How a middle school club’s success is inspiring students to dream big

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Danny Stipanovich

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    MEDFORD, Oregon (KDRV) — Tuesdays at McLaughlin Middle School are special for students who participate in the SMILE Club with Ms. Loni Strong, where science is brought to life through engaging activities.

Over the summer, a select group of students won an all expenses paid trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center after competing in a science contest at Central Washington University.

After completing a series of space themed challenges that included working together to program a rover, fly drones and create and launch rockets. The team was one of nine clubs nationwide that earned a trip to Florida and watched two rockets launch.

“It was one of the craziest experiences of my life. Watching that rocket launch made me feel like, wow, I could be one of the people who makes that happen one day,” said Izzy Real, a seventh grader at McLoughlin Middle School.

For students like Izzy, hands-on experiments and group projects at the SMILE Club ignite curiosity and spark a passion for science.

“In the classroom I’m not as intrigued because we aren’t learning the things that I wanna know,” said Izzy.

The inspiration behind the club comes from when Mrs. Strong noticed one of her students, seventh grader Samuel Sunday, struggling to stay engaged during the school day.

“The curriculum doesn’t encourage kids to think outside the box. Sam was bored to tears,” Ms.Loni said. “I knew I needed to offer something more.”

“It’s more fun doing all this interactive stuff rather than just doing the stuff on a sheet of paper,” Samuel said.

Sunday said the club has created a safe third space for students that provides a valuable social and educational experience. Seventh grader Khloe Snow said the same.

“Me and my friends don’t really hang out outside of school, but we would look forward to the club to hang out and just learn together,” Snow said.

The club’s mission goes beyond teaching science; Mrs. Strong aims to show students how the world works.

SMILE Club emphasizes that science is more than memorizing the periodic table; it’s about equipping students with skills that can take them far beyond the classroom.

Play Video Students earned a trip to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center after winning a national science competition.

“Science is why kids want to read,” Ms. Strong said. “It’s not the other curriculum, it’s ‘how does the world work?’”

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A Bethel mother noticed her child’s school bus on fire. Then she helped evacuate 22 kids

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By John Lauritsen

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    MINNESOTA (WCCO) — There were some scary moments at a Bethel, Minnesota, bus stop earlier this month. A school bus caught fire while driving kids home.

The end of the school day is normally routine in Kari Thorp’s neighborhood. But a couple weeks ago, as her daughter was getting dropped off, Throp noticed smoke and flames coming from under the bus and alerted the driver.

“It was crazy. I’m just thankful that he was very calm,” said Thorp.

They worked quickly to get all 22 kids off, safely. Her Ring doorbell captured the East Bethel Elementary students gathering in front of her house, as the flames began to spread.

“Kids were crying. Kids were scared and freaking out,” said Thorp. “It was quite emotional and kind of frantic.”

Within minutes, the fire had taken over the front of the bus.

“It moved pretty fast. It was probably within 15 minutes that thing was engulfed,” said Throp. “It was crazy to see the tires and hear the tires explode.”

School staff and volunteer firefighters arrived quickly. They got the flames under control, and it was when the bus was finally towed away that you could see just how intense the fire was. The heat melted part of the road in front of Thorp’s house. There is still some glass in parts of the road.

In the end, some backpacks, some lunch boxes, and a school bus were lost in the fire. But Thorp and other parents along this street know things could have been much worse.

She and the bus driver were recognized by parents and school leaders for their heroic efforts. As investigators work to figure out what caused the fire, Thorp thinks about what might have happened if she hadn’t seen the flames.

“I don’t think he would have gotten very far. And I don’t think we would have been able to get those kids off the bus as fast. I don’t know what would have happened. Because a lot of little ones sit up front and that’s where it all started, was right up front,” said Thorp.

In a statement, St. Francis Area Schools recognized Thorp, bus driver Rick Gratton and others for helping the kids to safety. Parents say a recent bus safety course at school may have helped with the quick evacuation.

