Push to expand Wisconsin 9/11 memorial in Kewaskum 25 years after attacks

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Matt Smith

Click here for updates on this story

    KEWASKUM, Wis. (WISN) — Americans will pause on Friday to remember 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks, including in Kewaskum, home to the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial.

“I know it’s the 25th anniversary, but you have to understand, for our family and the 2,976 other families, every day is 9/11,” said Gordy Haberman, whose daughter Andrea Haberman died in the attacks.

Andrea Haberman, who graduated from Kewaskum High School, was 25 at the time and attending her first business meeting in New York on the 92nd floor of the north tower of the World Trade Center.

“For our family, it’s hard to describe missing to people,” Gordy Haberman said. “But we miss Andrea every day.”

Gordy Haberman said he visits the Kewaskum memorial, which opened in 2021, several times a week. The centerpiece of the memorial includes a 2,200-pound beam from the north tower.

“Education is paramount of what this memorial stands for,” Gordy Haberman said.

Plans are now in place to expand the memorial and create a museum and community center — elements that will be inspired by the twin towers and provide the ability to host groups and tours year-round.

“Not only do we have something that people can come and remember what happened during 9/11 and the lessons we learned, but also a chance to be able to inspire,” said Mark Bazata, president of the Wisconsin 9/11 Memorial.

Organizers said $4 million is needed, and the new museum will be funded through private donors and grants.

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.

Iowa family honors mother murdered 37 years ago, still searching for her body

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By KCCI Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    WOODBINE, Iowa (KCCI) — Every year, Lindsy Baumgart and her three daughters gather to sing Happy Birthday in an unlikely place. Their voices carry softly throughout the Woodbine Cemetery to celebrate the life of Lindsy’s mother, Barbara Lenz.

“Just making sure she is always loved and remembered,” Baumgart said.

Lenz would have turned 69 years old on August 30th. However, the last birthday she got to celebrate was in 1988 at age 31.

A stone in the cemetery reads, “Barbara Lenz. Born on August 30, 1957. Missing since May 6, 1989. Mother of Lindsy.”

Baumgart was only 3 years old when her mother vanished from her apartment in Woodbine. This year’s birthday celebration has new meaning now that Lenz’s killer has been convicted.

“I feel like this year, we have a validation of what we have always known,” Baumgart said.

That validation came in May when Robert Davis, Lenz’s former boyfriend, was convicted of second-degree murder in her death. The conviction came 37 years after her disappearance and marked the first conviction for Iowa’s cold case unit, which was formed in 2024.

“I never got to grow up and know my grandma because he took that away from me,” said Ella Baumgart, one of Lenz’s granddaughters.

Despite a conviction, Lenz’s body has yet to be found. Baumgart continues to hold out hope her mother’s body will be located, which she says would bring her “ultimate closure.” In the meantime, she finds solace in newly discovered mementos, including handwritten notes from family members and a recording of Lenz playing the guitar at age 16.

“This is Barbara Lenz playing the guitar,” the recording begins, followed by music. It was the first time Baumgart had heard her mother’s voice since she was a child.

“I feel like more than anything I just want to be a huge advocate against domestic violence. It’s very important to me,” Baumgart said.

While the conviction has brought some closure, the family’s faith and memories of Lenz continue to bring them peace and ensure her legacy lives on for generations.

“She was always there to uplift people, and I just feel like I see myself in her,” added Zoe Baumgart, another granddaughter.

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.

‘New Mexico is and always will be New Mexico’: New Mexico leaders reject viral map suggesting state name change

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Simone Garber

Click here for updates on this story

    NEW MEXICO (KOAT) — New Mexico leaders are responding to a viral map shared on Truth Social by President Donald Trump over the weekend, which replaced the word “Mexico” in the state’s name with “America.”

“New Mexico is and always will be New Mexico,” said U.S. Rep. Gabe Vasquez. “Our name, history and culture are not up for debate. New Mexicans know who we are, and the president doesn’t have the power to erase our identity with another ridiculous Truth Social post.”

The map aligns with Trump’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, according to KOAT political analyst Brian Sanderoff.

“That includes getting the word ‘America’ in there as much as possible,” he said.

Sanderoff explained that renaming a state is not within a president’s authority.

“If he were to issue an executive order, it’s even conceivable he might force federal agencies to use that new name, but it wouldn’t necessarily be legally binding, and it wouldn’t require that New Mexico renames itself,” he said. “And I suspect if he even tried to issue an executive order, we’d see some lawsuits the very next day in federal court.”

