Author: CNN Newsource

By Nikki Hauser

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    NASHVILLE, Tennessee (WTVF) — Innovative technology is transforming hospitals — with new tools, cutting-edge techniques, and now, a creative way to get around.

Graden Knapp, a gaming and technology specialist, uses fun tools like toys and video games to make sick kids’ stays in the hospital bearable.

What he didn’t know is that his work would also lead to the very first, almost-complete, 3D printed wheelchair at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital.

“I’m pretty happy with this project, and I’m really happy with getting invested in 3D printing because I think it really will change… and will be where children’s hospitals are going in the future,” he explained.

Knapp printed the first wheelchair in 2-3 months after coming across Made Good, a group of charity engineers that provided the design for the model. He also went forward with the project after realizing the need for more wheelchairs inside the hospital.

“Accessibility is one of them because you can really offer patients something that is specific to them, and that’s like my favorite aspect of this,” he smiled.

It comes with a lot of technical work, but the fun and colorful wheelchair is meant to improve patient care and make each child the happiest they can be.

Plus, it’s extremely cost-effective, about 10 times cheaper than a typical wheelchair.

“Hmm, what do I hope to see…a smile,” laughed Knapp. “I’m hoping kids find enjoyment and get to feel more comfortable as themselves when they’re using a wheelchair that matches their energy and is exciting and fun like they are.”

The idea is to provide the 3D wheelchair to kids at the hospital and allow them to take it home with them after their stay.

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 Karina Vargas

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    OCEAN BEACH, California (KGTV) — Justin Voeller’s 8-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Angus, appeared healthy during a routine visit to the dog beach in Ocean Beach last week. But within hours of returning home, Angus began showing alarming neurological symptoms.

“It’s very strange that he would just be like literally constantly just spinning in circles, couldn’t stop spinning,” Voeller said.

Voeller rushed Angus to an emergency veterinarian after noticing the unusual behavior.

“He was exhibiting some neurological symptoms like constantly spinning, circling his food bowl, and not wanting to eat. So at the vet, they suspected right away that he had some drug exposure,” Voeller said.

The veterinarian confirmed Angus tested positive for methamphetamine. Voeller said the diagnosis was terrifying.

“They said that a big risk for him is overheating, which can damage their brain and lead to death too. Another dog died here last year of the same symptoms of the same exposure,” Voeller said.

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department said reports of this nature are rare, but dog owners are encouraged to maintain close supervision of their pets at all times. The department added that park rangers patrol the area regularly during working hours.

The San Diego Humane Society says pet owners should seek immediate veterinary care if their pet shows any signs of poisoning. Methamphetamine exposure in dogs can cause seizures, high body temperature, heart complications, or death.

Angus is recovering well. Voeller is now urging other dog owners to stay alert.

“If you see your dog acting really strange and exhibiting very unusual neurological behaviors, know that this is something that can happen to them, and they need immediate veterinarian care if that happens,” Voeller said.

Voeller reflected on just how serious the situation was for his beloved companion and how grateful he is that Angus is okay.

“He has jumped out of a moving car window because he saw a squirrel. He’s crazy. This was by far the biggest threat that he faced, though, and we’re very happy that he made it through,” Voeller said.

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

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    TULSA, Oklahoma (KJRH) — The sound of hammers and power tools fills the air on a quiet Brookside street, where transformations are unfolding, and it’s not costing the homeowners a dime.

120 students from eight churches across Oklahoma have descended on Tulsa for Youth Force, an annual service project that provides free home repairs to families in need.

“We are putting up all this insulation and new siding,” explains Micah Tiger, a student working with God Squad 4.

For Tiger, the physical work is just part of the reward.

“It’s just really rewarding to just be able to see the work that’s being done, being able to impact someone a lot,” he said. “Knowing how much this is going to affect the people that I’m working for, and you’ve got to stay strong for the rest of your god squad.”

This summer marks the second year Christ Church at Harvard sponsored the Youth Force trip, housing all the student volunteers and leaders at their facility.

Seven families and one Sapulpa church are receiving the free home improvements.

The work isn’t always easy.

“Sometimes you get discouraged, like a piece doesn’t work like what just happened, it doesn’t work, but you just get back up, and you fix it,” he said.

But, in just four days, homes like the Waterdowns are undergoing complete transformations.

Lucy and Steve Waterdown have lived in their Brookside home for about 40 years, married for 35.