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Man’s bulldog taken at knifepoint while on walk; police offering $500 reward

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By KGO Web Staff

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    VALLEJO, California (KGO) — The Vallejo Police Department is offering a $500 reward for information that leads to the safe return of an English bulldog named Tyson who was dognapped last Friday.

Police say Tyson was taken by two armed robbers, a man and a woman, during a hold-up around 11:45 p.m. at Marin and Kentucky Streets.

Officers say Tyson’s owner handed over his wallet with $100, but then the suspects wanted to the dog too.

Police say the suspects got away in a white four-door sedan believed to be a Honda Accord.

Anyone with information regarding this armed robbery or Tyson’s whereabouts is asked to contact Officer Agoncillo at Richard.Agoncillo@cityofvallejo.net.

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Neighbors in disbelief after North Texas couple accused of burying son with special needs in Burleson backyard

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Erin Jones

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    TEXAS (KTVT) — Two Johnson County parents were recently arrested, accused in the death of their adult special needs son. Police say 26-year-old Jonathan Kinman’s body was allegedly buried by his parents in their Burleson backyard on White Oak Lane.

Burleson neighbors shocked by arrests As far as Betty Noyola was concerned, up until last week, the couple who lived next door seemed perfectly normal.

“We’ve talked to them in the backyard, we’ve talked to them in the front yard, we’ve seen them out there having parties,” Noyola said. “They know that my kids come over every Sunday for dinner.”

So, when Burleson police showed up at Jonathan and December Mitchell’s door, it came as a total surprise.

Police said that on Oct. 14 they were called to the home for a welfare check on Kinman. He had special needs and lived with his mom and stepdad, authorities said.

“Never have we ever saw the kid… never did she ever mention that there was one.. we never saw anybody come and go with them,” Noyola said. “All they ever talk about is their daughter and their granddaughter.”

Welfare check leads to gruesome discovery During the welfare check, police said they got information that suggested Kinman was dead and possibly buried in the backyard.

“My husband and I were talking, and we knew something was going on because they were bringing dogs and stuff in,” Noyola said. “And I said they’re looking for a body, they have to be looking for a body.”

Noyola said that last Tuesday, she could see police digging in her neighbor’s backyard, and after about 40 minutes, they discovered a body. Noyola said she immediately turned away, in shock.

“I shut my back door because I didn’t want to see anything else,” Noyola said. “And then we saw the medical examiner and everything, so we knew.”

“Burleson PD kept it pretty quiet, and so we were all just wondering what was going on,” said Denise Tadsen, who lives in the neighborhood.

Burleson parents accused in death of special needs son Neighbors said it wasn’t until Monday that they learned the couple had been arrested and charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse. Each was given a $250,000 bond.

Investigators have not said how Kinman died.

“It’s devastating. I mean, I have a special needs brother, and I’ve always accused my parents of spoiling him, being too good to him, I just couldn’t imagine.”

Noyola said she has a special needs grandson and had shared with December Mitchell that she picks up his workbooks from the store where she worked.

“She even told me, ‘If you ever need anything and you can’t find anything, holler at me and I’ll see if I can find something for you,'” Noyola said.

The Center for ASD in Burleson, a nonprofit that offers services for the special-needs community, sent the following statement to CBS Texas:

“Though the Center for ASD did not know Jonathan our hearts go out to his family and friends. We cannot speculate as to what happened, but we know that this individual deserved better. As a community, as a city and as a state we need to show up better for this vulnerable population. 17-year waitlists for services and programs that are constantly running out of funding should not be the normal. Living life with a special needs loved one is lifelong, and we need to recognize that and provide support to them and their families. Our loved ones get older and their needs change, they don’t just go away.”

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Ex-NFL player Doug Martin struggled with mental health issues before OPD in-custody death: family

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By JR Stone

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    OAKLAND, California (KGO) — Former NFL player Doug Martin, who died in Oakland police custody over the weekend, had been struggling with mental health issues, according to his family.