Democrats quickly denounced the idea. Gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland posted on X that she will “always stand up for what makes New Mexico New Mexico.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Gregg Hull also rejected the proposed name change, sharing in a statement to KOAT that “New Mexico doesn’t need a new name, and that identity isn’t up for negotiation.”

However, not all Republicans are aligning with Democrats on the issue. Sanderoff noted the political challenge for Republican candidates.

“It does put Republican candidates in an uncomfortable position,” he said. “They don’t want to criticize the president, but yet they don’t want to defend the idea of renaming New Mexico based on prior experience with this particular president.”

Republican Greg Cunningham, who is running against Vasquez, criticized the congressman for focusing on the president’s social media posts.

In a statement to KOAT, Cunningham said that Democrats like Vasquez are “trying to distract voters from their awful record by focusing on what the president is posting on social media.”

Despite the discussion, Sanderoff said the name “New America” is unlikely to gain traction.

“Our state’s name is part of our identity — part of our culture and traditions,” he said. “So what would it mean to change our name to New America? It would be erasing our identity and cultural traditions. And that’s just not going to happen.”

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 have not done anything wrong,’ Savannah State athlete says after ICE detention, release

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Lynbyrd Massey Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    SAVANNAH, Ga. (WJCL) — Nearly two months after being detained during a traffic stop in New York, Savannah State University student-athlete Johan Sandoval is speaking publicly about the experience and the uncertainty surrounding his immigration case.

Sandoval entered the United States in 2022 on a nonimmigrant student visa. He spent about two weeks in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center after his July detention and has since been released on bond.

ICE said Sandoval’s visa was terminated in April 2025 after he allegedly failed to comply with its requirements.

The detention came as a shock to Sandoval, who said he did not initially understand what was happening. He learned more about the circumstances of his case after speaking with his attorney.

Sandoval believes the situation may have stemmed from an administrative error. He pointed to his status as a full-time student and said he had been following the requirements within his control, including matters involving documentation and transfers.

Through the uncertainty, Sandoval said his faith remained a constant source of strength.

He has also become focused on other international students who may be concerned about their immigration status.

Sandoval urged students to continue their education, communicate with their designated school officials, and make sure they understand their status and documentation.

When asked whether he would consider self-deporting, Sandoval said he would not. He maintains that he has not done anything wrong and plans to continue fighting his case.

For now, Sandoval remains out on bond while his immigration case is under investigation.

A GoFundMe campaign has also been launched to help support Sandoval’s legal expenses and his family during the immigration proceedings.

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 say east Louisville man set his home on fire, watched it burn across the street

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Addie Meiners

Click here for updates on this story

    LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WLKY) — An east Louisville man is accused of setting his house on fire.

Abdul Al-Mousa is charged with second-degree arson after his home caught fire just after noon on Monday.

His neighbors in Forest Springs say they expected this.

The sight of burned windows and door frames is a sad one, but for them, it is also a sight of relief.

“This is an amazing neighborhood, and it’s a place I’d be happy to stay. It was just one rotten apple.”

“I mean, my gosh, it’s like I have my life back.”

Investigators say Al-Mousa intentionally set the fire.

Michael Ray, who lives nearby, says he is the one who called 911.

“I saw the fire in the garage and him standing maybe 15 feet in front of me, and I go, ‘Dude, did you just start that fire?’ And he looked at me and said, ‘Yes,’” Ray said.

According to the arrest citation, Al-Mousa not only admitted to using an oil-soaked rag on a stick to start the fire, but also told firefighters, “Let it go.”

Ray says he took video of the fire while Al-Mousa moved across the street to watch.

Ray and other neighbors say this is only the most recent issue Al-Mousa has had in the neighborhood over the past few years.

“He had a blowtorch walking through the house, a live chainsaw through the house, he’s in his front and back yard with a sword.”

Ray says video shows Al-Mousa and a city worker after his behavior was reported.

According to Metro 311’s website, Al-Mousa was reported 15 times over the past two years for erratic behavior, high grass and weeds, trash scattered across the yard, and rodents.

“He meant for us to be scared, and we were.”

One neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous, says she feels like the system has failed both her neighborhood and Al-Mousa.

Records show he was previously in jail on domestic violence charges. A judge ordered him to receive mental health treatment and released him, but court records show he never sought treatment and continued living in his home, harassing his neighbors.