The couple knew their home needed repairs, but hadn’t been able to tackle the work themselves.

“I’m pretty overwhelmed right now,” said Lucy, watching the students work on her house. “It’s hard to believe, you know, I’m like any minute I’m gonna wake up and it’s not really gonna have happened.”

Across the street, Arei Sharp is working on another home improvement project. This marks her fourth year participating in Youth Force, and her enthusiasm hasn’t waned.

“I come because it’s the best part of my summer every single year,” Sharp said.

For Sharp, the experience is about something bigger than home repairs.

“This isn’t about you, it’s not about any of us here, it’s about the homeowner and what we do for her and her house,” she explained. “It’s so much fun, because it’s like you’re doing work for someone else, and it’s just heartwarming to see because everyone wants a safe house, and every single year my homeowners start crying because they’re so thankful.”

The impact extends far beyond fresh siding and new insulation. For families like the Waterdowns, the project represents hope and community support when they needed it most.

“We can’t thank them enough,” said Steve. “It’s such a surprise that this happened for us. I mean it was a total surprise.”

As for how the projects are funded, each student pays $275 to enroll in the camp. That covers most of the materials, as well as their meals through the week-long camp.

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 Lauren Minor

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    CINCINNATI (WCPO) — For Dr. Samuel Vester, watching his daughter pursue a career in medicine was rewarding enough — but getting to work alongside her has been even better.

The longtime cardiac surgeon at UC Health now shares the operating room with his daughter, Dr. Hannah Vester, a surgical resident who is following the same career path.

Hannah is a fourth generation physician. Her great grandfather, grandfather and father all practiced medicine, and all attended the University of Cincinnati.

She began medical school in 2020 and graduated in 2024 before starting a six year surgical residency program at UC.

Now two years into her training, she has chosen to specialize in cardiac and thoracic surgery, just like her father.

Hannah said medicine became familiar at a young age.

“Obviously, I grew up with a dad surgeon, so he would take us on rounds when we were little kids, but I just really loved being in the hospital and being in the operating room,” Hannah said.

One of the most memorable moments came when she learned she had matched into UC’s residency program.

“I matched here. He’s not a crier, but there were definitely some tears in his eyes when I got to open my match letter and found out I was staying here,” Hannah said.

Not long after, the two performed their first surgery together as physician and resident. The experience became so meaningful that Samuel decided to delay retirement plans in order to continue working alongside his daughter during her training.

“Also on the flipside is that he had to not retire early,” Hannah said. “Instead, he stuck around for a couple extra years to finish out training with me instead of retiring around now as he had planned, which is nice that I get to have him stick around and train not just me, but my co residents as well.”

For Samuel, the opportunity has become one of the most meaningful parts of a decades long career.

“If any parent has the opportunity to work alongside one of their children, grasp that by the horns. It’s really the highlight of my career,” Samuel said.

As Father’s Day approaches, the father and daughter plan to spend time together outside the hospital. Neither is scheduled to be on call this weekend.

For both, the experience represents more than a family tradition; it’s a chance to share a profession they love while continuing a legacy that has spanned generations.

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 Waleed Alamleh

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    WYOMING, Michigan (WXMI) — A Wyoming woman is warning her neighbors to lock their car doors and secure their garages after her car was stolen from inside her closed garage — and the entire incident was caught on a neighbor’s camera.

Shianne was ready to head to the grocery store Tuesday morning when she realized her car was gone.

“I realized that my car was stolen, and it was gone,” Shianne said.

The theft happened early Tuesday morning, near 44th and Burlingame. A neighbor’s camera captured the moment, and Shianne said watching the footage left her stunned.

“I was absolutely blown away, like there was no second thought on it, really. Like he came right up the driveway from behind the businesses right here, and he turned his phone flashlight on, walked through the doorway, the door of the garage, and he came in, turned the lights on, and proceeded to open up the garage and reverse and heal off with my car,” Shianne said.

Her Ford Taurus was parked inside her garage, as it typically is. But Shianne said she had left her keys inside the vehicle. The door leading into her garage does not have a lock on it.

“I was too comfortable, because you don’t leave your keys in your car. I always take whatever precautionary steps, like just to be safe, but I did leave my keys in the car,” Shianne said.

“I thought it’s in my garage. My garage door is closed. What does it matter? I never expected this to happen,” Shianne said.

The incident was not isolated. A neighbor about 2 minutes away shared video showing someone attempting to break into his car — 30 minutes before Shianne’s car was stolen.

