Wrong-way driver crashes head-on into police cruiser

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Ally Kadlubar

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    RALEIGH, North Carolina (WRAL) — A wrong-way driver was involved in a head-on crash with a Raleigh police cruiser on New Hope Road near Poole Road early Tuesday morning.

Raleigh Police said the driver of a white BMW was going south on the northbound lanes on New Hope Road just north of Poole Road just before 3:15 a.m. An officer was driving and changed lanes to avoid the crash, but the vehicle hit his cruiser head-on.

The BMW driver attempted to run away, but the officer chased him. The driver was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The officer was not injured. The crash is under investigation.

The WRAL Breaking News Tracker captured video of heavy damage to the front-end of the police cruiser. The front of the car was destroyed. Both vehicles’ airbags were deployed. Debris was scattered on the road.

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Woman faces felony charges after accused of fraud and posing as bank agent

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By WRAL Staff

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    DURHAM, North Carolina (WRAL) — A Durham woman is facing multiple felony charges after she was accused of posing as a bank agent and defrauding a woman out of $80,000.

Yanru Cui, 28, was arrested on Monday by Wake County Sheriff’s deputies. According to arrest warrants, Cui was accused of posing as an agent from Wells Fargo named “Anna” and exploiting a woman.

Deputies said an “unknown party” contacted the victim, telling her there was an issue with her online payment system.

After an investigation with the Cary Police Department, deputies arrested Cui.

She is charged with two counts of felony obtaining property under false pretenses and two counts of felony exploiting an older or disabled adult.

Cui is being held on a $100,000 bond and is expected in court on Tuesday at 1:30 p.m.

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Army veteran brings lessons of discipline, service, and purpose to the classroom

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Cyera Williams

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    Maryland (WMAR) — At Hereford High School in Baltimore County, history isn’t just taught — it’s lived.

For social studies teacher Marcus Robinson, every lesson about freedom, service, and sacrifice carries a personal connection.

The U.S. Army veteran spent 20 years in uniform before trading his fatigues for a classroom, now teaching U.S. History and AP African American Studies.

“I’ve wanted to be a teacher since I was a kid,” Robinson said. “It’s always been my passion. I took a short detour — about 20 years in the military — but this is where I’ve always wanted to be.”

Robinson served as a Patriot Missile Specialist, responsible for intercepting and destroying incoming missiles and aircraft. His global deployments shaped his worldview and how he prepares students for success.

“A classroom isn’t a place for strict military structure,” he explained, “but the discipline and preparation carry over. My students deserve the best, most well-prepared instruction possible. That mindset came from the military.”

“After September 11th, I knew I wanted to serve. I joined as soon as I turned 17,” Robinson said. “That call to service never goes away. It’s why I became a teacher. Veterans still want to serve their communities — that never leaves you.”

Inside his classroom, Robinson’s military experience shows up in quiet ways — through preparation, consistency, and compassion. He tells new educators, “You won’t be everybody’s favorite teacher, but you’ll be somebody’s favorite teacher.”

His students often ask about his service — how many times he deployed, what countries he’s been to — and Robinson uses those questions to bring history to life.

“They absolutely know I’m a veteran,” he said with a smile. “A lot of the countries we talk about in class, I’ve actually been to.”

Though originally from Buffalo, New York, Robinson and his wife chose Maryland as their forever home after retirement. He quickly found that even outside the military, camaraderie is alive in the hallways of Hereford High.

“When I learned one of our front office staff, Mandy, also served, it was great,” Robinson said. “The experiences we’ve had are unique, and it’s nice to have someone to share that understanding with.”

As Veterans Day approaches, Robinson hopes people remember that the desire to serve doesn’t end when a uniform comes off.

“Veterans live in every community,” he said. “We may be teachers, postal workers, or neighbors — but that call to serve is still there.”

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Several cited for illegally hunting black bear throughout Maryland last month

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Ryan Dickstein

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    BALTIMORE (WMAR) — At least 11 people were cited for illegally hunting black bear throughout Maryland last month.

The State’s annual black bear hunt was held between October 20-25 in Allegany, Frederick, Garrett, and Washington Counties.

Only 1,050 hunters were issued black bear permits this year.

Licensed hunters are required to follow strict rules set by Maryland Natural Resources.

For example, baiting is prohibited, meaning no apples, corn, etc… can be left out to try and lure a bear.

Maryland law mandates bear hunters be at least 150 yards away from a baited area.

If a hunter stakes out a place previously used to bait deer, they must wait 10 days until the area’s been cleaned up.

Most of the hunters cited this season were in violation of this rule.

There was one case in which a 61-year-old Middle River man was allegedly hunting for black bear without a proper permit in Allegany County.