“There needs to be a different way of interpreting and handling that kind of behavior. But the police can’t do anything about it unless the laws change.”

We did speak with Al-Mousa’s estranged wife, who says she has repeatedly tried to get him mental health support, but he refused.

She says she asked the court to intervene, but has not had any success.

Al-Mousa is now being housed at Louisville Metro Corrections.

He’s set to be arraigned Wednesday morning.

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.

‘Nothing personal against the Mockingbird’: Advocate campaigns to make flamingo Florida’s state bird

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Angela Rozier

Click here for updates on this story

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WPBF) — A South Florida wildlife advocate is campaigning to make the American flamingo Florida’s official state bird, emphasizing its unique connection to the state, conservation success, and economic benefits.

Ron Magill, the Goodwill Ambassador and Conservation Liaison for the Zoo Miami Foundation, is leading the effort to make the change.

“For the last two years, they have tried to introduce a bill to get the flamingo listed as the state bird of Florida,” Magill said. “Right now, the state of Florida is the northern mockingbird. And I’ve got nothing personal against the northern mockingbird. It’s a nice common little bird, but it’s also the state bird of Louisiana, of Arkansas, Mississippi, and Texas. We shouldn’t be sharing a state bird with anybody.”

Visshaael Patel, the Communications Manager at the Palm Beach Zoo, admits flamingos are a favorite among visitors.

The flamingo, once extricated from Florida in the 1800s due to hunting for its plumes and meat, has made a comeback.

“Florida is the only state in the country that can list the flamingo as a native species,” Patel said. “The fact that flamingos are now staying here, they’re not just flying through and migrating off to the Bahamas and Cuba, Mexico. They’re flamingos that are now staying here. It’s nature telling us we’re doing a good job.”

Zoo visitor Amy Ambrosia wants the American flamingo to be the state bird.

“Well, I think it should be the American Flamingo, right, because when you think of South Florida, you think of flamingos, and even when we had that storm a lot of the flamingos came back so you’re seeing flamingos even in the Everglades now,” Ambrosia said.

Advocates highlighted the flamingo’s economic potential.

“Many people outside of the country automatically think that the flamingo is the state bird of Florida. As a matter of fact, many people within the state of Florida think the flamingo is the state bird of Florida. Think of all the logos, the tourism dollars that could be attracted, all the merchandising that could be done with the flamingo. This is a win-win for the state,” Magill said

The legislative process has faced challenges in previous years.

“Last year, it made it through the House and was voted overwhelmingly, positively, but it just died in the Senate,” Magill said. “This year, I’ve been allowed to advocate, and I am pulling out every stop. I have to speak to every person I can to get schools across the state involved. I’ve gotten major artists, I’ve gotten Dave Barry and Carl Hiaasen, you know, a huge columnist involved. We’re going to try to organize a rally.”

The bill, introduced by Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, also proposes designating the Florida scrub jay as the state songbird. “The bill says the flamingo’s the state bird and the scrub jay is the state songbird. So, they’re both included in this bill that really recognizes two birds that are only found in Florida as far as the United States goes,” Magill said.

The flamingo’s recognition would also reflect the success of conservation efforts, particularly the Everglades restoration project. “Everglades restoration is the single most expensive restoration project in the history of the world. By recognizing the flamingo, protecting those wetlands, we’re protecting so much more,” Magill said.

The campaign includes outreach through radio, television, and community events. “I just got a brand-new vehicle that’s all wrapped in flamingos, that I’m going to be driving up the state to speak to chambers, to speak to different groups throughout the state, to get them to understand why this is a win-win for the entire state,” Magill said.

He plans to campaign until the legislative session convenes in March.

“This is a win-win. It’s not costing anybody anything. This is not something we’re paying tax dollars for. This is just something recognizing an iconic bird for an iconic state,” Magill 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.

Cape Coral man accused of stripping naked in HomeGoods store, saying he ‘had to do it’

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Carson Zorn, Edward Franco

Click here for updates on this story

    CAPE CORAL, Fla. (WBBH) — A Cape Coral man was arrested on Monday after police said he stripped naked inside a HomeGoods store and exposed himself to a shopper.

According to the Cape Coral Police Department, officers responded to the HomeGoods on Del Prado Boulevard South at around 10:45 a.m. after reports of a fully nude man inside the store.

When officers arrived, they were directed to a nearby Aldi store after being told that the suspect had walked in that direction and may have entered the store. Officers located the suspect standing near the entrance to the store and identified him as Billy Thomas, 43, CCPD said.

