Author: CNN Newsource

By Michelle Meredith

Click here for updates on this story

    ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — How could a simple magnolia tree, a homeowner’s association, and a 5-year-old kid create a controversy so hot it set the social media world ablaze?

It started earlier this year, when Ariel Barner, a single mother of five, bought a house in the River Chase subdivision in Orlando. In front of the subdivision is the controversial magnolia tree.

It’s right down the sidewalk where kids wait for the school bus, where they hang out. Owen’s mom says he likes to swing on one branch with his feet dangling.

Ariel says her son is all boy, with a love for monster trucks, dirt buckets, shovels, and the great outdoors.

But according to the homeowner’s association, what seems like child’s play violates HOA rules.

Ariel says without first talking to her, the association sent a certified letter demanding her son stop swinging on the tree and ordered her to pay close to $400 in attorney’s fees.

Ariel expressed her frustration and hurt, saying with tears in her eyes, “So we moved here to feel safe, feel whole, to be a part of something. So, to know that it’s been … I don’t want to say stripped away … I would be lying if I didn’t say I feel intimidated living here, or small.”

The HOA’s attorney, Tennille Shipwash, says they first talked to Airel before sending the letter, and says they sent it for a reason.

“Really, the concern is safety. The branches to me don’t appear that sturdy. They were afraid of the child being injured.”

Ariel, a content creator, shared her son’s story on social media, where it stirred up a lot of emotion, support and even financial help. Reflecting on community values, Ariel said, “Me growing up, neighbors used to step up and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to tell your mom.’ There used to be love and support in a neighborhood.”

But there’s hope on both sides that with a conversation, the neighborhood can, like the magnolia tree, grow love and support again.

Please note: 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 Edward Franco

Click here for updates on this story

    NAPLES, Florida (WBBH) — Shane Tilley and John Hansen were fishing in a canal in Golden Gate Estates when they discovered two turtles chained together and injured, leading to an unexpected rescue mission.

“I was livid when I left here. I mean, I was, I was crying, I was teary-eyed,” Shane Tilley said.

Instead of catching fish, Tilley and Hansen found the turtles connected by a lock, with a chain pierced through their shells.

“They had this going through it, drilled holes through each of their shells,” Tilley said.

John Hansen expressed his disbelief at the situation.

“I was disgusted, for one. Just thinking that somebody would actually go and do that to an animal is just beyond me,” he said.

“Just seeing a hole literally drilled to the side of the shell and having them chained together, I mean, when struggling for air, and they get low and diving down, it was just one big struggle after another,” said Hansen.

The friends managed to rescue the turtles, removing the chain and setting them free after one of the turtles bit Tilley.

“I just used pliers and just bent the hooks and pulled them out. They weren’t too happy with me doing it,” Tilley said.

Despite contacting wildlife officers, Tilley and Hansen were informed that not much could be done since no one witnessed who chained the turtles. They believe this could be a case of animal cruelty.

“It’s just not proper. It’s not right. And then hopefully people can learn for something like this. You just can’t go around doing that. It doesn’t matter if it’s human or any animal — can’t do that,” Hansen said.

Both Tilley and Hansen plan to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, hoping that people will respect Florida’s wildlife.

Please note: 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.

James Willingham
470-603-1211

By DeJanay Booth-Singleton

Click here for updates on this story

    DETROIT (WWJ) — A mother and her child were arrested after a student was stabbed on Wednesday at a school in Detroit, officials say.

The incident happened at the Gompers Elementary-Middle School, where officials say the mother allegedly gave the child a knife and the child attacked a fellow student.

School officials say they are unaware of any other students targeted in the attack.

Officials say the metal detector went off when the mother entered the school, but a security guard failed to search her. The security guard was removed from the school pending an investigation. School officials say the individual could be terminated.

Officials say classes are cancelled on Thursday “to ensure safety protocols are in place at the school.” Additionally, a family meeting is scheduled for Thursday.

Please note: 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 Jonah Kaplan

Click here for updates on this story

    MINNESOTA (WCCO) — Mark Tasche was so proud that his grandsons learned to fish like him, but there was one more lesson he wishes they would’ve taken to heart.

“Your life jacket — when you’re in a situation that’s even halfway dangerous — put it on,” the 66-year-old Tasche told WCCO News. “My grandsons both should’ve learned from me. They should’ve learned from my example.”

Neither of Tasche’s grandsons, Tyler and Tristan, were wearing life jackets on Tuesday when their fishing boat capsized on the Mississippi River in Monticello, Minnesota. Tyler, 28, was located unresponsive and died, according to the Wright County Sheriff’s Office. Tristan, 18, was able to make it to shore, along with his grandfather.

