Author: CNN Newsource

By Sharon Chin

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    SAN JOSE, California (KPIX) — Two-thirds of children who cannot read by the time they’re in fourth grade will wind up in jail or on welfare, according to the World Literacy Foundation. A San Jose couple is working to break that disturbing trend.

Alicia and Darrell Cortez recently arrived at Shirakawa Elementary School in San Jose bearing books and the promise of prizes.

“We’re going to reward them with this experience of a lifetime, a holiday shopping spree,” Darrell Cortez said.

He and his wife Alicia started Shop with a Cop Foundation Silicon Valley in 2008. Just before Darrell retired from 30 years on the San Jose police force, he was looking for way to serve the community.

He said he liked the concept behind the national Shop with a Cop. Although they’re not affiliated with the nationwide initiative, the couple started taking underserved kids on a shopping spree for the holidays.

“The joy for me is the actual day of the event – to see the joy on the faces of the children,” said Alicia, a retired educator.

In 2015, they added a 10-week literacy program in underperforming San Jose schools targeting third graders.

“It’s the turning point. It’s where they’re learning to read and they make that transition to reading to learn,” Alicia said.

The couple knows reading can transform a child’s path in life. The Literacy Project Foundation says 85% of youth in juvenile court system struggle to read.

“The juvenile hall-to-prison pipeline begins in the classroom so we have to do what we can to put a stop to that,” Darrell said.

On their recent visit to Shirakawa Elementary, the Cortezes and their volunteers introduced books to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The nonprofit helped raise reading scores at the school by 18% last year, so more than half of the students can read at or above grade level.

Isaac’s test scores jumped last year.

“Then I started doing that program and actually locked in and I passed and I was excited and got all the prizes,” he said.

Martin now reads for entertainment.

“When I went on vacation, I bring one of my favorite books and it helps me,” said the fourth grader.

The 200 students in the literacy program receive a Shop with a Cop Foundation Silicon Valley shopping spree during the holiday season. They each receive a gift card for $300. Top readers get to spend $50 more.

Take Samantha. She not only bought herself a Hello Kitty plushie during last year’s shopping festivities, but she also found that she enjoyed the required 20 minutes of reading a day.

“I think I just want to read because I want to, not because I want something,” she beamed.

Peter Diaz. California Community President of Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) helps sponsor the Cortez’s service projects.

“They’re all in,” Diaz said. “They help build that foundation which helps improve educational success, so it’s an investment for the future.”

“It’s rewarding and humbling at the same time to know that these students are excelling,” Darrell 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 KPIX Staff

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    OAKLAND, California (KPIX) — Nearly three decades after losing his daughter to gun violence, Donald Lacy returned to the Oakland high school where she once studied for a dedication honoring her life and giving a new generation of students a platform to share their stories.

“The ATU Academy x Lo’Eshe Lacy Podcast Studio” at McClymonds High School was dedicated in memory of Lo’Eshe, who was 16 when she was killed in 1997. She and her best friend, Maya McGhee-Nelson, were shot outside the school in an incident of youth gun violence. They were innocent bystanders. McGhee-Nelson survived.

“She was my first born child. My only daughter,” Donald Lacy said.

Lo’Eshe loved to rap, dance and sing. Her father, who recently retired after 48 years in radio, recalled how she would visit his radio show and deliver her own reports.

Now, 29 years after her death, her voice is inspiring students to find their own.

The dedication ceremony brought an emotional surprise when McGhee-Nelson walked into the room. Seeing his daughter’s childhood friend again moved Lacy, who recalled the girls growing up together.

“You all gotta give me a little grace,” he told the audience through tears. “To see my girl Maya walking through that door. Whew. I still see y’all’s snotty noses running around the house!”

Addressing McGhee-Nelson, he added, “God don’t make mistakes. You were here because he wanted you here.”

The moment underscored how the loss of Lo’Eshe continues to shape the lives of those who knew her.