Martin’s former agent released a statement on behalf of the family, saying in part, “Privately, Doug battled mental health challenges… Doug’s parents were actively seeking medical assistance for him and had contacted local authorities for support. Feeling overwhelmed and disoriented, Doug fled his home during the night and entered a neighbor’s residence two doors down.”

Police say Martin was involved in a break-in at a home in the Oakland Hills. As officers attempted to detain him, they say there was a brief struggle, and after being detained, Martin became unresponsive and later died at a hospital.

“They dropped the ball! Is it the color of his skin that he thought maybe was someone bad?” asked Kar Raphino as she referenced officers.

Raphino and her family met Martin when he was in college at Boise State, before his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders.

“A lot of people cared for him; he was so caring. Words cannot explain how caring he was,” said Raphino.

We spoke with his former St. Mary’s High School football coach in Stockton.

“Maybe the story now is about, you know, mental health issues, and people who are really struggling,” said Coach Tony Franks. “We miss him. We’re grieving. We’re hurting. Tough, tough loss for a lot of people of people that loved Doug.”

“Well, you know, it hasn’t been too long ago he was in rehab and out recently from that. And I think a lot of our hopes were that, you know, maybe some of the personal demons that he was facing was getting behind him,” said Nick Perkins.

Perkins also met Martin in Boise. He says he was a fun-loving, stand-up guy who was very involved with the community and who helped put Boise State on the map nationally for football.

While the mental health concerns here are front and center. Raphino says she wants to see the body camera video from officers to see how much force was used to detain him.

“And I know justice will be done. We love you Doug! I’m so done, sorry,” said Raphino as she fought back tears.

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Mother, stepmother of Gabby Petito talks about her life, spotting warning signs of domestic violence

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Charlie De Mar

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — Family members of a woman murdered by her fiance spoke to college students on Monday in observance of Domestic Violence Awareness month.

The mother and stepmother of Gabby Petito talked about her life and her legacy, and how to spot warning signs of domestic violence.

Behind the big bubbly smile and seemingly loving relationship that was displayed through social media videos, Gabby Petito’s biological mom and stepmom said the red flags were there.

“That’s why we keep talking about it because there are warning signs there were some red flags that we were just unaware of,” Tara Petito said.

Tara Petito and Nichole Schmidt now share Gabby’s story of domestic violence to college students around the country.

“I truly believe this was another attempt at isolation,” Petito said.

On Monday, the two spoke at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana.

“Believe survivors stop asking why didn’t’ they just leave,” Schmidt said.

Gabby was murdered during a cross country road trip with her fiancé, Brian laundrie, her remains were found in a Wyoming national forest in september 2021. Laundrie was later found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

In the weeks before her body was found—police were called after a witness reported a domestic dispute between Gabby and Laundrie. Officers separated the couple for the night instead of citing either of them.

“That Moab body cam footage shows the dynamics of domestic violence, what a victim typically looks like when an officer responding and what a perpetrator looks like,” Schmidt said.

A CBS News analysis of FBI victimization data found that 24% of the country’s nearly four million violent crimes last year were domestic. Chicago’s proportion is slightly higher at 26%.

A student in the audience said she is a domestic violence survivor and it was Gabby’s story that helped her spot the signs of abuse.

“I was scared to open up because I didn’t know if I was in an abusive relationship or not so they helped me understand the signs even if its violence..the things he did was still abuse,” Alaya Edwards said.

“That’s why we do this, it’s also healing for us,” Tara said.

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Newsom, Prop. 50 targets of Sacramento-area traffic sign officials say was tampered with

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Richard Ramos

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    SACRAMENTO, California (KMAX, KOVR) — Drivers in Citrus Heights may have noticed a message directed at Gov. Gavin Newsom and Proposition 50 displayed on an electronic traffic sign in recent days.

The sign, which read “F— Newscum No on 50,” appeared near Fair Oaks Boulevard and Old Auburn Road and was visible for at least two nights.