“I don’t know that I’ll ever go on a boat again,” Tasche said. “I don’t know that I’ll fish again. I would rather Tyler would’ve survived. If I could change places with him laying on that cold slab like he is now, getting cremated like he is now, I would do that.”

The sheriff’s office says Xcel Energy employees, the Monticello Fire Department, the Sherburne County Sheriff’s Office, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Minnesota State Patrol assisted in the recovery efforts.

Tyler Tasche is also survived by his wife and four children. A fundraiser has been set up to support the family.

“It’s a huge and immense void,” Tasche said. “Everybody liked Tyler. He helped everyone with everything.”

Please note: 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 Doug Myers

Click here for updates on this story

    DALLAS (KTVT) — A dispute over the failure to say “thank you” after a door was held open escalated Tuesday into a series of arguments, a fatal shooting at a Dallas shopping center, and the arrest of a 22-year-old woman on a murder charge, police said.

Police say Keona Hampton shot and killed 41-year-old Cecilia Simpson in the parking lot outside a PetSmart following a verbal and physical altercation that began at a nearby Five Below.

Shooting reported at shopping center Officers responded to reports of a shooting around 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Wheatland Towne Crossing shopping center in the 2500 block of West Wheatland Road.

Simpson had been shot multiple times and was taken by Dallas Fire-Rescue to Methodist Central Hospital, where she was pronounced dead, authorities said.

Hampton left the scene before officers arrived but was located, arrested and charged with murder later that day, according to police.

Affidavit details confrontation timeline According to the arrest affidavit, Simpson held the door open for the suspect — Hampton — as they exited Five Below, but became upset when Hampton didn’t say “thank you,” sparking a verbal confrontation.

Simpson and a witness, who asked not to be identified, drove to PetSmart in the same shopping center and told employees Hampton was following them. Hampton entered the store, argued with the witness, then left and returned a few minutes later.

Simpson and Hampton argued again, prompting PetSmart employees to ask all parties to leave, according to the affidavit.

Fight escalates in parking lot In the parking lot, Hampton allegedly threw a drink bottle at Simpson’s vehicle. Simpson approached Hampton and continued arguing, which escalated into a physical fight. The witness told police that Simpson struck Hampton several times while yelling at her to leave.

When the witness stepped away from the fight, Hampton pulled out a black and silver handgun and fired three shots, striking Simpson and causing her to collapse, according to the affidavit.

Suspect tracked and arrested Surveillance video showed Hampton fleeing in a black 2005 Ford 500 with visible damage. Police later found the vehicle at an apartment complex on John West Road in Dallas, where Hampton was located on a balcony.

Around 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, officers conducted a traffic stop on Trail Glen Drive and arrested Hampton.

During an interview with detectives, Hampton admitted to engaging in a verbal dispute, entering PetSmart twice, throwing a drink bottle at Simpson’s car, fighting with Simpson and ultimately pulling a gun and shooting her. Hampton told investigators she was “just trying to get [Simpson] away from her,” the affidavit states.

Investigation remains ongoing The investigation is ongoing.

Please note: 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.

Fenly Foxen
Fenly.Foxen@cnn.com
7-9473

By Francis Page, Jr.

Click here for updates on this story

    October 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — In Houston, where a city’s heartbeat is measured by its people’s ability to move, Michael Andrade, Vice President of Specialized Transit Services at the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), has spent his 35-year career ensuring that mobility is not a privilege-but a promise. His leadership of METROLift and curb2curb services has become a shining example of how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) translates from policy into empowerment for thousands of Houstonians every day.

Paratransit as a Civil Rights Commitment For Andrade, paratransit is more than buses and vans — it is a civil rights mission under the ADA. “Paratransit isn’t just a transportation product; it’s a civil rights commitment,” Andrade emphasizes. “For many Houstonians, it’s the difference between isolation and participation.” That commitment is visible across Houston’s 808 square miles of METROLift coverage, where reliable, clean, and safe rides ensure that residents with disabilities are not left behind but instead remain connected to healthcare, education, faith, family, and community.

Stories That Move the Heart The true value of paratransit isn’t measured in miles driven but in lives improved. Andrade recalls moments that define his work: • A dialysis patient who depends on recurring trips to reach lifesaving treatment. • A rider with cognitive disabilities who uses METROLift to access day programs. • A caregiver who rides along at no cost, reinforcing family bonds and security. As Andrade puts it: “When transportation is dependable and affordable, healthcare, education, faith, and family move from ‘maybe’ to ‘I’ll be there.’”