But the ceremony also marked a new beginning.

When Lacy was invited to unveil the podcast studio bearing his daughter’s name, he reacted with visible emotion as he entered and saw the space for the first time.

The ATU Academy’s founder Armand Carr, who helped lead the dedication, said the studio ensures Lo’Eshe’s legacy will continue.

“Her voice is still being heard,” Carr said. “Just because you’re not here physically, your spiritual voice still carries on.”

The studio is designed to give students a place to express their ideas, creativity and perspectives through podcasting.

For 16-year-old Yasmin Taylor, the opportunity means being able to share her thoughts with others and hear different points of view.

“I’m able to share my ideas and my creativity with others,” Taylor said. “I think it’s important to get everybody’s perspective.”

During the ceremony, Taylor interviewed Lacy inside the new studio, asking what he hoped people would take away from the space.

His answer focused on the next generation.

“That… young people need these vehicles,” Lacy said. “Old guys like me, we had our time, so what can I do to help empower you?”

For Lacy, the studio is more than a memorial. It is a way to ensure his daughter’s story is remembered not only for how her life ended, but for the promise she carried and the impact she hoped to make.

Addressing the students, he offered a final message of encouragement.

“All three of y’all got an impact you gonna make,” he said. “Believe that, believe that.”

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 Richard Ramos

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    MODESTO, California (KOVR) — A bystander pulled a woman from a burning home in Modesto after finding her in a wheelchair inside the residence, officials said Wednesday.

The Modesto Fire Department said the fire happened at a residence in the area of East Roseburg Avenue and Sunrise Avenue.

Before crews arrived, officials said a passerby stopped his vehicle and attempted to reach the woman inside but was initially unable to enter because of the intense heat.

The bystander told the woman to get down on the floor before crawling into the home beneath the heaviest heat and dragging her to safety, according to the fire department.

The woman was taken to Doctors Medical Center in Modesto, but the nature of her injuries and her condition were not known.

Fire officials also reported downed live power lines in the area while the fire was active.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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 Brady Halbleib and Coleman Petit

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    SACRAMENTO COUNTY, California (KOVR) — Sacramento County District 5 Supervisor Pat Hume is urging residents to prepare for heavy rain and possible flooding, with the possibility of a ‘Super El Niño’ looming.

The district, which consists of multiple communities, including Wilton, Elk Grove, and Isleton, is no stranger to dangerous flooding. In the winter of 2022-2023, several consecutive powerful storms led to a levee breach, which caused significant flooding along the Cosumnes River, killing three people.

Physical preparations for possible flooding have already begun. Reclamation District 800, responsible for levee maintenance along the Cosumnes River in the area, says it has invested tens of millions of dollars into repairs and upgrades.

“RDA is going to be as ready as possible,” said Leland Schneider, a member of the Board of Directors for the reclamation district. “We’ve all joined forces to be ready for this when it does come.”

The county also wants people to be prepared insurance-wise. According to Hume, over 80% of properties identified as ‘at-risk’ in unincorporated Sacramento County do not have flood insurance — and because new policies often have a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect, Hume says the time to act is now.

“This is a good time to start looking at that,” said Harold Newbill, an insurance agent at McClatchy Insurance Agency. Newbill said that the agency has seen an uptick in activity in flood insurance quotes on their website.

Homeowners who are concerned about if their home is at risk of flooding can visit the Floodsmart website to check its status.

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 Darrielle Fair

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KOVR) — House Speaker Mike Johnson traveled to Stockton on Wednesday to campaign for Republican Kevin Lincoln, stepping up GOP efforts to reclaim California’s 13th Congressional District less than two weeks before the 2026 midterm election.

Johnson’s visit marked his second trip to the Central Valley in less than a month and was part of a six-week campaign effort he said would take him to more than 40 congressional districts across 22 states.

“Hello, Central Valley, it’s so great to be back,” Johnson said at the rally.