Then two Frederick men, ages 36 and 58, were found to be hunting around the Indian Springs Wildlife Management Area, despite being legally disqualified from possessing firearms.

Both men reportedly have prior criminal convictions barring them from owning guns, yet somehow they legally obtained bear hunting licenses.

Natural Resources said they confiscated two Savage bolt-action rifles from the men.

Each faces thousands in potential fines if convicted.

During the 2024 season, 125 Black Bear were harvested in Maryland.

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Mexican comedian claims to be the victim of racist attack while visiting Corpus Christi

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Nina Martínez

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    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (KRIS) — What was supposed to be a fun family trip to Corpus Christi ended in a bitter departure for popular Mexican comedian Liliana Arriaga, better known as “La Chupitos”.

Arriaga said she was the victim of a racist incident the morning of Nov. 2 at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, on Navigation Boulevard and IH-37.

Arriaga and her family came to town because her granddaughter was participating in a cheerleading competition.

According to Arriaga, it all began around 11:15 a.m. when hotel staff knocked forcefully on her family’s hotel door, just 15 minutes after the established checkout time.

“They came and knocked on our door and demanded that we open it, but in a very rude, very violent way,” Arriaga said. “My husband opens the door, but with the chain (attached). He wasn’t going to open it all the way – we were finishing packing our things because we were leaving. He closes the door, and about a minute later, they come knocking again, but much more violently. So much that my granddaughter starts crying. She got very scared.”

Arriaga said she and her family packed their belongings and went to the lobby to check out when an argument erupted. She said the argument spilled out into the parking lot where employees began their racist comments.

“They started saying rude things to us in English, offensive words, and we got scared because we said, ‘Why are they treating us like this?” Arriaga said.

In the video, Arriaga’s son can be heard asking, “You say you’re going to call ICE?”

“Yes, I’m going to call them,” the manager responds.

“Okay, then call them. He says he’s going to call ICE,” Arriaga’s son said.

“I’m not illegal like you,” the manager states.

Arriaga recorded the incident on her call phone and called the police. She said the hotel called the police as well.

Arriaga, who has made millions laugh with her “La Chupitos” character, said this experience left her with deep sadness and disappointment.

Following the incident, she posted the video on social media and warned others of how she and her family were treated at the Westside hotel.

“What a bad experience, a very bad experience these people put us through,” Arriaga said.

Arriaga spoke with Nina Martinez with our sister station, KAJA Telemundo about Sunday’s incident.

“Thank God I have my papers in order. My husband is American, my children you know. Everything is fine. How dare she say that,” Arriaga said. “And even so, thank God I have my papers in order, but how many people don’t, and it’s not right to treat them like that.”

“It’s the first time they’ve treated me like a criminal. Not just me, but my family,” Arriaga said. “We were at a very beautiful event. My granddaughter is a cheerleader and we were actually very happy because my granddaughter won first place in her category and third in the group category. We were having a very beautiful family moment and these people who appear in the video, both the woman who says she’s the manager and the gentleman, were the ones who caused all the trouble.”

The incident has generated great outrage, and on social media, thousands of people have expressed their support for the artist, who says she is still waiting for an apology.

“I’m still waiting for it, friend. I’m still waiting, and I hope they do it because I go back to the same thing – I can raise my voice and thanks to you, the media, who allow me to raise my voice more,” Arriaga said. “But how many colleagues, how many people can’t do it. And they abuse that.”

We reached out to Holiday Inn Express & Suites and its corporate office, but so far, they have not issued a statement about what happened.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KRIS’s editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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King Mustangs’ mascot Anthony Lopez bridges gap between autism and school spirit

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Larissa Liska

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    CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (KRIS) — It takes confidence and a positive attitude to pump up fans on game day. From cheerleaders to the mascot, everyone plays their role. This year’s King Mustang shows how school spirit helps overcome hidden obstacles.

“He is just like the best teammate and mascot. He’s so sweet,” said King junior cheerleader Makaila Johnson. “He’s always making sure we’re hyped. The crowd loves him. The crowd is always hyped when they see him on the sidelines or at practices.”

That’s Sally the Mustang, but the King cheer squad knows him as freshman Anthony Lopez. Becoming the mascot was an opportunity his family inquired about at orientation.

“She allowed Anthony to be part of a great team,” said Anthony’s father, Carlos Lopez. “We’re so proud of him because he’s come a long way.”

Anthony defies the odds every single day. He was born with Autism and ADHD.

“It’s really important for me as a special education teacher to show that anybody can come and be part of a team,” said King cheer coach Camryn Caylor.

Becoming the mascot was a dream Anthony had since he was a little boy.

“I would take pictures all the time when the mascots would come in because he wanted to take pictures with them, and here we are doing the same thing,” Lopez said.

It takes an entire team effort to show up to practices, the pep rally, and games. Plus, helping Anthony learn where he needs to be for each cheer.

