shelter dog deaths, with authorities saying dozens of animal remains have already been recovered, with over 700 shelter dogs still missing.

The operation, centered in the Humboldt County town of Fortuna, involves the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI and several state agencies.

In a statement released this week, the sheriff’s office said investigators have determined that hundreds of dogs were transferred to the rescue by private citizens and animal shelters and that “a significant number of those animals have not been accounted for.”

Authorities said dozens of dogs have been recovered during the excavation, many of them with microchips.

The investigation began after a neighbor uncovered a burial pit containing eight dogs with apparent gunshot wounds.

“I hope it will be the beginning of a change where the animals will be removed from and placed into legitimate rescues where they find actual loving homes,” neighbor Jennifer Raymond said.

More than two months after the investigation began, no charges have been filed against the owner or any employees. ABC7 Eyewitness News is still not naming the rescue.

The rescue remains open and operating, and the investigation remains active.

The investigation also follows reporting on a search warrant affidavit alleging the rescue accepted dogs and money from shelters across California under agreements that the animals would be cared for and rehomed.

Investigators allege some dogs were instead killed to make room for additional animals.

For a third consecutive day Thursday, excavators searched the property as residents watched the operation unfold.

“You cannot really put into words what exactly it smells like. The closest thing I think of is a pile of dead deer,” Humbolt resident Jaiden Kilby said.

Berkeley and Oakland were among the Bay Area shelters that sent hundreds of dogs to the rescue before later cutting ties.

Legal experts said the lack of charges does not necessarily indicate that none will be filed.

“I wouldn’t take the fact that it’s been a little while and charges haven’t been filed as any indication that they won’t be,” said Matthew Liebman, a professor of animal law at the University of San Francisco.

Liebman said animal cruelty investigations can be difficult to prosecute because of the nature of the evidence.

“Animal cruelty cases can be especially difficult to charge and prosecute because there are unique evidentiary challenges… the animals themselves can’t testify,” Liebman said.

Animal law attorney Bruce Wagman said one of the most alarming allegations in the case may not, by itself, constitute animal cruelty under California law.

“To euthanize an animal in California by a bullet, that alone is not animal cruelty,” Wagman said.

Wagman also noted that even if investigators were to discover additional buried animals, animal cruelty charges would not be automatic.

Investigators have said hundreds of dogs sent to the rescue remain unaccounted for.

In addition to potential animal cruelty allegations, legal experts said the investigation could involve possible fraud, conspiracy and nonprofit law violations.

Updated excavation numbers are expected Friday.

The owner has repeatedly denied allegations that dogs were killed to make room for more animals.

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 Michele Gile, Matthew Rodriguez

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    IRVINE, California (KCAL, KCBS) — The Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged the 71-year-old Irvine resident accused of beating a duckling to death with a plastic recycling bin last month.

“I’ve been very patient and wondering and hoping that justice could finally be served in this because I haven’t forgotten anything,” neighbor Ninette Infante said.

Infante said on May 13, a group of ducklings hatched on her porch and walked over to the community pool. Prosecutors said her neighbors tried to usher the Mallard mother duck and the 10 ducklings while Randall Bertsch was swimming in the pool.

“They were little babies,” Infante said. “They were babies of a mother that had just hatched them that same morning. We felt like they were our pets almost because we were taking care of them and making sure that they would be hatched OK.”

Bertsch allegedly began yelling at the birds before grabbing several and gathering them into a box, according to investigators. A video shows a man slamming the blue plastic recycling bin on the ducklings.

Infante said Bertsch claimed the ducks ran into the bushes when she later tried to round them up. Skeptical, Infante said she looked into the trash can and found a dead duck and another with a gash on its head. The Irvine Police Department said the injured duckling suffered severe head trauma. Officers said the eight other ducklings and the mother duck escaped Bertsch.

“Any act of violence against an animal or an individual is absolutely prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Kimberly Edds, a spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office. “It’s incredibly disturbing to see how he acted against these little ducklings.”