Innovation That Expands Access In a city as vast as Houston, innovation is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. METRO is investing in modernized routing and scheduling technology, including an app-based booking system that makes trip management easier and more flexible. Real-time optimization means fewer delays, shorter waits, and more freedom for riders to design their days. Beyond technology, METRONow is reshaping the rider experience with better lighting, stronger security patrols, and upgraded transfer points, ensuring paratransit customers can connect seamlessly with bus and rail services.

Expanding Mobility for Families and Communities Accessibility at METRO is about more than individuals — it’s about strengthening families and communities. Riders with the Freedom Q® card enjoy free transfers on bus, rail, and curb2curb, lowering household costs and encouraging shared travel. Families can connect from their neighborhoods into the larger transit system, turning what was once a barrier into a bridge of inclusion. “These are exciting times,” Andrade says with optimism. “Our focus now is on educating communities about how accessibility benefits everyone — not just those who use paratransit.”

Heroes Behind the Wheel The success of paratransit lies not only in leadership but also in the dedication of drivers, dispatchers, and staff. During Hurricane Beryl, operators stayed late to ensure dialysis patients returned home safely despite power outages. Dispatchers worked around the clock, tracking closures and re-sequencing trips in real time. Many staff even camped overnight at METRO headquarters to keep lines open and services steady. “That spirit of teamwork is what makes paratransit succeed in a city as complex as Houston,” Andrade reflects proudly.

Protecting Moments That Matter One story defines Andrade’s mission: a woman called METRO in tears after finishing a medical treatment without a ride home. METROLift arranged a same-day trip. Her words still echo: “You didn’t just get me home, you gave me my day back.” “That’s why we do this work,” Andrade affirms. “We aren’t just moving people; we’re protecting moments that matter.”

A Legacy of Service From spearheading METRO’s first On-Demand operation in 2015 to expanding five curb2curb zones (with more on the way), Michael Andrade has reshaped accessibility across Houston. His decades of service underscore a larger truth: mobility is empowerment, and empowerment builds stronger communities. As Houston grows, Andrade’s work ensures that growth is shared. Every ramp, every ride, and every reliable trip under METROLift honors the ADA’s promise of equality, proving that when a city makes space for all, everyone moves forward. For more information got to: ridemetro.org

Please note: 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.

Lisa Valadez
lisa@stylemagazine.com
713-748-6300

By Suzanne Phan

Click here for updates on this story

    SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Thanks to advanced DNA technology, law enforcement has solved a 12-year-old case. Authorities now say the unidentified human remains — discovered more than a decade ago — belong to Velma Louise Silva Lee of Napa.

Lee was born in 1936 and had been missing for years.

Advanced DNA technology opened the door and shed light on a case that has stumped investigators for more than a decade.

The mystery surrounding a human skull found in Redding 12 years ago has finally been solved. The family of Lee now has some answers.

“This person’s name was finally realized after many, many years and that is Velma Lee,” said Colby Laysone, with Othram.

The company says it specializes in forensic genetic genealogy to resolve unsolved murders, disappearances and identification.

Redding police say work crews first found the human remains near the Anderson Cottonwood Irrigation canal, buried in some blackberry bushes.

The Shasta County Coroner’s Office said it was a female skull, but they had no idea who it was.

“Jane Doe” was an unsolved puzzle for 12 years — until Othram got involved a few months ago.

“We operate a forensic lab that assists in the identification of these individuals,” Laysone said.

ABC7 News talked with Laysone about how scientists used advanced forensic DNA testing to solve the case.

“We built that DNA profile from the skeletal remains. It was uploaded to genealogy databases where individuals have consented to allow law enforcement to use their information to solve crimes,” Laysone said.

Scientists found a possible identity. After contacting possible relatives and even further DNA testing, they positively determined the remains belonged to Velma Louise Silva Lee of Napa.

The identification of Lee makes the 70th case in California where officials have publicly identified an individual using technology developed by Othram.

“We are so, so thankful for playing a role in identifying Velma Lee, so that her family and law enforcement all have answers now,” Laysone said.

Laysone says DNA evidence is a powerful clue in solving many mysteries.

“It allows family to have answers and law enforcement to have answers,” Laysone said.

“There are tens of thousands of unidentified people whose remains are sitting in morgues are sitting on shelves, waiting to be identified, stories to be closed, families to be mended. Othram is so grateful to have a part in any of these cases,” said Laysone.

Please note: 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.