“It’s teamwork, you know, father-son working together and creating that safe spot,” Lopez said. “Not only for himself, but for the rest of the team as well.”

One challenge for Anthony is dealing with sensitivity to loud noises on game day, so he wears headphones to help control the environment and keep him calm.

“You know it’s always like a chance to never stop trying to do what you want to do, and I feel inspired by Anthony’s story,” said King junior cheerleader Benjamin Aguirre.

Anthony does not limit his positive attitude to the sideline. He plays baseball, bowls, and is a member of the school choir. “He loves the music, he loves the game and he loves being part of something,” Lopez said. “A lot of kids with special needs are looking for something like this.”

The Mustangs squad is back on the sideline this Friday. King and Gregory-Portland football meet up at Ray Akins Wildcat Stadium at 7 p.m.

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Police officer delivers baby during traffic stop with brother’s help over radio

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Faraz Javed, Brandon Speagle

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    MELVINDALE, Michigan (WXYZ) — A routine traffic stop in Melvindale turned into a life-changing moment when a police officer helped deliver a baby on the side of the road in the early morning hours of Friday, November 7.

Just before 2 a.m., Melvindale Police Officer Al Hasan pulled over a speeding vehicle at Oakwood and Wood. The driver was rushing his wife, 45-year-old Maria, to the hospital as she was in active labor.

“My fear was something is going to happen to my girl or me,” Maria said. She asked that her last name not be used.

Officer Hasan called for backup, and Corporal Mohamed Hacham quickly arrived at the scene. Hacham immediately recognized that time was running out.

“She is just breathing heavy, panicking,” Hacham said.

The dispatcher made a critical decision to provide priority medical assistance over the radio, meaning Hacham would need to deliver the baby himself. With nearly three years on the job, this was Hacham’s first delivery.

“I mean the training you receive at the academy, but it’s not this,” Hacham said.

The voice guiding Hacham through every step belonged to his younger brother at Dearborn Dispatch, which also handles 911 calls for Melvindale. Interim Melvindale Police Chief Chris Egan said the brothers are known as Moe and Joe.

“I need her on the back, and the center of the ground, and I will tell you exactly how to deliver the baby,” the dispatcher instructed over the radio.

Body camera footage captured the intense moments as Hacham worked to help Maria, who was unable to get out of the vehicle due to her condition.

“Head is coming out, sir; stay calm,” the dispatcher said.

When asked if he remained calm during the delivery, Hacham credited his brother’s guidance.

“Hearing him, yes!” Hacham said.

Maria initially felt scared about the situation, but now feels grateful for the officer’s help.

“At the time it happened, I was like ‘no please, like why?!’ But now that I think about it, thank God he helped us,” Maria said.

As the baby was successfully delivered, Hacham’s first words were a blessing in Arabic: ‘Bismillah Ur Rehman Ur Raheem’, which means “In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful.”

“As an Arab American, a Muslim American, I only know one way to welcome a new life into this world. Plus, what’s better than hearing a blessing from God,” Hacham said.

Chief Egan noted that Maria, a devout Catholic, also saw divine intervention in the moment.

“Maria said the same thing. She is a devout Catholic, and she said, he was a gift from God,” Egan said.

The experience changed Maria’s perspective on police officers.

“For me, when you see a police officer, you always think it’s something bad. But this time it was something good. They were very respectful. I remember one of the officers saying to block the view,” Maria said.

This marks the second time Hacham has been involved in a life-saving situation. In 2023, while off duty, he saved a 3-year-old toddler from choking after hearing the call over the radio.

Both Maria and her daughter, Galilea, are now home and healthy. Maria said the parking lot at Oakwood and Wood will always remind her that miracles happen.

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.

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5 years after kidney transplant, these 2 Eagles and Packers fans are back together

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Nikki DeMentri

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    Pennsylvania (KYW) — For a set of Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers fans, Monday’s Week 10 matchup is bigger than a game. Organ donation originally brought these fans together, but it’s football that keeps this friendship going.

Jason and Jodi Stepongzi are diehard Eagles fans from Nazareth, while Bobbi and Willi Brenner are cheese heads from Rochester, Minnesota.

Jason Spepongzi and Bobbi Brenner, despite repping different shades of green, are forever linked,

“If people are thinking about donating,” Spepongzi said, “I live a normal life. Nothing’s changed, other than having an extended family.”

Spepongzi donated his kidney to Brenner, a total stranger, five years ago. It was a Facebook post two years before that, though, that inspired him to become a donor in the first place.

At the time, a young Eagles fan named Jaxson was looking for a kidney.

“I just read it, just felt the need to do something,” Spepongzi said. “I would want someone to help my kid.”

