Author: CNN Newsource

By Katrina Markel

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    HENDERSON, Iowa (KMTV) — A 20-year-old college student is possibly the youngest, currently serving mayor in the United States after winning election in Henderson, Iowa. It also appears she might be youngest female mayor in U.S. history. KMTV could only find a reference to a 21-year-old woman who took office last year.

Eva Fipps was sworn in as mayor of the Mills County town of 144 residents. She joins two other young, elected officials in the county: 19-year-old County Supervisor Jack Sayers and 21-year-old Silver City Mayor Joseph Jaworski.

The idea to run for mayor came from a neighbor, Henderson City Clerk Candace Knop, who Fipps would visit during her regular runs through town.

“…and she goes ‘you should run for mayor!'” Fipps said.

Knop confirmed she encouraged Fipps.

“Well, because we need fresh blood,” Knop said.

Fipps said it was a last minute decision, but interest in public service has deep roots. She served as a page in the Iowa House of Representatives and participated in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State program.

“It really is geared towards the kids that want to make a difference,” Fipps said.

Her path to politics was also influenced by Sayers, now her nextdoor neighbor, who gave a presentation to her high school class about the legislative page program.

“There was people who inspired me and I kinda hoped that I’d be able to inspire others…” Sayers said.

Still in college and planning for law school, Fipps said her top priority will be revitalizing Henderson.

“I would love nothing more to just see our town flourish again,” she said.

Henderson has a history of producing successful politicians, including a Speaker of the Iowa House Bill Harbor, and U.S. Congressman Bill Scherle. Fipps is excited to add her name to the town’s political legacy.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Scripps 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 Victoria Quevedo

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     CAPE CORAL, Florida (WFTX) — A construction truck ended up halfway submerged in a Cape Coral canal Tuesday morning.

Chris Eriksen returned home from New York to find the unexpected sight behind his house on Northeast 12th Court and Northeast 3rd Terrace, where a home is under construction.

“I did not know when you knocked on my door and told me there was something in the canal. I had no idea what you were talking about,” Eriksen said.

The truck belonged to Yaky Trucking Company and was working close to the seawall. An employee with the company explained the truck had to make multiple turns to navigate the tight space.

When the driver attempted to brake, the compressed air system failed to respond properly, causing the truck to roll into the water.

“A year ago, it was an empty lot. They started building that house probably mid summer, and so you watch it, you know, as it progresses. And you know, it’s a big house, we watch the pool go in and all, and this is a major curve ball,” Eriksen said.

Despite the unusual morning surprise, Eriksen found humor in the situation.

“I saw the truck in the water and just chuckled. I wished I had seen it go in, but I missed that. You don’t see this every day,” Eriksen said.

Three tow trucks eventually removed the construction vehicle from the canal. Eriksen documented the incident with photos and videos to share with family members.

“I got it on camera. I took pictures. I’m going to send them up north. My wife is up north, still with our grandchildren, and she’s laughing. My son is laughing,” Eriksen said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Scripps 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 Shelly Garzon

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    ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (WLOS) — As people head out to celebrate the New Year holiday, many will rely on rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft to get home safely. Local law enforcement is encouraging riders to remain cautious and aware when using those services during one of the busiest nights of the year.

“Trust your instincts most of all. If you got a bad feeling about the ride, you can end the ride at any point in time, ask to get out, and of course, in all emergency cases, call 911,” said Justin Lewis, senior police officer with the Asheville Police Department.

With crowds expected throughout the city on New Year’s Eve, APD says public safety remains a top priority. Officers will be working throughout the night and encourage the public to speak up if they see anything concerning.

“If you see something, report it. Please don’t fall for the bystander effect thinking that somebody else will call it in,” Lewis said. APD also recommends requesting rides from secure locations and limiting distractions while waiting.

“Don’t be outside distracted by your phone. It’s easy to just pass the time, do it inside your residence or wherever you’re at,” Lewis said.

Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft include safety tools like location-sharing features, allowing riders to share trip details with friends or family. APD encourages riders to use those tools whenever possible.

“Knowing who you’re getting in with[…] If you’re going to ride with a group, make sure you’re riding with a friend. The ride share has a share information on it to where you can share with a family or friend. At least text them, let them know where you’re going, who you’re with,” Lewis said.

Drivers say safety is also a priority for those working behind the wheel. Uber and Lyft driver Chris Codding said he prepares in advance for one of the most demanding nights of the year.

“I try and make sure the car is ready, get it nice and clean, and maybe put some mats down or some bags in just so everything is there that the people need,” he said.

Codding says New Year’s Eve can become busy quickly, with back-to-back trips throughout the night.

“I’m always taking six people, five people, back-to-back parties, going to the breweries, coming home from the breweries. It’s a lot of moving around, and then there’s a spike around 2:30 a.m.,” he said.

Drivers say the increase in ride requests means staying especially alert on the roads.

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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    AMELIA, Virginia (WTVR) — For decades they have comforted grieving famillies, but now it’s the Hix family that needs solace as they mourn their beloved family business in Amelia, which was destroyed by fire Tuesday.

“I never thought this day would come,” Jim Hix said.

The Hillsman-Hix Funeral Home has served the community for nearly 40 years, but the owners say they plan to rebuild and continue serving families in their time of need.