Officers detained Thomas, and while walking him back toward a patrol car, they noticed a pair of white shoes and a pair of underwear near the entrance of the HomeGoods, CCPD said. Thomas then told officers that the items belonged to him and said that his clothes had started smoking and that the bicycle he was riding was smoking as well.

Officers never located a bicycle, CCPD said.

A woman who was inside the HomeGoods at the time of the incident told officers that she saw Thomas enter the store, walk into the aisle where she was standing, and say, “I’m sorry, I have to do this,” CCPD said. The woman said Thomas then dropped his pants, exposing himself. A store employee also confirmed that Thomas had been naked in the store.

Thomas was arrested and faces a charge of indecent exposure.

“I don’t really expect to go HomeGoods and see some naked man in the middle of the aisle,” said Alexandra Campos, a shopper at the store.

Shoppers at the Cape Coral HomeGoods store were startled to hear about the incident.

“It is concerning. Definitely something I wouldn’t like to expose my children to,” said Maria Ycaza, another shopper.

“It’s very worrisome. You know, children out and about,” Ycaza added.

Campos shared her thoughts, saying, “People just don’t need to see that, and even I don’t want to see that, coming to HomeGoods. I’m coming home to shop and have a peaceful experience.”

For customers inside HomeGoods, the incident was anything but business as usual.

“Keep a lookout, keep an eye out, be self-aware. Everything that’s happening around you,” Campos advised.

Lee County Sheriff’s Office Records show that Thomas has been arrested at least 28 times in Lee County since 2002.

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.

Pa. mother heads to court after 5-month-old drowns in hotel spa tub, DA says

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Rachael Lardani

Click here for updates on this story

    INTERCOURSE, Pa. (WGAL) — A Philadelphia woman charged in connection with the drowning death of her 5-month-old daughter at a Lancaster County hotel will proceed to court, according to the Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office.

Authorities said Diontee Beckett, 25, waived her preliminary hearing on Aug. 26 on charges of involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of children.

Diontee was released after posting $100,000 bail, according to police.

Infant placed in hotel spa tub, DA says According to the district attorney’s office, Diontee is accused of recklessly causing the death of her daughter, A’zara Beckett, after placing her in a spa tub while intoxicated on the evening of May 11.

It happened at the Best Western Plus Intercourse Village Inn & Suites on East Newport Road in Leacock Township.

The coroner ruled A’zara’s cause of death to be freshwater drowning.

Authorities noted that surveillance footage from inside the hotel showed Diontee entering the lobby, carrying the infant, who appeared “lifeless in her arms.” Several hotel guests called 911 and attempted life-saving measures before responders arrived.

Mother was intoxicated during the incident, DA says During an interview with investigators, Diontee said she consumed alcohol throughout the day and had taken her swimming earlier that afternoon before returning to their room, according to police.

Investigators said Diontee denied placing A’zara in the tub; however, police found a photo and video on Diontee’s phone of her daughter in the tub. Diontee told police that she did not remember taking A’zara into the tub, according to the district attorney.

Investigators said a chemical breath test indicated that Diontee had a blood alcohol content of 0.149% at the time.

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.

How a metro Atlanta nonprofit hopes to help repeat felony offenders through dog training

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Emily McLeod

Click here for updates on this story

    ATLANTA (WUPA) — A metro Atlanta nonprofit is giving men who are repeat felony offenders a second chance.

Canine Cellmates’ Beyond the Bars program is an alternative sentencing and diversion program. It allows men to stay out of jail if they commit to the program for one year.

During their time in the program, participants will train adoptable dogs from Fulton County Animal Services.

“Working with dogs that’ve kind of been in the same situation that I’ve been in, and being able to just — like, you know, I know how it is to be caged or locked up,” said Beyond the Bars participant Brandon.

Brandon is in the program and has been working with a 3-year-old Shih Tzu named Belle.

“I had a warrant for when I got caught with the gun. You know, I was speeding, they pulled me over, I didn’t want to run from the police because I’m tired of trying to do that,” Brandon said.

At first, Brandon wasn’t too sure of his assignment to work with Belle. However, the unlikely duo became an inseparable pair.

“I wasn’t really ecstatic about it, but she truly grew on me,” Brandon said. “Like I love Belle. Even when I’m at home, I think about her.”

Brandon wants to complete his GED, attend trade school, and become an electrician.