In a statement, the City of Citrus Heights said the message board, which was not owned or controlled by the city, had been tampered with by an unknown party.

“The message board is owned and operated by a third-party traffic safety contractor, Sierra Safety, and was accessed by an unknown party without authorization,” the city said in a statement. “The City does not own or manage the board’s programming. We are confident our contracting partners will implement appropriate safeguards to prevent future incidents.”

City officials said the issue was resolved the same day they were notified.

A representative for Sierra Safety told CBS Sacramento the company only sells or rents traffic message boards and does not manage or program them.

California voters will decide on Proposition 50 in a November 4 special election. The measure, if passed, would shift five of California’s U.S. House seats to be more favorable to Democrats in the 2026 midterm elections. It’s meant to counter the recent congressional redistricting in Texas that favors Reoublicans.

It remains unclear who was responsible for changing the sign’s message.

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Keon King charged with burning stolen car connected to Kada Scott’s kidnapping in Philadelphia, DA says

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Tom Dougherty, Alicia Roberts, Joe Holden

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    Philadelphia (KYW) — Keon King, the man accused of kidnapping Kada Scott in Philadelphia earlier this month, has been charged with arson for allegedly burning the car used in Scott’s abduction, and prosecutors are preparing to file murder charges against him pending more information from the Medical Examiner’s Office.

New charges filed against King, 21, include arson, causing a catastrophe, conspiracy and related offenses, prosecutors said Monday.

King allegedly burned a stolen 2008 Hyundai Accent prosecutors believe was used to move Scott to various locations, including the vacant Ada H. H. Lewis Middle School in East Germantown, where Scott’s remains were found Saturday in a shallow grave. Police sources believe Scott died within 20 minutes after she left work on Saturday, Oct. 4.

Investigators have not yet said how Scott, 23, died or how she knew King. Prosecutors said Monday the Medical Examiner’s Office is actively working to determine the cause of Scott’s death.

District Attorney Larry Krasner said he’s “confident homicide charges will be brought” against King, but prosecutors are awaiting more information to “very precisely confirm everything we need for probable cause.”

Prosecutors are also looking at other people for their possible criminal involvement with Scott’s kidnapping.

Krasner and Assistant District Attorney Ashley Toczylowski provided an updated timeline during a press conference Monday.

Prosecutors said the Hyundai Accent was stolen from the 6600 block of Sprague Street on Oct. 3.

Scott went missing from her workplace at an assisted living facility in Chestnut Hill the next day, on Oct. 4.

Investigators said the Accent was reported on fire in the 2300 block of 74th Avenue on Tuesday, Oct. 7. Prosecutors said the car was then towed to a junkyard and compacted. The fire prevented the collection of DNA evidence, investigators said.

Prosecutors said video from a rec center near the vacant school where Scott’s body was found shows the car at that location. They said police also cross-referenced the video with cellphone evidence, placing King at all of the locations involved in the investigation.

Police searched the area of the vacant Ada H. Lewis Middle School on Wednesday, Oct. 15, finding at least two pieces of personal property belonging to Scott. Another tip over the weekend led investigators back to the area, where Scott’s body was found on Saturday.

“Last week, we received a tip to go to the Ada Lewis Middle School. Investigators went, did a thorough search. Essentially, what the new tip was this weekend was [to] go back,” Toczylowski said. “It was, ‘Go back, she’s there, look again.’ And they did give more specific details in terms of where to look, and ultimately, that is what led us to her.”

Krasner was asked about the identity of that person, who called in with what became a pivotal, case-making tip about where to look for Scott.

“The answer is we don’t know,” Krasner said, “and we are investigating it at this time.”

King was charged twice before with felony counts for attacking an ex-girlfriend. Both times, the charges were withdrawn. Krasner has said witnesses and the victim didn’t show up for the preliminary hearings.

His office has come under scrutiny for not pursuing those cases against King, and the DA has admitted they could have gone forward without witnesses.