Lincoln, a Marine Corps veteran and former Stockton mayor, is challenging Democratic Rep. Adam Gray in the race.

“Kevin Lincoln is not running for Congress to be famous. He is running to serve his country, as he’s been doing his whole life,” Johnson said.

The district has been closely contested in recent elections. Gray won his seat in 2024 by a margin of about 190 votes, while Republican John Duarte defeated Gray by 564 votes in 2022. Duarte attended Wednesday’s rally.

Republican state Sen. Alexandra Macedo, the minority leader, argued that voters in the Central Valley prioritize policy over party affiliation.

“This isn’t a partisan vote. Voters here in the valley vote policy,” Macedo said.

Lincoln has focused his campaign on affordability, public safety and border security as he seeks to unseat Gray.

“We build, we serve, and we sacrifice. But you better believe the people of the Central Valley never give up,” Lincoln said.

He also emphasized the importance of continuing to connect directly with voters as Election Day approaches.

“I have to continue to do what I’ve done over this entire campaign cycle, and that’s knock on doors, talk to voters, be accessible to them, and to demonstrate to them that I’m the candidate that they can trust,” Lincoln said.

Johnson’s appearance underscores the Republican Party’s effort to invest time and resources in competitive congressional districts ahead of the midterms. The outcome in California’s 13th District could hinge on whether Lincoln can attract moderate and swing voters beyond the Republican base.

We reached out to Gray’s campaign for comment but did not immediately hear back.

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 Kerri Corrado, Jim McHugh

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Philadelphia Eagles fans are showing nothing but love to quarterback Jalen Hurts in the aftermath of his blood clots diagnosis.

Fans are flying to flood his mailbox with well wishes and letters to show Hurts that they will always have his back.

“We’re behind you 100%,” Sabrina Barker of Pottstown said. “We’re looking out for you and keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.”

“We really appreciate him beyond what he does at the grass at the Linc,” Michael Feldman of Morristown said, “that we care about him as a human being and his health foremost. And number two, what he does for us on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays.”

Feldman is one Eagles fan who wrote one of the letters. He said he felt compelled to join in.

“I figured if I am going to be sending a letter to one of my favorite NFL players ever, I might as well thank him for winning a Super Bowl in addition to wishing him a speedy recovery,” Feldman said.

The idea all started on the Philadelphia Eagles Fan Group Facebook page, which has 464,000 followers. Moderators said the idea took off and stretched far beyond Philadelphia.

“It’s actually been tremendous to see that the whole NFL community just rounding up to be behind him, to just show him all the support,” Barker said.

Eagles fans said they hope the letters help lift Hurts up, and they are urging others to keep sending them — the more, the merrier.

“He gets criticized so much, and it often seems like the voices that criticize have so much more reach than the voices who want to support him,” Jake Tribble of Sicklerville said. “So that’s our only hope out of this, that this outpouring of love reaches him because there are a lot of us out there. … He has a lot of support behind him, and there are a lot of people that want him to know we love him and are wishing him well.”

Birds fans said they hope Hurts knows they care, like they know he does.

“I think he cares about this community more than just where he gets his paycheck,” Feldman said, “and I would say a lot of Philly athletes are like that. The Kelces, Harper, Schwarber. The list can go on and on.”

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 Noelle Lilley

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    HARLEM, New York (WCBS) — Cancer is not the easiest thing to talk about, but some breast cancer survivors say laughter can make it a little easier.

“Although it is serious, if we can laugh about it, we can talk about it,” said stand-up comic Meshelle “the Indie-Mom of Comedy” Foreman. “[Comedy] has healed me, and I believe there are so many women who can benefit from having it shared with them in a lighter way and not making it so heavy.”

Foreman has been telling jokes on stages across the U.S. since the 1990s but was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021. Her first thought was about not being there to see her children grow up, but Foreman says an early diagnosis saved her life.

“I have had, in the last five years, the most courageous comedy, because I realized that it makes no sense for me not to share my story,” Foreman said.