Wyoming police said they encourage neighbors to practice a “9 PM routine,” which involves checking that all vehicles, doors, garages, and sheds are locked. Police also recommend bringing any valuables inside.

Shianne said the theft has left her shaken, particularly because the thief left with her house key.

“Was very frightened and worried that they would come back, because now they have my house key, they know where the car came from. I had to change my locks right when I yesterday when I, when all this went down, and it does frighten me,” Shianne said.

As a single mother, Shianne said the loss of her car has created a significant hardship.

“I use my car to go to work, to go to errands, to bring my kids to school, all the daily things you need to do, and it’s like it’s just taken from me, as simple as that,” Shianne said. “It creates a burden that no family should just have to experience.”

Shianne filed a police report and said she shared her story in hopes that neighbors can avoid the same experience.

A Gofundme was created for Shianne, to help with costs of transportation as she waits for an update.

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

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    CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Michigan (WXYZ) — U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visited EasterSeals Michigan in Clinton Township Wednesday to announce more than $700 million in new federal funding aimed at addressing drug addiction and homelessness across the country.

Kennedy said the two crises are deeply connected and have devastated families and communities nationwide.

“America faces two crises that have taken an enormous human toll, and both of them are interconnected,” Kennedy said. “Since 2000, drug-related deaths have claimed more than a million American lives. On any given night, more than 770-thousand Americans are experiencing homelessness.”

The funding is part of President Trump’s Great American Recovery Initiative and includes:

More than $200 million for certified community health clinics $80 million for substance use prevention Nearly $250 million to improve the suicide crisis lifeline

Following Kennedy’s announcement, I went to McRest in Mount Clemens, a homeless shelter, to speak with residents who rely on the resource.

McRest resident Tracey Murphy said she has experienced homelessness on and off since 2009 and is a former drug addict. Murphy said she supports Kennedy’s Streets Program, a community-wide approach that places emphasis on rapid, comprehensive, and coordinated street-based engagement.

“It’s not just a personal issue, it’s a community issue, and we all have our passing life, and we struggle, and if there’s any help like that, I think it’s wonderful,” Murphy said.

April Fidler, CEO of McRest, said the need for resources in Macomb County is significant.

“In Macomb County, we have over 1,000 people on the streets every given day, and there’s probably only 125 beds in our county to house those individuals,” Fidler said.

Fidler said street outreach plays a critical role in connecting people with services.

“Street outreach is really important, you can find the people on the street, and place them in proper areas, sometimes in shelters, temporary, while they’re waiting for housing or funding for those programs that could be available,” Fidler said.

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

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    PONTIAC, Michigan (WXYZ) — A critical legal hurdle has been cleared here in the Kelli Bryant child abuse case. It’s a case that’s absolutely shaken the Pontiac community.

Bryant faces three counts of child abuse after investigators uncovered a horrific scene in February 2025 at an apartment on Lydia Lane. The children were found living alone in filth and squalor.

Wednesday, Bryant’s competency hearing took place. Oakland County circuit court judge Mary Ellen Brennan agreed with a psychiatrist’s findings that Bryant is officially competent to stand trial.

“Given the above, it is my opinion that she is competent to stand trial.”

Investigators say three of her children had been locked inside an apartment for four to five years surviving on food provided to them just once a week. Bryant lived elsewhere.

While the child abuse trial is now officially moving forward, Bryant did receive a sentence Wednesday on separate charges of welfare fraud… charges stemming from her collecting state benefits for those children while keeping them hidden from the world.

The judge asked, “Ms. Bryant, do you wanna be heard on the sentence? So this is.. we’re just talking about the welfare fraud case. Anything you wanna say before I go through the sentence?”

Bryant replied, “No, ma’am.”

Bryant received 112 days for each of the three counts of welfare fraud and two years probation. She’s also been ordered to pay $29,300 in restitution. Because she’s already incarcerated, she was given credit for the time she’s been locked up.

With the fraud charge addressed and competency established, the focus now shifts entirely to the upcoming criminal trial in late August where prosecutors say they are ready to seek justice for those three children.

7 News Detroit stopped by the apartment where the children were found and spoke with a neighbor.

Ron Williams said, “I think she’ll be held accountable for the actions that she took with the kids. I think it’s warranted and just gotta wait and see what happens. So, yeah I think it’s a bad situation for the kids and I hope the kids are doing well now.”

Bryant’s trial has been set for August 24th.

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.