While Spepongzi wasn’t a match for the toddler, he was a match for Brenner. This kidney would be her fourth after years of dialysis. In July 2020, the transplant happened.

“When I finally met her, it was definitely emotional in the parking lot,” Spepongzi said.

Spepongzi shared a photo of the first time he met Brenner in person, about a year after that life-changing day.

“We first decided to get together,” Willi Brenner said. “We figured the Pro Football Hall of Fame was the halfway point between Rochester and Philadelphia. When we were leaving that one, I said to Jason and Jodi, the next time the Eagles come to Lambeau, we’re going to get tickets and that’s going to be the next time we get together face to face.”

While a kidney transplant brought them together, football keeps their friendship going.

As for Jaxson, he was able to receive a kidney on Christmas Day in 2020 from another donor. His dad says the now 9-year-old is doing well.

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Third grade hockey player raises money to get veterans’ kids on the ice

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By Tori Mason

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — An 8-year-old Coloradan is turning his love for hockey into a way to help other kids get on the ice, especially the children of veterans.

Luke Grahame grew up in a hockey family. His grandmother worked for the Avalanche. His dad played professionally and won a Stanley Cup. His older brothers play, too.

Before he was old enough to lace up skates, he spent a lot of time in rinks watching his brothers’ practices. He’d play tag or throw tennis balls off the wall just to stay entertained. One day, frustrated, he told his mom, “I’m tired of just being a rink dude.” That’s when something clicked. Luke and his mom, Niki, turned that moment into a mission — and Rink Dude was born.

“We thought maybe we could print a hat that said Rink Dude just for him,” Niki said. “Then we thought, what if he sold a few and helped other kids who want to play hockey but can’t afford it?”

Hockey is one of the most expensive youth sports. Between gear, ice time and team fees, many families can’t afford to even start. Luke didn’t like the idea of kids missing out.

“It feels kind of sad,” he said. “Hockey is really fun. I want to help kids play.”

He started selling “Rink Dude” merch and sharing donation cards linked to nonprofits like Hockey Unlimited, which provide equipment, ice time, and support to young athletes. And last week alone, Luke raised more than $3,000.

This week, for Veterans Day, he’s focusing his giving even more to the United Heroes League. The UHL is a nonprofit that keeps military kids active by providing gear, camps, grants and special experiences.

“Our goal is $5,000 to raise for kids of veterans,” Luke said. “Veterans are heroes. They fight for our country. We wouldn’t have this country if we didn’t have them.”

His mom says the idea didn’t surprise her.

“It made me feel really proud,” she said. “He gets to feel the joy of helping others while doing something he loves. And it teaches the importance of giving back to the hockey community that’s given so much to us.”

Luke says the best part isn’t selling merch, it’s knowing another kid is stepping onto the ice because of him.

“It makes me feel good and kind of happy,” he said.

“I’m the youngest in my family, but I have a brand and they don’t,” he added proudly. “They still treat me like the little one, though. A lot.”

You can donate directly to United Heroes League, or visit the Rink Dude Instagram page @rinkdude for more information.

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Veteran, who struggled with mental health, gifted free furnace

CNN Newsource on November 11, 2025

By John Lauritsen

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    MOUNDS VIEW, Minnesota (WCCO) — On the eve of Veterans Day, a Mounds View, Minnesota, man is receiving a welcome gift.

“I was deployed over to Afghanistan, northeast Syria and then worked for the U.S. embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, during COVID,” Tanner Wilde said.

Wilde is proud of serving his country. He put his life on the line during his deployments, but when he returned home, a new battle was waiting for him.

“I contemplated and began to plan my own suicide because I was in an immense amount of pain after my third traumatic brain injury, which led to my discharge from the military,” Wilde said.

Mental health was a serious struggle until about two years ago, when, at the urging of his wife, Wilde got help and agreed to talk to someone.

“When you are in it, you’re riding it. But that doesn’t have to be the end of it,” Wilde said.

Recognizing all Wilde has overcome, Snelling Heating, Cooling and Electrical in St. Paul decided to give him a new furnace, for free.

“Just a small way we could recognize him for Veterans Day and try and honor him and his service,” said Elizabeth Krinkie, of Snelling.

Among those installing Wilde’s furnace is Frank Slavik, who just happens to be a veteran himself.

“Army infantry 1975 to 1977,” said Slavik. “It’s a pleasure. I really like to come out and help the veteran out.”

A new furnace means one less thing to worry about in Wilde’s life, allowing him to focus on his family and helping other veterans.

With his wife, his daughters and his service dog, Taz, by his side, Wilde wants to be there for those going through their own mental health battle and to help them rediscover the hope they’ve lost.

“I have found joy again. I have found a re-instilled purpose when the military was all I ever knew,” Wilde said.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything.

In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.

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