Foreman can often be seen making audiences laugh at Comedy In Harlem, which held a comedy show for Breast Cancer Awareness in October where 10% of the proceeds go toward breast cancer research and awareness.

Local comics say humor can be both a creative outlet for the performer and a way to connect with others.

“Onstage, I talk about how a mammogram saved my life. I talk about how weird and uncomfortable it is. I talk about the medicine of laughter,” said Foreman.

Comedy In Harlem first opened in 2021 in East Harlem by comic and actress Nicky Sunshine and her husband, Jaime Roberts, who spent years producing shows at places like Broadway Comedy Club.

The duo had noticed an absence of comedy clubs in upper Manhattan. They also felt that they and fellow performers of color were not receiving opportunities in other neighborhoods known for comedy around NYC.

The space now operates directly above the 147th Street exit at the 145th Street subway station on St. Nicholas Avenue in West Harlem. Harlemites are just as likely to attend a grassroots community meeting at the cellar as they are a live show.

“We knew so many funny friends that weren’t getting enough stage time downtown. … We’re about putting people on stage, but also amplifying community voices and really amplifying the needs of the community,” said co-owner Nicky Sunshine. “For example, one of the first and most successful regular shows that we do is Ladies Night.”

Now cancer-free, Foreman encourages other women to share their stories. From motherhood to breast cancer, she recalls writing jokes while pumping breastmilk, then later while recovering from the disease.

“There are so many women who don’t get the opportunity to live their dreams, to do what they’ve been sent here to do, and there are systems in place to make you feel some kind of way about pursuing your goals and your dreams, and having the audacity to be somebody’s wife and mother, and then being a working artist,” said Foreman.

They say you never know who in the audience might be laughing to keep from crying.

“Maybe [Meshelle’s] narrative or her jokes will help somebody else who’s going through a similar experience. That’s what [stand-up] is about: just making that connection and really kind of touching humanity with our personal narratives,” said Sunshine.

The American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Early detection can save lives, especially for Black women, who are more likely to die from the disease.

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By Neal Riley

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    CAPE COD, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A New York man is accused of illegally catching a great white shark and dragging it onto a Cape Cod beach.

Christopher Stefanou of Long Island is charged with animal cruelty and breaking rules about shark fishing, Cape & Islands District Attorney Robert Galibois said Wednesday.

Galibois said that in October of 2025, “Stefanou and his crew embarked on a days-long excursion on the eastern shore of Cape Cod with a European client with the goal of capturing a great white shark, resulting in the capture of ‘Aaron the Shark.'”

“Authorities were alerted to the illegal activity when Stefanou publicly posted video footage of the capture on social media showing the men using prohibited equipment, including a drone, to capture and drag the shark onto the beach, where they proceeded to celebrate and photograph themselves with the shark prior to releasing it,” Galibois said.

Aaron the Shark is listed in the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy’s white shark logbook. The 9-and-a-half-foot male shark was tagged by researchers in 2024 and has been detected up and down the outer Cape thousands of times by acoustic sonar.

The 30-year-old Stefanou was arraigned in Barnstable Superior Court Wednesday on charges of animal cruelty to shark, fishing for shark, mechanical deployment of bait, attempt to capture a shark and possession of protected species shark. Bail was set at $10,000.

He’s due back in court on Dec. 11. Galibois said until then, he’s been ordered to surrender his fishing license, not post any shark fishing videos to social media, and stay out of Massachusetts except for legal reasons.

In a statement to WBZ, Stefanou’s attorney said his client is “a skilled and accomplished angler with more than a decade of experience.”

“There can be no question that Chris respects the sport, actively participates in conservation practices, assists in marine tagging and research efforts, and volunteers his time to educate enthusiasts on safe and responsible angling,” Stefanou’s attorney Jon A. Ciraulo said. “The charges against Chris are allegations only. He maintains his innocence and intends to fully challenge the allegations against him.”

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.