“We recognize that there are some things that could have been done in this case,” Krasner said. “From the moment this occurred, we’ve been looking at ways we could improve our systems.”

Kada Scott’s family released a statement Monday saying, in part, “We kindly ask for space and privacy at this time as we process the heartbreaking events of the past few weeks. Our hearts are shattered, yet we are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers from people across the nation and around the world. Please continue to keep us in prayer as we navigate this unimaginable loss. Our hearts are broken beyond measure.”

“Kada was deeply loved. Her light, kindness, and beautiful spirit will forever remain in our hearts,” Scott’s family’s statement said.

Dozens gathered for a vigil Monday night at Ada Lewis Middle School to honor Scott.

Scott’s aunt spoke on behalf of the family at the vigil, saying they’re grateful for the support in the days leading to her discovery.

“We appreciate everyone who took the time to show up on behalf of Kada, that came out, that was here when we weren’t here,” she said.

Family and friends of Scott will be holding a balloon release Tuesday at 6 p.m. in front of the vacant school.

Prosecutors said King would have a bail and preliminary hearing regarding the arson and related charges on Monday or Tuesday.

Councilmember Anthony Phillips, who represents Scott’s district, announced he’s collecting donations for her surviving family members, including self-care items, toiletries and gift cards. Donations will be collected starting Tuesday morning through Saturday.

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Another baby found unattended in the Bronx as police release video of person sought in Penn Station incident

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Renee Anderson, Jesse Zanger

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    BRONX (WCBS) — There was a scare Tuesday morning in the Bronx after an unattended child was found at a Dunkin’.

The boy, believed to be about 3 months old, was found at around 8 a.m. unattended in a stroller at the Dunkin’ located on Westchester Avenue near St. Lawrence Avenue. Police responded since there was no sign of a parent or guardian. The child was taken to the hospital and appears to be in good health.

A person returned to the Dunkin’ looking for the child. That person is being questioned. So far, no charges have been filed. The Administration for Children’s Services has been notified.

Police release video after child abandoned at Penn Station subway station The Bronx incident comes as police released video of a person wanted for questioning in the case of a newborn baby found unattended Monday at a subway station in Manhattan.

Investigators are now asking for the public’s help identifying the person seen in the image below.

The NYPD said the baby girl was wrapped in a sheet on the steps leading down to the southbound 1, 2 and 3 trains at the 34th Street and Seventh Avenue stop at Penn Station. She was discovered around 9:30 a.m. Monday during the morning rush.

Police said the baby did not appear to have any injuries. She was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK.

“Miracle on 34th Street” Investigators later said her umbilical cord was still attached, but they had not found any evidence indicating that she was born on a train or in the station.

“I’m calling it the ‘Miracle on 34th Street,'” New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, praising the responding officers.

New York State’s Abandoned Infant Protection Act allows a parent to abandon a newborn baby up to 30 days of age anonymously, if the child is left in a “safe haven,” like a fire station, police station or hospital, and in a safe manner.

“If you feel like you are not able to care for the baby and you’re not able to get the resources and the help that you need, the safe haven of an emergency department, or a police station, or a firehouse is an option,” explained Dr. Adam Berman, associate chair of emergency medicine at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens. “They can surrender the baby, no questions asked, it’s anonymous.”

New Jersey and Connecticut have similar laws in place.

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Suspect wanted in connection with antisemitic graffiti near Hallandale Beach synagogue, police say

CNN Newsource on October 21, 2025

By Briauna Brown

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    HALLANDALE BEACH (WFOR) — A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with vandalizing a sidewalk within a block of a Jewish synagogue, according to the Hallandale Beach Police Department.

Police said the vandalism took place on two separate occasions, Sept. 5 and Oct. 4, on a sidewalk in the 200 block of NE 12th Avenue. The suspect spray-painted “Israel faka country” both times.

Hallandale Beach Police Captain Aaron Smith told CBS News Miami that not only is the sidewalk near a synagogue in the area, but there’s also a high population of Jewish families in the neighborhood.

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