The building in Amelia caught fire while Jim Hix’s wife and son were working inside the building. When they noticed flames at the back of the structure, his son grabbed a fire extinguisher and attempted to put out the blaze, but strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly.

“The wind just took over,” said Carol Hix.

Jim Hix rushed back from McDonald’s when he learned about the fire. While he was away, his son and a friend rescued the single body inside the funeral home that was awaiting a New Year’s Eve funeral service.

“We would have the remains out before we get out,” said Jim Hix.

“That’s right, they were out before I was,” Carol Hix said.

“That’s just something you do,” Jim Hix added.

The funeral home consists of multiple buildings. The structure that burned contained the family’s flower shop and the chapel used for funeral services. The crematorium, located across the street, was not damaged in the fire.

“You become a part of the community and you get to know so many people and your lives intermingle and touch. It’s a rewarding career,” said Jim Hix.

Firefighters from Amelia and Chesterfield responded to the scene and were able to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings despite the strong winds that fueled the blaze. No one was killed or injured in the incident.

Through tears and shock, the Hix family said their customers’ funerals will continue at different locations until they can rebuild.

“We’re just going to move along. Life is this way. We just take what we got and make lemonade out of lemons,” said Jim Hix.

Jim Hix expressed gratitude for the community support they have received.

“I just can’t get over the outreaching I’ve received so far,” said Jim Hix.

The fire department is still working to determine the cause of the fire, but it does not suspect foul play.

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 Mike Darnay

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    PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A Pittsburgh woman has been arrested and is facing charges after police say she zipped a puppy inside a suitcase on Christmas Day.

Police said that officers were called to the city’s North Side after receiving a report of a woman who was beating a puppy.

Officers said when they arrived in the area, a man told them they saw a woman, later identified as Jayme White, yelling at her dog and zipping it inside a suitcase she was carrying.

Police said they confronted White, who admitting to having a puppy inside the suitcase.

Investigators said that a witness told them White hit the dog several times before putting it inside the suitcase.

White was arrested and is being held in the Allegheny County Jail. She is facing several charges including animal neglect and public drunkenness.

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 Monique John

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    ATLANTA (WUPA) — Girls across metro Atlanta are lacing up their running shoes and building confidence, friendships and self-esteem through a program designed to empower young girls.

Kennedy Barnes and Lillian Peters, both from Buckhead, are participants in Girls on the Run, a national organization that uses physical activity to help girls develop healthy habits and positive self-worth. One of the program’s signature activities is a 5K run, which encourages participants to set goals and support one another along the way.

Kennedy Barnes and Lillian Peters get ready to run the annual Girls on the Run 5K race. Barnes says the program has helped her improve her fitness while boosting her confidence on and off the track.

“I feel like I grow my endurance and I feel like I’m very good, like a good runner right now, and it’s helping with soccer,” Barnes said.

For Peters, the biggest impact has been the sense of belonging she found through the program.

“I made a lot of friends quickly, and I felt everybody, like, in the community of Girls on the Run was very kind and welcoming,” Peters said.

Since its founding in 1996, Girls on the Run has worked with more than 2.5 million girls nationwide. The organization offers programs for girls in third through eighth grade in Georgia and across the United States, focusing on physical activity, teamwork and building confidence that lasts beyond the finish line.

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 Eva Andersen, Bill Seiders

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    HAMMONTON, New Jersey (KYW) — In Hammonton, residents describe the town as a “tight-knit community.” It’s a sentiment repeated across shops, diners and other small businesses.

“It’s peaceful,” said Adriane Swenson, a vendor at The Shoppes on Bellevue.

“Everybody knows each other,” said Lisa Cunningham, another vendor.

Right now, those words carry extra weight. As Hammontonians get ready to ring in the new year, they’re reflecting on the tragedy that struck the community just days ago, when two helicopters collided midair near Hammonton on Sunday, killing both pilots. One man died at the scene, while the other was transported to a hospital and later died from his injuries. Authorities say the two men were friends. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

“When something like this happens, the whole town takes it to heart,” said Leeann Barnhart, a waitress at the Silver Coin Diner. “It doesn’t happen often around here.”

Now, more than ever, community members say they’re looking forward to an annual New Year’s Eve tradition: the blueberry ball drop.

The illuminated blueberry, a longtime symbol of the town’s identity, will be lowered at midnight outside Town Hall as part of a celebration that begins earlier in the evening with live music and fireworks. Organizers say the event is expected to draw residents together after a difficult week for the South Jersey community.

“It’ll be a nice, happy event for everybody — that’s the plan,” said Ty Wilson, executive director of Main Street Hammonton. “As bright as it becomes, it’s a way to show people there’s hope and things to look forward to. What we do as one, we do together.”

Tuesday night, crews tested the oversized illuminated blueberry. The structure is outfitted with more than 500 lights, about 50 feet of LED rope lighting and decorative leaves at the top, according to Main Street Hammonton.

For Barnhart, who brings her grandchildren to the blueberry drop each year, the tradition feels especially meaningful this time.

“I think it’s going to bring everybody closer together,” she said. “Just knowing the two lives that were lost — it brings the community together tighter than it already is.”

Hammonton’s New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 10:30 p.m., with the blueberry drop scheduled for midnight, followed by fireworks.

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.