“These programs are actually helping me become a better man so that I can be a great man to show my daughter,” Brandon said.

Canine Cellmates Executive Director Susan Jacobs-Meadows said there aren’t many programs out there for repeat felony offenders. Once she learned about the need, she wanted to help.

“I think dogs are magical beings who have far greater capacity for facilitating positive change than humans do,” Jacobs-Meadows said.

While the program is working for Brandon, Jacobs-Meadows said up to 40% of people end up not finishing. She said some people are not ready.

“I have one young man in the program now, that — we call him ‘Jamari 3.0’ because this is his third time,” Jacobs-Meadows said. “But he’s doing so much better this time with complying and engaging.”

Jacobs-Meadows interviews each candidate and listens to feedback from the district attorney’s office. She said they’ll consider the charges and the circumstances.

“For me, it is more about intent than it is what happened,” Jacobs-Meadows said.

For Brandon, it’s an opportunity to start over.

“I love this program,” Brandon said. “Thanks to Miss Susan, Miss Susan gets a hug from me every day just because I really appreciate her and the program.”

In addition to the dog training sessions, the men also take classes where they learn more about topics including financial literacy and conflict resolution.

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.

Atlanta accepts Fulton County’s $68 million offer to buy the downtown jail, Dickens says

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2026

By Dan Raby, Daniel Wilkerson

Click here for updates on this story

    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Mayor Andre Dickens says Atlanta has agreed to sell the Atlanta City Detention Center to Fulton County for $68 million, a deal officials say could ease overcrowding at the county jail and expand care for detainees with mental health and substance use needs.

The agreement could give Fulton County about 1,300 additional detention beds at the downtown facility. County Commission Chairman Robb Pitts said the county is also planning a separate 1,800-bed medical facility for people with mental health or substance use issues.

“This is a wonderful day for Fulton County. It’s a wonderful day for the city of Atlanta. It’s a wonderful day for the detainees, but it’s also a great, great day for the taxpaying citizens of Fulton County,” Pitts said.

Negotiations between the two governments have been underway for months. In a letter obtained by CBS News Atlanta, Dickens said the city accepted Fulton County’s latest offer.

Dickens proposed the $68 million price in an Aug. 31 counteroffer after Fulton County offered approximately $56.5 million for the downtown detention center.

“The City of Atlanta accepts Fulton County’s offer to purchase the Atlanta City Detention Center for $68 million,” Dickens wrote in Tuesday’s letter.

Dickens said the deal is expected to save Fulton County taxpayers money by using the existing detention center instead of building the same amount of new space elsewhere. He also said it would protect city employees and allow diversion programs to continue.

The additional space could change Fulton County’s plans for the Rice Street jail. Pitts said previously planned renovations there may no longer be needed.

“There’s a possibility — I want to underscore this possibility — that the renovations that we have planned for Rice Street may not even be necessary,” Pitts said. “But that’s a story that will be unfolding.”

Angel Mapp, whose son was being held at the Rice Street facility, described crowded and unsanitary conditions inside.

“They were laying down like sardines in a can,” Mapp said. “Really bad. Bedbugs. And no room to even move, you know, like shoulder to shoulder with the other inmates.”

When told about the proposed purchase, Mapp said, “I think it’s great.” She also said she believes many detainees need treatment for mental health conditions.

Women detained by Fulton County are already being housed at the Atlanta City Detention Center and may remain there after the sale. Pitts also said most people held in the county jail are Atlanta residents, which is one reason he believes the purchase benefits both governments.

The city and county must still settle the remaining terms of the agreement. A working group that includes Atlanta Chief Operating Officer Dick Anderson, financial and legal officials, and the Fulton County sheriff is scheduled to meet Wednesday.

Officials are working against a Dec. 8 deadline, when Fulton County’s current lease for space at the city detention center expires.

Pitts has described the purchase as a goal nearly 20 years in the making. Previous attempts to reach an agreement stalled during the administrations of former Atlanta mayors Shirley Franklin, Kasim Reed and Keisha Lance Bottoms.

In the city’s earlier counteroffer, Dickens asked Fulton County to preserve enough space for people arrested on municipal charges, maintain intake and administrative operations and give Atlanta the first opportunity to buy the property if the county later sells it. Pitts said the county would discuss those conditions, with some limitations.

Atlanta initially sought $80 million for the facility, citing an independent appraisal that valued the property at approximately $144.6 million.

The sale still requires final agreements and government approval before it can close.

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.