Prosecutors charged Bertsch with two counts of animal cruelty, three felony counts of attempted animal cruelty and one misdemeanor count of harassment of animals. Prosecutors added five felony enhancements for the personal use of a weapon. If convicted as charged, Bertsch faces more than seven years in jail.

While detectives arrested him on May 13, Bertsch was released after posting $20,000 bail. After the charges were filed, officers arrested Bertsch once again. His bail was increased to $50,000.

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 Ashley Portillo

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    DENVER, Colorado (KCNC) — There have been hundreds more bear sightings this year compared to last year, with a lot of bear activity happening even earlier in the season. Colorado Parks and Wildlife says it’s due to the warm and dry winter, impacting bears who are searching for food.

Amy Randall, a Loveland resident, has seen bears around her home three times in less than a week.

“This is the first day that I saw the bear. He pulled the bird feeder off the tree and tried to get into it. When he approached the house, he was just kind of checking stuff out on the front walkway. He was there for five or 10 minutes, then took off,” said Randall.

A small bear visited last Wednesday, and later that night, a larger bear came by. A few days later, she had another bear sighting.

“I was definitely in shock at first, because I’ve never seen a bear in my neighborhood before.”>

Luke Perkins, the Statewide Public Information Officer for Colorado Parks and Wildlife, says there have been 36 reports of bears seen in Loveland in 2026.

“It’s not unusual to see that, but the numbers that we’re seeing this year across the state are definitely higher than normal,” said Perkins.

Perkins says there have been over 1,700 reported bear sightings this year, compared to last year at the same time, there were just under 1,200 reported bear sightings.

“We had a light snowfall during the winter. This impacted natural forage for bears; they were waking up earlier, and then we’ve had these sustained hotter temperatures and lower moisture, which certainly isn’t helping that forage situation for these bears,” said Perkins.

Perkins said while they always see an increase in sightings throughout the summer, it’s usually later in the year.

“Once we start getting into that later part of summer, or going in the fall, especially during that fall portion, whenever they’re going to hyperphagia, where they’re just trying to cram up in as many calories as they can, so they can get ready for that winter hibernation,” said Perkins.

With the surge in bear sightings, CPW is urging Coloradans to take precautions.

“It’s important that people are bear-wise and that they ensure they’re not attracting or providing unsafe foods that you would both lure bears in, but also have detrimental health effects for the bears,” said Perkins.

Perkins added people need to be bear-wise, which starts by trying to address the behaviors that might attract bears to neighborhoods.

Remove anything from your yard that will attract bears, like bird feeders, trash, or food. Do not leave trash or food behind. Be careful letting your dogs outside, and keep your dogs leashed while walking or hiking. If you do see a bear in your yard or on a trail, remain calm and back away slowly.

“Don’t corner the bear; make sure it has an avenue to get away. Bears generally don’t want to be around people, and then you know, find a way to haze it. So, hazing, we generally talk about this in terms of making a loud sound, this could be banging pots together, air horns, yelling at the top of your lungs,” said Perkins.

You can also use bear spray as needed. If a bear attacks, do not play dead and fight back.

When hiking, stay alert and stay together. Be sure to pay attention to your surroundings. When camping, also do not cook or leave food near your tent. Be sure to store food in bear-resistant containers.

Perkins encourages anyone who sees a bear to report it to CPW.

As Colorado’s furry neighbors are becoming more active, Randall is also documenting her wildlife encounters.

“This is basically my collection of all of my bear photos and videos now,” said Randall. “Who knows, it might be ever expanding, you know, in the near future.”

A bear attack in Apex Park near Golden is the most recent and high-profile example of a surge in bear activity this season. CPW says that the investigation is still ongoing. They say it’s the only reported bear attack in 2026. There were three reported bear attacks last year.

Colorado residents can find more information on living with bears online. Those who have questions or want to report bear problems are asked to call their nearest CPW office.

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.